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    Watson Island Park

    3.3 (12 reviews)

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    Fishing with a view
    Chlo L.

    Love this park for fishing. It's basically the same island as jungle island but on the other side of the bridge. The fence says "no parking", but if you drive through the clearing by the big and only tree... you can just park right there by the edge of the water past the fences :) There was a four or so people fishing the same time we were, so it must be a nice little spot. Plus, there isn't as much chop compared to being closer out to sea.

    Some of the best Miami views
    Terry L.

    If you appreciate nice views, love to take photographs or just love my city (Miami) then this is a must place to check out! I think the best time to come here is just before sunset and then stay during the night to enjoy the city lights and the lighted bridge! Trust me you won't regret it! I know there's been much speculation as to if the area is closed off now... Well I just went there and it appears that someone ran over the gate which has now created a new entry back into the area (lol) and as you can see this place is a landmark to many which is why we will not be kept away by some gate. Lol. Again, check it out and if you see a gate up you should walk or drive around it to find the opening!

    watson island view
    cindy w.

    Watson Island has the best scenic views of the Miami skyline for photo taking and that's why photographers are drawn here, sometimes, you can see fashion shoots or commercials taking place out here. Watson Island is on Bisycane Bay and connects along the MacArthur Causeway close to downtown Miami. You can get a clear panoramic shot of the Miami skyline and the place is gorgeous during sunset or sunrise. Just exit off the Causeway ramp, pass the Miami Children's Museum, circle around and you'll see a gravel path where people park their cars to fish or take photos. The view is there for the taking. As far as park facilities go, there isn't any so make sure you go to the bathroom elsewhere. There really isn't much development here aside from Parrot Jungle, Children's Museum, and a dock, and helicopter tour business. Caution: The place is also not suitable for swimming, it's prohibited and the shore is deep and rocky perfect for the shipping lanes further down at the Port of Miami. PS: The music video, DJ Khaled's "We Takin Over" used Watson Island prominently in the backdrop; the MV features rappers T.I, Akon, Pitbull, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and more I can't name. Check it out on Youtube and see some Miami in it, some other shots took place near the Port of Miami. Also, an episode of Dexter was filmed here.

    Michael A.

    I went here because of all the recommendations online. It's known as a great spot to take skyline photos. Evenings are the best. It's a bit messy there because of construction but it's still very much accessible and it seemed safe.

    Great spot to view the skyline, normally... ;)

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    Ask the Community - Watson Island Park

    Is this a spot where you can park your car and enjoy your view?

    I want to know also. Doesn't seem like the whole island has parking unless you go to a restaurant

    View All 2 Questions

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    Bayfront Park - Look at that view though

    Bayfront Park

    4.1(107 reviews)
    0.9 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

    Photos
    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

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

    Bayfront Park - My team and I

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    My team and I

    David T. Kennedy Park

    David T. Kennedy Park

    4.4(111 reviews)
    4.7 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

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    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)
    8.9 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!

    Photos
    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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    Strong winds brings the wind surfers out

    Crandon Park - Crandon Park_Sanju-4

    Crandon Park

    4.0(180 reviews)
    5.6 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

    Nature trail

    Crandon Park - Just landed

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    Just landed

    Watson Island Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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