Caitlin Driscoll

October in Miami has plenty of frights. The mayoral election race, the downtown “spider bridge” and the omnipresent chance of hurricanes, to name a few.  Considerably less scary is Halloween, perhaps the city’s favorite holiday, where everyone is invited to let their freak flag fly. There are no rules to celebrating Halloween in Miami. Matching costumes with your dog? Sure, why not. A haunted garden party? Check. Dancing like a zombie for 12 hours straight? There’s a festival for that.  From a blood-soaked warehouse rave to a spooky night swim, here are some of the best Halloween parties in Miami for 2025.  RECOMMENDED: Halloween Horror Nights 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort: our ultimate guide to tickets, dates and more

Little River is not the glossy high-rise scene you find in Downtown or Brickell (mercifully so). By contrast, it’s the strip malls and warehouses that shape Little River’s charm. Or, more specifically, what’s inside of all that unassuming real estate: a moto-themed coffee shop, hand-beaded pearls, towering moss sculptures, and possibly the most-loved steakhouse in Miami, among other surprises. What makes Little River especially fun is that its coolness derives from locals. Nearly every business featured on this list is locally owned. As a lifelong Miamian, I can tell you that a cluster like this is rare to see these days. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the influx of NYC outposts that have proliferated once-local spots (Coconut Grove, I miss you). Let’s cherish it while it lasts! Get to know Miami’s creative hub with our locals’ guide to Little River.

Not to be a downer, but it rains in Miami. Like, a lot. Especially in the summertime, and especially (seemingly) whenever you had plans to do something outside. Whether that comes as a surprise or you were fully privy to Miami’s tropical wiles but simply hoped for the best, here we are. It’s wet out, and you’re looking for something to do that won’t totally spoil the day. The good news? We’ve got plenty of sweet indoor activities in Miami for when the storms roll in.  Shopping is always an excellent option, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to get off the sand and explore the city’s world-class museums. But really, there’s so much more to Miami beyond the beach, so consider now the perfect opportunity to take it all in. Below, we’ve sourced an in-depth, fully vetted guide to making the most of your rainy day in Miami, including kid-friendly activities, cozy adventures, self-care moments and boozy options, too.

Don we now our gay apparel! Pride Month has arrived. A celebration of the history and culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities, Pride also recalls the importance of resistance. Of standing up for others, caring for our neighbors, and demanding equal rights for a safer, more inclusive world.  Ready to party and show support? Our 2025 Miami Pride Guide has all the juicy details on the best Pride events in Miami this June, including the return of Wynwood Pride and the first-ever Supernatural Pride festival. Plus, our top picks for the best queer parties, places and spaces that center the LGBTQ+ community year round. But wait, there’s more! Like theater shows, volleyball meetups, and happy hour trivia with a drag body builder, all with insider tips from Miami’s reigning queens and cultural savants.  Here’s where to celebrate Pride in Miami this summer, and all year long, in the 305.  RECOMMENDED:  The best drag brunches in Miami for a sparkly start to your dayThe best gay clubs and bars in Miami for a night out with the boys

Beyond the neon skyline of Downtown Miami, past the bohemian enclaves of Coconut Grove, a low-key neighborhood is quietly taking shape as a groovy local hotspot. I’m talking about Westchester, more specifically, the Bird Road Art District.  The so-called district looks like any old warehouse lot to the untrained eye. But take a closer look, and you’ll find clusters of cool local shops and stops to explore: art studios and furniture stores, a viral French bakery, Miami’s first sake brewery, and the best smash burgers this side of the Palmetto Expressway. And just outside the district, there’s even more buried treasure to behold.  Glamorous? No. Fun? Absolutely. I have only the best memories of frolicking ‘round Bird Road with my sister when we lived in Glenvar Heights, and I’ve revisited it three times just for this story alone. All to say: let curiosity guide you, and you’ll be happily surprised. From workout classes to craft breweries, here’s how to have the perfect day in (and around) the Bird Road Art District. Where is the Bird Road Art District? It's located just east off the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) and south of Bird Rd (SW 40th Street), in a mostly industrial area. For the purposes of this guide, we've also included businesses in Westchester that lie just beyond BRAD.   Wake and bake with Miami’s best croissants. Before your Bird Road journey begins, do yourself a favor and place an order for pick-up at Casa Bake, a French patisserie with some of the tastiest, flak

