One of the things I love most about Miami is the vast amount of outdoor spaces. Honestly, you don’t want to live here unless you enjoy the outdoors. There is so much to do outside, the weather is incredible most of the year, and . Your options are endless. You can walk your dog, hike, jog, bike, swim, surf, paddle, sit, relax, and do all sorts of physical activity outside. With everything going on in the world right now, finding open, outdoor space where you can safely social distance is so important.
This got me thinking about all the incredible outdoor spaces across Miami. So to help feed my outdoor exploration FOMO, today I am sharing a few of the best outdoor open spaces in Miami.
Both open and closed.
*** Make sure you check with ordinances to ensure these parks are open 🙂
If the parks are closed, you can simply walk along these parks. But as soon as things open up, they’ll be fully operational and you can partake in all they have to offer! Save this list and the map so you have handy once quarantine has fully lifted!
Best Outdoor Open Spaces in Miami
{Check out my Free Interactive Map Here}
Brickell Park
Would I even be Brickellista if I didn’t mention this one first? It’s located right on Brickell avenue, has a gorgeous waterfront view, and enough open space to keep your distance during the pandemic. There are paved sidewalks so you can walk or jog.
Brickell Key Park
Again, I have to give some love to Brickell Parks first. On the tip of Brickell Key this park has green space with a great waterfront jogging path and a fantastic view of the Brickell skyline during sunset. It has gorgeous views of the ocean and tons of open space to walk and get some fresh air.
Simpson Park
This park is basically what Florida looked like hundreds of years ago before becoming developed. It’s full blown tropical jungle with paths weaved into it. There is one structure inside the park, a pavilion designed by architect Chad Oppenheim. The rest of this park is old growth hammock.
Downtown Miami
If you are an architecture junkie like me, then take a walk over to Downtown Miami. Here you will find beautiful historical buildings like the Olympia Theater, the The Historic Alfred I. duPont Building, and the Seybold Building. The architecture in these buildings is incredible! Obsessed with the intricate doorways. i.e pictured above!
Little Havana, Ball & Chain + Maximo Gomez Park
Little Havana is a happening spot and in the center of it all is Ball and Chain. Â Rich in Miami history, Â Ball & Chained welcomed music legends like Billie Holiday and Count Basie. Now, the venue has live music throughout the day and their cocktail menu is crafted with apt mixology in mind. It’s a great spot to grab a cocktail to-go while soaking in Miami history.
South Pointe Park
South Point Park, is a stunning park at the southern tip of South Beach. It is a park perfect for families with kids because of its playground and splash park for little ones. Some areas are closed to the public during the pandemic, but when things open up you can access all of it.
Just walking around there are panoramic view of South Beach’s shoreline and Fisher Island. If you get hungry from your long, blissful walks, there are lots of places to grab a bite. Takeout only due to the pandemic, of course. However when things open up again you can enjoy the restaurants outdoor patios as well!
Coconut Grove +Â David T. Kennedy Park
Don’t underestimate the size of this green space. David T. Kennedy Park is typically swarming with people for exercise, sports, and other outdoor activities. When fully operational, the park offers free yoga on weekends. There is a dog park for pup lovers like me, a great bike trail, and an exercise area.
If you are into the 1800s vibe, Coconut Grove is the perfect place to take a lazy stroll. There is tons of lush green space and giant oaks lining the streets.  The best thing about Coconut Grove is honestly just walking along the tree-lined streets and the bayfront parks. It is also home to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of Miami’s most popular picturesque places. Vizcaya is closed during the pandemic, but hopefully it will open up again soon!
{Check out my Free Interactive Map Here}
Oleta River State Park
I just love a good picnic day! Miami has a perfect picnic area in Oleta State Park, the largest urban park in the state. Bring out your picnic basket and blanket and enjoy the many picnic tables peppered around this park. There is also a ton of activities you can do here. For example, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, etc. This park is closed until May 20th, but they plan to open then during the day with limited hours which is just around the corner thankfully!
