Ahoy Matey! Did you know there is a pirate themed playground in Altos Del Mar Park in Miami Beach?…read moreGather up the crew and anchors away for the most almost free fun a fledgling pirate can have. You still have to pay for parking. I recommend the parking lot next door. The Pirate Park Playground was built by Superior Playgrounds who was tasked with designing a one-of-a-kind pirate theme play space to spark creative play and provide a safe place for budding buccaneers to play. The playground is made of recycled material like milk jugs and was created to be corrosion resistant so that it would always look good in this salt water coastal ecosystem. Located only 100 feet from the beach, the playground is fenced in for safety. There is a large pirate ship for older children to climb on and slide down and a smaller area for younger privateers. The crows nest with rigging looked especially fun to climb. Other playground play structures include clownfish and blue tang fish spring riders, a custom octopus playhouse, and palm tree shade. There are four triangle sail shades and poured-in-place safety surfacing to protect little knees and bottoms. Bathrooms are nearby. During my visit the playground was filled with kids and their families enjoying the nautical theme. This unique play space fosters imagination and physical movement for the youngest North Beach residents and visitors.

Amazing park next to the beach. It's very clean and enclosed so the kids can not run away…read more Restrooms right next to it. We walked right over to the beach which was amazing. I will return !

A big beautiful park close bye the beach. Tennis courts, soccer/football field as well as a new…read morebaseball field in process. Drinking fountains, bathrooms and benches!!! We love to walk here and have lunch.

Drop in tennis drills are awesome. Good people and the pace keeps moving. They guard the level…read morewell. And who doesn't love a clay court. Demo a racket or buy your own.

This public park located in South Beach Miami offers various outdoor activities such as sunbathing,…read moreswimming, picnicking, playground and stunning views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean. Located at Ocean Dr and 3rd St., it features a a nice park at the southern end of Miami Beach.

This ocean front park in Miami Beach is named in honor of my favorite Floridian, Marjory Stoneman…read moreDouglas (1890-1998). Douglas was an author and environmentalist whose seminal book The Everglades: River of Grass brought awareness to the importance of this ecosystem preserving it from development. She worked with Ernest Coe to have the Everglades named a National Park. Douglas was a tireless champion for the environment and so it seems appropriate that a number of parks have been named in her honor, including this beach park in Miami Beach. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park has a limited number of metered spaces along the street. Parking can be frustrating depending on how busy the park is. It is worth the effort though because the park is a leafy green oasis filled with tall shade trees. As I was walking around I couldn't help but notice the trees were filled with squeaky Monk Parakeets. The centerpiece of the park is an enclosed, large, shade covered playground with poured in place surface surrounded by benches. There are two play sections, one for ages 2-5, and one for ages 5-12. The playground has slides and climbing structures. Other park amenities include a shower, restrooms, and a water fountain. Surrounding the park are large paved paths ideal for walking and biking. The park offers direct beach access and at the perimeter you can pick up an electric City Bike which I think is the best and most fun way to see South Beach and avoid the parking headache. With the playground, beach, and all the other amenities, this is a great place for a family outing.

Lummus Park runs between Ocean Drive and the beach, acting as a beautiful green space in the middle…read moreof South Beach. It's lined with palm trees, walking paths, workout areas, and beach access points. People come here to jog, cycle, relax on benches, or watch the sunset. The park also offers some of the best views of the ocean and the colorful lifeguard towers. Restrooms are there at end of park.

I love lummus park! I come here for different events- Pride being the biggest one. Parking isn't…read morebad once you get into south beach. I prefer to uber or take the trolly though! Bathrooms are surprisingly clean for public bathrooms.

As many times as I've been to Miami, I can't believe I never checked out this park. It's as far…read moresouth as you can go on South beach, but it is totally worth it. It's beautiful! Whether you sit on a bench or the rocks and watch the big ships and cruises pass by, watch the palm trees blow in the breeze, watch the lizards scurry around, or watch people jogging around or doing yoga, it's a serene time. There are plenty of trees, and there's a lovely path to the pier where you see a bunch of needlefish in the water. I passed by a playground and what I believe is a shop as well. There's even a fancy looking restaurant that overlooks the water that I bet is worth a visit! Depending on where I stayed next time, I may become a regular at this park during my visits.

This beautiful pier is located at the southernmost point of Miami Beach. From here, you get a…read morewonderful view of the coast and water. We rented bikes and had a pleasant ride through the park with many stops for pictures. it's the perfect place for a beachy or athletic photoshoot. Very instagramable!

