Miami Hiking Club photo
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There’s no doubt that, to the outside world, Miami is better known for its beaches and nightlife than for its nature trails. But locals know that, tucked between mangroves, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands, Miami-Dade is home to surprisingly scenic hikes that show off a different side of the city’s beauty.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet boardwalk stroll or a rugged adventure through South Florida parks and nature preserves, these trails offer a welcome escape from city life. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
Miami, go touch grass. Here are 10 of the best places to hike around our city.
Photo by Michael DeAngelis
Bill Baggs Cape Florida Nature Trail
A serene escape at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers more than just sun and sand. The park’s 1.5-mile nature trail meanders through tropical hardwood hammocks and mangrove wetlands, and offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. This trail is a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 260 species recorded in the park, making it one of Florida’s premier birding sites. Open 8 a.m. to sunset daily at 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; 786-582-2673; floridastateparks.org. Admission costs $4 to $8 per vehicle (for two to eight people, and single occupants, respectively) and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
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Jetty Trail at Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park offers a unique blend of marine and terrestrial experiences just a short drive from Miami. While 95 percent of the park is underwater, the mainland’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point provides access to the scenic Jetty Trail, a 0.8-mile trip along a mangrove-lined shoreline.
For those seeking more extensive hikes, the park’s islands, accessible only by boat, feature additional trails. Elliott Key, the largest island, boasts the seven-mile Spite Highway Trail, which traverses the entire land mass through tropical hardwood hammocks. Boca Chita Key offers a shorter, 0.5-mile loop trail. The park is open year-round, and admission is free. 9700 SW 328th St., Sir Lancelot Jones Wy., Homestead; nps.gov.
Commodore Trail Bayside Park
The Commodore Trail is a five-mile urban pathway that weaves through Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, offering a scenic route for walkers, runners, and cyclists through historic neighborhoods. Starting near Cocoplum Circle and extending to the Rickenbacker Causeway, the trail passes 11 public parks, including David T. Kennedy Park and Alice Wainwright Park, providing access to green spaces and waterfront views, or a place to enjoy a sunny picnic. While the trail’s infrastructure varies — from dedicated bike lanes to shared roadways — the trail is perfect for individuals with mobility devices and parents with strollers. 2651 Brickell Ave., Miami; commodoretrail.org.
Larry and Penny Thompson Park Loop
In southwest Miami-Dade, Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park offers a tranquil 2.9-mile loop trail through pine rocklands and open meadows. This easy, family-friendly path spans 270 acres and features a 22-acre freshwater lake with a seasonal beach, picnic shelters, and campground. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely hike or weekend getaway with loved ones. Open daily from sunrise to sunset at 12451 SW 184th St., Miami; miamidade.gov/parks/larry-penny.asp.
Margaret Pace Park Loop
In Miami’s Edgewater district, Margaret Pace Park offers a scenic 0.6-mile loop trail along Biscayne Bay. The park features amenities such as outdoor gym equipment, basketball and tennis courts, plus a dog park for your furry friends. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1745 N. Bayshore Dr., Miami; miami.gov.
Photo by Melanie Ryan
Matheson Hammock Park
Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables offers a serene escape into one of Miami’s remaining tropical hardwood hammocks. The park features two primary trails: the East Hammock Trail, which begins near the historic coral rock picnic pavilions and meanders through dense foliage, and the West Hammock Trail, a 1.4-mile loop that passes rugged limestone formations and lush vegetation.
Beyond its trails, the park boasts a man-made atoll pool naturally flushed by tidal action from Biscayne Bay, providing a safe swimming area for families. Visitors can also enjoy amenities such as picnic areas, a full-service marina, and the Noma Beach at Redfish restaurant, housed in a historic coral rock building. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 9610 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables; miamidade.gov. Parking costs $5 on weekdays and $7 on weekends.
Old Cutler Trail
The Old Cutler Trail is a 13.5-mile paved path that winds through some of Miami-Dade’s most picturesque and historic neighborhoods. Stretching from Cocoplum Circle in Coral Gables to Cutler Bay, the trail offers a shaded route beneath banyan and ficus trees. If this sounds a little familiar, it’s because the Old Cutler Trail connects with the Commodore Trail at Cocoplum Circle.
Along the way, hikers can explore several notable attractions, including the aforementioned Matheson Hammock Park and adjacent Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Further south, you’ll find Pinecrest Gardens and the Deering Estate. Parking is available at various points along the trail, including Cocoplum Circle, Matheson Hammock Park, and Pinecrest Gardens. The trail is open year-round and free to access. Sunset Dr. and LeJeune Rd. at Cocoplum Circle; miamidade.gov.
Everglades National Park photo
Shark Valley Trail
Shark Valley offers a quintessential Everglades experience. This 15-mile paved loop is ideal for biking, hiking, or taking a guided tram tour, where you’re sure to see wildlife such as alligators, herons, egrets, and turtles in their natural habitat. Midway, a 45-foot observation tower offers panoramic views of the expansive sawgrass marshes.
The trail begins directly behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center, off Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). Bike rentals are available on-site, and tram tours run daily, offering information about the park’s ecosystem. The park is open year-round, with the visitor center operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Shark Valley is part of Everglades National Park, so corresponding entrance fees apply. 36000 SW 8th St., Miami; nps.gov. Admission costs $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per pedestrian or cyclist, and is valid for seven days.
Tropical Park Loop
Tropical Park offers a 3.7-mile paved loop trail that’s perfect for an early morning or evening stroll. The trail meanders through the park’s 275 acres, along which you’ll encounter a variety of amenities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, racquetball facilities, a boxing center, and a fitness court. The park also features a full-service equestrian center, four lakes for paddle boating and fishing, and a two-acre dog park. Open daily from sunrise to sunset at 7900 SW 40th St., Miami; miamidade.gov.
Virginia Key Trail
This trail caters to mountain bikers, walkers, and seasoned hikers, featuring a variety of terrains that wind through coastal hammocks and along the Biscayne Bay shoreline. Park amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, and beach access, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day of outdoor recreation. Open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset at 3801 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami; miami.gov. Parking costs $6 on weekdays and $8 on weekends and holidays.
