We spent last Friday at Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, Florida.
Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park situated on beautiful Biscayne Bay. It was acquired by the State of Florida in 1980 to protect and restore the natural and cultural values of the property. The Oleta River, once named Big Snake Creek, linked the Everglades with Biscayne Bay. The river was used by troops in the Second Seminole War to travel into Miami from Loxahatchee.
Oleta River State Park is not known for its camping or hiking but for its miles of off-road mountain biking trails. Though there aren’t any mountains in Miami, or anywhere in Florida for that matter, the park has built numerous off-road bike trails that range from novice to intermediate level biking. The Park is also known for its canoeing and kayaking, as you can paddle up and down the Oleta River or out into Biscayne Bay and through some nearby mangroves.
Oleta River State Park is an important warm water refuge for Florida’s endangered Manatees.
However, our visit was all about relaxing so we walked through the park and along the Bay. It is a nicely shaded path that receives cool breezes off the Bay. Along the path, we found several places to enjoy a picnic lunch with picnic tables and benches set up under the Sea Grape.
The picnic spot we chose was perfectly shaded and had its own sandy beach. I spent some time listening to the waves and of course, barking at the passing boaters.
Although this is not a camping park, there are spots within the parking lot for RVs to park. The Park is not a far drive from I-95 so it makes for a nice break for RVers who are driving up from the Florida Keys. We saw several RVers enjoying a rest and a picnic lunch while we were there.
If you are ever road tripping through Miami, I highly recommend a stop into Oleta River State Park. You can enjoy a relaxing picnic, take a canoe trip on the river or into the bay or just enjoy the beach before heading off to your next adventure.
If you are ever road tripping through Miami, I highly recommend a stop into Oleta River State Park. You can enjoy a relaxing picnic, take a canoe trip on the river or into the bay or just enjoy the beach before heading off to your next adventure.
