Miami offers more than art, dining, and sunshine—it’s also home to a surprising array of inviting hiking trails. Whether you prefer a serene stroll under native trees or a scenic loop by the water, there are plenty of quiet paths close to the city, each with its own unique character and amenities.
Let’s get to it.
Virginia Key North Point Trails
On Miami’s coast, Virginia Key North Point Trails offers sweeping Atlantic views alongside Biscayne Bay’s untamed wetlands. This 4.6-mile loop moves from sandy paths to occasional wooden boardwalks, keeping things easy on the knees.
You’ll find gentle elevation changes perfect for beginners, plus unique sights such as rare hammock forests and nesting sea turtle dunes. Shorebirds and wading wildlife dot the route, adding natural charm at every turn.
Weekdays stay quiet, though local cyclists and hikers arrive on weekends. ADA-accessible parking and restrooms are available at the paved entrance. Beyond that, the path narrows to singletrack, so watch your step. Picnic tables, benches, and BBQ grills invite you to pause or enjoy a post-hike lunch.
Note that only service animals are allowed. With well-maintained trails and a lifeguarded beach nearby, this spot suits anyone seeking an easy, scenic walk without leaving Miami behind.
Castellow Hammock Preserve & Nature Center
Just south of Miami, Castellow Hammock Preserve & Nature Center feels like stepping into old Florida. The main trail is a compact half-mile, but it’s packed with botanical surprises. You’ll wind under gumbo limbo and West Indian mahogany, with wild coffee and sword ferns carpeting your path.
Roots and bits of limestone make good shoes a necessity. If mobility is a concern, you may find the trail uneven. Benches and picnic tables await at the entrance, and the nature center offers restrooms and exhibits for a touch of comfort.
Interpretive signs point out Liguus tree snails, local butterflies, and native birds drawn to the garden plantings. Weekdays bring modest crowds, making it ideal for focused birdwatching or a solo stroll. Pets aren’t permitted, and the terrain isn’t stroller or wheelchair friendly.
Dry season, from November through April, keeps mud and insects at bay. All in all, this preserve delivers a peaceful walk rooted in Florida’s natural history.
Kendall Green Park
If you’re after a low-key stroll near Miami, Kendall Green Park hits the mark. A fully paved, one-mile loop stays flat and smooth, so everyone from casual walkers to wheelchair users can join in.
The real draw is the lakeside scenery. At sunset, locals gather for the reflections on the water, and you might spot egrets, herons, or even an iguana sunning on a rock. Wide paths mean strollers and wheelchairs move freely, and you won’t find any rough patches or steps.
Butterfly gardens and shady stretches under banyan and ficus trees add variety. Along the way, you’ll find restrooms, water fountains, and shaded picnic spots for an easy break. Leashed dogs are welcome, with rules in place to keep wildlife undisturbed.
Free parking and simple facilities make this park a go-to for a stress-free nature break that needs zero advanced planning.
Kendall Indian Hammocks Park
For a quiet escape close to Miami, Kendall Indian Hammocks Park offers a half-mile loop surrounded by thick hammock canopy. Unpaved side trails invite further exploration beneath wild coffee and mastic trees.
The terrain remains gentle, with occasional oolitic limestone outcrops adding texture underfoot. Listen for warblers or woodpeckers overhead, and watch butterflies drift through airplants and vines. Foot traffic stays light, so you’ll enjoy a sense of privacy even on busier weekend mornings.
Parking is free, and restrooms sit near the ballfields. Seating spots dot the area, though the nature loop itself has no benches. Dogs aren’t permitted, and the uneven path rules out strollers and wheelchairs. You’ll need to duck under low branches from time to time.
While November through April offers the most comfortable weather, this pocket of greenery remains inviting year-round for those seeking a relaxed woodland stroll.
FIU Nature Preserve
Within the FIU campus, the Nature Preserve provides a quick nature fix in three distinct South Florida habitats. A rubberized loop and packed-dirt paths lead you past cypress domes, pine rocklands, and even limestone outcrops. Raised boardwalks protect wetlands and offer close-up wildlife views.
Turtles, butterflies, and a parade of wading birds make regular appearances. The pollinator garden buzzes with bees and butterflies, and benches are placed at scenic stops so you can pause and look for native orchids.
Most of the main trail is flat and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Educational signs explain local ecosystems and point out key plant species. On weekends and after 5 p.m., free parking off SW 8th Street keeps crowds light.
For a short, engaging walk without stepping off campus, this preserve packs more natural beauty than you’d expect in a university setting.
Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground
If you want a gentle 2.5-mile loop trail suitable for beginners, families, and casual walkers, Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground delivers. The packed dirt and crushed-shell path winds through lush pine rockland and hardwood hammock. Along the way, benches offer ideal spots to pause and watch the sun hit the campground lake. Birdwatchers note herons and woodpeckers that nest here, especially from December to March when migratory species pass through. You might even spot a gopher tortoise making its slow way across the trail.
