Top Rated Parks to Visit in Surfside

"Miami’s Wynwood Wallsare among the most popular, and colourful, outdoor attractions in the city. Vibrant street art and graffiti-style murals cover more than 80,000 square feet of wall space. Inspire your budding young artists with an exploration of this former warehouse district now known for its funky, eclectic, and very ‘gram-worthy, works of art."

"Aspiring artists will love this collection of huge, brightly-colored murals located in Miami's former warehouse district. Pro tip: visit the murals during the day in order to avoid the rowdy crowds and don't forget to give your child a camera to document their favorite art. A post shared by Giorgia Bovone (@giorgia_bo) on Feb 1, 2017 at 11:36am PST"

"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."

"Perhaps the most famous park in Miami, Bayfront Park is extremely versatile. Located right on Biscayne Boulevard and adjacent to Bayside Marketplace, this park hosts an endless list of events from free yoga to rollerblading sessions, and of course, the annual Ultra Music Festival. Aside from its busy calendar, the park itself is home to a kids’ playground and a sandy bay front lot where pedestrians can settle into comfy loungers and enjoy the ocean breeze under the palms."

"In addition to 30 acres of green space, Bayfront Park has an amphitheater that has hosted a variety of concerts, from Elton John to Rob Zombie. The park features several memorials, including one to the crew of the Challenger space shuttle. It's also a great place for a stroll or a picnic, so don't forget to bring your camera for the outstanding views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of 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!"

"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"

"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."

"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."

"A large park hidden within the enclave of Morningside, the area's namesake park is a great neighborhood park, with tons of room to run and climb trees and a variety sports facilities."

"5200 SW 35th Avenue This park was created in one day by Daimler Chrysler executives working with City employees and civic association members. The 37-acre site features a play area for dogs and their owners, two covered playgrounds, one on wood chips, and one on artificial turf, two pavilions, a walking path, benches and two parking lots."

"The Little River's Manatee Bend Park, where you can spot actual manatees, (six of them are in that picture!) is a small, green space to relax, a communal outdoor living room for the surrounding neighborhood."

"801 Johnson Street A delightful Intracoastal-front park with boat ramps, two pavilions, bicycle path, nature trails restrooms and a waterfront observation tower."

"Fort Lauderdale's rich history for African-Americans is presented in this inspiring museum. Many of the honors that are due to pioneers in the African-American community in Broward County are not recorded, but it is here through exhibits and lectures and special events that visitors and locals can learn more of this interesting and exciting chapter of local history. Built in 1924, this was the region's lone African-American school for children during segregation."

"A visit to the International Swimming Hall of Fame entails an impressive tour offering much more than visitors expect. The complex includes a museum, hall of fame, and world-class aquatic center. After its construction in 1965 and extensive renovations in 1991, the aquatic center today hosts national and international swimming events while the Hall of Fame showcases the accomplishments of competitive swimmers, water polo players, synchronized swimmers, divers, and others."

"This fascinating museum located conveniently off A1A and just steps from the beach, will appeal to the champion swimmer in everyone. The International Swimming Hall of Fame highlights the achievements of notable swimmers and contains aquatic artifacts dating to the 15th century. Computerized exhibits let you pretend you are an Olympic swimmer, diver, or judge."

"If you love to swim, it’s not all the difficult to figure out what to do in Florida. Surrounded by all this water and warm temperatures, you might get more swimming done in a weekend than you have in the last year or so. You should come to the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum if swimming is something that really excites and delights you."

"Cecile Bakery + Cafe is located in the heart of South Miami and is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast and Franck Monnier’s tasty creations. Coral Gables Love reader Vanessa recommends, “This is an awesome rundown!"

"De cuela un poco el sonido del bar que se encuentra atrás, si decides sentarte afuera. Pero en general maravilloso todo."

"Melinda's is a casual restaurant and cocktail lounge situated in Miami's Omni District. Nestled in a beautiful Wynwood courtyard surrounded by foliage and an orchid garden, Melinda's is a lovely spot to enjoy an afternoon or evening with friends. The food menu features a selection of dishes, including wood fire oven specialties (the pizzas look scrumptious!) and a raw bar."

"Melinda’s courtyard orchid garden is certainly one of the most romantic spots in Miami. Featuring wood fire oven specialties, delicious tacos, and signature cocktails served in the cocktail lounge, Melinda’s is a casual eatery ideal for a romantic yet relaxed Valentine’s day."

"Some say the path to perfection is through simplicity and Crumb on Parchment aims to prove that point beyond a shadow of a doubt. This casual American cafe specializes in breakfast and lunch with deliciously creative soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods, all at affordable prices. Burritos with various fillings, meatballs with salad, pulled pork sandwiches, the vegetarian sandwich (with carrots, pickled radish, avocado, sprouts, and cheddar) and panzanella salads are among the many offerings at this sunny establishment."

"Crumb on Parchment is the bakery and cafe from James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein inside the atrium of the Melin Building in Miami's Design District. The sweet smell of fresh pastries, cakes and other baked goods beckon you to take a break from your shopping adventure for scrumptious treats. Family recipes are the source of some of the cafe's most popular cakes and pies including the German chocolate and the strawberry rhubarb tart."

"James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein is one of Miami’s shining stars, with a resume that runs from restaurants and cookbooks to appearances on Top Chef. Sample a taste of her Latin-inspired cuisine at casual cafe concept Crumb on Parchment. Pop by the cafe in the Miami Design District, where Bernstein’s mom helps bake some of sweet treats that top off revamped lunch staples like truffle grilled cheese with wild mushrooms."