Explore Nature in the Parks & Gardens of Miami

On your next visit to Greater Miami and Miami Beach, we encourage you to get outside – beyond our pristine beaches – and explore the best national parks, state parks and botanical gardens. Learn all about the flora and fauna and immerse yourself in the best Miami activities or simply take a load off and enjoy the stunning views that surround you.

Miami’s National Parks

Our natural wonders are plentiful. With access to 2 gorgeous national parks and a fruitful nature reserve, you’ll have endless exploration of nature. 

Everglades National Park

Spanning 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park in Homestead offers a balance of protection – to preserve its fragile ecosystems – and access – to allow visitors a slice of this incredible gift from the earth. You can connect with one of the largest wetlands in the world, where water and land collide, creating 9 ecosystems brimming with active habitats. 

Birding enthusiasts can spot more than 360 avian species, along with staking out Florida panthers, local crocodiles and American alligators. You can hike, bike and camp to your heart’s content and get out on the water, whether it's on an airboat tour or a paddling session. The Miami park’s information centers will arm you with everything you need to know. 

Enter by Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead, or Shark Valley , which sits along the Tamiami Trail (Southwest 8th Street), 40 miles from Downtown Miami. 

Biscayne National Park

The largest and most decorated marine park in the U.S. National Park System, Biscayne National Park[RN4]  in Homestead offers some of the clearest waters surrounded by mangrove-dotted islands along southern Biscayne Bay. Come to explore the outer coral reefs via snorkeling or diving and stay to see the active wildlife, which includes sea turtles, manatees, hundreds of bird species and colorful tropical fish.

Measuring 173,000 acres – 95 percent are underwater – the distinct 4 ecosystems are also open for exploration by boat. With Dante Fascell Visitor Center out of Homestead as your guide, you can paddle out on a canoe, kayak or charter a boat.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Encompassing nearly 730,000 acres of wetlands rich with marine estuaries along the southwest Florida coast, Big Cypress National Preserve[RN5]  is located about 45 miles west of Miami. You’ll find Florida panthers roaming, and from November through April, you can embark on swamp tours, canoe trips and guided ranger chats. Take advantage of the more temperate climate with an overnight stay, thanks to several campground options. 

State Parks in Miami

When you’re searching for more things to do among nature, consider our state parks, which offer local riches set amid historic and natural habitats to immerse yourself year-round. 

Oleta River State Park

With 1,033 acres to venture through, Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach is the largest urban park in Florida, and is known for its scenic mountain biking – there’s 15 miles of unpaved trails. Plus, Oleta Park’s fishing and paddling are popular here, due to the park’s access to Maule Lake on the east side and the mangrove-clad Intracoastal Waterway on the west side. 

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Key Biscayne is home to the over 400-acres coastal habitat known as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park , with a hardwood hammock restoration and native vegetation to explore. If you’re looking for more places to visit with great birding, this is the one – many species park here to breed from the northeastern U.S., mid-Atlantic and eastern Canada before taking flight to the Atlantic Flyway in the fall months en route to their winter homes along the Caribbean and northern South America. You'll also enjoy lazing on and swimming from the mile of beachfront access. You can make a stop to tour the historic lighthouse or choose between 2 on-site restaurants to grab a bite.

The Barnacle Historic State Park

One of Coconut Grove’s waterside gems, The Barnacle Historic State Park was once the home of Ralph Munroe, former yacht designer and Coconut Grove pioneer. Today, the park is lush with tropical vegetation and offers unparalleled Biscayne Bay views. Take a self-guided walk around and note the many old trees on the property, which remain thanks to Munroe’s preservation efforts – there’s only a single paved trail for 1 vehicle. Take a tour inside the Barnacle House and Boathouse, too. 

Gardens and Botanical Parks in Miami

Once you’ve made your rounds to our national and state parks, slow things down a bit with strolls through notable gardens and botanical parks. These gems are saturated with vibrant beauty and offer great places for peaceful walks and contemplation.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center

An educational facility with an exhibition space, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in Key Biscayne offers environmental education and serves as an ambassador of environmental stewardship.

Planted on the north end of Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park , the sites are immaculate all around: Beaches, coastal dunes and tropical hammocks add lots of scenic flavor to Bear Cut Nature Preserve. The center is not only an excellent place for learning with a hands-on lens, but also welcomes visitors on guided tours with a local naturalist who curates events, workshops and exhibits on-site.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

A 3-acre haven hidden in lively Miami Beach, the renovated Miami Beach Botanical Garden showcases more than 100 palm species, along with native plants and orchids. With serene water features that enhance the ambiance, your easy access to natural beauty-laced zen at this botanical garden awaits. The venue also plays host to a rotating roster of workshops, educational classes and wellness events, so make sure to check the calendar listings before you visit. 

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

A Coral Gables mainstay, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is named after explorer and pioneering botanist, Dr. David Fairchild. He introduced flowering cherries, various bamboo varietals, dates, mangos, nectarines, soybeans and pistachios to the U.S. prior to curating this unique garden refuge. 

Wander the Fairchild Tropical Gardens, take in the exhibits and check the event calendar – a chocolate festival, mango festival and orchids festival are just a few of the annual draws. Nearby, you can also stop and explore Vizcaya Museum & Gardens or The Kampong if you’re interested in additional stunning natural sights in Coral Gables. 

Pinecrest Gardens

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sitting along lush botanical gardens that span 14 acres, Pinecrest Gardens is in the suburban village of Pinecrest. This Florida botanical garden originated at Parrot Jungle circa 1936, and now includes a petting zoo, butterfly exhibit, water playground and an amphitheater that hosts art-driven performances. In addition, the venue also hosts local garden and horticulture organization meetings and workshops. 

Fruit & Spice Park

An exotic property, don’t skip the 37-acre Fruit & Spice Park[RN14]  in South Dade, which offers guided tours of more than 500 fruits – there are 180 mango species alone – vegetables and herbs, along with spices and nuts that grow all around. You’re invited to taste the Miami fruit and seasonal produce, whether on a tour or while visiting the store, and of course, stock up on local artisanal goods, in addition to your favorite samples.