Top Rated Parks to Visit in Golden Isles

"Start your Wynwood adventure at the Wynwood Walls, home to dozens of murals by the world’s top street artists. The murals change regularly, so the next time you visit Miami, many of them will be different. It’s easy to spend an hour or more wandering through the murals and the galleries connected to the Walls."

"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise as Biscayne Bay, but this fantastic green space is packed full of freebies too, including a great playground for the kids. The Tina Hills Pavilion has free concerts and yoga sessions, but Bayfront Park has some interesting public art worth discovering as well. The JFK Torch of Friendship recognizes the accomplishments of US congressman Claude Pepper, while Isamu Noguchi, who redesigned much of Bayfront Park in the 1980s, has three great sculptures: the Challenger Memorial, The Light Tower, and our favorite, the Slide Mantra."

"Located in downtown Miami, parents flock to this park for its sunning beach, large sea creature-themed playground, and views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. A good choice for a picnic when your kids need to run around. A post shared by Laura (@talais25) on Nov 4, 2014 at 2:38pm PST"

"Because South Beach is such a broad description, and the varying beaches here go on for miles, we thought we'd narrow it down. Lummus Park, the area of the beach located along Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th Street, is the all-encompassing South Beach experience. This is the strip of sand that is always the most crowded, which makes for excellent people watching."

"Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir. Although it’s known for its Cuban heritage and influence, Calle Ocho isn’t just limited to Cuban food. Go for that Cuban sandwich or basket of croquetas from Versailles, or try some Nicaraguan food at Guayacan, Mexican food at Mi Rinconcito Mexicano, or, my personal favorite, the Thai cuisine at Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Yep, some of Miami’s best Thai food is found in Little Havana!"

"Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Old Cuba is Máximo Gómez Park, or ‘Domino Park,’ where the sound of elderly men trash-talking over games of chess is harmonized with the quick clack-clack of slapping dominoes. The jarring backtrack, plus the heavy smell of cigars and a sunrise-bright mural of the 1994 Summit of the Americas, combine to make Máximo Gómez one of the most sensory sites in Miami (although it is admittedly one of the most tourist-heavy ones as well)."

"It’s neither polished nor particularly pretty, but it’s a glimpse into real life in Spanish-speaking Miami and a place to watch Cuba’s old guard face off over dominos in Maximo Gomez Park; grab a 50 cent cortadito (a shot of Cuban coffee with steamed milk) from a walk-up window; and watch cigar rollers hand roll stogies at family-run factories. End your jaunt in Little Havana with a scoop (or two or three) of homemade Abuela Maria® ice cream at"

"At this 5-acre gem in Coconut Grove is the oldest home in its original location in Miami-Dade County (1891), which once housed Ralph Middleton Munroe, an American yacht designer. You'll also see plenty of mesmerizing Spanish moss. A post shared by @lizz_ax3 on Feb 26, 2017 at 2:42pm PST"

"3485 Main Hwy This historic Florida State Park is located in the Coconut Grove neighborhood and spans about 5 acres. Dade County’s oldest home resides on this five-acre site that overlooks the scenic Biscayne Bay. It was built by Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe in 1891."

"Just shy of the beachfront, visiting West Lake Park is ones of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida if you love to Kayak. You see, here they have a heap of waterways to test your skills and master the art of bobbing and not crashing into fellow kayakers. Trust me, that’s the biggest challenge… I always end up smacking into Yaya, which usually results in a few splashes from his paddle!"

"West Lake and its surrounding mangrove forest occupy the center of the park and are the domain of boaters and kayakers who put in from the ramps at the main entrance. Boaters can head south to exit to the Stranahan River at the south end of the lake. Kayakers have some mazy meanders to explore where the canal meets the lake."

"Entirely hidden from the nearby Rickenbacker Causeway, Alice Wainwright Park is a simple waterfront park with swaying palms on a tree-lined residential street, with the added feature of Coral Gables' magnificent cliffs."

"7300 Farragut Street This neighborhood park is a jewel to the Northwest Hollywood community providing a beautiful setting for quiet play for children on the shaded playground. It also features a lighted walking and fitness trail,half basketball court and restrooms."

"Though tennis was born as the "sport of kings," paupers are entitled to a place to work on their forehand. In a region littered with pay-to-play courts that require reservations, it's nice to know there are four free tennis courts at Polo Park where you can squeeze in some sets even if all you've got is a racquet and some balls. The well-maintained mid-Beach tennis facility operates on an egalitarian first come, first serve (see what we did there?) policy."

"At the very northerly points of The Everglades, Sawgrass Recreation Park is perched right within the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Area. Not only that, it’s one of the easiest places to visit if you’re based in Fort Lauderdale (around 25-minutes from the city centre). Yeah, it might be close to the city but it actually feels like a million miles away – you’re in total wilderness when you’re here."

"Fly through the Everglades on an exhilarating airboat tour and get up close to some of Florida's famous wildlife on a swamp adventure."

"The ultimate waterfront dining experience that joins the worlds of boaters and diners. After a long day out on the water, dock your boat and join us for a meal, deck shoes and shades meets bottles and breeze. Savor a delicious assortment of Mediterranean-inspired tapas and cocktails all served with a side of amazing Fort Lauderdale waterfront views."

"Back in Coral Gables we have yet another French bistro for you to add to your daily rotation. Frenchie’s Diner has been serving up the classic lunch and dinner staples every day but Sunday and Monday. This charming locale has everything you want from a neighborhood Brasserie–from a low-key diner atmosphere, an owner that knows you by name, and solid comfort food that never fails."

"Restaurants French Coral Gables"