Have all the COVID restrictions ended in Miami? Here’s what’s open and closed
We have made it to October, the month of Halloween and pretending hurricane season is over (it’s not). But still, we’re happy to be here.
Confusion reigned last week, when Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered the state straight into Phase 3 of COVID-19 recovery. Restaurants, bars and all businesses were allowed to open, though some weren’t quite prepared for the sudden change.
Now, though, Miami-Dade has more or less decided how these rules will affect us, including continuing the nightly 11 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew.
Mask fines won’t be collected, the state says, so do you still need to wear one? Yes, you do, and here’s why.
Here’s what you can do in Miami the weekend of Oct. 2-4.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Calle Ocho festival: Everybody’s favorite street party was canceled in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s back this weekend as a virtual event as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. You can’t dance in the streets, but you can listen to three hours of Latin music and live cooking demonstrations. For more information and to connect to Calle Ocho Live, visit www. CalleOchoLive.com.
Drive-through Halloween park: If the calendar change has you in the mood for Halloween visit Swarm’s Not So Spooky Adventure & Harvest Market at Tamiami Park, where kids can visit a pumpkin patch and hit a drive-through trick or treat street. It’s open every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31.
RESTAURANTS
Restaurants are open. Those that have space to accommodate more tables while also keeping a six-foot separation between tables are allowed to open at 100 percent capacity. Only six people are allowed per table (or 10 if they are in the same party).
Still wary of dining out? Miami Herald food editor Carlos Frias has some suggestions.
BARS
Miami-Dade bars are now allowed to open. Bars with only counter service can reach 50 percent capacity with seating separated as far as possible.
Bars are now open in the Florida Keys.
NIGHTCLUBS
Nightclubs are allowed to open. Masks are required on the dance floor, and eating and drinking is allowed at tables only. Check with individual clubs for more information.
BEACHES
County beaches are open.
MOVIE THEATERS
Movie theaters are allowed to open, but you can’t eat popcorn or Junior Mints at your seat. Theaters are required to set up designated eating and drinking areas. Check Fandango for local listings. If you’re still not thrilled with the idea, Silverspot Cinema in downtown Miami has extended its rent-a-private-theater promotion through October.
COUNTY AND CITY PARKS
All Miami-Dade parks are open, and so are marinas and golf courses.
BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
The park is open.
EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Shark Valley and Ernest F. Coe visitor centers are open.
CASINOS
Casinos are open.
BOWLING ALLEYS
Bowling alleys are open.
STRIP CLUBS
Strip clubs are allowed to reopen under the new state rules; check individual websites for more information.
MUSEUMS
The following museums are open. Check websites for hours and ticket information.
The Bass, Miami Beach
Margulies Collection at the Warehouse, Wynwood
Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, Design District
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami
Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Art at Florida International University
Rubell Museum in Miami
Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood
Coral Gables Museum in Coral Gables
World Erotic Art Museum, Miami Beach
Art Deco Museum, Miami Beach
Gold Coast Railroad Museum, Miami
MALLS
Malls are open.
ATTRACTIONS
Many attractions have new hours and rules. Here’s what’s open and closed.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: Gardens open; select areas indoors open
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden: Open; has extended 50 percent off admissions through September.
Artechouse: Open
Deering Estate: Outdoor areas are open.
Kendall Ice Arena: Open
Museum of Illusions, Miami Beach: Open
Sky Zone trampoline park in Doral: Open
Zoo Miami: Open
Venetian Pool: Open
Super Wheels Skating Center: Open
Dezerland Park: Open
Coral Castle: Closed
Miami Seaquarium: Closed
Jungle Island: Closed
Monkey Jungle: Closed
