Top Rated Parks to Visit in Sandspur Island

"To witness some eye-goggling mural arts in the lap of Miami, the one and only destination are Wynwood walls, a mosaic of colors and vibrancy created under the guidance of Tony Goldman. Started as an initiative in the early 2000s to support and encourage artists, now the Wynwood Walls, a popular open-air art gallery in Miami, stands out in the history of wall art, around the world. You can see artworks displayed at all corners and buildings of the neighborhood represent a grand fusion of wall murals."

"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."

"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."

"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..."

"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."

"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!"

"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."

"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."

"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."

"5451 Washington Street A quiet facility, this passive park is known for its lighted walking trail with 10 exercise stations, interactive water feature and two playgrounds with shade structures, one wood chip, the other artificial turf, and restrooms."

"Just west of the ArtsPark at Young Circle, Downtown Hollywood Blvd is one epic place to go for little eateries, independent boutiques and a heap of thrift stores and cool galleries. When here, stop off at Ginger Bay Cafe for some of their Jamaican dishes that are so good. Alternatively, if you want to visit a retro boutique, pop into Vinyl Asylum Records or the other thrift stores you see along the street."

"3150 Taft Street This facility offers eight lighted baseball fields, five batting cages, a clubhouse, shade-covered playground with artificial turf, boat ramp, pavilion and catwalk."

"Barnes Park is located on Bird Road near the Palmetto, offering a string of trails, peaceful enclaves, and various activities."

"The Miami Beach Botanical Gardens was originally a municipal park that opened in the early ’60s; it wasn’t until decades later when the area was redesigned and rejuvenated that it became the fantastic attraction that it is now. Designed by one of the state’s most renowned landscape architects, the gardens are an urban oasis filled with fountains, art, and an amazingly diverse array of plants, trees, and flowers, most of which are species native to Florida. The grounds include a Japanese garden, warden gardens, plenty of shaded seating areas, and well-marked pathways that lead to each distinct area."

"2000 Convention Center Dr, The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is a 2.6-acre urban green space in Miami Beach and was founded in 1962.* The Garden offers free admission and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m."

"The shining beacon of historic buildings of Miami is located right in the middle of Downtown. The recently restored 1926 silent movie palace, complete with baroque balconies and red velvet curtains, exudes charisma. The Olympia Theater hosts film screenings, concerts, art exhibits, and other events under a simulated night sky ceiling graced by Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Luciano Pavarotti, and many others."

"Situated in the center of downtown Miami, Olympia has a 1920s vibe. The building makes for some great images. Tell your photography assistant to take the picture from across the street."

"Sarafina is one of those Italian eateries that draws you in just by the name and the homey feel of its signage and the sheer anticipation of what is inside. While you may miss it by driving by, look carefully and stop in. Great things come in small packages."