Welcome back, readers, for another edition of ‘Wednesday Wisdom’! We have chose the subject of this post in honor National Public Lands Day, September 24th - check back in next week for tips on how to get involved in this annual commemoration celebrating green spaces, public land, the environment, and volunteerism. For now, feel free to scroll down to our “Best of” list below on our top local park favorites, or keep reading the intro to find out what makes Miami’s parks special to me!

Let’s be honest - Miami is a beach destination…there’s no fighting it. Rain, heat, hurricane, it just doesn’t seem to matter. The beach is where it’s at for 99% of our clients, at least the visiting ones.

That said, in the hearts of residents who have lived in Miami long enough (and yes, it does seem that true ‘locals’ are sometimes hard to find), the green parks of this city occupy a special place, carved out by years of living in the suburbs. Because chances are, most Miamians grew up far away from the pastel skyline of South Beach and did not regularly stroll the neon-lit boardwalk on Ocean Drive. More than likely, they spent the lazy hazy days of summer, not in front of our iconic lifeguard towers, but rather at a picnic table next to a smoky park grill. And in place of palm fronds dappling their childhood memories, it’s poinsettia leaves and dry Australian pines.

For me, it all began when we first arrived in South Miami from Germany in the mid 1980s. The neighborhood of Olympia Heights, where we first settled, was a far cry from the Art Deco scenes I had seen in Miami Vice. We were in the distant ‘burbs, where a drive to the beach on the weekend meant sitting two hours on a gridlocked Dolphin Expressway. As my baby sister and I writhed in the back of our air condition-less ‘76 Chevy, we’d hang our faces out the windows and stare listlessly over the sea of cars at the airport tarmac that skirted the highway. On those occasions, the three-quarter open window (such selective childproofing in those days) was our best hope for a tan line, while our legs stuck to the vinyl seats in a pool of sweat. Feeling that hot was a new sensation for me, and I didn’t like it at all.

Such was the ordeal, that we ended up centering most of our outdoor activities around our own neighborhood’s inescapably massive park - Tropical Park. Spanning almost twenty city blocks, the park was a former racetrack and equestrian center, with a sport stadium that beamed its lights across Bird Road during Saturday night football games and an annual holiday-themed amusement park that drew residents from as far afield as Pinecrest and the Hammocks. When the weekend came, there we were among the suburban throng at Tropical Park, having a cook-out at a picnic shelter, reconnecting with extended family, or performing an all-age fitness sprint along the lake. I was a toboggan-down-the-hill kind of child and did not enjoy jogging in the blazing heat. But in time, and with age, I came to embrace the power walks through the park’s wooded foot paths and the tranquility of its ponds that lent itself to existential conversations with my mom about the meaning of life and grades and boys and what I really wanted to study in college.

Once I became a teenager and asserted my independence by trading pigtails for Birkenstocks, I sought out new spaces. I went to a magnet school in Coral Gables and heard the cool kids talking about ‘hanging out’ at nearby Peacock Park. With the lure of new friendships, this canopied knoll, a stones-throw from Coconut Grove’s Cocowalk, became the new center of my social life. Peacock Park was, as it turned out, the meeting place for all things neo-hippie in the 1990’s - from art festivals to boat race parades, and live music performances to hacky-sack-playing teenagers. In my case, it was the setting of many an afternoon ‘chill’ after thrift store shopping in the old church basement or grabbing a TCBY. Regardless of the time, one was guaranteed to be serenaded by a long-haired ‘burnout’ banging away Santana on his bongo drums. I can’t quite put it into words, the sensation of that bohemian innocence, except to say that the park fulfilled my yearning for simplicity. There, on that shady hill overlooking the bay, I enjoyed the melancholy sweetness of youth. I truly loved that place. And more than once, capping the end of a movie date at sixteen, love and a first kiss found me.

