Enjoy biking trails at Oleta River State Park, North Miami.
Courtesy of Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau – MiamiandMiamiBeach.com
From Everglades Wilderness to Urban Oases
Miami's reputation extends far beyond its legendary nightlife and beaches—this vibrant metropolis serves as a gateway to some of Florida's most extraordinary natural adventures. From the mysterious wetlands of the Everglades to urban oases tucked between towering condominiums, Miami offers outdoor enthusiasts remarkable experiences that showcase both wild Florida and sophisticated city living.
Hiking through Shark Valley, Everglades National Park.
Just 45 minutes west of downtown, the legendary Everglades National Park (40001 State Rd. 9336, Homestead) unfolds its “River of Grass” across 1.5 million acres of subtropical wilderness. Nothing matches the thrill of gliding across sawgrass prairies aboard a traditional airboat. Park entrance fees are $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass.
Everglades National Park marsh land.
Everglades Safari Park (26700 SW 8th St.) operates airboats carrying up to 45 passengers, departing every 25 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These 30–40-minute guided tours navigate untouched wetlands, and the experience includes a wildlife show, plus access to jungle trails and observation platforms. General admission costs $31 for adults and includes the Everglades National Park entrance fee.
Gator with guide, Miccosukee Village, Everglades.
For intimate encounters, Gator Park (24050 SW 8th St.) operates smaller airboats that depart every 20-30 minutes, allowing for closer wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot soft-shelled turtles, various bird species and alligator families. Tickets cost $35 for ages 12+, plus the separate Everglades National Park entrance fee.
South of Miami, Biscayne National Park (9700 SW 328th St.) protects 173,000 acres of aquatic wilderness. This underwater paradise offers kayaking through mangrove forests and snorkeling over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, manatees and dolphins.
Kayaking in Oleta River State Park, North Miami.
Christina-Lauren Pollack (@inspirencelebr8)
Miami's commitment to green space shines bright at Oleta River State Park (3400 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach), Florida's largest urban park spanning over 1,000 acres just 30 minutes from downtown. This natural oasis offers 15 miles of off-road mountain biking trails ranging from novice-friendly paths to challenging single-track adventures that wind through mangrove forests and coastal hammocks. Fee is $6 per vehicle, open 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. Oleta River Outdoor Center, the park's concessionaire, rents mountain bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards, making it easy to explore without bringing equipment.
A biker enjoys the views at Oleta River State Park, North Miami.
Oleta River offers a 1,200-foot sandy beach on Biscayne Bay, perfect for swimming after an active morning on the trails. The park's mangrove-lined waterways provide excellent kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities, with guided eco-tours available. Fishing enthusiasts can cast lines from the beach or fishing pier.
For urban cycling adventures, The Underline transforms the space beneath Miami's Metrorail into a 10-mile linear park stretching from the Miami River in Brickell to Dadeland South. This innovative trail offers dedicated bike paths and landscaped green spaces dotted with art installations and fitness zones.
Hialeah Fountain, Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah
Amelia Earhart Park (401 E 65th St., Hialeah) spans 515 acres and offers diverse, land-based adventures for the entire family. This sprawling urban park features eight miles of mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels, with Genesis Mountain Bike Rentals available weekends from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($25-$35 for rentals).
Paddle Boats available to rent at Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah Gardens.
The park’s Bill Graham Farm Village provides an authentic agricultural experience where children can interact with horses, cows and goats and enjoy pony rides. Additional attractions include a five-acre dog park and the Miami Watersports Complex, which offers wakeboarding and waterskiing on the 90-acre freshwater lake. Parking is free on weekdays and $7 on weekends.
At Crandon Park, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (6767 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne) offers educational programs revealing the park's rich biodiversity, including over 200 bird species, sea turtles and manatees. Visitors can explore self-guided nature trails, rent kayaks and kiteboarding equipment.
Downtown's Bayfront Park (301 Biscayne Blvd.) spans 32 acres along Biscayne Bay, serving as Miami's “Central Park” since 1924. This waterfront oasis offers walking paths, outdoor fitness equipment and panoramic views of the bay and downtown skyline.
Parking: Free at Everglades Safari Park; arrive early on weekends, as tours can reach capacity.
AAA Discounts: Members receive discounts at participating partners for tours and equipment rentals.
Fees: State park entry fees apply (typically $6-$8 for adults).
Eden Roc Miami Beach
Courtesy www.aaa.com/tripcanvas
Strategic Accommodations: The AAA Three-Diamond Eden Roc Miami Beach (4525 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) provides the perfect base for outdoor adventures, offering three pools, beachfront access and concierge services to arrange Everglades tours and equipment rentals.