Miami is lauded for many things—like picturesque beaches, Michelin-rated restaurants, and extremely good-looking locals (that’s me)—but perhaps our most famous attribute is our passion for parties. Anytime, anywhere, the Magic City is ready to flip the switch from healthy to hedonistic. As a Miami-born party enthusiast myself, I’ve dedicated years of anthropological "research" to confirming this very fact. It is no surprise, then, that Miami boasts some of the best nightclubs in the world, complete with world-class productions, pyrotechnics, famous DJs, and state-of-the-art sound systems that’d make a goat scream sound like a symphony. Whether you’re into hip-hop or house, Latin or grunge, the Magic City has a dancefloor for you. Miami's best clubs are incredibly diverse, offering a mix of traditional megaclubs, loungey cabarets, and outdoor venues where you can get down. March 2025: For this latest update, we've shaken things up, removing popular spots that have since closed, such as Oasis, Domicile, and Racket. We also said goodbye to Mango's Tropical Café, partly because it's more of a performance venue known for its onstage entertainment than a club. You'll also notice we added buzzy Downtown club MODE. Without further ado, put on your dancing shoes and boogie on down to the best clubs in Miami right now.

As Miami's most steadfast rave festival, Ultra can be relied upon to deliver a massive lineup of hard-hitting EDM, techno, house and underground dance music in the heart of Downtown Miami year after year. It's a beast of a fest, one which beckons thousands of fans (dubbed "Ultranauts") from around the world for three days of chest-rattling bass, cutting-edge production and truly over-the-top party vibes. This year’s Ultra is slated to be bigger and bolder than ever as the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary at Bayfront Park, upping the ante with even more star power, brand-new stages, and never-before-seen performances including visionary artists Solomun and Anyma (b2b), the return of drum and bass icon LTJ Bukem, and a rare live set from Pendulum b2b with a special ‘retro5pective’ throwback set from deadmau5. Get the rundown of every artist playing this year with the full Ultra Miami 2025 lineup—and keep up with schedule and live stream info, must-see acts and related shows. How do I buy tickets for Ultra Miami? Tickets for Ultra 2025 are available on the festival’s official website. If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, you’d better hop to it—the festival is 93% sold out as of February 21st. The last remaining General Admission (GA) tickets are priced $449.95 plus fees. Ultra-posh revelers can also purchase VVIP tables (price, TBD) with TAO Hospitality Group via this online form. Each VVIP Table booking includes admission tickets, a private check-in and red carpet esco

*Cues up Shania Twain* Let’s go, girls. It’s ladies' night in Miami, and we’re heading out to drink away our sorrows: the bad Bumble dates, the obscene price of rent, and the $840 million, taxpayer-funded “spider bridge” ascending over I-95. Just kidding…but not about ladies' night! There’s nothing like a proper girls’ hang to swap some chisme and sip on delicious cocktails, especially when said cocktails are free. And as long as women earn 84 cents for every dollar a man makes, ladies' night is very much warranted. Without further ado, these are the 20 best ladies' nights in Miami right now for discounted drinks, open bars, and BFF dinner dates. RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in MiamiThe best bars in MiamiThe best happy hours in Miami

Not having a white Christmas also means you don't have to bundle up a toddler every time you want to go outside. It's the most family-friendly time of year in Miami, and we here in South Florida find ways to make the spirit of the holidays come alive. No matter their age, no matter their interest, kids can find so much to do over Christmas break in Miami—and it helps that parents and grandparents can join in on the fun too. From Christmas hayrides to classic holiday shows at the theater, illuminated gardens and whimsical vintage markets, here are the best kid-friendly things to do to make this holiday season magical.  Recommended: The best Christmas events in Miami

Be it the sky-high rents or meals out that can easily creep into the four-digit range, Miami ain’t cheap, y’all. But all those megayacht excursions and nightclub tables we see on our feeds aside, there are actually a ton of free things to do in and around the 305. In fact, you can dabble in freebies every day of the week and on your own time, from basking on public beaches to exploring art museums and social clubs. And, oh yes, there are plenty of free pickleball courts in Miami, too (along with plenty of other fun ways to stay active on a budget). We've checked in with our usual favorites and scoped out exciting new spots to present you with our locals-approved top picks for the best free things to do in Miami this season. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Miami

