North Beach Oceanside Park was originally established in the 1950s when the city purchased and…read moredemolished a series of dilapidated villas on the site. Today, it's one of Miami's largest parks, stretching from 78th Street to 87th Terrace. For years, the 28-acre site was left largely to nature. In 2017, the city approved a $6 million renovation, with Calvin, Giordano & Associates as project manager and West 8 leading the redesign. The renovation focused on preserving the park's natural beauty, including large palm trees, sea grapes, and its dune ecosystem, which protects against rising sea levels, while improving both aesthetics and functionality. Today, the park offers beach access with lifeguards on duty and plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun. Amenities include outdoor showers, restrooms, a dog park, picnic tables and grills, a sand volleyball court, three rentable picnic pavilions with grills, swings, a playground, and trails with a self-powered outdoor fitness course. Parking is available in the municipal lot on 83rd Street and along Harding Avenue. I especially enjoyed walking the trails--the park is much quieter than nearby South Beach, which you can also reach via the paved 8-mile bike trail. It's a peaceful, well-maintained spot for a day at the beach or an active outdoor outing.

15 years Miami and never had I been to this park up until today. And the reason why I ended up here…read moretoday is I was having breakfast close by and we wanted to find the closest dog friendly beach. Well Google and website says bark beach is here however upon arrival there were signs everywhere of no animals allowed however we saw there was dogs on the beach and went for it too. very beautiful park however i feel its only purpose is people coming here to barbecue as its one after the other. paid street parking only

Arch Creek was a Native American settlement in what is now present day Miami. Tequesta Indians…read morethrived here until the early 16th century when European settlers arrived. The name Arch Creek comes from a natural limestone bridge that spanned the creek and was once part of an important Native American trail. The bridge collapsed in 1973 after trees with roots likely holding the bridge were removed. This area includes Arch Creek Memorial Park and the Arch Creek Environmental Preserve. Arch Creek Environmental Preserve is a 13 acre nature preserve with a mangrove forest and coastal estuary. Mangroves are important because they help reduce erosion and they filter pollutants out of the water. It is a vital wildlife corridor between two major state conservation areas, Oleta River State Park Annex and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Some of the diverse wildlife you may see here includes manatees, saltwater crocodiles, wood storks, great-horned owls, egrets, herons, pelicans, ospreys, swamp rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, possums, box turtles, land crabs, ghost crabs, eagle rays, mullet, snapper, snook, grouper, and more. Arch Creek Environmental Preserve was designated as an Environmental Preserve in perpetuity by the City of North Miami in 2007. The Urban Paradise Guild has worked for years on habitat restoration projects such as removing invasive plants like Australian Pines and planting mangroves. There is limited parking at the start of the trail and the trail ends at the campus of Florida International University. The preserve includes a butterfly garden and the paved exercise trail used by walkers, runners, cyclists, bird watchers, and nature lovers. This was an enjoyable place to take a walk and enjoy nature in the middle of urban Miami. Whether you're looking for a quiet stroll, a safe place to exercise, or simply somewhere to unwind outside, Arch Creek Environmental Preserve offers a welcoming and accessible haven for nature enthusiasts.

I lived across the street from Arch Creek East for 10 years and somehow missed paradise hiding in…read moreplain sight. It took a global pandemic, endless doomscrolling, and one long walk to realize there was a slice of untouched Florida literally across the street from me the whole time. COVID-19 gave us a lot of things -- paranoia, banana bread obsessions, and, for me, the gift of finally discovering this little Eden. Arch Creek East is where Miami sheds the neon and noise and quietly reminds you what existed before developers paved paradise into condo parking lots. It's part of the ancient hammock ecosystem, sitting on what was once a Tequesta Native American settlement. Spanish explorers passed through here centuries ago, and if you close your eyes long enough, you can almost hear the whispers of history in the mangroves -- or maybe that's just the ibis arguing with the egrets. This place is wild Florida at its best. Winding trails, shaded canopies, and a breeze off Biscayne Bay that feels like nature hitting the reset button. You'll spot herons, manatees if you're lucky, and the occasional kayaker who looks way more coordinated than I'll ever be. During lockdown, this became my sanctuary -- my daily escape from cabin fever and bad news cycles. Arch Creek East isn't just beautiful, though; it's peaceful in a way Miami rarely is. There's no blasting reggaeton, no condo noise, no traffic screaming at you -- just water, wildlife, and sky. Pro tip: bring bug spray, a camera, and your curiosity. And if you've been living nearby for nearly two decades without visiting, do yourself a favor -- don't wait for a pandemic to stumble into paradise like I did.

