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Morningside Park

4.1 (44 reviews)
Closed 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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One side of the court usually has shade
Jonathan C.

The best little park on the water that you didn't know existed It can seem a little tricky to enter but just follow navigation and pass through the guard station. Tennis courts, kids playground, basketball, big walking trails and more. Enjoy and be respectful as always!

Apple S.

Amazing and very large park. Only thing missing is a dog park section and then this place would be absolutely perfect!

Twins of Miami at the newly renovated tennis center.
Brian L.

One of the best tennis facilties in Miami. But don't tell anyone. 8 hard courts with nice lightening limited wind and fast dying courts,

Natasha G.

A new scenic park to add to our family go-to list. When you finally get there, the park is in a gated community, but when you mention you are there for the park, the guard will let you in. Once in, you can make your way around and park towards the different parking spaces to find the spot you like. We drove towards the end until we found the perfect coast backdrop for our family photos and the perfect sunset nestled between two native trees. This park is perfect for picnics, field sports with a few friends or family group, definitely a lovely photography session option and if you need to get away and soak in some scenery, this is a great park to do so.

The kayak place
Sarah P.

I found out about this park, so I came for an early morning walk...it was so peaceful and tranquil. It is found after driving through a private gated community but is open to the public for free. There is even a swimming pool, which was temporarily shut whilst I was here for renovations, but still a great place to bring your kids if you do not have your own pool.The park also offers tennis courts, basket ball courts and kayaking. It was very clean and there were a few police cars dotted around, which is nice. There were also workers cutting the grass, cleaning up etc. You also have lovely views of the water, with plenty of wildlife, I saw lots of birds, a pelican and squirrels..I also saw a few people, dog walkers, people exercising, people fishing, people walking, everyone was v friendly and said good morning. After I walked around the park I continued my walk throughout the neighbourhood here. And boy am I glad I did, such beautiful homes. It reminded me a lot of pockets of areas in Coral gables. A lot of huge, and well kept spotless, beautiful mansions, quite a lot with Spanish influence....

The view from the bay.
Sully F.

Best park ever! Everything is clean and well organized... I love the bay view and almost everyone respect the rule to have their dog on a leash.

Ariel W.

This is a well kept secret and the residents of the community that this park is located in want it kept that way. I found out about the park because it was on an obscure best view parks list. When I was in the area I wanted to check it out but it was so difficult to find it. Every street Waze wanted me to turn in was met by a fence. I have never seen an entire neighborhood enclosed before. Of course people need to come and go out of the neighborhood and I finally found the one entrance only to be met with a guard gate. I am not sure of the purpose because there is a public park in here and they can't keep any one out. It did make me almost turn away so I guess it does discourage people. Apparently there is a lot of drug and prostitution activity around her neighborhood's solution was to barricade themselves in. The park used to be part of the Buena Vista settlement that predated Miami's existence. The land that would become Morningside Park was once owned by William Gleason, a controversial political figure who served as acting governor in 1868 before he was removed by the state senate. Tthe land was thn owned by Roney Plaza Hotel developer Newton Baker Taylor and Coral Gables founder George Merrick.In 1952 Miami Park Director P. Raymond Plumer used $300,000 to turn the land into a 42 acre park. He created a pool and a hibiscus garden that was wiped out by a hurricane. His design of the park largely remains although some of the amenities like the pool have fallen into disrepair. The Morningside residents would like the park to receive a historic designation and to have improvements made at the park. They are being opposed by residents in the surrounding community who feel that their motivation is to keep them from being able to use the park. Once you get through the hassle of getting in you are greeted with a stunning view of the waterway at the park located in the back of the neighborhood. Several people were fishing. There is also a community center, basketball and tennis courts, playground, and restrooms. To the left I found kayak rentals. You can explore the small barrier islands off the coasts that are teaming with birds. Now that I know how to get in I plan on coming back to do that. This is a lovely park to visit. it will be interesting to see how the next chapter in it's history plays out.

Something to keep in mind if you visit.
Naty K.

