Best Parks in Miami

There is something so relaxing and calming about a good park. Luckily Miami is blessed with year round sunshine, plenty of rain, and a unique flora and fauna that makes a trip to the park quite an enjoyable and varied experience.

Whether you are looking for a tropical retreat or a quality urban park, here is a list of some great parks to enjoy in Miami:

South Pointe Park - One of South Florida's coolest and newest urban parks. Located at the southern tip of South Beach, the South Pointe Park provides a variety of activties, paths, urban follies, and amazing oceanfront views. Throw in the nearby beach, pier, and cruise ships sailing in and out of the nearby Port of Miami, and you got yourself one amazing green space.

Bill Baggs Park - Miami has a lot of beaches and parks, but few rival the beauty, tranqulity, and clear waters of Bill Baggs Park in Key Biscayne. Lounge oceanside in a remote island under the shadow of a 150 year old lighthouse -- which is pretty much the oldest thing here.

Oleta River - Oleta River is Florida's largest urban park.  A massive natural habitat with miles of bike trails, cabins, and many other natural activities.  Don't be confused with the term "urban" though, it's definitely a drive to park.

Bayfront Park - Downtown Miami's public backyard.  A wonderful urban green space located in the heart of Downtown Miami.  With an amphitheater, green spaces, art in public places, and nearby Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park is an excellent place to enjoy Miami's waterfront in downtown.

Virgina Key Beach Park - A restored island paradise a short distance away from downtown Miami. Picnic and mingle under one of the many shaded pavilions or explore the nature boardwalk and the coastal hammock trails. Historic Virginia Key Beach, once accessible only by boat, was established in 1945, as the only public beach for the "exclusive use of Negroes" in Dade County. In 2002, Virginia Key Beach Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Matheson Hammock Park - There are so many great reasons to go to Matheson Hammock Park.  Enjoy the beach, a picnic, fishing, or a walk through natural trails.  Matheson Hammock Park is a marvelous example of South Florida's natural habitats.  Best of all, if you stay around for dinner, you can enjoy a meal at one of the best seafood restaurants in South Florida.  The Red Fish Grill, located within the park, sits along a beautiful (and very romantic) man made oceanfront lake.

Haulover Beach Park - One an a half miles of unspoiled beaches and park.  Enjoy a  breather from the rampant development of South Florida beaches at the beautiful Haulover Beach at the north end of Dade County.  Includes a park, marina, golf course, and more.  For you free thinkers out there, there is even a nudist portion on the beach.  Quick tip:  If you are hungry after a long day at the beach, head over to the marina and buy a freshly caught fish from one of the fishermen there.