Things to Do in North Miami Beach

Giant toy soldiers clothed in thousands of colored lights wave at passersby as glowing reindeer take off into the dusk. Towering Christmas trees topped with stars glimmer and glisten with blue and green fiber optics. At Santa's Enchanted Forest, one of the world’s largest Christmas-themed amusement parks, holiday spirit and festive music fill the air long before the end of December. Visitors laugh and shriek on a multitude of carnival rides, including whirling swings, bumper cars, tower drops, and roller coasters, whipping through the air until their cheeks are as rosy as old Saint Nick’s. Traditional carnival games are also on hand, such as dart tosses and soccer-ball kicks, to complement more unconventional carnival amusements such as giant plastic balls to roll around in and a rock-climbing wall to scale. Wee visitors, meanwhile, can make the acquaintance of small livestock in a petting zoo or draw a portrait of their favorite goat in royal costume on a wall-size coloring-book mural. Carnival food, such as barbecue, pizza, and cinnamon donuts, fuels guests as they conquer rides or take in the Cats of the World Tiger Show, the Cirque Equinox, or the Sea Lion Splash Spectacular.

The multitalented troupe of professional dancers at Salsa Mia infuses their students with the instincts to set dance floors ablaze during a schedule of Miami-Cuban-style salsa classes. The studio’s lively classes, which instructor Alex Ruiz described as “salsa speed dating” to NBC Miami, encourage participants of varying skill levels to frequently switch partners as they practice salsa’s energetic fusion of rhythm, footwork, and diced tomatoes. Friday-night instruction transforms into a raucous dance party, where participants can sip banana mojitos, mingle with their peers, and dance deep into the night. Salsa Mía also offers private lessons for those who’d rather receive one-on-one attention.

Sean P. Kicker's long career on the links has included 20 years as a Class-A PGA member and six professional tournament victories. His golf virtuosity began to flourish at an early age—as a kid he was named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County—and today he gives lessons that grant amateurs the benefit of his hard-earned course savvy. As students play rounds with Sean, he punctuates play with detailed advice on how to straighten errant swings, avoid bunkers, and stare down the ground squirrels that frequently steal golf balls.

Sean's instructional expertise also encompasses off-the-links education that uses computerized video equipment for swing analytics and a full-swing golf simulator. After a few half-hour sessions with the seasoned pro, students often feel an increased level of confidence and renewed gusto for their game. Currently, Sean is in the process of attaining PGA Master Professional status, a title bestowed only upon elite players.

Amid dim lighting, candles, and soothing music, Ayama Yoga and Healing Arts creates an atmosphere for healing and personal transformation. You can choose from a variety of yoga styles, including energizing flow classes and gentle therapeutic sessions that employ an assortment of props for support. Along with classes, the studio hosts events such as workshops and reiki circles. These and other offerings—including acupuncture, emotional release bodywork, and chakra readings—help clients center their energy and improve wellbeing.

Since 1986, Brian Lutz has taught a panoply of tennis players how to improve their game and savor the sport's social aspect. Over time, he honed his teaching techniques and eventually devised his own tennis curriculum. In 2003, that curriculum inspired him to launch TennisTip, a program where experienced instructors help adults and teens improve their tennis game through self-discovery and fundamental skills.

TennisTip instructors work to provide hands-off guidance and gentle inspiration, letting students discover their best game through strategic practice. Combined with tennis-specific cardio exercises and an emphasis on social bonding, the regimen seeks to form independent, effective, and affable players out of every student. Since first starting up in the Big Apple, TennisTip has expanded to a second location, where pros instill students with courtside skills amid the warm Miami sun and attentive pelican ball boys.

The green-blue Floridian waters and deserted cays seem to call to Tropical Sailing’s experienced crews in a sort of inescapable siren song, beckoning the sailors back to the Atlantic day after day. Tropical Sailing's team of seasoned mariners—composed of licensed Coast Guard-certified Master Captains as well as first mates certified in first aid and rescue—share their love of the sea with visitors via scenic cruises off the coasts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Crews pilot a meticulously maintained fleet of catamarans along aquatic paths, including the 78-foot Caribbean Spirit whose shaded lounge area shelters skin from intrusive sun rays and offers seating to passengers who haven't yet mastered walking in their mermaid costumes. Tropical Sailing’s daily roster of adventures ranges from picturesque Full Moon Party Cruises in Fort Lauderdale to high-energy Ski and Splash Water Sports Adventures in Miami.