Dust off la caja china—the holiday season is almost here! We’ve got Knaus Berry Farm cranking out cinnamon rolls, Tropical Park decked in lights and “Mi Burrito Sabanero” on radio repeat—all the telltale signs of Christmas in Miami. We may not have snow, but boy, does Miami have holiday spirit. We’re talkin’ interactive light shows, festive street parades, yuletide theater productions and so much more. Check out the best Christmas events in Miami for 2024 so far, and check back often as we update this list with even more holiday happenings.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do with kids over the holidays in Miami

Twenty years ago, Art Basel Miami Beach was a blip on our social calendar, a serious art fair for serious art industry folks and collecting connoisseurs. Yet, over the last two decades, this international fair has morphed into one of Miami's biggest events of the year, spawning hundreds of satellite art shows, music festivals, gourmet dinners, wellness pop-ups and even pool parties. (This is Miami, after all.) Along with classic art fairs like NADA, Design Miami, and CONTEXT, our so-called Miami Art Week offers an endless parade of artistic pleasures, including plenty of public installations and exhibits that won't cost you a dime to enjoy. Here is a refreshed look at the best events and parties of Art Basel week (so far). We've updated this list as events have been added, already occurred or sold out, so keep checking back for the latest!  

A much-anticipated precursor to the holiday season in Miami, NightGarden returns in November for its seventh season at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, promising even more psychedelic scenery, family-friendly activities and interactive artwork than ever before. Running from November 7 through January 11, NightGarden invites guests to frolic around a neon-lit wonderland of tropical trails lined with holographic sculptures, secret sunken ponds and hidden fairy worlds. Expect several enticing new activations this year, including the Tree of Life, a monumental centerpiece with lights and projections activated by guest touch. You'll also find new immersive domes with themed photo backdrops, a Secret Garden Laser Light Show, movie nights and more. How much are tickets? Tickets start at $28 and vary based on date and time, with discounts for Fairchild members and seniors. Children three and under are free.

If a Halloween block party sounds more your speed, consider braving Wynwood traffic for the 12th annual HalloWYN party, a free outdoor event with live DJs, food trucks, themed cocktails and more. HalloWYN is technically all-ages and pet-friendly, but you’d be wise to get there early; this place gets rowdy. Plus, the first 500 guests to RSVP on Eventbrite will get a free drink. 

Some say rock ‘n’ roll is the devil’s music. In that case, consider Las Rosas a special kind of hell. On Halloween night, October 31st, the live music joint pairs up with Hexed Miami and Hardcore for Punx to present Halloween Night of Covers. Starting at 10pm, local bands will embody rock legends and perform famous hits from the likes of Black Sabbath, Patti Smith, Buzzcocks, and more. This free 21+ event will also feature a costume contest, a fortune teller, and goth-laced DJ sets by Rippin Kittin and Dino.

Magistrates of fab-meets-fringe culture, LoHi magazine is teaming up with The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, for a dystopian night swim on Thursday, October 30th. Set in the year 2150, the Paradise Rewired party envisions an “aquatic apocalypse” where a mutated Miami overcomes sea level rise in fanciful neon-hued fashion. Come dressed to impress in futuristic wet suits, “super-coral couture,” or a strange sea creature of your own imagination. 

The portal to hell will open on Saturday, November 1st at Domicile’s Blood Rave. Yes, you read that correctly; it’s a blood rave. Inspired by the opening scene of Blade, this high-octane party promises “strobe-fueled madness” set to heavy techno by Domicile’s resident DJs. Dig out your best pleather trench coat and prepare to get soaked (if you know, you know). 

Perhaps it’s no surprise that a bar named Dead Flamingo would really love Halloween. The Little Havana pop-up will resurrect its Nightmare on 8th Street program with a hip-shaking perreo party on Friday, October 31st, complete with creepy Tiki-inspired cocktails and DJ sets til 3 am. Can’t make it on Halloween night? Stop by any day in October for themed specials and a chance to see Bad Bunny's casita.

Hocus Pocus returns to Factory Town for its biggest Halloween festival yet, a three-night house and techno extravaganza with world-famous DJ and local acts stretched across five stages. From October 31st to November 2nd, catch live sets from the likes of Kerri Chandler, Adriatique, Loco Dice, Damian Lazarus, Chaos In The CBD, Jamie Jones, Deer Jade, Sara Landry, Red Axes, Mall Grab, and so many others. If you missed your favorite DJ at iii points, there’s a good chance you’ll find them here.

