By: Jennifer Agress
Make this day all about Dad
Every June, Father’s Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate the first man in our life. From camping and fishing trips to beer tastings, golfing, archery and more, here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate with Dad in Greater Miami.
Brews & Wine
If your dad loves craft beer, take him to one of Greater Miami’s many breweries. In Wynwood, you can sip a cold one at a number of spots, including Cerveceria La Tropical. This Cuban-inspired brewery features a taproom, a restaurant, nightly live music and Jardines La Tropical, a 10,000-square-foot tropical garden with murals by local artists. Doral is another neighborhood with a number of local breweries. The Tank Brewing Co. has a large brewery and tap room. Dad will love all of the beers here, especially the signature Freedom Tower American Amber, named after the iconic Miami landmark.
In South Dade, a fun family option on any weekend – especially when you’re celebrating Father’s Day, is Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery. This venue is home to Miami Brewing Company, where Dad can try fan favorite brews such as Shark Bait, a smooth wheat ale, and the Miami Vice, an American IPA. If his favorite sport is wine tasting, then don’t miss Schnebly’s fun tastings and tours. After savoring wines made from local tropical fruits, your group can relax under the large tiki hut, enjoy the beautiful scenery and go home with a souvenir wine glass.
Tee Time
If Dad has been complaining that he never has time to hit the links, then spoil him with a golf day. Crandon Golf Key Biscayne is set among mangroves and has been ranked as one of the top championship courses in the country. Its seventh hole – a par-4 that requires golfers to hit the ball over sparkling-blue Biscayne Bay – has been called “One of the Greatest Holes in Golf.” Miami Beach Golf Club, a historic 18-hole, par-72 course with an Art Deco clubhouse in the heart of Miami Beach, is another great option. Go a little farther north to the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa Golf Course in Aventura, and treat your father to one of two championship 18-hole golf courses. Afterward, step into CORSAIR Kitchen & Bar, the golf course’s signature restaurant and bar. If he’s not up for 18 holes, you can always take him to Top Golf Doral and spend the afternoon hitting balls and playing point-scoring games.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If your dad loves outdoor adventures, take him to Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach. Considered Florida’s largest urban park, this protected river estuary encompasses more than 1,000 acres of green space and tidal mangroves. You can camp there overnight in one of 14 rustic, air-conditioned cabins, or just spend the day kayaking, biking, hiking and swimming.
Great Grooming
Show Dad you love him with the gift of style. Treat him to some “man-pering” at The Spot Barbershop in the Downtown Miami/Brickell area, which offers both classic and contemporary cuts for men, from hot towel shave treatments and hip haircuts to straight-razor shaves.
A Show of Strength
Let Dad flex his muscles by taking him to Extreme Axe Throwing, Miami's first indoor axe throwing experience. At this unique destination in Downtown Miami, skilled “axeperts” will show Dad how to safely throw an axe and let him practice on both competitive and recreational targets.
Act Like a Kid Again
There’s nothing more exhilarating than acting like a kid, so pack your bags and head to Tidal Cove at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa in Aventura. Spend the entire weekend floating along the lazy river, racing down a freefall loop, going on a gravity-defying raft ride or relaxing under one of 25 cabanas. Follow it up with dinner at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Bourbon Steak, which Dad is sure to love. The butter-poached steaks and duck fat fries are scrumptious.
Get a Bullseye
This Father’s Day weekend, try something new. On Saturday, June 19, Miami EcoAdventures will offer beginner archery lessons at Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center. This two-hour class sheds light on the history of archery as both a sport and a survival tool, instructs participants on proper technique, and guides them as they take shots of their own. Students will meet at the park’s Nature Center at 10 a.m.
Fishing Fun on Father’s Day
Does your Dad love to fish? If so, give him a chance to catch a big one and have a great story to tell his friends. On Sunday, June 20, Deering Estate will host its annual Father’s Day Fishing Cruise. This fishing excursion is a three-hour trip aboard a 45-foot catamaran, the Pelican Island Skipper. Deering Estate naturalists are on board to educate guests about sea life and native birds. While some rods are available, guests are encouraged to bring their own rods and tackle. Bait will be provided.