Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest publc beach in Key West.  This municipal beach stretches about a half mile long and features a volleyball area, picnic tables, and restrooms.  Visitors can wash away the salt and sand with fresh water showers.  This beach is a popular destination for Spring Breakers.  If you'd like a little adventure on the water, you can rent jetskis from Smathers Beach or bring out your boat since Smathers does have a boat ramp.

Biscayne National Park is located south of the city of Miami and borders John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo, and the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. The park was formed in 1980 after being expanded from a National Monument (1968) into a much larger National Park.  It's goal is to preserve the natural habitats and wildlife of Biscayne Bay, its offshore barrier reefs, and the upper keys (Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, Adams Key and more).

Bayfront Park is located in downtown Miami right along the Biscayne Bay. This urban waterside park is a wonderful jumping off point for a family's time in the city of Miami.  Come and enjoy a stroll along the waterside with a picturesque fountain and sculptures.  Walk over to the adjacent Bayside Marketplace with its shops and restaurants.

So much to do that you can plan to spend the entire day!

Matheson Hammock Park & Beach is a large, 130 acre water-side area east of Kendall and Pinecrest, just south of Coconut Grove.  The park is adjacent to the beautiful Fairchild Gardens. This park was created back in the 1930s and developed by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps).  The sparkling jewel of the park is the manmade tidal pool filled and flushed naturally with water from Biscayne Bay.  It is a wonderful place for young children or beginning swimmers.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located at the southern end of Key Biscayne near Miami.  This picturesque beach with historic Cape Florida lighthouse (built in 1825) is a popular spot for romantic getaways and family fun.  The beach is not guarded so please be aware that you are swiming at your own risk.  Bring your bicycle along and enjoy over a mile of paved and completely flat bike paths.  For fun at the shore you can bring your rods for some fishing along Biscayne Bay on the seawall.

Oleta River State Park is located in North Miami on eastern 163rd street.  This area was once inhabited by the ancient Tequesta people almost 3,000 years ago.  Today, this protected area is home to a large preserve of mangrove forest, native wildlife and plants.  This state park consists of about 1,000 acres and is the largest state park in Florida located in an urban area.  

Crandon Park has long been a favorite recreational spot for natives and visitors alike.  Crandon is located just south of the Miami Seaquarium and north of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.  This beautiful beachfront park on Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County is comprised of various ecosystems of the Key including mangroves, seagrass beds, coastal hammock and dunes.

Snyder Park is a 93 acres natural oasis in the midst of urban Fort Lauderdale just north of the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.  Enjoy nature trails, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and picnic facilities. A large open field allows for pick up games, frisbee, playing catch, kite flying and more.  The two lakes in Snyder Park also offer the chance for fishing.  Nature trails will take you through the Tropical Hardwood Hammock ecosystem native to the area.

Charnow Park on Hollywood Beach is located just north of Hollywood Blvd along the shore.  This beachfront park is part of the wonderful Hollywood Beach broadwalk popular among locals and tourists alike.  Children can get the best of both worlds by visiting Charnow  Park.  They can play in the waves and sand or come over to the park and play in the fresh water splash park amongst the tiled dolphins!  When they dry off they can play on the playground equipment.