If your interest in art leans 2000s hip-hop, make your way to megaclub E11EVEN for The Art of Nightlife, where headliners like Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Steve Aoki will light up the stage along with surprise acts signature acrobatics that will make your head spin. Also on the lineup, an afterhours set by West African sensation AMÉMÉ, and a Basel closing party with Gordo (formerly DJ Carnage) on Sunday, December 8.

Over 4,500 book titles have been banned in Florida since the start of 2024, a jarring reality at the root of a new performance titled Banned Pending Investigation. Organized by two Miami-born artists, Antonia Wright and Ruben Millares, the performance sees local high school students construct a wall of currently and historically banned books – then run through that wall to tear them down, a physical and metaphorical act that takes aim at bureaucratic barriers to art, freedom, and education. Catch the performance (7:00pm) and opening reception (6:00-10:00pm) on Wednesday, December 4th at Zilberman Gallery in the Design District. 

Love a good old-fashioned zine? Head to the Design District’s Dále Zine shop for Break Glass in Case of Creative Crisis!, a pop-up exhibition of zine culture and printmaking featuring works by Jackie Crespo and Gabino Azuela under their Mexican studio moniker, Can Can Press. Swing by for drinks and some early holiday shopping on Tuesday, December 3 at the opening party, happening 5pm to 9pm. 

With nearly 200,000 objects in its collection, the Wolfsonian-FIU museum is a fascinating visit any time of year, especially for design lovers. Plan a visit to the Art Deco landmark on Friday, December 6th for the Wolfsonian’s annual Art Week party, Succulent, in celebration of their latest exhibition, The Big World: Alternative Landscapes in the Modern Era. Enjoy live music by Takuya Nakamura along with newly-debuted works by Berlin-based duo Hettler.Tüllmann, and tropical dreamscapes by local artist Natasha Tomchin.

We love a fun lil’ daytime dance party. Bango Bango is one such party. Should Wednesday plans lead you to Wynwood, hop over to 1-800 Lucky for funky, soulful house sets by the likes of Mystic Bill, Bear Who?, and locally-loved selectors like Brad Strickland of Love Tempo, the gone-but-not-forgotten party at Electric Pickle (RIP). Catch a groove Wednesday, December 4th from 2:00pm to 9:00pm. (RSVP via email: guestlist@bearwho.com)

It’s a balmy Thursday evening in Miami’s North Beach. My friend, Jose, picks me up for a midweek rendezvous. We’re heading to La Poubelle, a speakeasy cabaret in Normandy Isles, though neither of us is sure where to go. This place is a well-kept secret. They never advertise, they barely promote, and you won’t find it on Google Maps, either. The exact location is revealed when you purchase tickets, and even then, you may struggle—but there are clues: poubelle is French for ‘trash can’. I find the directions and read them out loud like I’m following MapQuest in the year 2004. After a few missed turns, we seemingly arrive at our destination: a nondescript parking lot. “Are you sure this is it?” Jose asks. “I think so,” I respond. “I see a bunch of dumpsters over there. We must be close.” There’s a handsome blonde man lingering by the dumpsters. That’s definitely it, I think to myself, and that is definitely David. With sharp cheekbones and a charming smile, David Sexton is the face of La Poubelle. He’s also the producer, maître d' and tonight, he’s playing the doorman. “Bienvenue!” he says. “Are you here for La Poubelle?” Bingo. Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutLa Poubelle is hidden behind this dumpster The making of Miami's newest speakeasy cabaret Chatting with David feels warm and familiar, like catching up with an old friend. He tells us La Poubelle just opened a year ago, in August of 2024. What started as a once-monthly cabaret has evolved into a neighborhood sta