Now, as irony would have it, for all I have said thus far about the beach, I did actually move to Sobe in my twenties. I suppose many a Gen-Exer did, at a time when South Beach still had buskers, mom & pop bodegas, and vintage clothing stores. But even in the midst of that South Beach, the park I visited daily was not a beachfront one. Instead, my daily ritual was Flamingo Park, that shady respite which served as the backdrop to countless evening runs and rollerblading practice sessions and walks to Whole Foods. I did laps in the public pool there, took boot camp classes at its track to fit into my wedding dress, and embarrassed myself as a newbie at the tennis courts, where never another yelled ‘Sorry!’ as much as I for letting wayward balls roll across other people’s matches. That I wasn’t immediately expelled from the center was a miracle.

Then came Soundscape Park, the light at the end of the dark tunnel after the hallowed ground of Lincoln Road’s Art Deco-era concert hall was converted into an H&M. In in its place, we got a cool Frank Gehry building one street over, where once stood a parking lot, and beside it a beautiful new green space. Soundscape Park would soon become a South Beach institution, the place to attend Wallcast performances by the New World Symphony, watch classic outdoor movies, and drink wine in public without judgement. Coupled with birthdays, first dates, and anniversaries, these outings became a mainstay with my soon-to-be husband and circle of friends in a time when we all still lived around the corner from each other. Surprisingly, the tradition continues to this day, for what else can beckon people back to their old haunt like Hitchcock or a wailing young Brando under the spell of stars and bougainvillea?

And as I near my present-day life, I feel remiss to have left out so many other little green spaces in my past, like Merry Christmas Park - the sloped little paradise with the charming name, where I took yearbook photos with the poetry club and my High School crush - or the oh-so-tony Merrick Park - where our 8th grade chorus class anxiously awaited its turn during the outdoor Christmas Caroling competition of 1990 ( in 27 degrees Fahrenheit, no less…those were the days).

I could go on and on, but I hope that my lengthy ruminating thus far will have proved to you, dear reader, that Miami parks are special. And I will remain their champion, not only because I love setting up picnics in the grass, but because parks are urban treasures.

To this end, I have compiled this list of my Best ‘Picnic’ Park Recommendations in Miami. My criterion for this list is as follows:

1. the park be free, centrally located, and easily accessible

2. parking be plentiful and free of charge (at least on weekdays)

3. the park should not front a beach, which is just cheating;)

4. and lastly, the park be an area allowing a picnic for up to 10 people. See Note*

Most importantly, I hope you enjoy this list as a friendly guide to the parks you may not know or perhaps have stayed away from for too long…I encourage you to go on your next day off, grab some take out, and roll out a picnic blanket. Sitting on the ground in a new place is the best way to gain a fresh perspective. And if it’s too hot or your plans get too grand, don’t hesitate to knock on our door:)

Best Bayfront Views:

Morningside Park

We love this park because it has everything! From waterfront views across to Miami Beach and large expansive green spaces, to plentiful parking, sport facilities, boat ramp, BBQ grills, and a dog-friendly policy, it’s hard not to find a corner of this park to make your own! Of course, our favorite part about this park, beside the views, are the beautiful trees that perfectly frame any picnic setup!

Best Hidden Gem:

Greynolds Park

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this ‘hidden gem’, although it seems odd to describe a 240+ acre urban oasis as ‘hidden’. But then, most people I talk to seem to have never heard of it! Situated next to the Oleta River in North Miami Beach, this heritage site park features a ‘castle’, a golf course, and a stunning lake with an historic boat house that would look perfectly natural in the Adirondacks. Indeed, this undulating space makes one feel outside of tropical Miami - it has hills (due to its history as a quarry), and a camp with wood log cabins! Not to mention, they stage a monthly Bluegrass concert here, as well as an annual ‘Love In’, inspired by the hippie peace protests of the 1960s (check out this year’s event on October 16th here)…talk about a Woodstock feeling! I recommend renting one of the beautiful waterfront picnic shelters for a group gathering. The park’s proximity to the Spanish Monastery makes for a great cultural day out or even a charming post-ceremony reception site.

Best Farmer’s Market:

Legion Memorial Park

Site of the eponymous Legion Park Farmer’s Market, this bayfront park features stretches of tree-studded grass fields, ideal for indulging in your market treasures. From nitro-brewed coffee and baked goods to pressed juice and farm stand-fresh fruit, this popular market has everything to enjoy a complete picnic, plus there are great water views and a large playground to keep the kids entertained.

