14 Best Parks in Miami for Outdoor Enjoyment

Miami is often touted for its vibrant nightlife and adult-focused entertainment; however, during the daylight hours, there’s just as much magic to be discovered. This city boasts a robust array of parks offering a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking to unwind, let the kids play, or enjoy live music.

Water-bound Miami, not surprisingly, features several parks that double as beaches, including options for naturists. Many city parks provide locals and visitors with opportunities for affordable workouts, including free or inexpensive yoga classes, as well as tennis and basketball courts. Moreover, some green spaces host concerts, outdoor movie showings, and lively games of dominos. Additionally, many parks serve as inviting gathering spots for families, ensuring kids can expend their energy on playgrounds, in community pools, and along scenic walking trails.

Here’s a look at the top parks in Magic City, offering everything from trapeze classes to paddle boarding. Discover the 14 best parks in Miami.

1. Bayfront Park

Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise (Biscayne Bay), but Miamians are fortunate in this regard. Notable features include two performance venues: the Klipsch Amphitheater, with excellent views over Biscayne Bay and a great spot for live music, and the smaller Tina Hills Pavilion. The latter hosts free performances in the spring.

Within the park, you can find the JFK Torch of Friendship and a fountain honoring the contributions of longtime US congressman Claude Pepper. Activities abound here, including flying trapeze lessons and free yoga classes, along with a well-equipped playground for children.

Renowned artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi redesigned parts of Bayfront Park in the 1980s, adorning the grounds with three sculptures. In the southwest corner sits the Challenger Memorial, dedicated to the astronauts lost in the 1986 space-shuttle explosion, reflecting the twisting helix of human DNA. The Light Tower, a 40-foot abstract piece, evokes images of Japanese lanterns and moonlight over Miami, while the Slide Mantra offers a spiral of marble that serves as a delightful playground feature.

2. Crandon Park

This expansive 1,200-acre park features Crandon Park Beach, a stunning stretch of sand spanning two miles. Much of the park is comprised of a dense coastal hammock and mangrove swamps. The beach here is clean and relatively uncrowded, consistently ranked as one of the best in the USA, with pretty cabanas available for rent.

3. Arch Creek Park

Located near Oleta River, Arch Creek Park is compact yet charming, featuring a habitat of tropical hardwood species surrounding a beautiful limestone bridge. The park offers ecotours led by naturalists, including visits to a lovely butterfly garden, as well as a small museum showcasing Native American and pioneer artifacts.

4. Máximo Gómez Park

Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Cuba is Máximo Gómez Park (also known as ‘Domino Park’), where the sounds of elderly men engaged in domino games fill the air, harmonizing with the vibrant atmosphere enhanced by cigar scents and a mural depicting the 1994 Summit of the Americas.

5. Haulover Beach Park

This 40-acre beach park features optional swimsuit areas hidden from view. For those who prefer a more conventional beach experience, the majority of the space is family-friendly, supplemented by a dog park.

6. Peacock Park

Serving as the backyard of Coconut Grove, Peacock Park extends to the waterfront, where young families gather at the playground or engage in activities on the various ball fields. Scenic walking paths along the bayfront are popular among power-walkers.

7. Soundscape Park

Located outside the New World Center, Soundscape Park is one of the best venues for open-air screenings in Miami Beach. During performances by the New World Symphony, a massive projection of the concert is displayed on the concert hall’s wall. Guests can enjoy free WALLCAST concerts while picnicking on the lawn, along with free monthly yoga sessions.

8. Pinecrest Gardens

Originally the home of Parrot Jungle, Pinecrest Gardens is now a tranquil oasis featuring some of the best tropical gardens around, highlighted by a majestic banyan tree. The park offers outdoor movies, jazz concerts, and plenty of fun activities for kids, including a petting zoo and water play area.

9. South Pointe Park

At the southern tip of Miami Beach lies South Pointe Park, a serene area with manicured grass for lounging and clean stony walkways. The park also includes a small water play area for children and a dining option for visitors wishing to savor the weather and views.

10. Morningside Park

Perfect for morning visits, Morningside Park features walking paths, basketball and tennis courts, sports fields, and a swimming pool. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are also available on Saturdays for those seeking adventure.

11. Matheson Hammock Park

This 630-acre county park is the city’s oldest and undeniably one of its most scenic. With good swimming options for children in an enclosed tidal pool, visitors can also observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.

12. Village of Key Biscayne Community Center

This top spot for families boasts a swimming pool and a playground surrounded by a century-old African baobab tree. Additionally, it offers facilities for a solid workout or calming yoga sessions.

13. Greynolds Park

Greynolds Park spans 249 acres, featuring a playground, green fields, a hardwood hammock, and beautiful views of the Oleta River, making it an excellent spot for fresh air and outdoor activities.

14. Maurice Gibb Memorial Park

A small yet charming green space overlooking the water, this park includes a playground, benches, and ample grassy areas, providing a peaceful retreat with beautiful views.