Top Rated Parks to Visit in Miami-Dade County

"One of the most photographed locations in Miami, Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard. Artist-led tours are available, but it’s free to simply explore on your own. What invariably bowls people over is the sheer exuberant colors and commanding presence of the murals, which only tend to be around for less than a year before they are painted over."

"But Wynwood Walls is a total classic of the Miami art scene and a definite must-have on your list of Miami Instagram shots. Whether you choose to capture the murals by themselves or set them up as background to your next selfie, these gorgeous murals are bound to elevate and totally Miami-fy your feed."

"Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant when we first arrived in Wynwood. After parking in an enormous lot of an industrial-looking area, I found myself wondering where all the “pretty stuff” was. It was honestly a bit overwhelming."

"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise (Biscayne Bay), but Miamians are lucky like that. Notable park features are two performance venues: the Klipsch Amphitheater, which boasts excellent views over Biscayne Bay and is a good spot for live-music shows, and the smaller 200-seat (lawn seating can accommodate 800 more) Tina Hills Pavilion, which hosts free springtime performances."

"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"

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"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."

"Miami Mountain is a real landmark within the city and the perfect spot for a photo. Commissioned by The Bass Museum and created by Ugo Rondinone, the artist behind Nevada’s Seven Magic Mountains, this 42-foot tall neon sculpture has been coined the Eighth Magic Mountain. By positioning this fluorescent sculpture within Collins Park, Rondinone sought to add a neon rainbow color palette to the area — something that stood out amongst the existing whites and greens."

"In a wooded section at the north end of the Virginia Key Beach North Point Park, you'll find a series of short mountain bike trails, color-coded for beginner, intermediate and advanced. It's free to use the trails, though if your hotel doesn’t have free bicycle hire, you may have to stump up for that. If you think the Institute of Contemporary Art entrance looks cool, wait until you get inside © Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images"

"Consisting of Virginia Key Beach (obviously) as well as a lagoon, a variety of habitats, bike trails, etc. the Virginia Key Beach Park is big. A lot bigger than you'd think by just driving over the island to Key Biscayne. a win for the day #ArtSea2017"

"Two Sisters Restaurant is one of Coral Gables’ premier fine dining establishments, benefiting from the culinary expertise of award-winning Executive Chef John Skonieczny. The upscale ambiance of the restaurant makes it an ideal setting for a romantic breakfast or business luncheon. The restaurant’s dishes blend Miami essences with European cuisine."

"Michael’s is a classic spot where you can expect a very good, straightforward meal with recognizable dishes like deviled eggs, roasted cauliflower, and oysters. And this is a refreshing thing in the Design District, where most restaurants feel like they were created by a Fendi handbag that just took a bump. But at Michael’s, dinner, lunch, and the fantastic brunch don’t feel like an experience made for people who just bought a $2,000 t-shirt down the block."

"Michael's Genuine Food & Drink —an institution in the Florida dining scene—helmed by Miami culinary star Michael Schwartz. There are burgers—and then there are burgers at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink."

"Restaurants Contemporary American Design District"

"Though in many cities brunch is reserved for Saturday and Sunday, other cities also have people with jobs they can legally explain. Blue Collar gets Miami’s flex schedule lifestyle and offers a full brunch menu all day, every day. So if you’re hankering for brioche French toast, shrimp and grits, or a massive breakfast burrito with chipotle sour cream and 3pm on a Monday, they’re happy to oblige."

"the law student who switched out his suit for a chef coat is killing it with all kinds of comfort food like spicy oxtail and ... SouthernVegetarianAmerican. Air Date: 05-09-2014"

"This small restaurant serves up tasty comfort food at reasonable prices. 6730 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138 (See On Google Maps)"

"Who knew healthy food could look so pretty and also taste amazing?. This hole in the wall restaurant offers up some of the most delicious vegan food and freshly made juices and smoothies in Miami."

"If looking for restaurants in South Beach that serve healthy food head to Go-Go Fresh Food. This restaurant was transformed in 2013 with a new Argentinian owner who wanted homemade empanadas, soups, and salads from recipes that have been passed down from generations before. You must try the empanadas from classic argentinian beef, to a spicy Thai chicken, vegetarian options like spinach and cheese or mushroom and cheese, to meatballs and provolone."

"538 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139-6604Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit CardsFrench, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free OptionsDinner, Brunch, LunchSGD 16 - SGD 41+1 305-531-1464"

"Otentic is a popular French restaurant located in the centre of South Beach. This restaurant has the feel of a romantic Parisian cafe, yet it’s situated in an Art Deco building in Miami. The dishes served here are prepared daily and inspired by Parisian cuisine."

"Though in many cities brunch is reserved for Saturday and Sunday, other cities also have people with jobs they can legally explain. Blue Collar gets Miami’s flex schedule lifestyle and offers a full brunch menu all day, every day. So if you’re hankering for brioche French toast, shrimp and grits, or a massive breakfast burrito with chipotle sour cream and 3pm on a Monday, they’re happy to oblige."

"the law student who switched out his suit for a chef coat is killing it with all kinds of comfort food like spicy oxtail and ... SouthernVegetarianAmerican. Air Date: 05-09-2014"

"This small restaurant serves up tasty comfort food at reasonable prices. 6730 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138 (See On Google Maps)"

"Arguably Miami's most well-known shopping center, the Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach is full of stores, boutiques, art galleries, and museums. Nearly the entire area of this open-air mall is closed to automobile traffic, making it a great place to stroll and people watch. You'll find Urban Outfitters, Madewell, Steve Madden, Melissa Shoes, Scotch & Soda, Nike, Lacoste, Forever 21, Adidas by Stella McCartney, BCBG Max Azria, Anthropologie, Ted Baker, Zara, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Zadig & Voltaire, Lululemon Athletica, and more."

"Between 16th and 17th Street in South Beach lies Lincoln Road, a "shopping street" of sorts, lined with stores, restaurants, art galleries and cafes. From national chains to eclectic one-of-a-kind shops, there is something around every street corner of this pedestrian mall. When the hunt for a good buy has taken its toll, shoppers take a break and people watch at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating on Lincoln Road."

"A post shared by Thomas ONeill (@tjoneillinc) on May 10, 2017 at 5:42pm PDT. Lincoln Road has quickly become a Miami shopping hot spot especially since the area has been closed off to pedestrian traffic only. The street runs east to west and is parallel to 16th and 17th street."

"Miami Mountain is a real landmark within the city and the perfect spot for a photo. Commissioned by The Bass Museum and created by Ugo Rondinone, the artist behind Nevada’s Seven Magic Mountains, this 42-foot tall neon sculpture has been coined the Eighth Magic Mountain. By positioning this fluorescent sculpture within Collins Park, Rondinone sought to add a neon rainbow color palette to the area — something that stood out amongst the existing whites and greens."

"In a wooded section at the north end of the Virginia Key Beach North Point Park, you'll find a series of short mountain bike trails, color-coded for beginner, intermediate and advanced. It's free to use the trails, though if your hotel doesn’t have free bicycle hire, you may have to stump up for that. If you think the Institute of Contemporary Art entrance looks cool, wait until you get inside © Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images"

"You won’t want to miss Miami Mountain in Collins Park while you’re on Collins Ave. This fluorescent-colored rock sculpture towers over the park at 42 feet tall. Born from the creative mind of Ugo Rondinone, Miami Mountain is Florida’s version of Rondinone’s famous Seven Magic Mountains."