Baywood Park is located in Miami's Bayside Historic District. This historic district represents the…read moredevelopment of Miami from the early 1900's until the mid 1940's when this was part of the pioneer settlement of Lemon City. This community contains one of the last bayfront estates. The Bayside historic district contains the architectural styles of frame vernacular, Mediterranean revival, Art Deco, and Streamline Moderne and it was the home of many prominent residents of early Miami including the Honorable Arthur Patrick Cannon served as a U.S. Representative from 1939 to 1947. Baywood Park won Miami New Times Best View award. This linear park has a stunning view of Biscayne Bay and the downtown Miami skyline. If you are lucky you may even spot a dolphin or manatee. Throughout the park is a paved walkway and benches. Free parking is available along the street. This peaceful passive park is perfect for strollers, bikers, joggers, and dog walkers as well as anyone who just enjoys a great water view.

I love this little hidden neighborhood gem! It's such a nice little spot to just go walking and sit…read moreand watch the Bay. There are fantastic views of Biscayne Bay, the various bridges, and downtown Miami skyline. Jumping fish, pelicans, sea hawks, and occasional dolphin sightings are always entertaining. People fish off the concrete edge and have their dogs off-leash, but it never seems to be an issue to enjoying the park. Great spot when there's a nice breeze and sunny to just lay on a blanket and cloudwatch or have a quiet little picnic.

Gerry Curtis Park is located across from the Miami River Point Marina. The park is named in honor…read moreof J. Gerry Curtis who was Park Superintendent in the 1920's. He was the boss of A.D. "Doug" Barnes who created the Parks and Recreation Department for Miami Dade County. At 27.7 acres Gerry Curtis Park has a lot of recreational space. The newly renovated facilities host a ton of fun activities which makes it the perfect place to unplug, get active, and have a great time. From after school activities to seasonal camps to sports, this park has basketball, football, baseball, racquetball, tennis, swimming, boating, biking, and more. Curtis Park has an older recreation center that offers after school programs, youth and teen camps and programs, and computers. The Department of Parks has announced the design plans of the new Curtis Park Community Center. The new 8,000 square foot building will have a large recreation room, a computer lab, classrooms, administration buildings, kitchen, art room, fitness room, restrooms, and outdoor pavilion. The new building will be a key component of bringing the community together. Other Curtis Park amenities include a basket ball court, baseball field, boat ramp, restrooms, picnic tables, playground, and a pool where you can get swim lessons. The park's expansive grounds ensure there's something for everyone to enjoy. With its commitment to promoting an active lifestyle and community wellness, Gerry Curtis Park stands as a important recreational resource for residents and visitors alike.

Very spacious park with a small parking lot. Theres sports fields and a playground. Theres police…read morecars stationed here. A lot of homeless hanging out as well.

Yesterday we stopped by this lovely little waterfront park in Miami's Upper East Side, known for…read moreits views of Biscayne Bay and a large red and white domino sculpture. It offers a peaceful and relaxing experience with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas, and is a popular spot for families, pet owners, and photographers seeking scenic views IG shots. It is very well maintained and shows pride by the neighborhood. It wasn't very crowded on a Monday. Note: there are no restrooms at this park. There is some street parking around the neighborhood.

Albert Pallot Park is a small but unique spot right by the water. If you're driving on the I-195…read morefrom Miami Beach to Midtown, you'll easily spot the park thanks to the giant red domino pieces standing tall near the waterfront--definitely a cool design that makes for great photos. The park itself is well-maintained with clean pathways and a peaceful vibe, making it a nice place to take a walk, relax, or snap some pictures by the water. While the park is a gem, the surrounding area could use some improvement. Hopefully, as the city continues to develop and clean up, Albert Pallot Park will feel even more connected to the rest of the neighborhood. Overall, it's a nice place to visit, especially if you're looking for a quick stop to enjoy the view and take some cool photos. I'd definitely recommend checking it out!

