picnic tables

Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach is an over 16 acre beach park located in Monroe County at the end of the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail.  It is just west of Smathers Beach and adjacent to the Key West Wildlife Center in downtown Key West. This beach is more than just a gorgeous place to spend the day under the South Florida sun, it is also a historical site with significant features that date back to the post-Civil War era.

Bahia Honda State Park is located on Bahia Honda Key in the city of Big Pine Key found in central Monroe county. Bahia Honda is renowned for its picturesque beaches with clear water and soft sands. Lay on the shore and watch the spectacular sunsets that frame the old railroad bridge. The shallow waters (4-6 feet) make it a nice place to snorkel or for beginner scuba divers. Snorkel gear can be rented from the park's concession as well as kayaks.

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).

Arch Creek Park and Museum is located in the city of North Miami just west of Biscayne Blvd. This historic park was once inhabited by several Native American tribes that lived in ancient Florida.  The oldest known tribe, the now extinct Tequesta, once made this natural stone arch their base along a popular native trail.  Artifacts from these ancient peoples were discovered on the property and preserved in a small museum along with objects left by early Florida pioneers.

Morgan Levy Park is located near the world renowned Trump National Golf Course in Doral just west of the Palmetto Expressway.  This beautiful park has a modern community center faciliity which may be reserved as a venue for special private events like birthdays, weddings, sweet 16 or quinceaneras.  This multi-use recreation center has about 5,000 square feet of venue space.  If you prefer the fresh air for your event, you may also rent one of 5 pavilions within the park grounds.

Grapeland Heights Park is located in the Grapeland Heights area of Miami that runs just east of the Miami International Airport and alongside the Miami river.  This park contains the only water park in the city of Miami.  The water park is open seasonally during the warmest months and is quite popular with families.  The park itself offers year round fun with walking trails, an open green space, walking trails and a baseball field.  

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

Doral Meadows Park is a 14 acre park nestled amongst residential neighborhoods in western Miami-Dade County.  The park features several sports amenities including lighted soccer/football fields, baseball fields and batting cages.  There is a lighted/shaded playground as well as a concession building which helps make late evening games more accomodating for all.

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.