Explore Nature Trails at These Miami Parks

Miami’s many hiking and walking trails provide prime opportunities for appreciating the city’s natural beauty and year-round sunshine. From hiking paths that meander through mangroves and hardwood hammocks to trails that run along the shore, Miami is easy and fun to explore by foot.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, an easy and beautiful day trip from Miami, features a number of scenic walking and hiking trails in varying lengths for all abilities. For short, interpretive trails, check out the popular Anhinga Trail. It’s just under a mile and is known for its prime wildlife spotting as it winds through a sawgrass marsh. For another quick trip, try the half-mile Mahogany Hammock Trail boardwalk to see lush vegetation including gumbo-limbo trees, air plants and the largest living mahogany tree in the U.S. For a longer excursion, head to the Long Pine Key picnic area. The area includes 43 miles of largely primitive trails, perfect for longer hikes through the pinelands.

Sea Turtle at Biscayne National Park — Loggerhead sea turtle at Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park

While 95 percent of Biscayne National Park is under water, this national marine sanctuary still offers some of the best hiking trails in South Florida. Explore the Biscayne Birding Trail to see a number of native bird species. A roundtrip stroll around the Black Point jetty, with frequent stops for birdwatching, takes about an hour. If you have access to a boat and can make it to Elliott Key, the seven-mile Spite Highway trail, named after a dispute between developers and conservationists, is a great destination for a remote hike. Walking the trail is like hiking in a tunnel through a tropical forest.

Mountain Biking in Oleta River State Park — Mountain biking in Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park is famous for its miles of biking trails, but there’s also an enchanting nature trail perfect for hiking that circles this 1,033-acre park just east of Sunny Isles Beach. Hike through mangroves and gumbo-limbo trees and past the beach while watching for great blue herons and pelicans as well as beautiful wildflowers. Afterwards, reward yourself with a smoked fish sandwich and craft beer at the onsite Blue Marlin Fish House overlooking the river.

The historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Located at the tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a nature lover’s dream. Bordered by a beautiful, windswept beach with a historic lighthouse, the park offers nature trails on the western end meandering through the mangrove wetlands and the coastal strand.

Crandon Park

Also on Key Biscayne, beachside Crandon Park is full of fun outdoor activities. With a Nature Center onsite, the park offers self-guided walking tours along a mangrove boardwalk that leads to a fascinating fossilized reef overlook. A historic nature walk takes you through a preserve where you’re sure to spot butterflies and native birds. You can also take a guided tram tour of Bear Cut Preserve.

Virginia Key Historic Beach Park

On the west side of Key Biscayne, you’ll find Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Perfect for a family picnic or an afternoon stroll in the great outdoors, Virginia Key has a nature trail that runs along the beach and across a shaded hardwood hammock. It’s a popular spot for walkers, joggers and cyclists.

Atoll at Matheson Hammock Park — The man-made atoll at Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables

Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables is centered around a marina and beautiful, man-made atoll pool. The park’s hiking trail features rugged terrain and tropical trees in one of the area’s remaining portions of ancient hammock.