Ocean Reef Art League

Off Reef Excursions 

Season 2026 - 2027 

Welcome to a season of adventure, inspiration, and artistic discovery! We are thrilled to present a full and exciting Off the Reef Excursion calendar this season. Each excursion is thoughtfully curated to spark your imagination, connect you with fellow creatives, and immerse you in the cultural heartbeat of nearby communities in unforgettable ways. Join us to discover hidden galleries, meet inspiring local artists, enjoy live performances, savor local cuisine, and experience the rich history of South Florida. I am truly looking forward to leading these excursions and creating new memories with each of you. Let us do the driving while you enjoy the journey, grab your sense of wonder and take some time Off the Reef!

There is something special about stepping away for the day, exploring a new destination, and sharing the experience with friends. This season, our Off Reef Excursions offer an exciting collection of opportunities to enjoy art, culture, music, history, cuisine, and some of South Florida’s most distinctive destinations.

From the excitement of Miami Art Week to the style of the Design District, with its striking architecture, public art, sculpture, and distinctive shops, this season offers something for every interest. Enjoy an evening with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, experience the timeless charm and history of Coral Gables, or uncover the hidden gems of Islamorada, a place so close to home yet still full of surprises. We will also spend an afternoon surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of R. F. Orchids. Each excursion has been thoughtfully planned to offer something memorable and unique.

One of the pleasures of these trips is seeing familiar places in a new way while also visiting destinations we may not have explored before. Whether you come for the art, the history, the food, the music, or simply the opportunity to enjoy a day with friends, I hope you will find an excursion that inspires you to come along.

Virginia Smith, Off Reef Excursion Chair

  • All Off Reef Excursions require pre-registration. 

  • You can register by calling the Art League 305-367-2359 or emailing Nicole.artleague@outlook.com

  • Off Reef Cancellation Policy - listed below after the excursions schedule.

Experience an unforgettable afternoon of art and culture while discovering the magic of Miami Art Week! Enjoy a VIP preview of one of the country’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs, CONTEXT Art Miami. Feel the excitement of Miami Art Week with exclusive access to one of the most anticipated events on the international art calendar. This experience offers a rare chance to acquire and engage with some of the finest works of modern and contemporary art in an intimate setting.
From modern masters to cutting edge emerging artists, the works span a wide range of movements and artistic expressions. Use this invitation to explore new perspectives, connect with creativity, and find your next favorite artist.
After immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of Miami Art Week, we will head to the heart of the Miami Design District for a thoughtfully curated dinner, the perfect opportunity to relax, reflect, and share your day’s experiences.
Explore one of Miami’s most stylish and inspiring neighborhoods during a day of art, architecture, shopping, and exceptional dining. Our visit will include the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, where rotating exhibitions showcase innovative works by influential emerging and establishedartists.
As we explore the Design District, guests will also discover captivating public art, striking installations, and cutting edge architecture woven throughout its vibrant streets. There will be time to browse the district’s impressive collection of luxury boutiques, designer showrooms, and distinctive shops.
Following our exploration, we will gather for a relaxed sit down lunch featuring refined Italian cuisine. From gallery walls to boutique windows, the Design District offers a day where culture, fashion, and cuisine all share the same block.
Step back into the golden age of jazz and swing for an unforgettable evening with the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. We will begin with a delicious dinner accompanied by beautiful sunset views, offering the perfect setting to relax and enjoy time with friends.
After dinner, experience one of the most popular and sought after big bands in the world, directed by Erik Stabnau. Formed in 1956, the Glenn Miller Orchestra has captivated audiences around the globe with its distinctive sound and timeless style. Enjoy beloved classics such as “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” performed live. Between the sunset views, the dinner, and the music, it is an evening built for lingering and for tapping your toes. 
Discover the beauty, history, and unmistakable elegance of Coral Gables, one of South Florida’s most iconic destinations. Stroll along the celebrated Miracle Mile and uncover grand Mediterranean Revival architecture, lush avenues, public art, and elegant streetscapes. Known as“The City Beautiful,” Coral Gables received its celebrated nickname from the City Beautiful movement that inspired founder George Merrick’s vision for the city, with its emphasis on thoughtful planning, green spaces, and architectural beauty. 
A visit to the Coral Gables Museum reveals the vision and milestones that shaped this extraordinary community. The day will conclude with lunch at one of Coral Gables’ favorite restaurants, offering time to relax and reflect on all we have seen. Between the architecture, the history, and the artistic spirit, Coral Gables makes its case as one of South Florida’s most timeless neighborhoods.
Uncover Islamorada through fresh eyes during a private excursion celebrating the remarkable art, flavors, history, and personalities found throughout this vibrant island community.
Led by a local guide, we will explore places we may have passed many times while uncovering the stories and hidden gems that give the village its unmistakable character. Enjoy specially curated tastings from beloved local restaurants, featuring distinctive island cuisine and locally crafted beverages. Along the way, we will visit artist studios and galleries, meet members of the creative community, and discover public sculpture, beautiful stained glass, and inspiring works of art throughout the village.
We will also hear fascinating stories about Islamorada’s history, culture, and colorful local traditions. The experience will culminate at the Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk, when the Arts & Cultural District comes alive with open galleries, local artists, live music, artisan vendors, and island energy. It is a chance to rediscover the creativity, culture, and culinary spirit of our own backyard.
Experience the extraordinary beauty of R. F. Orchids during an exclusive private tour of its renowned nursery and lush tropical gardens. For five decades, R. F. Orchids has been celebrated for its exceptional collection and has received nearly 1,100 awards from the American Orchid Society. Surrounded by vibrant color and breathtaking blooms, guests will discover everything from exotic species to the newest hybrids, including the spectacular vandaceous orchids for which the nursery is especially known.
Our tour will be personally guided by Michael Coronado, Vice President of R. F. Orchids and an accomplished orchid expert with decades of experience. We will also be joined by R. F. Orchids owner Bob Fuchs, offering guests a special opportunity to experience the nursery alongside two of the people who know it best. Through their knowledge and insight, guests will gain a deeper understanding of the cultivation, care, and artistry behind these remarkable flowers, along with helpful guidance for selecting and growing orchids of their own. Guests will also have time to shop the nursery’s impressive selection of orchids, decorative pots, arrangements, and orchid growing supplies. Following the tour, we will dine in the garden amid tropical foliage and colorful blooms. It is an afternoon where natural beauty, expert insight, and gracious hospitality all bloom together.

Off Reef Excursion Cancellation Policy

The Art League reserves a limited number of tickets for each Off Reef Excursion, and many of our excursions sell out.

* To ensure we can accommodate all interested members, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance. 

* Excursions are prepaid by the Art League, the cost of your ticket will be charged if your spot cannot be filled.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us continue to offer these unique and memorable experiences.