Best Micro Park:

Jean Willis Park

This darling ‘pocket’ park features picnic tables and blooming trees, inviting you to enjoy a post-market picnic date (the South Miami Farmers Market takes place every Saturday across the street) or a family picnic break on the grass (the kids-friendly regional library is also just a step away and hosts weekly crafting hours and toddler sing-alongs). Or stage a surprise proposal at the picture-perfect gazebo! My favorite part about this tiny green space is that, although just off US1 and Sunset Drive, it is still peaceful and uncrowded, even on busy market days.

Best Vintage Miami:

Mattheson Hammock Park

This may seem like a strange category, but some of you will know what I mean by the phrase, “It’s so Miami”. Some places are just unmistakably our city. For me, this place is Mattheson Hammock Park along Old Cutler Road. Picnic or no picnic, it is a stunning area in southern Coral Gables, with massive Banyan trees whose draping roots sun-dapple the street and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Mattheson Park actually does include a man-made beach cove, so it skirts disqualification according to my own rules, but no parks list is complete without it. With its nature reserve, picturesque landscaping, old world atmosphere, and proximity to Fairchild Tropical Garden, it is the quintessential ‘Vintage Miami’ park. Runner-up: Tropical Park - I have to mention my old childhood park, only because it is undoubtedly vintage South Miami, with the sound of merengue and smell of grilled pork shoulder thick in the air.

Best Film & Culture:

Soundscape Park

This space is located directly in front of the New World Symphony building and hosts monthly concert simulcast series, as well as a full schedule of free movies in the park on Wednesday evenings in Spring and Fall. I absolutely adore this space for watching a classic Hollywood Noir film or listening to daring classical compositions over a glass of wine and a cheese board. The pristine park is subtly tiered, akin to a theater, and the manicured grass is framed by surround sound speakers, making it ideal for enjoying screenings on the ‘wall’ of the Frank Gehry-designed concert hall. Bright pink bougainvillea add charm to the space during the day, and the park’s convenient location off Lincoln Road in South Beach guarantees its designation as the ultimate community mecca.

Best Family Fun:

Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park

The second North Miami venue on the list, this delightful subtropical nature reserve is a haven for families, with trails, scenic pond, and plenty of wildlife. And if the fairytale name doesn’t intrigue the little ones, then perhaps the pony rides and petting zoo will! Together with its historic LGBTQ Monument designated in 2017, this park is a true neighborhood park and a comforting oasis. Note - If you are new to the neighborhood, pair an outing with a visit to the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art, which invites the community to free music performances on its lawn each last Friday of the month…sounds like another picnic opportunity to me!

There you have it! I hope this list inspires you to plan a park picnic as your next urban adventure!

I loved compiling this list so much that I can’t wait to share some of my other ‘Best Of’ lists for you in future! From the best ‘picnic’ beaches by area and best picnic shelter rentals, to the best South Florida glamping spots, and much more! And check back in to see our calendar of picnic-friendly events throughout the year!

For now, I will leave you to debate this list - perhaps I have left off a favorite? There were so many others I considered, to be sure (Bicentennial Park is a classic, with its proximity to the museums - if it were only easier to carry one’s picnic table from the Metro Mover! But oh, the views…). And if you want to make your own recommendation, please comment below!

Lastly, don’t forget to circle September 24th in your calendar! #NPLD

*Note: Please keep in mind that many smaller neighborhood parks and micro parks are unable to accommodate large gatherings, due to staffing and other restrictions. In these cases, themed decoration and even small party setups on picnic tables or next to playgrounds are discouraged. Hint: check if there is a grill next to the picnic table - if not, the table is probably not meant for prolonged use. A safe bet here is an old-school picnic on the grass, or opt to rent a picnic shelter, if available. Then you have protection from a surprise sprinkle as well! Please always check with your local park before organizing a picnic event of groups larger than 10 people, and always comply with park rules.