Great playground right off the beach. Close enough to the bars to keep the parents entertained by…read moretheir children's game of freeze tag. I almost removed 1 star for the absence of enough benches for the adults to sit in but could not bring myself to do so after watching my daughter play here for well over an hr. Modern playground facilities in a tranquil setting lends this area to a wonderful play time break from playing at the beach. From here we plan to walk to a Colombian bakery as a treat for a day well played! There is also a couple of volleyball courts adjacent to keep you entertained while your kids decide who is the lava monster for the 50th time

Who knew there used to be a Polo field in Miami Beach!…read more The polo field was enjoyed by millionaires and ran from 11th to 15th streets east of Alton Road. It was located adjacent to Carl Fisher's Nautilus hotel. Today you are still greeted by a reminder from that bygone era by the polo player statue. "The Polo Player" statue was built in 1923 and is still a prominent figure at Polo Park, Miami Beach. This park is one of the oldest in Miami Beach. The land was part of the Flamingo Golf Course, which was built in 1921 for Carl Fisher's hotel. The Northern end of the park was a polo field. A hurricane destroyed the golf course in 1926. The city of Miami Beach purchased the land in 1929. The park was used for boxing matches. An open air theater was built in the park in 1932. The theater was later demolished.

I was curious as to why there would be Polo Park in Miami Beach. Polo is a sport you would more…read moreassociate with Wellington. It turns out there once was an actual polo playing field on Miami Beach adjacent to Carl Fisher's Nautilus Hotel. The polo field enjoyed by millionaires ran from 11th to 15th streets east of Alton Road. When you enter the park you are still greeted by a reminder from that bygone era by the polo player statue created in 1923 but today you are more likely to find pickleball than polo. In addition to the the pickleball courts in this spacious 4.6 acre park, Polo Park also has tennis courts, a USE fitness station, basketball courts, a softball field, open field area, walking path, and a shade covered playground for ages 2-5 and 5-12. The playground is fenced in for safety and has poured-in-place rubber surfacing, spring rider, twirl around, and swings. I came during one of South Florida's frequent rainstorms so I had the park to myself except for a gentleman walking around the perimeter for exercise. When the weather is nicer I can easily envision this park filled with fitness enthusiasts. pickle ball players, and kids enjoying the playground.

This is very clean park with a cornered off area for the kids. Then standing majestically…read moreoverlooking the other part of the park area is Carl Fisher. Who is he you might ask? He was a key figure in the development of Miami Beach. This is definitely worthy of a stop. They have some very pretty trees here. Pleasant for a pit stop, rest and some shade.

Fisher Park was named in honor of Carl G. Fisher who left his fingerprints all over Miami Beach…read more Fisher was an entrepreneur who made money in the automotive industry, highway construction, and real estate development. Along with his partner Jim Allison, he developed automobile lights based on acetelyene gas and the men millionaires in 1917 when they sold their Prest-O-Lite company. The partners went on to found the Indianapolis 500 Speedway and the Lincoln Highway. On a vacation to Miami in 1910, Fisher saw the potential in the swampland that ran between Miami and the ocean. Along with John S. Collins and the Lummus Brothers, Fisher was a founder and developer of Miami Beach. In 1913 he built the first luxury hotel in the area followed shortly after by the Lincoln Road shopping district. Fisher built a street car connection to Flagler's railroad so he could develop the area. He invested in infrastructure and set Miami Beach on the path to be the tourist destination it is today. On April 10, 1941 the citizens of Miami dedicated a memorial to Carl G. Fisher. The memorial features a bronze bust of Fisher, wearing his floppy hat, glasses, and smiling. Fisher was known for his trademark glasses. He suffered from severe astigmatism, which resulted in difficulty paying attention in school, headaches, eyestrain, and blurred vision. The vision problem was so bad that he ended up quitting school at age 12. The inscription on the monument reads: "Carl Graham Fisher - he carved a great city out of a jungle". The memorial is located in Fisher park at the corner of Alton Road and Lakeview Drive. Fisher Park also has a recently renovated 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old covered playground with a poured rubber surface. The playground has a back to nature theme. Play equipment includes a tree house, education tree area, dragonfly seesaw, and mushroom spinner. The park also has an open space with large tree for shade and benches. The park is open Monday - Sunday; Sunrise to Sunset.

this was my 3rd visit to city, and i am not sure, why i had not visited this site...In the heart of…read moreDowntown Miami, just a short drive from Edgewater, lies a place where city life meets waterfront beauty it is a beautiful spot right next to the bright blue water of Biscayne Bay, great place to relax. There are palm trees, a little sandy beach area, and nice open spaces. What makes it even cooler is that the peaceful park sits right beside downtown Miami's tall buildings. You get a mix of nature and city views at the same time. Plus, there are plenty of good restaurants and bars nearby, so it's a nice place to hang out and enjoy the area. Park also offers Amphitheater: Hosting up to 10,000 guests for concerts, festivals, and performances. Tina Hills Pavilion: A charming open-air venue perfect for smaller gatherings and community events. Restored Fountain: an Scenic Baywalk: A favorite for walkers, joggers, and those seeking stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown skyline. it is a must-visit attraction. Bayfront Park sits on the bay of Biscayne Bay and offers beautiful views from many angles.

