Not far from the urban sprawl of Biscayne Boulevard, North Miami offers a 22-acre jewel of a park called the Enchanted Forest. Unlike the annual attraction at Tropical Park you might be thinking of, this park isn't just around for the holidays. Open 365 days a year, Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park is an urban escape with picnic areas, paved trails, and the calmly flowing Arch Creek. The park's private M&M Equestrian Farm offers pony and horse rides from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends ($5 to $10), horseback riding lessons throughout the week by appointment ($65 to $95), and access to a small petting zoo. The park opens one hour after sunrise and closes at sunset.
Readers' choice: Oleta River State Park