When there isn’t a pandemic going on, you can also opt to stay overnight by renting one of the air conditioned cabins. There are kayaks and canoes you can rent daily as well.
Brandon Park +Â Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Crandon Park in Key Biscayne is home to one of the best and safest beaches in the state. There’s tons of open space to walk and cruise around. When things open back up again, there is the cutest restored vintage carousel and a skating rink. Another popular attraction for visitors are the resident iguanas, birds, and unusual reptiles.
At the Southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the pride of the state. The beach is not the only amazing thing about this park. It is home to Miami Dade County’s oldest standing structure; the Cape Florida Lighthouse built in 1825. When its fully operational the park offers free guided tours in the lighthouse. They typically also allow windsurfing, ocean kayaking, cycling, and shoreline fishing. There’s also super nice covered pavilions for picnics by the beach.
{Check out my Free Interactive Map}
Margaret Pace Park
Margaret Pace Park is a small park behind several high-rise condos along the bay and a favorite among young active professionals. When social distancing is over you can check out its basketball, tennis, and beach volleyball courts. This park is typically pretty packed but with everything going on it’s calmed down. There is great walking trail to walk your dog and enjoy the panoramic views of Biscayne Bay.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
This park has nice hammock trails and long stretches of beaches. When its fully operational the main attraction is the coral reef which runs the whole length of the Florida Keys. The park’s side is the most accessible part of the coral reef.
Biscayne National Park
Almost 95% of 181,500 acres of Biscayne National Park are underwater. So once things open back up again be ready with your swimsuit and scuba gear. You can also explore the park via glass-bottomed boat tours, riding a canoe, or scuba diving.
The park is a natural ecosystem with marine life such as sea turtles, brilliantly colored fish, and insanely beautiful coral reefs. The park is also proud of its mangrove forest and abundant birdlife.
Morningside Park
Dogs and dog lovers love to spend time in this cute and secluded neighborhood. It’s a nice waterfront park where you can spread out a picnic blanket and spend a lazy afternoon with your family or with your dog.
You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard if non-motorized watercrafts interest you and check out the tiny islands offshore.
North Shore Open Space Park
If you like to go where most do not, North Shore Open Space Park is the place you should go. You can have the me-time that you want or bring your pup with you since it’s dog friendly. It’s much more quiet and open than other parks. The sand dunes are just gorgeous. There is a nice little boardwalk with sea grape trees everywhere. It’s just peaceful and a great place to get some fresh air and ocean breeze.
Barnacle Historic State Park
Barnacle Historic State Park is located in Coconut Grove. It’s a former Victorian Estate on five acres with a 20th century vibe which is unique. If you are hungry for historical sites and tidbits, then this is a great outdoor space for you. I personally love the waterfront trail with giant old mangrove trees lining the sides of it.
Virginia Key Beach Park
This park has a mile-long shoreline and is just a few miles outside of Downtown Miami and north of Key Biscayne. It’s an island paradise with bike trails, picnic areas, and beachfront cabins. It’s honestly the perfect getaway for your family or a relaxing day with your significant other.
The park usually hosts music events, concerts and festivals all throughout the year. For now, it’s great for chilling outdoors. The sunset here is absolutely incredible too!
{Check out my Free Interactive Map}
What are your favorite outdoor spaces in Miami?
These are only some of the outdoor spaces in Miami on my personal list. Would love to know where you’d like to spend your time outside. Leave your favorite on my latest Instagram, so I can add them to my list and get more time outside.
+ See more Miami Ideas and Hotspots!Â
+ And check out my Favorite Outdoor Brunch Spots Including a Map
XO
EV
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.
Thank you for including Vizcaya in your lovely article. The gardens are open. (The Main House remains closed) Our operating hours are Thursday – Monday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. You’ll find our visiting during COVID-19 information at https://vizcaya.org/welcome/.
On Friday, May 22nd, we will have extended hours, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, to kick-off Memorial Day weekend. More info about Friday is at https://vizcaya.org/posts/vizcaya-extends-hours-on-friday-may-22/