12 Amazing Secret Gardens, Green Spaces & Parks in South Florida

April 26, 2017

While the Miami area may not be known as the top spot in the country for green space, there are some great choices throughout the area. In fact, the city only ranked 52nd for Park Score last year from The Trust for Public Land.

However, finding a park in Miami isn’t difficult and many provide some of the most amazing views in Florida. Some of the parks, green spaces and gardens in South Florida are a bit hidden. While many of the best parks may be well-known, this list will focus on the hidden gems found all throughout South Florida.

Of course, parks, such as South Pointe Park, Museum Park and Davit T. Kennedy Park are excellent choices. These are more well-known options and won’t be included on this list of 12 amazing secret gardens, green spaces and parks in South Florida.

Crandon Park Gardens

It’s actually an abandoned zoo, but it has turned into a bit of a hidden botanical garden. Crandon Gardens or Crandon Park Gardens is located on a subtropical island and includes plenty of beautiful vegetation to enjoy.

Alice Wainwright Park

While it’s just a simple park found on the waterfront, Alice Wainwright Park is something special. It’s hidden from the Rickenbacker Causeway and includes beautiful palm trees with incredible ten-foot cliffs. This is certainly a hidden gem Miami residents should discover.

Palm Island Park

Found in a gated community, this hidden gem provides a basketball court complete with glass backboards. It’s also home to a playground and tennis courts. The park is a private spot many choose to escape to because of the hidden beauty it provides.

Bay Road Boardwalk

The Bay Road Boardwalk may not qualify as green space, but it deserves a mention. It’s a forgotten area found between 16th Street and Flamingo on Bay Road. Those looking to enjoy the sunrise or sunset will find amazing views here. There is a mall waterfront park found along this boardwalk off 14th Street and Bay Road, as well.

Manatee Bend Park

If you love manatee and you want to spot them, Manatee Bend Park is the place for you. It’s a small park, much like an outdoor living room with plenty to offer those looking to relax. You might spot a manatee or a few of them and you’ll certainly be able to escape the grind of everyday life here.

Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park

It’s the smaller park found near Greynold’s Forest Park in Northern Miami. The Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park provides plenty of hidden gems throughout with a natural rock bridge, which was recreated after it caved in, and so much more.

AD Barnes Park

This 65-acre park provides a beautiful place to enjoy the peaceful enclaves and many trails. It’s found on Bird Road and provides an escape for those looking to enjoy fresh air.

Fruit and Spice Park

Miami is full of botanical gardens, but the Fruit and Spice Park may not be one you’re familiar with. This park includes many varieties of plants including mango trees. It covers about 37 acres of land and many don’t want to leave after they arrive.

Virginia Key Beach Park

While the beach may be the largest draw to this park, it also includes bike trails, a lagoon and many habitats. The beach is rather large and not commercialized like some others throughout South Florida. This park is certainly a hidden gem ready to be discovered.

Simpson Park

An old growth hammock in South Florida, Simpson Park provides something you won’t find at many parks in the area. It’s very natural, but does include a uniquely designed pavilion from Chad Oppenheim and plenty of area for relaxation.

Brickell Park

While the Miami Circle Park may be the more well-known park in the area, Brickell Park provides a beautiful bayfront option. Its lush landscape surrounds the Brickell Family Mausoleum. Many pass right by the Brickell Park every day and have no idea it’s even there.

Flagler Monument Island

With a monument dedicated to Henry Flagler, this island provides a good choice to get away. It was dredges by Carl Fisher and it’s located in the middle of Biscayne Bay.

Related: Most Amazing Spots in Miami for a Picnic

While many of the well-known parks in South Florida are great, they can also be rather crowded and you’ve probably been a hundred times. These hidden gems provide an alternative when you’re looking for a place to escape, relax and enjoy natural beauty throughout the Miami area.