This mostly flat route has no real hills, making it perfect for a relaxed nature walk. Available amenities include shaded parking, clean restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables under mature trees. Leashed dogs are welcome, and waste stations sit at regular intervals. Whether you stop by for a day hike or set up camp overnight, this park provides a mini-retreat under the Florida sky. Weekday visits often bring long stretches all to yourself, and reliable maintenance keeps the park feeling fresh and friendly.
Serena Lakes Park
For an easy, accessible walk around water, Serena Lakes Park is a solid choice. This half-mile loop circles a freshwater lake and includes a boardwalk section perfect for birdwatching or a quick rest. The paved path stays smooth from start to finish, so wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers face no obstacles. Wide lawns and scattered shrubs attract songbirds and the occasional squirrel, while cooler months bring small flocks of migrating ducks to the shoreline.
Benches and shaded spots appear at regular intervals along the route. A covered pavilion sits near the trailhead, and a small playground offers a place for kids to burn off energy. The parking lot fills quickly on weekends, so plan for an early arrival or choose a weekday visit for easier access. Leashed dogs are welcome, provided you follow posted rules and use the convenient waste stations. With well-kept grounds, simple facilities, and full accessibility, Serena Lakes Park makes for a stress-free, waterside stroll just outside Miami.
Snapper Creek Park
On Miami’s quieter side, Snapper Creek Park delivers a fully paved loop that caters to walkers, strollers, and wheelchair users. The 0.7-mile circuit runs under mature shade trees, offering relief from the sun on warm mornings. Benches sit at regular intervals, inviting brief rests or casual people-watching in a peaceful residential setting.
The path remains flat and wide enough for side-by-side strolling. Beyond the loop, a spacious open field welcomes well-behaved off-leash dogs, while a small playground nearby keeps children entertained. Cyclists will find a dedicated bike rack at the trail entrance. Although there are no restroom facilities on site, minimal crowds and a calm atmosphere make this park a convenient choice for quick outings. Whether you’re out for a brisk morning walk or a leisurely afternoon break, Snapper Creek Park feels approachable and low-key.
Antonio Maceo Park
With its paved loop around a serene lagoon, Antonio Maceo Park offers a low-key escape within city limits. The level trail spans roughly half a mile, making the route ideal for wheelchairs, strollers, and anyone who prefers an easy walk. Along the way, benches face the water, providing spots to rest and observe herons standing in shallow marshes or iguanas lounging on sunny banks.
Clean restrooms and water-filling stations sit close to the main entrance and receive regular upkeep. On weekends, you’ll see locals fishing from the shore, children enjoying the playground, and the occasional boater launching from the ramp. Free parking adds to the convenience, and leashed dogs are invited to join in, with waste stations placed in several areas. Even during peak hours, the trail rarely feels crowded. To avoid Miami’s midday heat, aim for early morning or late-afternoon visits.
Tree Island Park
Tree Island Park offers a tucked-away wetlands experience at the edge of Miami’s urban area. Paved trails run almost entirely flat, making the route accessible for fitness walks, strollers, or wheelchair users. Boardwalk sections stretch across marshy neighborhoods of wildflowers and wading birds, providing clear views without any steep climbs.
The landscape shifts from open Everglades prairie to shady stands of live oak and gumbo limbo. Spotting an alligator flag plant among the foliage adds a rare botanical treat. Clean restrooms and picnic tables sit near the main trailhead, and benches dot the path for mid-stroll breaks. A fully fenced dog park stands off the main route, complete with water stations and cleanup supplies for pups and their owners. Generous pathway lighting makes Tree Island Park a comfortable choice early or late in the day. Though weekend afternoons can bring more visitors, the trail usually stays calm and inviting.
Manatee Bend Park
Tucked along the Little River in Miami, Manatee Bend Park delivers a peaceful retreat within city limits. The paved loop measures just under a mile and stays smooth for strollers and wheelchairs. Curb cuts at each entrance make it easy to roll right in. Towering trees form a natural canopy, casting cool shade on quiet walks.
From November through April, you can spot manatees gliding close to shore. Birdwatchers also claim this stretch for its year-round variety of neighborhood songbirds. Picnic tables beneath the trees invite you to linger with your leashed pup on grassy patches. A simple canoe and kayak launch lets you explore the river at your own pace.
Free street parking surrounds the park, and city crews keep most of the litter at bay, though a stray bottle or two may appear. The sun gets strong at midday, so mornings or late afternoons are best for a comfortable visit. Overall, this small riverside park offers a low-key taste of nature without leaving Miami.
