Nature

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.  

Tropical Park is an almost 300-acre park in southwest Miami-Dade county that once served as a horse track.  It was transformed into a county park back in 1979.  This huge, diverse park offers everything from football games, world class equestrian shows, community center, a boxing program to the unique Santa's Enchanted Forest carnival.  Tropical Park has the standard leisure amenities like bicycling, walking or running on the miles of paved pathways.

Greynolds Park is located in northeast Miami-Dade county is west of Dixie Highway just south of Miami Gardens Drive (NE 185th St).  The park was formerly the site of a rock quarry and was donated to the county by the Ojus Rock Company back in 1936.  This 249-acre park is home to a variety of plants and animals that make their homes in the hammock and the protected mangrove habitats.

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.

Hampton Pines Park in North Lauderdale is a municipal park off McNab Road just west of Rock Island Road in Broward county.  The park features walking and biking trails as well as an area for volleyball.  The family can enjoy a playground and picnic area or take a ride on paddleboats on the lake.  Bring your fishing rods and fishing liscense to enjoy fishing as well.  The entrance is off Hampton Road and the dock is nearby.

Deerfield Island Park is located in northern Broward County adjacent to Sullivan Park in the city of Deerfield Beach.  The island can only be accessed by boat.  A free ferry can trasnport you to the island.  The ferry operates only on weekends and runs on the hour from 10am to 3pm.  The shuttle may not run if the weather or water becomes questionable so be sure to call ahead to check on conditions.

Easterlin Park in central Broward county is conveniently located just west of I-95 between Commercial and Oakland Park Blvd.  The park is a great place to enjoy native Florida environment and still take a jaunt over to the beach.  Some of the trees at this 46+ acre park are almost 250 years old.  The park has a popular campground that can accomodate 45 RVs and has 10 tent sites.  Primitive camping can be reserved for non-profit groups to enjoy.  Most sites have water, electricity, fire pits, and picnic tables.

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.

Long ago, the area covered by the over 164 acres of the Long Key Natural Area was inhabited by an ancient tribe of Native Americans called the Tequesta.  It was later home to the Seminole Indians.  Operated by Broward County in the area of Davie, this nature center is home to a wonderful exhibit hall, interactive classroom, banquet hall, theater and trails.  Long Key is open from 9am to 5 pm daily.