Bayfront Park, originally named Royal Palm Park, is the oldest public gathering space in Greater…read moreMiami. It was established in 1896 and began with a pavilion and green space used for sports activities. The park was also used for political and religious gatherings near the railroad tracks and tidal marshes. In 1922, the city constructed a retaining wall to create a formal park. Warren Manning, who had worked for Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., was commissioned for the design. The 62-acre park officially opened in March 1925 and included pathways, tropical landscaping, and a wide pedestrian promenade that extended from East Flagler Street to the bay. The 1926 hurricane destroyed much of the park. A year later, the city installed a bandshell, a grotto, and a rock garden on the waterfront. During World War II, the U.S. Navy took over the park and used it as part of its critical operations in the area. In 1943, the Navy installed the Dade County War Memorial. The military returned the park to the city in 1950, but it was in a battered state. The city built a library that blocked the view of the bay, and the following two decades saw little investment in the park. In 1980, the City of Miami approved a budget of $10 million to redesign the park. Famous Japanese-American modernist artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi was chosen for the task. His inspiration was to create a village green for downtown Miami. He convinced the city to remove the R.C. Gardner Bandshell, which had fallen into disrepair, as well as the library, and to restore Manning's pedestrian promenade. His plan also called for adding new amphitheaters and a large fountain at the end of a promenade flowing from East Flagler Street. The busts and statues of Hispanic leaders were relocated to an area outside the park. Eventually, the project ballooned to more than $40 million, much of it paid for through grants. Noguchi passed away during the construction of the park, but the torch was passed to his longtime collaborator, Shoji Sadao, who carried out his plans and vision. Today, Bayfront Park is maintained by the Bayfront Park Management Trust, a limited agency of the City of Miami. It is smaller than when it originally opened and currently encompasses 32 acres. A highlight of the park is its stunning views of Biscayne Bay. The park is also a culturally important outdoor museum, with art and monuments that add beauty and historical perspective. The Dade County War Memorial was restored in the 1990s, and there are statues honoring Claude D. Pepper and Julia Tuttle, the "Mother of Miami." The park still contains all of the major elements of the Noguchi plan, including the centerpiece fountain, although it is currently closed for repairs. It also features the Lee and Tina Hills Playground, open lawn spaces, a sandy beach area, the tropical rock garden, and the historic waterfall from 1926. A visit to downtown Miami would not be complete without a stop at Bayfront Park. The park is within walking distance of attractions such as the Freedom Tower, Bayside Marketplace, Kaseya Center, Museum Park, and numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. If there is a downside, it is that parking in downtown Miami is scarce and expensive. I have attended many outdoor concerts here through the years, and it is also the site of the popular Ultra Music Festival every March. In June, the park will host the FIFA Fan Festival when Miami welcomes the World Cup. A recent visit found me admiring the many sculptures throughout the park. Bayfront Park is still evolving, and future plans call for new lighting, a café, and additional redesign elements. Known as "Miami's Front Porch," it remains a vital outdoor oasis of green space for residents of the surrounding towers and visitors to the city alike.

What is listed on Yelp as Island View Park is really just part of Maurice Gibb Park. Once called…read moreIsland View park, this three acre park had it's name changed in to honor the death Maurice Gibb who passed away from cardiac arrest while undergoing surgery at the age of 53 in 2003. Maurice was a member of the seven time Grammy award winning musical group the Bee Gees. He liked to take in the view from the park and the group recorded at Criteria Studios now the Hit Factory in North Miami in the late 70's and early 80's. Maurice also lived in the area. His former home sold for 13 million in 2012. In 2007, the year the name change took place at the park, it received $75,000 worth of improvements including landscaping and a three ring mosaic that was created by artist Dale Bryant. It was added to the park near the sea wall. The yellow ring represents peace, red is love, and blue is tranquility. The park was rededicated in a ceremony attended by members of Maurice Gibb's family. Tributes to Maurice Gibb are small in the park. Besides the ring on the southeast corner of the park there is a small granite carving with his name and there is a plaque outside the playground. In March of this year, the park reopened with two upgraded scenic lookout areas over Biscayne Bay, a green space, a brand new music-themed playground, a new dog park, fishing pier, shade structures, pavilion, outdoor seating, walking paths and additional native trees and shrubs. A living shoreline was created to minimize coastal erosion while creating a natural habitat for fish, aquatic plants, and wildlife. There park has 30 spots in the lot and you have to pay at the kiosk or through the phone app. Additionally there are also a few street spots, also pay by app. The main attraction of this park is the stunning water front view. You can sit on a bench and watch the mega yachts sail by. On the southern end of the park is a wooden boardwalk providing a view of the Venetian causeway. You can launch a kayak from the park to Flagler Monument Island. It is about a 15 minute paddle from here. This park is the perfect place to take in the view of Biscayne Bay and enjoy being outside in the beautiful Florida sunshine.

Island View Park in Purdy Avenue is a well maintained park on this part of South Beach. You can…read morestroll, walk your dog, jog, do yoga and relax and enjoy the view. Close to a lot of restaurants, publix and shops. Check it out!