Remember how your high school yearbook had categories such as "most popular", "best hair", "more likely to succeed", etc.? Well, if they had such categories for parks, Morningside Park would most certainly win the title of "most well-rounded park". I don't think I have seen any other park in Miami that packs as much as this park. Here are some of the things you will find: -A tennis court (and tennis lessons) -Kayak rentals (Saturdays, $20/hr for a tandem or $12/hr for a single) -SUP rentals (Saturdays, $20/hr) -Sailing (still trying to inquire on pricing) -Amazing bayfront views and benches -Wildlife such as green anoles, ibises, and other natives -Covered children's playground, including a zipline -Basketball courts -Fishing -Walking/jogging/biking paths -Tables to play chess or checkers -Baseball field -Soccer field -Volleyball field -A public pool ($3 for adults, $1 for kids or seniors) -Public grills -Good security (I have been there 4 times and on 3 occasions, there was a police car parked in the corner monitoring all the goings-ons) The park is huge, and since there are so many things to do and see, you won't get bored. It's a good place to hold a picnic, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the breezes as you listen to the music and watch the bay. The employees are very helpful, especially the young, long-haired brunet kid in the kayak rental who was so ethical that he advised me to come back on another occasion to kayak, as there were whitecaps in the water that day. He easily could have taken the kayak rental money and not said anything, but he knew that a good experience would mean future visits, and was honest enough to say so. He also said he brings out handicapped kids for watercraft outings, so he's definitely a good kid. I have come with my daughter to play, and have also come to walk around and kayak. I kayaked to the two islands (one of which is owned by the park and I believe is called Morningside Picnic Island, and the other one was Island #3, which was nearby). If you do become bored with the park, you can always leave the park through the gate and stroll around the beautiful and historic Morningside district, which contains homes from the 1920s and 1930s in the Mediterranean Revival style, many of which are valued from half a million dollars to over a million dollars. It's a very scenic neighborhood, and safe to walk at night, probably in part due to the guardhouse, which deters many people from entering. I thought this was a park for residents only, so you can imagine how many other people are dissuaded from entering the neighborhood. A few friends, who live nearby, were not even aware of its existence. Morningside Park is a must-see, and a park that appeals to all, young, old, athletic, and the not so athletic. After all, where else can you find so many activities, including sailboat rentals, in Miami?

Lena C.

Morningside Park is such a beautiful little getaway, right in the heart of the City of Miami. Now some of you may not have ever seen this park, quite simply because you do not ever drive by it. MSP is tucked away inside the lovely gated community of Morningside. Now even thought there is a gate for this neighborhood, the MSP is indeed a public park that can be enjoyed by all. There are basketball and tennis courts, baseball field and tons of kids always playing soccer in the open fields. There are also volleyball nets set up by the Bay and about ¾ mile paved trail that circles the park. This park is super shady and always has a steady Bay breeze to cool things down. When I can't get up the energy to run around on the sidewalks in my neighborhood, I pop over here for run, to at least be in partial shade! I usually come here with my pup Raj C and he loves to sniff around and get friendly with the other pooches. Pretty much every other dog, we've met here at the park is friendly and social too. Like any other park I have seen some annoying owners who let their misbehaved dogs run around like a-holes, but that is the exception and not the rule here. There is no lease-free area, but we usually just run on-lease around the outside of the park and then an inside loop to get the energy out. There is a community pool and kayak and boat rentals out of this park. I have never rented a kayak from here, but I have seen the signs. This park does have an easy park and launch area to get your kayak or SUP into the water. There are four put in areas at the north eastern side lot, just north of the pool house. You can park your vehicle right there and carry just short way to launch into the Bay. There's a string of spoil islands to paddle around that run from the Julia Tuttle to the JFK or 79th ST Causeway. This is one of my go-to kayaking spots in the city. Overall a great park, tucked away in a great neighborhood. There's tons of resoucres here so you can get outside and enjoy yourself, even in the Miami heat.

Great view and awesome track to run and  play sports
Carlos R.

What an amazing park, everything you need is here from soccer field, basketball court, volleyball and baseball field not to mention the breath taking water front view where you can rent a kayak all you need is a group of fun friends to bbq and talk all day long here and watch the sunset. This is a must visit if you are in Miami.

View From Boat Launch

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14 years ago

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12 years ago

Great park! I feel very safe going there to walk my dogs and when I go jogging. Very clean and well kept.

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11 years ago

This park has everything!! Pool, tennis court, a launch dock to the biscayne bay, volleyball, soccer, and it has beautiful views!!

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14 years ago

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Review Highlights - Morningside Park

There are basketball and tennis courts, baseball field and tons of kids always playing soccer in the open fields.

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Bayfront Park - Look at that view though

Bayfront Park

4.1(107 reviews)
3.5 miDowntown

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

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Bayfront Park - Running up the McArthur Causeway

Running up the McArthur Causeway

Bayfront Park - That's my Coach! OTF was one of the fitness sponsors

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My team and I

David T. Kennedy Park

David T. Kennedy Park

4.4(111 reviews)
6.9 miCoconut Grove

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!

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David T. Kennedy Park
David T. Kennedy Park - Views

Views

David T. Kennedy Park

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Matheson Hammock Park - 64 degrees and breezy and dropping on this nice cold front sunset views!

Matheson Hammock Park

4.0(187 reviews)
11.2 mi

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!

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Matheson Hammock Park - 64 degrees and breezy and dropping on this nice cold front views of downtown!

64 degrees and breezy and dropping on this nice cold front views of downtown!

Matheson Hammock Park - Currently 64 and very breezy as the sun sets at the ATOLL pool

Currently 64 and very breezy as the sun sets at the ATOLL pool

Matheson Hammock Park - Strong winds brings the wind surfers out

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Crandon Park - Crandon Park_Sanju-4

Crandon Park

4.0(180 reviews)
8.5 mi

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.

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Crandon Park - Crandon Park_Sanju-3

Crandon Park_Sanju-3

Crandon Park - Nature trail

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Morningside Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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