The Alternative Guide to Spring Break in Miami

If you’re looking for a dose of heart-pumping fun during your stay, but aren’t a fan of jet skis, try your luck on a jet boat. These super-fast boats can carry you and your friends across the Atlantic during a bright spring day while giving you an adrenaline rush. It’s great for groups and those who are seeking an alternative to drinking and sitting on the beach. The price for a boat ride starts at about $30 per person, making it reasonably affordable.

Jet Boat Miami, 1635 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 433 1041

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If you believe laughter is the best medicine, you’ll be able to get your fix all throughout the city. Comedy shows take place at the Magic City Casino and the Fillmore Miami Beach, and some local comics put up a good show at Just The Funny. This troupe uses improv and sketch comedy to make its audience laugh, and it’s always a good time. Purchase a snack or a cold beer (or both!) at the front desk, and be prepared to laugh hysterically. These guys know how to tickle your funny bone.

Just The Funny, 3119 Coral Way, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 693 8669

Laugh with your friends at a comedy show | © Marc Kjerland / Flickr

There are quite a few places to get your salsa on, but one of the best is at Cultural Fridays, which takes place the last Friday of every month underneath the glowing moon on Calle Ocho in Little Havana. This area of Miami is where the height of Cuban culture lies, and there are plenty of people who will teach you how to salsa. They’ll show you the footwork and have you twirling around and around in no time. You’ll have so much fun dancing to the sounds of beating drums, and others will join you in on the fun so that you’re not alone. Don’t forget your shot of Cuban coffee and cigars! This free festival is tons of fun.

Viernes Culturales, 1637 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 643 5500

Have a blast while salsa dancing | © Elvert Barnes / Flickr

Try your hand at making some delicious candy that you can either eat all by yourself or share with your friends and family back home. Spun Candy Miami is a great place for friends to go and have fun, sans alcohol. A company that was originally based in London now has a Miami store where guests can visit and take “Masterclasses” in different kinds of candy-making, including lollipop and candy flower making. The classes are generally about 1.5 hours and cost from $25 per child and $60 per adult. Get ready to make some sweets this spring break!

Spun Candy Miami, 3401 Buena Vista Blvd #123, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 558 4414

You might be a little taken back at first, but these classes are a ton of fun, especially if you round up a group of your best girlfriends. In your head, it’s something sexy to learn, and maybe something you can take home and show your boyfriend, but in reality, it’s a lot of thighs smashing against poles and sore abs. However, it does make for a great laugh. Instructors jump around on the poles and slide down gracefully, while you might have a hard time even getting off the floor. Pole dancing is an art, and you can learn it at Pole Dance Miami. Even though you won’t learn it in a day, it’s a fun workout.

Pole Dance Miami, 7207 SW 48th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 558 4414

Get a workout at a pole dancing class | © Francisco Osorio / Flickr

Escape rooms are essentially huge interactive puzzles. Locked inside of a room with some friends (or strangers), you have to work together to figure out how to crack a code and get out. You have to search for clues that help you piece together a puzzle, and with that information, break a code or find the key to escape. The rooms all have a theme, from Sherlock’s library to the president’s bunker to pulling off a diamond heist. Can you find your way out? You have about 60 minutes.

The Great Escape Room, 2315 S Le Jeune Rd #200, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 322 6619

Try your detective skills in an escape room | © Slow Jian Ming / Flickr

Take a trip around Star Island via boat and soak up the sun while you get a peek at some of Miami’s most expensive homes. Some of these amazing houses belong to celebrities and athletes. Boats go out each day for about 1.5 hours and cost about $30 per ride. On the island, you can find properties owned by Gloria Estefan, Stewart Miller, Vladislav Doronin, and Leonard Hochstein. The multimillion-dollar houses will blow you away, and you’ll get a nice tan while you’re at it. Also, the boat has a full bar!

Miami Tour Company, Bayside Market, 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 577 3344

Check out the incredible homes on Star Island | © Ed Webster / Flickr

This place isn’t just your average bar! Step inside the world where fire and ice collide. Using 100,000 pounds of pure glacial ice to construct the Fire & Ice Bar, the interior is at the freezing temp of 23ºF (-5ºC). Guests wear fur coats and gloves provided to them upon arrival, and then they will get to enjoy their favorite drinks. The bar also holds parties and special events with DJs and other performances, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for that on the calendar. If you get too cold, visit the fire lounge and warm up – it’s the best of both worlds.