8:03pm Dear Diary… My Friend Misty is throwing one of its signature parties at the Museum of Sex tonight—a dark, romantic soirée layered with intrigue and sensory pleasures. Very much my scene. If past Misty parties are any indication, we’re in for a tantalizing treat.  Tonight’s affair takes place inside an erotic carnival. Misty tells me to dress the part. I’m wearing a pair of dark green Victorian bloomers. (I love saying ‘bloomers.’) White cufflinks, a black ruffled corset, and a pair of lacy black stockings, I think I pull it off. Leaning into the carnival theme, I paint my lips like a ventriloquist puppet, with cheekbone hearts and a pink button nose. It’s Moulin Rouge-meets-Barnum & Bailey. Just need to find my riding crop, and I’m off for the night… Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutMy Friend Misty at the Museum of Sex in Miami 10:07pm We have arrived. I check in with Alan T, a legend of Miami nightlife, and search for Tam Gryn, the museum’s curator. I find her smiling atop the staircase, in a pleated blue skirt with metal studs. Before we hit the dancefloor, Tam walks us through the exhibitions. First is "Modern Sex: 100 Years of Design and Decency," a journey of sexual health mirrored by American media. We marvel at douches from the 1920s. There’s a paper from Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood. “Whatever is happening in the world reflects in art, and reflects in sex culture,” Tam tells me. We look at post-World War II advertisements warning

Make a wish! Miami’s wildest nightclub, E11EVEN, is turning 11 this week. Once a tattered warehouse on the corner of Northeast 11th Street, the downtown mecca has drawn international fame and A-list celebrity fans for its unique “ultraclub,” a magic potion brewed with the spectacle of theater, the scandal of cabaret, and the glamorous debauchery of Vegas—with an over-the-top attitude that can only be Miami.   Ahead of their birthday bacchanal, we spoke with the founders of E11EVEN and teams behind the scenes for the craziest, jaw-dropping moments of the last 11 years. Take a trip down memory lane, and join the celebrations from January 30th to February 2nd for performances by Lunay, Marshmello, and more surprise acts to be announced.  Playboi Carti finds himself in a cage  “Hands down, the biggest moment for me was when Playboi Carti performed in July 2023,” says Carolina Joaquinez, Show Producer for Theatrics and Costuming. “A massive cage was built on stage, which we managed to set up in a matter of minutes. He started his performance inside of the cage, but the whole atmosphere shifted when Playboi Carti went on top of the cage…The crowd went absolutely wild.”  Photograph: Courtesy ADINAYEVPlayboi Carti at E11EVEN A shoe-less Kanye West shows up to the party  “During Art Basel 2023, the night Lil Wayne was performing, perhaps one of the strangest moments [at E11EVEN] was when Kanye West arrived unannounced, wearing socks but no shoes,” says Daniel Solomon, the club’s Ope

The story of Wynwood is all too familiar. Industrial area sees local artists set up shop. Area becomes cool and popularity explodes. Corporate brands and chains move in, the cool factor fades, and the original movers and shakers get priced out of the neighborhood they helped create. It’s true, Wynwood of today is vastly different from 10 years ago, and 10 years before then, and so on. But as a lifelong Miami girl, I’ve held on to hope that Wynwood maintains some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, and fun activities that are light on the wallet.  Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutA graffiti artist doing his thing in Wynwood, Miami's arts district that's become quite commercialized over the last decade To test this theory, I romped around Wynwood to revisit old favorites and uncover some new-to-me spots that still embody the cool, independent spirit we knew Wynwood for. Here’s what I found. Photograph: Caitlin Driscoll for Time OutMy steaming cortado from Suite Habana Cafe, a local family-run cafeteria in Wynwood, Miami You don't have to go to Little Havana for real-deal Cuban coffee I started off hot—steaming hot—at Suite Habana, a local family-run cafeteria that brews its own specialty Cuban coffee. The ambiance here is bright and cheery; quiet enough for worker bees to crank out emails, but lively enough to chat with friendly baristas and avoid side-eye from the worker bees.  There are classic go-to’s like cafecito, cortado and iced cafe con leche, and

Back-to-school season has arrived. To me, a childless adult, this means more traffic and a tinge of jealousy toward the kids. Days full of arts and crafts, science projects, reading books and lunchtime with friends? Sounds kind of wonderful!  Middle school me would cringe reading this, but present-day Caitlin feels nostalgic for her youth—at least the fun parts, like volleyball practice and drama club rehearsal. Thankfully, Miami has plenty of creative workshops and adult learning courses, so it’s easy to get back to class and learn something new. To test this theory, I rolled up my high school musical sleeves for the Level 1 improv class at Villain Theater in Little Haiti. Here’s how it went. Photograph: Falyn Wood for Time Out Setting the scene Founded in 2015, Villain Theater is a local theater company and cozy black box theater located on Second Avenue near the Little Haiti Cultural Complex. I pulled up on a rainy Wednesday night for VT-1: Improv Foundations, an introductory course to the art of improv acting.  It’s been a while since I belted “Seasons of Love” on stage. As it turned out, that didn’t matter. My group had a woman in cyber security, a casino manager and a Pilates instructor, among others—we were all different ages and backgrounds, and no one had any improv experience. One student enrolled to “bring more zing” to her public speaking. Another wanted “a form for more fun and laughter.” Mostly, we were all there to let loose and have fun. Class started with

