Ultimate Eco Itinerary

Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s beautiful year-round weather makes discovering outdoor adventures easy. The area is home to internationally recognized parks, unparalleled beaches, tropical gardens and a wide variety of astonishing ecosystems. From thrill-seeking adventurers to passionate wanderers, and even junior explorers, Miami has a nature experience for everyone.

Explore the Largest Subtropical Wilderness in the U.S.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans more than 1.5 million acres of swamp, sawgrass prairie, pineland, hardwood hammock, slough and mangrove forest habitats at the southernmost tip of Florida’s mainland. The “River of Grass” is the perfect area for wildlife viewing and birding. It’s home to endangered and rare species like Florida panthers, roseate spoonbills, alligators and manatees. The Everglades has two very distinct seasons: wet and dry. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead offers ranger-guided activities and trail recommendations based on season, mobility, age range and type of adventure.

Flamingo Visitor Center

If you have a couple of days for exploring, head deeper south in Everglades National Park to the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo. The unfiltered night sky is perfect for stargazing and ranger-led, nighttime bicycle programs. Wilderness camping is offered in chickees as well as in a lodge glamping experience. During the day, guests can canoe, kayak, paddleboard or hop on a boat tour through the mangroves that act as nurseries for manatees, seabirds and fish.

Shark Valley Visitor Center

On the west side of the Everglades, along the Tamiami Trail, head into Shark Valley Visitor Center and explore the 15-mile paved loop road on a rented bike or a group tram tour with Shark Valley Tram Tours. You’ll see alligators basking in the sun and herons flying over the prairie marshland. At the beginning of the road is a well-known alligator nest where you can spot baby gators from a safe distance. Midway through your ride, enjoy an all-encompassing view of the Everglades at the observatory tower.

Experience an Underwater National Park

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park in Homestead is 95% underwater and features coral reefs, marine life and a maritime heritage trail. Both the park and private companies offer various tours, such as guided fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, boating, scuba diving and kiteboarding. If you have access to a boat, make your way to Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key for a remote island camping experience. Visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead for the best in-season suggestions.

Visit a Bird and Pollinator Oasis

Castellow Hammock Preserve & Nature Center

Enjoy walking through the tropical hardwood forest of the 112-acre Castellow Hammock Preserve & Nature Center within the Redland area. This Miami-Dade County park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a must for pollinator and bird enthusiasts. With its half-mile, densely canopied trail, Castellow Hammock Preserve is great for families and first time eco-explorers. Call ahead to register for a guided nighttime hike or bat walk.

Immerse Yourself in Mangrove Forests & Paddle Tours

Deering Estate

If you’re looking to experience Miami’s pink and gold sunrises, kayak or paddleboard out of Deering Point and witness the wildlife moving about in the mangrove islands. Afterward, join a guided nature preserve tour at the 444-acre Deering Estate in Palmetto Bay.

Pinecrest Gardens

Nestled amid lush greenery and banyan trees is historic Pinecrest Gardens, located in the Village of Pinecrest. This 14-acre property features eco-art exhibits, exotic birds, cypress slough, mangrove forests, hardwood hammocks and even a 30,000-year-old solution hole.

Miami EcoAdventures

If you’re looking for a water adventure, paddle your way through eight miles of the Coral Gables waterway, which blends architecture, historic landmarks and aquatic wildlife. Join Miami EcoAdventures on a canoe tour. These waterways are a popular area for manatees to congregate during fall and winter.

Chapman Field Park

Splash into a guided paddle tour with Miami EcoAdventures at Chapman Field Park. The mangrove-enclaved channels will take you out into Biscayne Bay.

Get Active: Biking, Nature Tours, Windsurfing and More

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

For an all-day adventure, ride down the Rickenbacker Causeway into Key Biscayne and enjoy its three huge parks that are filled with beaches, history and activities. Strap on your bicycle helmet and navigate the challenging mountain biking trails at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Stroll along the mile-long shoreline, explore the nature boardwalk or join a guided eco-history tour of the barrier island.

Crandon Park

Further south, you’ll arrive at the expansive Crandon Park. At the north entrance of the park is the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, offering naturalist-led programming. Stroll the boardwalk, shallow sandbars and the Crandon Garden trails at the south entrance. The waves are ideal for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Dedicated beach wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility challenges who want to explore the shoreline (reserve in advance).

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Head to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southernmost point of Key Biscayne. Paddle along the mangrove trails, fish off the piers overlooking Stiltsville or walk through the mangrove wetland trails on the west side of the park. Sit along the seawall near the boat dock to catch a perfect sunset view. You might even see manatees or spotted eagle rays.

See Butterflies, Orchids & Outdoor Sculptures

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables is a sprawling, 83-acre haven renowned for its diverse plant collections and conservation efforts. Hop on a tram tour or walk around and enjoy the butterfly garden, tropical fruit collections, outdoor art sculptures, various greenhouses and international habitats. Visit the orchids lab to learn how Fairchild is working on repopulating Miami’s native orchid population through the Million Orchid Project.

Matheson Hammock Park

A 109-acre portion of Matheson Hammock Park, across the street from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, was designated by Miami-Dade County as Environmentally Endangered Land. The rugged trails begin inside a hardwood hammock habitat and open up to a wide field of palms and a historic greenhouse.

Embark on an Accessible Sailing Adventure

Shake-a-Leg Miami

Go offshore and sail your way through the islands of Coconut Grove. You can rent or charter a boat or take sailing lessons with Shake-a-Leg Miami, Coconut Grove’s inclusive and accessible boating community. Dock at Dinner Key Picnic Islands Park and explore the history of the island. During low tide, lie down and enjoy the cityscape on the sand bed that connects Paradise Island and West Islands Nature Park.

Try Hiking, Mountain Biking & Fishing And Go For A Swim

Simpson Park

Unexpectedly tucked next to the high-rises of Brickell is a nature preserve, Simpson Park. Take a leisurely walk back in time through the old-growth forest or join a free nature walk tour to learn about the 160 plant species and the park’s history.

Greynolds Park

Greynolds Park in North Miami Beach is a 265-acre park with nature trails connected by historic limestone structures, a bridge, lakes, picnic areas and a fishing dock. Don’t forget to bring binoculars for birding.

Oleta River State Park

If you’re looking for more thrills, head into Oleta River State Park. Get your heart pumping on its 15 miles of mountain biking trails, from beginner to experienced levels. You can also swim, paddle or fish the delicate marine ecosystem where the river and bay meet. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins.