The Miami area has beautiful year-round weather and proximity to nationally renowned natural settings ranging from vast Everglades to sandy beaches. Let’s look at some of the top outdoor destinations in the Miami region that are must-sees for outdoor enthusiasts.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a vast, preserved wetland consisting of over 1.5 million acres along the southern tip of Florida. The park’s marshes and swampy landscapes are home to several species, including alligators, leatherback turtles, manatees, and panthers. Many choose to explore this subtropical landscape by kayak or canoe, although the park includes hiking trails as well.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress is a sprawling freshwater swamp near the Everglades that stretches for nearly 730,000 acres. This huge, protected environment is a tropical hub that houses some incredible Florida wildlife, including numerous rare bird species. Explorers can enjoy the park in several ways, including overnight stays at one of the eight campgrounds, canoeing or kayaking along the calm waters, or ranger-guided tours.
Lummus Park
Lummus Park is a large public park that stretches ten blocks across Miami Beach. This iconic destination is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Ocean Drive, which houses restaurants, bars, and hotels. Visitors enjoy grassy areas, volleyball courts, outdoor gyms, a winding promenade along the beach, and sweeping ocean views ideal for a Miami Beach sunrise. The park is ideal for a family visit, comprising multiple playgrounds and picnic areas.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is a stunning water environment in the northern Florida Keys, roughly an hour away from Miami. The park protects a range of marine landscapes, including mangroves, coral reefs, and more. Snorkelers, boaters, swimmers, and divers frequent this picturesque water wonderland, where they can enjoy coral reefs, sandy islands, and the company of an array of aquatic creatures, such as dolphins, turtles, and exotic fish.
Oleta River State Park
Oleta River State Park, a 1,043-acre natural refuge along Biscayne Bay, is the largest urban park in Florida. Located in North Miami, it provides an ideal escape from the noise of city life. Many visitors enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking through mangrove forests along the Oleta River that passes through the park. The park also has 15 miles of trails for cyclists, as well as cabins and a youth campground for overnight visits.
Virginia Key Beach Park
Virginia Key Beach Park is a historic park on a barrier island just off the coast of Miami. Boaters can reach this park in minutes from Miami’s financial district, and once there, they’ll enjoy an uncrowded, remote beach with sweeping ocean views and sandy shores. Most spend their time on the mile-long shoreline, but the park also has hiking trails, picnic areas, and historical landmarks, including an antique carousel, miniature train, and more.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden
The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a quiet green space that stretches across less than three acres. Though relatively small, its beautiful flowers, fountains, streams, and bridges make this oasis a uniquely appealing place to unwind for an hour or two. The garden also hosts meditation, yoga, and tai chi events, helping curate a mindful, zen atmosphere.