Much like Dante’s “Inferno,” a Miami summer has nine circles of hell. We start in limbo, where the weather is moody and the snowbirds take flight. Slowly, we descend into a tropical fever dream, our skin practically set on fire, begging for mercy in the form of cold A/C.  It’s not all doom and gloom though. With each circle comes the chance for salvation, a way to look at the bright side and make the most of summer in Miami—like frozen soft serve or cute little trips to the gardening center. What summer fate awaits you? Read on if you dare to find out. See you in hell! Circle One: The Great Migration Watch as Miami’s part-time pleasure seekers flock up north and cross the pond. It’s far too humid for their taste, so off to the Hamptons and Bordeaux they go. Our fragile snowbirds will fly down again at their soonest convenience, probably when hurricane season ends and state tax extensions are due. The salvation: Empty nests mean baller Airbnb staycations. Now’s the time to invite your friend down from Minnesota, and maybe even score a reservation at Boia De.  Photograph: Shutterstock Circle Two: Borderline Concerning Can you believe it's this effing hot already? Was the 4th of July this brutal last year?! Our regular record-breaking temps are cause for concern—but also a great excuse for a Miami pool party. The salvation: Miami is stacked with beautiful pools, from swanky beach clubs to spacious city pools in Brickell. Pick your favorite and play tourist for the day. Circle

Every March, music lovers from around the world flock to our city for the annual bass-filled bacchanal known as Miami Music Week. This year, seemingly every major electronic DJ is playing a show, from sun-soaked pool parties in Miami Beach to Downtown’s massive Ultra Music Festival, to sweaty warehouse raves in Little River.  This eclectic mix of artists and events attracts a wide range of characters, offering up some excellent people-watching. Here’s a preview of the nine kinds of party-goers you’ll meet at Miami Music Week. RECOMMENDED: The best Miami Music Week pool parties for daytime debauchery 1. The guy with the all-access Space pass Miami Music Week is this guy’s Super Bowl. He put in his PTO request in September. Honestly, the stamina is pretty impressive. Watch him jump from Factory Town to the Space terrace, back to Factory Town, and round and round he goes. Without skipping a beat, this B2B party boy can tell you exactly who’s playing on any given stage across the Club Space universe—and that’s no small feat.  Photograph: Courtest Ultra Music Festival/Doug Van Sant Photography 2. Rave babies Going to Ultra is like a rite of passage for Miami teens. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, the adorably clueless rave baby is having the time of their life with absolutely zero regard for how to behave in a crowd. They’re pushing their way to the front, wearing completely nonsensical footwear and dripping glitter from head to toe. They’ll scream and shout as the Metro Mover app

From my early days crowd surfing at Vans Warped Tour, to my more recent Hot Topic-themed birthday, to the septum ring my parents hate, I’ve always held a deep appreciation for punk culture. But skateboarding? Not in my wheelhouse.  Be it fear of falling (or fear of looking stupid in all that padding), I'd never actually hopped on a skateboard. But after my first lesson at SkateBird Miami in El Portal, I seriously can’t wait to hop back on.  MORE THAN A SKATE PARK Tucked away on an unsuspecting street off Biscayne Boulevard and NE 83rd, SkateBird is the definition of a hidden gem. While technically a pro-level park, it feels more like a giant community center. Parents are dropping off kids for lessons, regulars greet each other by name, locals are picking up pizza to-go. I immediately felt at home, something SkateBird Founder and CEO Joner Strauss says was built by design.  “SkateBird is a curated safe space for kids and adults to learn the culture,” he says. “In the past, to be part of the street skateboard culture, you had to hit the streets and there’s risks to that. Here, we’ve curated it so that Miami has a space for an Olympic sport, where people from all walks of life can coexist and grow safely.” Photography: Courtesy Skatebird GEARING UP After checking in at the front desk, I met Coach Cody, SkateBird’s Head Coach and Park Manager, for my trial class. Required for newcomers and experienced skaters alike, this 30-minute class ($20) includes all of the protective gear