You would think that what the size of backyards in Coral Gables that this place would be empty but…read morenope. This place was packed. Just goes to show you how valuable a really good neighborhood park is. They pack a lot of action in a little space but the biggest hit with the kiddos was the zip line. They rode those things back and forth until I dragged them away. Another big positive is the temperature. With CG being a tree city USA, the canopy really makes being in a playground in the middle of the day a lot more bearable

Salvatore Park is pure kid happiness! Toddlers can zoom down slides, soar on the canopy line, and…read morejump around on racks while parents relax on benches. The park is breezy and shaded with plenty of trees, perfect for Miami's sunny days. Birthday parties here are a win too, you can book tents (for a fee) to slice cake and celebrate with friends. Plus, adults can get in on the fun with nearby tennis courts! Plenty of parking around, it offers clean restrooms and water fountains, making it more cozy and prepared for anything that you need while having fun with the kids. Salvatore Park is where kids smile and parents don't mind hanging out either.

Bayfront Park, originally named Royal Palm Park, is the oldest public gathering space in Greater…read moreMiami. It was established in 1896 and began with a pavilion and green space used for sports activities. The park was also used for political and religious gatherings near the railroad tracks and tidal marshes. In 1922, the city constructed a retaining wall to create a formal park. Warren Manning, who had worked for Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., was commissioned for the design. The 62-acre park officially opened in March 1925 and included pathways, tropical landscaping, and a wide pedestrian promenade that extended from East Flagler Street to the bay. The 1926 hurricane destroyed much of the park. A year later, the city installed a bandshell, a grotto, and a rock garden on the waterfront. During World War II, the U.S. Navy took over the park and used it as part of its critical operations in the area. In 1943, the Navy installed the Dade County War Memorial. The military returned the park to the city in 1950, but it was in a battered state. The city built a library that blocked the view of the bay, and the following two decades saw little investment in the park. In 1980, the City of Miami approved a budget of $10 million to redesign the park. Famous Japanese-American modernist artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi was chosen for the task. His inspiration was to create a village green for downtown Miami. He convinced the city to remove the R.C. Gardner Bandshell, which had fallen into disrepair, as well as the library, and to restore Manning's pedestrian promenade. His plan also called for adding new amphitheaters and a large fountain at the end of a promenade flowing from East Flagler Street. The busts and statues of Hispanic leaders were relocated to an area outside the park. Eventually, the project ballooned to more than $40 million, much of it paid for through grants. Noguchi passed away during the construction of the park, but the torch was passed to his longtime collaborator, Shoji Sadao, who carried out his plans and vision. Today, Bayfront Park is maintained by the Bayfront Park Management Trust, a limited agency of the City of Miami. It is smaller than when it originally opened and currently encompasses 32 acres. A highlight of the park is its stunning views of Biscayne Bay. The park is also a culturally important outdoor museum, with art and monuments that add beauty and historical perspective. The Dade County War Memorial was restored in the 1990s, and there are statues honoring Claude D. Pepper and Julia Tuttle, the "Mother of Miami." The park still contains all of the major elements of the Noguchi plan, including the centerpiece fountain, although it is currently closed for repairs. It also features the Lee and Tina Hills Playground, open lawn spaces, a sandy beach area, the tropical rock garden, and the historic waterfall from 1926. A visit to downtown Miami would not be complete without a stop at Bayfront Park. The park is within walking distance of attractions such as the Freedom Tower, Bayside Marketplace, Kaseya Center, Museum Park, and numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. If there is a downside, it is that parking in downtown Miami is scarce and expensive. I have attended many outdoor concerts here through the years, and it is also the site of the popular Ultra Music Festival every March. In June, the park will host the FIFA Fan Festival when Miami welcomes the World Cup. A recent visit found me admiring the many sculptures throughout the park. Bayfront Park is still evolving, and future plans call for new lighting, a café, and additional redesign elements. Known as "Miami's Front Porch," it remains a vital outdoor oasis of green space for residents of the surrounding towers and visitors to the city alike.

I came with the company I work at for the Lexus run. Definitely a good space for hosting such a…read morehuge event. We had a great time walking and

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!

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!