This is a park located in the Spring Garden neighborhood of Miami. The park is on Wagner Creek…read morewhere the Miami River meets the Seybold Canal. Spring Garden is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Miami. It was settled in the 1840's by William English who built a coontie starch mill. Coontie was used like flour in the Seminole diet. They passed it on the settlers and it became known as Florida's arrowroot. The land Spring Garden Point Park sits on used to be a tourist attraction called Alligator Joe's. In the early 1900's. Warren Frazee also known as Alligator Joe staged an alligator wrestling show for tourists visiting Miami. During the summer he would take alligators and other Florida mammals on tours to northern states. While displaying animals at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition he contracted double pneumonia passing away shortly after at the age of 46. Adjacent to the park is another historic piece of land, the former estate of John Seybold, a German immigrant who came to Miami in 1896. He became a successful baker and bought the property where Alligator Joe's once sat on the Miami River. He developed the neighborhood of Spring Garden named after a spring on the southeast corner of NW 11th Street and NW 8th Street and a garden of oak trees and palms. The Seybold family lived in the neighborhood for more than 20 years. Spring Garden experienced significant growth from 1910 to the 1940's. Spring Garden Pointe was created in 1999 when the Spring Garden neighborhood partnered with the Trust for Public Land. This is a passive park where people from the neighborhood like to walk their dogs. There are trees, a paved path, and a couple of benches including an interesting stone one. I enjoyed reading the historic signs and watching the boats as they sailed down the Miami River. This park is on the Miami River Greenway, a 6.2 mile trail that begins at Bayfront Park and ends at NW 24th Ave. The trail links neighborhoods, businesses, cultural attractions, historic sites, and 9 public parks along both banks of the historic Miami River.

This is a super sweet spot, and probably not that well known, maybe until now! (oops sorry). It…read moredefinitely could do with a spruce up. But never the less it has its own charm - it is a small triangular park tucked away in a nice pocket in this area, right on the water. It offer a sweet, old school style atmospheric/ Coral Gables style bench as you enter which unfortunately, (or fortunately depending how you feel about it ) a bin for doggie waste. This bin was over flowing with doggy bags - which in essence is wonderful to see as it means the pooches owners clean up (they were all a lilac colour btw!). However, the stench was b a d, therefore NOONE would ever sit on that bench. I met a lovely couple who owned their own designed property quite close, who kindly told me some history about the place. It IS being spruced up, a new river wall is being built and they are discussing what to do, even talking about a kayak launch. To be honest you could kayak from there already and local people in the know apparently do, but it is essentially NOT on the map YET for this. If the grounds were in a better condition ie no evidence of rubbish, over flowing smelly bins I would give 5 stars... Still if you want a slice of quiet, to watch the ebb and flow of boats slip by you amongst the Miami River, I will see you there!!!!

Beautiful park in the middle of a bustling city. Beautiful majestic trees. Serenity and peace…read more Amazing

I love Legion Park and am so glad it open again! I wish people would ONLY have their dogs off leash…read moreINSIDE the huggeeeeee dog park.... but alas. I also wish the dog park had enter & exit areas like normal dog parks but overall, I am just super happy to have such a great LARGE location within walking distance :0)

A sweet lil park located in a quiet neighborhood. I would imagine this is appreciated by the…read morelocals. To be noted there is no parking available, only street parking.

Formerly named Venetia Park after the street it is on, this park had its name changed to James T…read more Barker to honor a beloved Coral Gables resident. Mr. Barker served for six years in the Air Force during the Korean War. After graduating from Jacksonville University, he moved to south Florida where he managed the Coral Gables office of Southern Bell. He went on to help local businesses and many non profits. Barker served as a Coral Gables Commissioner for 12 consecutive years until 2001. During that time he oversaw the renovation of the Youth Center and helped to establish the Dr. Donald R. Hopkins/William A. Cooper Scholarship Fund to provide Coral Gables High School seniors with need based scholarships for college. For his service to the city of Coral Gables, he was awarded the George E. Merrick Award of Excellence. Mr. Barker passed away in 2015. This park is a tiny .19 acres but it feels like a secret garden. it is landscaped with beautiful tropical palms, native shrubs, and flowering plants. In the back of the park is a darling trellis swing. The park also has a water fountain, carved stone benches made of oolite stone, and boulders and logs for kids to play on. There is landscape lighting for illumination at night. Dogs are welcome. This park is just one of the many reasons why Coral Gables is known as the City Beautiful.