Tag Archives: beach

Wind in your sails at Hobie Beach

It’s easy to catch the wind in your sails on Key Biscayne’s Hobie Beach. Located just a few minutes past the toll booth into the island on the right hand side, this has long been the stomping ground for active beachgoers.

The shallow, calm waters and windy conditions make the perfect environment for windsurfers as well as paddleboarders, who are also joining in the fun nowadays. There are plenty of hobie outfitters ready to rent out their equipment. Parking is easy, convenient and free and the view of the Miami skyline is the absolute perfect backdrop. Grab a cool, frosty frozen lemonade and some snacks and make a day of it.

Hobie Beach is off the Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne. Click here for info on catamaran rentals.

 

Kitesurfers glide, soar through the air

Catching some air then gliding on the water is the ultimate thrill when it comes to kitesurfing and just like the name implies, the sport uses both skill sets.

Riders are strapped to what looks like a cross between a boogie board and a small surfboard while they hang on to a kite contraption that allows them to soar through the air and then land on the water. It’s ideal for adventurous types who love getting out on the water and experiencing more than just tanning on the beach. MiamiKiteboard in Crandon Park on Key Biscayne even does trips out to remote islands with great sandbars. The warm waters of Crandon Park make it the ideal place to learn and participate.

Miami Kiteboard is located at Crandon Park, North Beach, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-345-9974. Click here to visit their website.

Matheson Hammock Park gives glimpse of Miami past

The drive to Matheson Hammock Park is just as gorgeous as the natural setting that surrounds the actual park. Located on scenic, tree-lined, woodsy Old Cutler Road, the park is a wonderful glimpse into Miami’s past.  

Opened in 1930, the original idea of preserving the natural beauty surrounding the park remains today and is evident in the beautiful expansive view of Biscayne Bay. The man-made atoll pool, one of the park’s highlights which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of the Bay.

The sea breeze is ideal for picnicking at their pavilions, enjoying their nature trail or perhaps grabbing lunch in their coral stone restaurant. Kayakers and canoers love visiting here for a rest stop and grabbing lunch and relaxing before heading back.

Matheson Hammock Park is located at 9610 Old Cutler Road, 305-665-5475 , www.miamidade.gov/parks/Parks/Matheson_beach

Colony Nightclub: Hamptons meets Los Angeles

Located in Hollywood, the Colony Nightclub looks like it belongs in the Hamptons rather than Los Angeles. From those that brought you Hyde and the SLS Hotel, the Colony is unlike any nightclub Hollywood has yet to see.

Similar to the exclusivity that the Hamptons are famous for, the Colony is a new Hollywood hotspot for celebrities and those who know someone on a list. The club, which looks more like a beach hangout, is filled with “beach chair” pillows and tree branches coming up from the floor.

Even though the club might look like it belongs on the beach, those responsible for the Colony believe that building a nightclub that could be found in the Hamptons would be just what Los Angeles nightlife needed. As they began recreating a Hamptons-esque nightclub on Cahuenga Blvd, those who actively partake in Los Angeles nightlife seemed drawn into the newness and uniqueness the club was going to offer.
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For celebrities like Rihanna and playmate twins Karissa and Kristina, the Colony is the perfect Hollywood getaway when you can’t always escape to the Hamptons.

Livin’ the Beach Life at Hotel Erwin

Picture 5Hotel Erwin, the boutique hotel situated in Venice, is the perfect place to stay when you want to get a little sun and beach front location without all the hustle and bustle of the Venice Beach boardwalk.

This hotel is extremely chic and brings a whole new element to the beach. With great views of the boardwalk and Abbot Kinney, guests rave about the location and amenities. A great amenity is the restaurant Hash, featuring a mouth watering breakfast and lunch with favorites such as Cap’n’s French Toast and Venice Benedict. Another plus is the rooftop bar, High Lounge, where guests and patrons can get ocean front views during the evening.

Mixed in with the henna tattoo parlors and cotton candy stands, there is an amazing hotel just waiting to be visited. The next time you are at Venice Beach, you should definitely deal with Erwin.

Exotic Locales Call for Calypso Styling

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Picture 8With a full name like “Calypso St. Barth,” this store that has become a global brand lives up to its namesake posh inspirations. After walking away with any of its beautiful clothing, it’s impossible not to look like the luxurious, mystical sea nymph. Specializing in boho chic, flowy beach wear, Calypso has all your vacation (a.k.a. Hamptons) styling needs.

Calypso started in the tiny Caribbean island of St. Barth with a focus on women destined for exotic locations like Rajastan, Marrakesh and Bali. Calypso has become most famous for its beaded caftans, colorful tunics and stunning silk dresses that perfectly compliment the finer destinations in the world. But this store completes the look with beach complimentary thong sandals, wedges, long, golden necklaces, leather bangles, large sunhats, and no fancy traveler would be complete without the pink leather European Destination Guide. The look is the perfect, unintentional chic styling that can take you straight from the beach to a seaside five-star brunch.

For those who need the perfect outfit for a weekend in the Hamptons, winter getaway to St. Barth’s or even casual wear for the warm New York City summers, Calypso is the go-to place for the posh beachanistas.

5. Take the Plunge at Icy Polar Plunge March 7

Chicago may be known as the “Windy City,” but during the winter it feels more like the “Icy City.” Instead of cursing the cold, Chi-town embraces it everyPicture 11 year with the Polar Plunge and Melt Down Party. Starting as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, this has become a sort of rite of passage, where over 1,200 participants bear the cold and jump into the frigid Lake Michigan.

Those who raise $100 for the good cause just have to get in for a good splish/splash (the brave go all the way under!) and then afterwards participants are treated with a commemorative t-shirt, towel and admission to the “Melt Down Party” with music, free food and of course, a cash bar. It’s the Chicago tradition that keeps on giving well after you’ve dried off!

Puttin’ on the Ritz at Key Biscayne Hotel

Across the Rickenbacker Causeway bridge, flanked by a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay, lies the posh island of Key Biscayne. There’s no better way to enjoy this land of luxury than at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. Picture 7

This island is a virtual playground for the rich and famous with its luxury residences, world-famous tennis stars everywhere (a little thing called the Sony Ericsson Open is held there), and PGA golfers playing the premier course Links at Key Biscayne.

When all that activity is done, relaxing for a stay at the Ritz-Carlton isn’t a bad place to lay your head down. This hotel is a best of the best with one of the Top 10 beaches, best restaurants, and best spas in North America.

The resort’s ambiance is modeled after an island paradise, making it a difficult decision whether to enjoy the view from a swanky room or drift off to the ocean breezes on the beach or by the pool.