Top Rated Parks to Visit in Miami Shores

"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."

"Teach kiddos about contemporary art and get outside at the same time by perusing the city’s colorful and creative murals."

"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."

"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise as Biscayne Bay, but Miamians are lucky like that. Noted artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi redesigned much of Bayfront Park in... Top ChoiceMuseum in Downtown Miami"

"When you’re dreaming of Miami, you're dreaming of Lummus Park Beach, a postcard-perfect spot surrounded by historic art deco buildings, high-end hotels, a winding beachfront walkway, and bronzed athletes playing volleyball games on the sandy courts. This beach is full of action and a favorite among tourists looking for the full Miami experience (Muscle Beach and frozen margaritas included). At the heart of Lummus Park, find Miami Beach's LGBTQ+ beach located at the intersection of 12th street, a hotspot during Miami Beach Pride and identifiable year-round by the rainbow flags at each lifeguard station."

"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)."

"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."

"Take I-95 south and grab the Rickenbacker Causeway until you hit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. This beautiful state park is right at the end of Key Biscayne and gives you uninterrupted views of the ocean—a perfect sunset watching spot. The state park has a lighthouse, where guests can climb to the top and look out into the ocean and the beach below. Next to it is a cement lookout spot that serves as a bench to watch the sunset and enjoy your Zak the Baker treats (if you didn't eat them already on the car ride down)."

"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."

"If you decide to stay at one ofour pet-friendly properties, then bring your fluffy friend along toSnyder Park. Your dog will love this spot’s “bark park” that features a dog-only lake for swimming and playing. There are also some other great spaces for running, fetching, and overall fun!"

"A tap room, beer market and growler bar has firmly taken root in Little Havana, and the locals have quickly become fans. From the former owners of the Miami Brew Bus (and a previous partner of Kush), Union Beer Store dabbles in exotic brews. Whale hunters—those seeking unattainable beers—flock to this craft mecca, which boasts 20 taps and refrigerated cases of hard-to-find bottles."

"a craft drink and beer joint serving southern favorites like hen and dumplings and a lamb belly BLT. Air Date: 08-05-2016"

"You will find Chart House in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. Diners enjoy the romantic setting of the restaurant and its modernist architecture. It is also known for the magnificent views, which you can enjoy via the floor-to-ceiling windows or from the outdoor dining area."

"Tucked amongst the verdant foliage and gurgling fountains of the Wynwood’s serene Sacred Space, Plant’s soothing aesthetic and bright, beautiful dishes are a perfect match for its surroundings. Thoughtful takes on global dishes dominate the menu, like Thai coconut ceviche, adobo-rubbed mamey asado and cannelloni composed of kale pesto and almond herb cheese. The restaurant’s ethical ethos extends to its ingredients – most of its produce is sourced from Paradise Farms, Plant’s certified-organic sister property located a few miles south in Homestead."

"Plant is an eclectic plant-based concept temporarily located within The Sacred Space Miami. Heralded by executive chef Horacio Rivadero and pastry Chef Veronica Manolizi, the restaurant prides itself on being the most sustainable in the industry. The innovative dishes are inspired by the nature of South Florida, and indeed each plate is a true form of art featuring only locally harvested produce."

"Despite its name, DIRT offers clean eating and great taste on one plate. Their farm-to-counter policy is what attracts vegans all over Florida and makes it one of the best vegan restaurants in Miami Beach. The majority of their menu is vegan, but they also offer vegetarian and paleo options."

"A fun and totally FREE activity to do while visiting Miami Beach is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Here you’ll find all the lush tropical vibes that will make you feel like you stepped right into a jungle. And of course you’ll find all sorts of instagrammable corners!"

"If you need to escape Miami’s madness, consider a green day in one of the country’s largest tropical botanical gardens. A butterfly grove, tropical plant conservatory and gentle vistas of marsh and keys habitats, plus frequent art installations from artists like Roy Lichtenstein, are all stunning. In addition to easy-to-follow, self-guided walking tours, a free 45-minute tram tours the entire park on the hour from 10am to 3pm (till 4pm weekends)."

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."