Top Rated Parks to Visit in Venetian Islands

"Wynwood is a hip neighborhood just north of downtown that features a beautiful fenced enclosure of some of the freshest art available. Wynwood Walls are a group of several building facades regularly painted by commissioned artists. No matter if this is the first or 100th trip to Miami, there is always something new to photograph and see."

"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 as Biscayne Bay, but this fantastic green space is packed full of freebies too, including a great playground for the kids. The Tina Hills Pavilion has free concerts and yoga sessions, but Bayfront Park has some interesting public art worth discovering as well. The JFK Torch of Friendship recognizes the accomplishments of US congressman Claude Pepper, while Isamu Noguchi, who redesigned much of Bayfront Park in the 1980s, has three great sculptures: the Challenger Memorial, The Light Tower, and our favorite, the Slide Mantra."

"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."

"Perfect for families with kids looking for some outdoor fun, Bayfront Park has plenty of activities for all ages. Originally built back in 1896 and known as Royal Palm Park, this park has grown from a small patch of grass to gather on to more than 32 acres of playgrounds, beaches, walkways, gardens, and a waterfall. With other attractions like a pirate ship playground and multiple performance venues, there is always something going on."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"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"

"Plaza of the Spanish Navy at Museum Park|© Phillip Pessar Flickr. Perched along Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, the urban Museum Park is bordered by the Perez Art Museum, the Frost Museum of Science and the American Airlines Arena. The park which first opened in 1976 as the Bicentennial Park, features a waterfront baywalk where pedestrians can gain access of the museums and enjoy views of the bay."

"The Perez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science are both near Brickell, and they’re adjacent to the sprawling Museum Park. If you opt for the science museum, don’t miss the planetarium show!. Afterward, relax at Museum Park, and watch the cruise ships sail away between 4 pm and 6 pm."

"Drive from Miami Beach back to the mainland, and travel along Biscayne Boulevard to get a glimpse at some of the hypermodern, ambitious mixed-use projects under construction: the 10-block, $2 billion Miami Worldcenter, the $1 billion Brickell City Centre, and Museum Park, home to"

"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 DriveMiami Beach, FL 3319(305) 673-7256. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is 2.6 acres of greens. It was founded in 1962."

"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."

"The food is delicious, the atmosphere is really great and their drinks are to die for. We had the croquetacos and those are a MUST!"

"Fans of French pastries will relish the round chocolate lovers' cake by Mirabelle's chef/owner George Berger. Aa light brownie base is topped with two kinds of chocolate mousse: The first is a dense 70 percent dark chocolate creation, and the second provides a lighter texture. A shiny chocolate glaze envelops the cake, topped with a ribbon of milk chocolate."

"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."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Design District. Pastry chef Soraya Caraccioli-Kilgore’s playful dessert spot sells vibrant unicorn cakes, rich chocolate bark and soft-serve in unexpected flavors. Her ice cream, in varieties such as matcha and berry rhubarb, is already pretty special yet she always finds a way to kick it up a notch with add-ons like edible glitter, gold leaf, gold dust, cotton candy and fancy sprinkles—and we’re all the more grateful for it."

"Soraya Kilgore — best known as the pastry chef at restaurants like Brava and Alter — is the woman behind this palace of sweets in Miami's Design District. MadLab Creamery isn't just about the ice cream, however. This spot also entices young and old to create their own sweet-treat work of art via more than 30 toppings, including edible glitter, tufts of pink cotton candy, golden-sheet sprinkles, even a macaroon or two."

"Restaurants Ice cream parlors Coral Gables. This South Miami neighborhood spot is a mainstay for traditional, no-fuss ice cream. Servings are cheap, cookies are freshly baked and the staff—made up of mostly teens and kids from the area—are cheery and eager to let you try whatever is in the freezer."

"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."