By Shayne Benowitz
Whether it’s family, friends, college or military reunions, these are Miami’s best parks.
What better place for a reunion than at one of Miami’s lovely parks? With ample outdoor space and recreational facilities, they can accommodate gatherings both small and large and provide plenty of activities for people of all ages. Whether it’s a family reunion, a class reunion or a military reunion, these are some of the best parks in Miami to enjoy the festivities.
Oleta River State Park
As Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta River State Park has something for everybody. Reserve one of their nine picnic pavilions, the largest of which houses 24 picnic tables and includes electricity, you’ll have a central gathering place to feast and enjoy the day. Oleta is also home to mountain biking trails, a nature trail, kayak and canoe rentals, a beach and fishing. You can also choose to congregate over smoked fish sandwiches at the Blue Marlin Fish House overlooking the river.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
At the tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, the historic lighthouse. This is the perfect park for small to mid-size groups who enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. While you can certainly host a picnic in the sand or at one of the picnic pavilions, it’s also home to two restaurants: Lighthouse Café and Boaters Grill. There’s plenty to discover and you can even rent single or quad bicycles for families to get around.
Museum Park
Make it a cultural reunion when you congregate at Museum Park in downtown Miami. Anchored by the newly opened Frost Science and Perez Art Museum Miami, this lovely park overlooking Biscayne Bay features a pedestrian promenade and public art. While you’re there, enjoy a meal at Verde at PAMM and reserve tickets for a planetarium show at the Frost.
Amelia Earhart Park
Located on 515 acres in the heart of Hialeah, is Amelia Earhart Park, where you can do as much or as little as you choose. Surrounded by nature, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and a multitude of water activities. At the Miami Watersports Complex sitting on a 90-acre freshwater lake, wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing, kneeboarding and paddleboarding are available. Kids love it here too, getting close to animals at a petting zoo, and exploring Tom Sawyer's Play Island, a fort-style treehouse designed for ages 2-12. Don't want to leave your pets at home? No worries - bring them to the 5-acre dog park. With doggie swimming pools and an obstacle course, even they will have fun!
Homestead Bayfront Park Beach
Boat lovers can reunite in South Dade at Homestead Bayfront Park adjacent to Biscayne National Park. With a marina and boat ramp, this is an ideal destination for groups that love boating. There’s also a natural atoll pool and beach for a relaxing dip in the crystal clear waters of Biscayne Bay. There are ample picnic shelters, as well as the onsite restaurant La Playa Grill.
Virginia Key Beach Park
A day at Virginia Key Beach Park is an amazing way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Groups will feel like they’ve entered a tropical lagoon where you can do everything from rent paddleboards to lounge at the beach and traverse nature trails. There are plenty of picnic tables for gathering your group and enjoying the day together.
South Pointe Park
If your group wants to stay near the city, Miami Beach has the perfect park for you. South Pointe Park is home to waterfront walking trails, a playground with water features, a fishing pier and public art, all in a beautifully landscaped setting. One of Miami’s most picturesque parks, it runs along the southern perimeter of South Beach overlooking the channel where giant container ships and cruise ships sail in and out every day. It also provides easy access to the sands of South Beach, as well as restaurants like Smith & Wollensky and Monty’s.
North Shore Open Space Park
Do you plan on bringing your furry friends along to your reunion? A beautiful oceanfront park with ample shade trees, North Shore Open Space Park is an ideal venue for pet-friendly reunions. It’s home to a bike path, dog park and a shaded playground for the little ones. There are also picnic pavilions to share a feast amongst friends and family you haven’t seen in ages.