This is my favorite safe haven and natural area when I am in Miami. It is such a beautiful, sacred…read moreplace with a lovely lighthouse and pristine beaches. Although I haven't eaten at the restaurant in the park, I love the feeling that I am camping steps away from the beach. I always feel renewed after a visit and it's the perfect place to process thoughts and have a quiet, tranquil stroll. Yes, and forever Yes to this place.

$8 fee to enter; cute little town-like center with stores and restaurants a bit of a drive in, then…read morea long road to a group of about 6 really huge parking areas that give access to the trails, beach and lighthouse. Easy to spot public restrooms sprinkled here and there, seemed in decent shape. The beach is utterly beautiful, though aggravating in that so many tourists obnoxiously ignored to many posted signs to keep off the dunes and stay off the rocks. The lighthouse has tours, but the attached cabin seems semi-permanently closed. All in all, I'm glad we took the time to visit... and the bridge to Key Biscayne is its own treat.

Crandon Park is popular for its beautiful beach, rich coastal environment, unique fossilized…read moremangrove reef, protected wetlands, birding sites and extensive range of sports and outdoor activities. Crandon Park is home to various ecosystems, from dunes and mangroves to coastal hammock and seagrass beds and rare plants like the Biscayne prickly ash and beach peanut. Underwater, fossilized reefs and colorful sea life give divers and snorkelers plenty to explore. Crandon Park comprises the northern portion of Key Biscayne (almost 7 miles southeast of Miami). The key began as a coconut plantation, before being donated with the stipulation that Miami-Dade County uses the land as a public park. With its golf and tennis facilities, unique eco-adventures and breathtaking beach, Crandon Park offers something for everyone Parking: Weekdays $7 and Weekends $10

I was here as a child when it was a zoo. I'm happy to see it remains a park with beach access…read more More importantly, the beach often hosts some endangered migratory birds, Piping Plovers. These birds are adorable, but they are threatened by habitat loss. There is a volunteer who regularly checks for Piping Plovers during migration, and she looks for bands that reveal the path of the bird's migratory flight. It's important that we have places for these birds to forage, and I hope the city continues to protect this beach for that use. The bathrooms were a welcome amenity. I had problems paying the parking fee, it was a complicated process. There were about 10 peafowl (peacocks) that roamed the park, a remaining vestige of when this was a zoo. There were many wild birds throughout the park.

This center in Key Biscayne is free to visit. They offer different programs such as a full moon…read morecruise. I came here for a sea grass adventure. You basically go with staff members inside the water and catch some fish and other sea creatures that live within the sea grass. The tour was fun and educational but more geared towards kids age 6 and up. It was still fun for my toddler though to play in the water and watch what the bigger kids have caught. If you do this tour make sure to take water shoes and drinking water. Also keep in mind that seaweed has a stench.

This nature center is a non profit that is run by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade…read moreCounty Parks and Recreation Department, and The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Inc. There is no admission but they do have a place for donations. It is located at the north end of Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. You do have to pay for parking in Crandon Park. This is a multifunctional center that contains a reception area, art exhibit space, gift shop, an audio visual presentation room and demonstration lab classroom facilities. This eco friendly center uses alternative technologies such as solar power, water and energy conservation, passive solar design, and recycled materials. During my visit I was enthralled by the sea life in the the three salt water aquariums. I could have watched the hypnotizing pulsating jellyfish swim around all day. I also loved the glass case that contained objects and photos relating to the life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas. In 1947 Douglas wrote the book The Everglades: River of Grass which spawned a movement to save the Everglades from development. I recognized many of the items in the case like a copy of her book, a picture of her house, and her trademark hat. Outside of the nature center is Bear Cut Preserve where the center holds many nature programs for all ages. You can attend a sea turtle release. take a sea grass adventure with a naturalist, and collect sea life in nets and buckets to examine. On most Fridays and Saturdays you can sign up for the Seagrass Adventure where you can drag a net in the seagrass and pull up urchins, pipefish, and starfish. Preregistration is required. I am sure Marjory Stoneman Douglas would be gratified to know that the next generation of ecologists and conservationists are developing a love of nature in center named for her. To quote Marjory Stoneman Douglas "You can't conserve what you haven't got." So visit this Crandon Park and this wonderful center so you can appreciate what we need to protect.

