Top Spots For A Picnic In Miami
The warm, tropical splendor of Miami is best enjoyed on a picnic blanket. Whether it's a romantic lunch for two, an afternoon of fun with the kids or a large family gathering, a sun-soaked picnic in this city is the only way to savor summers here. These, the city's best picnic spots, feature great landscape, ample space and additional onsite amenities that only enhance the experience.
A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park
3401 S.W. 72nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 666-5883
www.dougbarnespark.com
Price: free
Three of A.D. Barnes Park's best attributes make this location a fantastic picnic spot: spacious landscape, plentiful pine trees and amazing bird watching. A.D. "Doug" Barnes Park has been designated a haven for migrating birds by the National Audubon Society. It's also known as one of the few pine rocklands left in Miami-Dade County. Picnickers enjoy a warm afternoon picnic under the shade of a great pine, and quiet picnickers may catch a glimpse of area wildlife as well. This park also houses a wide selection of designated picnic areas and picnic shelters, a heated pool and a nature center.
South Pointe Park
1 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-7725
www.southpointe.com
Price: free
What makes this park such an ideal picnic spot is without question the view. Its location at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach offers an astonishing panoramic of the water and the Port of Miami. By day, lie out on a blanket and wave to cruise ships headed out to sea; by night lay and be lulled by the glistening waters and cool breezes. This expertly designed Miami Beach Park features a play area for kids and a cool interactive water display.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1200 S. Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-5811
www.floridastateparks.org
Price: $8 per vehicle, two to eight people/$4 single-occupant vehicle/$2 cyclists, pedestrians, extra passengers traveling with Annual Individual Entrance Pass holder
Any picnic at this coastal Florida State park is sure to be amazing. In addition to the number of covered picnic areas and available picnic pavillion rentals, patrons may enjoy a little time at the beach or indulge in a day with nature. The picnic pavilions are perfect for large groups: Families and couples enjoy cozy picnics on the sands staring in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. For added fun, take advantage of fishing, hiking and nature trails onsite too. Guided lighthouse tours add another layer of enjoyment to any picnic at this park.
Tropical Park
7900 S.W. 40th St.
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 226-8316
www.miamidade.gov
Price: free
One word aptly describes this popular Miami-Dade County Park – expansive. Choose either a picnic table or a covered pavilion for an exceptional picnic spot with great views of the rest of the park. Also onsite, a man-made beach and a large playground offer all-day options for the whole family. For sporting enthusiasts, make room burn off that big picnic lunch with a round of tennis, a game of hoops or horseback riding at the equestrian center. Bring the dog along for the picnic and take a walk with him at the dog park here.
Amelia Earhart Park
401 E. 65th St.
Hialeah, FL 33014
(305) 685-8389
www.miamidade.gov
Price: $6 per car on weekends
Choosing the perfect picnic spot is as easy as deciding what you want to see. Pick any one of the most popular areas to set up a picnic with views of the lake. Also enjoy six picnic shelters complete with barbecue stations, making a large picnic here a surefire hit. The park's other onsite activities are truly diverse: Choose from the farm village, water sports complex, mountain bike riding or volleyball courts to add even more enjoyment to your picnic experience. Better still, fish at any of this 515-acre park's five lakes or go paddle boating and canoeing with your honey. Kids here love the petting zoo at the farm village, and special events at the Demonstration Shed often include a variety of fun, furry animals even big kids enjoy.
For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.