Top Rated Parks to Visit in Miami Lakes

"In the midst of rusted warehouses and concrete blah, there's a pastel-and-graffiti explosion of urban art. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard that invariably bowls people over with its sheer color profile and unexpected location. What’s on offer tends to change with the coming and going of major arts events such as Art Basel, but it's always interesting stuff."

"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"

"One of the best spots to relax in Miami is Bayfront Park, 32 acres of lush grounds that include the Klipsch Amphitheater and the Tina Hills Pavilion. The Fourth of July fireworks and the New Year’s Eve countdown are just two of..."

"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."

"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)."

"For Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Cuba, visit Máximo Gómez Park (known locally as Domino Park), where the sound of elderly men trash-talking over games of dominoes is harmonized with the quick clack-clack of slapping tiles. The heavy cigar smell and a sunrise-bright mural of the 1994 Summit of the Americas add to the atmosphere."

"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."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park offers an opportunity to relax in a serene atmosphere. Also, there are a few beautiful boutiques (The Showroom, First Flight Out, Nikki's Beachouse Boutique) on Commodore Plaza -beach style clothes, cosy decoration, design accessories. Fringed by trees and cafés with terraces, this district has a cool Caribbean vibe going on."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. 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."

"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."

"Escencia Spa Relaxation Room Courtesy of Escencia Spa. Inspired by nature and the ocean views, the Esencia Wellness Spa at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach takes a holistic approach to healing the body from the hot Miami sun—and the city’s party scene—by targeting anti-aging, after-sun care, and dry skin. Facilities at the 22,000-square-foot spa include a hydrotherapy circuit with whirlpools, plunge pools, saunas, and hydro-experience showers, as well as a relaxation lounge with sweeping ocean views."

"This exclusive health and beauty spa is well-known for its unparalleled service and sophisticated reputation. Choose from a menu of luxury services that include rejuvenating skin care treatments, facials, body treatments manicures, pedicures, makeup artistry, a full-service hair salon and soothing massage. Also available are a variety of full and half-day signature and specialty experiences for both women and men."

"Martha Stewart stamps this as "the most beautiful spa in America," so if you're gonna book a treatment at Lapis Spa, then you might as well go big and reserve the Bleau private spa suite. There are two treatment beds, a jetted tub and a private bathroom and shower that accompany your oceanside view. Oh, and once you're done with your Aroma Detox therapy, you can bequest a personal bath butler to cater to your bubbling needs."

"Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Photo: Courtesy Fontainebleau Miami Beach. As one of Miami Beach’s most extensive facilities, Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is where you go to while away the day. There are 30 treatment rooms, including two oceanfront couple’s massage suites (with a shower and soaking tub for two) and two spa suites (each with a Vichy shower, tub, shower, and relaxation area)."

"Founded in 2007 in Miami Beach, Avant gallery showcases artworks which talk about Miami, encouraging contemporary artists of all ages to contribute in such endeavors. With flagship galleries in different places including New York and Dubai, Miami’s Avant Gallery has an amazing sculpture display which includes works of Tom Fruin, Will Kurtz, Dan Alva, Nathan Savaya, and many others. An engaging walk inside the art gallery will reveal to you a wide array of artwork from artists around the globe."

"The place is decorated with contemporary paintings and celebrity murals such as Frida Kahlo and Audrey Hepburn. Come for the inspiration and take as many pictures as you want."

"South BeachWhat you're getting: Mint Chocolate CookieNot only does this fudge cookie with bright green mint chips in it recreate your favorite flavor of ice cream in a cookie, you can actually get ice cream between two of them, and have it delivered to your house until 3am."

"Started in 1985, Whip ‘N Dip ranks as a long-time staple among the best Miami ice cream shops. Using locally sourced ingredients from partner suppliers, they make new flavors daily. Some must-trys include banana nut chip, heath bar brownie and chocolate-covered almond."

"This family owned ice cream shop is just off Sunset and has the best ice cream in Miami. Bold statement, I know, but I speak the truth. And, they don’t just stop at ice cream, their cookie cups happen to be the greatest of all time."

"A South Dade mainstay, this ever-popular ice cream stand has been serving homemade ice cream, cookies, and other sweets to the crowds for close to 30 years. Order online for in-store pick up."

"Midtown Creamery has some pretty intense ice cream creations, like a “giant” ice cream sandwich, brownie sundaes, and milkshakes that could last you three days. The Edgewater spot is currently delivering on most major delivery apps. You can also call (786) 536-2281 to order."