I'm mad at myself for not having been here before. This is…read moregreat place to relax by the water and take your whole family. The beach is narrow, you can sit under the shade of a tree and watch them enjoying the water. And it is very clean. There are lots of picnic tables and also bbq's. It's great for long walks also. There's lots of other activities to do in the park as well, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is located only minutes from downtown Miami's hustle and bustle…read more It's hard to believe the city is only a stone's throw away when you pull into this quiet and abandoned-looking park. Located in beautiful Biscayne Bay, it's easily one of the area's most scenic beaches Virginia Key Beach Park is known as an ecological treasure containing one of the largest mangrove wetlands in the state. Rent a kayak or take a moonlight paddleboard tour of the area by water to enjoy a truly natural adventure just minutes away from the heart of Miami

As many times as I've been to Miami, I can't believe I never checked out this park. It's as far…read moresouth as you can go on South beach, but it is totally worth it. It's beautiful! Whether you sit on a bench or the rocks and watch the big ships and cruises pass by, watch the palm trees blow in the breeze, watch the lizards scurry around, or watch people jogging around or doing yoga, it's a serene time. There are plenty of trees, and there's a lovely path to the pier where you see a bunch of needlefish in the water. I passed by a playground and what I believe is a shop as well. There's even a fancy looking restaurant that overlooks the water that I bet is worth a visit! Depending on where I stayed next time, I may become a regular at this park during my visits.

This beautiful pier is located at the southernmost point of Miami Beach. From here, you get a…read morewonderful view of the coast and water. We rented bikes and had a pleasant ride through the park with many stops for pictures. it's the perfect place for a beachy or athletic photoshoot. Very instagramable!

What a fun place to visit. We went for a Teacher Appreciation promotion. We rented single kayaks…read more It was super easy to do. We showed up, there was plenty of parking. We checked in, left an ID, signed their waiver, and then we were off to get life vests and paddles/kayaks. They also rent bikes and paddle boards. (We stuck with kayaking for the day.) the weather was gorgeous and the water and scenery beautiful once we got out. I would recommend taking lunch and picnicking on their many tables or surrounding grass area. Another tip, show your reservation for kayaking to the guard/park entrance official that you booked a trip with VKOC and they will waive the $8 park fee. And then enjoy the beaches and scenery.

This is a great activity to do it with your family, partner or by yourself. Service from Virginia…read moreKey Outdoor Center is amazing, the experience is safe and fantastic and if you are lucky, you will see manatees. Also, you can go to the beach and it feels like you are alone in an island. It is just great. It was my 3rd time there and now I'm ready to buy my paddle board and go every weekend that I can. Tip: make your reservation online.

Rogelio Ian and Ally were excellent and informative guides The kayaking excursion went very well…read morefor our 13 member group Everyone had a fantastic time!

The naturalists running the nature centers and outdoor programs are fantastic! Extremely…read moreknowledgeable of the environment and wildlife and you can see their passion. My favorite programs so far have been the archery programs and the campfire owl walks they offer!

Beautiful mini park offering a green oasis in the heart of a concrete jungle. Great place for…read moreretail and service workers to rest, parents to take their children on a picnic, couples to have a little date and so many other wonderful things for the community that provides a big asset to those living here. But unfortunately, the recent lawsuit returning this park to the developer, the Allen Morris Company, is threatening this tiny park's future since the company is trying to upzone the park so they can destroy it to build a high-rise. They will shoot themselves in the foot if they do this - those living in Brickell are becoming fatigued at the total disregard for public amenities and continuing threat to quality of life by destroying nearly every public space we have. Demand will plummet and condos and apartments will start to empty if this continues. Enjoy our miniscule parks while we have them and before Brickell goes under. Please support the petition on change.org to try to save Allen Morris Park.

This is a beautiful slice of paradise in the middle of the banana republic. Take some time to walk…read morethrough. What may be the last on spoiled land in the neighborhood.

beauty everywhere, stop and take it all in, Worth the drive all the way to the bottom and don't…read moreforget to stop and check out the short hiking trails and the overlook too

So much beauty everywhere, stop and take it all in! Worth the drive all the way to the bottom and…read moredon't forget to stop and check out the short hiking trails and the overlook too!

This iconic Coconut Grove park was named in honor of David Thomas Kennedy (April 7, 1934 -…read moreSeptember 4, 2014). Kennedy was an attorney and politician who served as the Mayor of Miami from 1970 until 1973. Kennedy is credited with drafting the plans for the creation of Miami's Bicentennial Park which opened in 1976. David T. Kennedy Park is 20 acres and sits on the coastal mangrove shore of Biscayne Bay where there is access for kayaking and paddleboarding. Benches are set up so you can catch the sunrise and sunset and bay breeze. Park amenities include a dog park, open lawn, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic table, playground, and volleyball court. The expansive lawns, tree-lined walking paths, and a range of recreational facilities make this park a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Also in the park is A.C.'s Icees frozen lemonade truck selling refreshing treats near the parking lot. This frosted lemonade stand has been a park land mark since 1978. Even on the weekend, the park is spacious enough to never feel crowded. If there is one drawback, it would be the lack of parking during peak use time. Overall, David T. Kennedy Park is a fantastic representation of the Miami Dade Park system by combining relaxation and recreation in one beautiful location. Whether you're visiting for a few hours or spending the day, the park provides a welcoming recreational space for outdoor activities and leisurely enjoyment.

A beautiful park next to the ocean/bay only a few blocks from downtown Coconut Grove. I love to…read morewalk around the entire park and take a few extra minutes to relax on the wooden walkways watching the fish and marine life!