On my first day of my Miami vacation, I NEEDED to get in the…read morewater. So, after a quick Google map search, I headed out to Matheson Hammock Park. While it's not your traditional beach, it certainly got the job done for me ‍ I honestly loved the lake like feel. The fact that there were small fishes grazing along the surf and the muddy like sand upon reaching the water (which definitely smoothed away some calluses while I swam)! It truly is a great beach for families with kids, something I learned there while entertaining a whole bunch of kiddos with my hula hoop (which I, personally, didn't mind since I love kids but wanted to give a heads up for anyone that's looking for something more kid free). Once the sun began to set, I grabbed some wine from the beach's restaurant. The wine was amazing and very reasonably priced but what was even BETTER? The song selection! I stayed a whole extra 30 minutes just to vibe out There couldn't have been a better way to start my vacation, honestly! I think it's more than worth it to visit this spot the next time you're in South Florida

Matheson Hammock has a special place in my heart. I grew up going here as a kid, and have grown to…read morelove it and appreciate it more as an adult. I recently came to take some photos for a friend and the scene was an absolute dream. From the beautiful trees that make it look like a fairytale, to the lagoon that gives it the perfect Miami signature touch -- every area in the park is lovely, relaxing and the no service makes it an even better way to disconnect!

Came in the morning around 8am for Raccoon Coffee breakfast and riverside views. Grateful they had…read morea fan and shade. Noticed the area was easy for kids to run around, and some posters about weekly events related to the church and community events. Nice little patch of green among concrete.

Decorated beautifully for the holidays with red green and gold trees and decorations. Who says you…read moreneed snow, coats & mittens? Very cool!

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.

Just an amazing escape from the city. Peaceful views and I always felt extremely safe. Almost like…read moreI was the bad guy for looking for small lizards and migrating birds! Ha. Jk. Everyone was always super friendly and the neighborhood is an amazing aesthetic. Id walk from the One Miami almost 3-5x a week here just to enjoy my time. The park does close fairly early though and theres no entry after dark.

Alice C. Wainwright Park is an AOK place to head for if you want to get some shade close to the…read morewater. It's just right if you want to do not a whole lot of anything for a few hours. Tip: The street directly in front of the park doeesn't allow any thru traffic; it's just for use by the people that live there The views of Downtown Miami are decidedly underwhelming, but you can walk, bike, run, or just hang out. There's also no eateries to speak of that are close at hand, so bear this in mind.

This is a classic spot for photos and scenery! In the heart of Coral Gables. Use it to chill or to…read moretake photos, but regardless you'll have a good, calm time.

This is the Prado entrance which is located at the NW corner of the City of Coral Gables at S.W…read more 8th Street and S.W. 57th Avenue (Red Road). For years the Country Club Prado Arch has been a setting for photography, specially wedding, engagement, etc. George Merrick envisioned eight different entrances to Coral Gables inspired in Spanish hill towns; however only 4 were completed. This is the Prado entrance, a lovely spot to relax by the water features and fountains. This is a very popular place for photography for special events, I can say this is true as I saw confetti on the floor. Beautiful, classy, relaxing, this area transports you to Italy, France, Spain...

There's something quietly magical about Pinecrest Gardens--it feels like a tucked-away paradise…read morewhere every path invites you to slow down and wander a little longer. Lush tropical greenery, hidden corners, and dreamy light filtering through the trees make it a natural playground for photographers, whether you're chasing golden-hour shots or candid moments. It's just as perfect for a peaceful solo escape as it is for a relaxed family day, with open spaces for kids to explore and plenty of serene spots to pause, reflect, and take it all in.

We were excited to visit this place but unfortunately left slightly disappointed…read more All of the exotic bird cages through out the gardens were empty. The landscapes were beautiful but we were excited about the animals too. The gardens close at 5:30 pm but they take the animals (donkeys, cow, goats and pig) away at 4 pm, which we didn't know. So they were being put away as we got there. The playground is nice, although not very big, my girls enjoyed it. The water park closes earlier than the rest of the gardens too. Overall a lot of the "experiences" seemed to be closed on the Sunday we visited. Not sure it was worth the drive.