You may have travelled for the beach and sun, but did you know we have awesome natural parks in Miami too, even one of great South Florida state parks! We won’t take you back to the ones we mentioned in our favorite list of Miami Beach parks. Let’s get you out of the travel tourist track and in with the locals!

Miami is abundant with parks, the year-around warm weather and the heavy rain in the summer keep our parks green and beautiful all year long. There are many types of parks in Miami and outdoor lovers and families will particularly enjoy our large parks with a variety of activities. Here are our favorite local parks offering hiking, biking trails, water activities and something for the little ones.

Best of Urban South Florida State Parks – Oleta Park

If you’re already based or your hotel is located near Miami Beach, you’re in luck! Oleta Park is a short drive, tucked between Miami Beach island and Miami. It will make you wonder how such a great park escaped Miami’s heavy development. This park is indeed well preserved and unique as it’s Florida’s largest urban park and one of the largest South Florida state parks overseen by the State of Florida and not by the City of Miami. The park is popular for its many biking trails that will lead you to all parts of the park. It also offers large preserves of native mangrove forest and wildlife. The most popular water activities are kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing (rentals available on premise) or you could just relax on the sandy quiet beach. Make sure to get there early in the morning or later in the afternoon to catch the best weather and a mosquito repellent is recommended.

Amelia Earhart Park

If you are traveling with your little ones and interested in a park that has a little of everything, then Amelia Earhart Park will likely suit you. Located in the heart of Miami, the park is a great escape from the city and offers a peaceful atmosphere with five lakes where all water sports can be enjoyed and most equipment can rented. As one of the largest parks in Miami, it has many miles of unpaved biking trails, suitable for hiking too, that will let you discover every corner. It’s an ideal place for picnics and children have a chance to pet animals at the little farm and a pleasant playground to tire them out. There is even a farmers market on Sundays unlike on South Florida state parks.

 Matheson Hammock Park

Last but not least, on the South-East coast is located the oldest Miami-Dade county park,  Matheson Hammock Park. The drive there alone via the scenic Old Cutler Bay Road will make you feel like you are entering a peaceful new world. With its natural atoll pool, the park has one of the best beaches in Miami dotted with palm trees and where children can enjoy the shallow water without fear. The park is mostly made up of well preserved native hammocks, mangroves, and has many impenetrable areas to preserve the wildlife and its natural beauty. The park also offers seaside picnic areas where you can enjoy the fresh ocean breeze, nature hiking, biking trails, and a marina where you can watch the locals launch their boats.

Spending some time at these great parks in Miami and at one of South Florida state parks, should make you feel a world away from our busy city. Happy travels, enjoy your hotel stay in Miami Beach and continue discovering more authentic things to do in Miami!

Photo credits: Supthemag, theredheadedtraveler, inhabitmiami

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