Lace up your sneakers and get ready to explore some of the best trails tucked away in and around Coral Gables. From leafy parks and peaceful preserves to hidden neighborhood loops, these local favorites offer a refreshing escape without a long drive.
Let’s get to it.
Fewell Park
Fewell Park in Coral Gables represents a small urban oasis with a surprising amount to discover. Paths loop through under an acre of green space, making a quick stroll possible before your coffee cools…unless the central fountain or that storybook green door distracts you.
Benches and a bike rack sit alongside coral limestone walls that signal you’re in Miami. Mature trees cast generous shade, and weekend crowds remain light. Most visitors drift through on a morning walk, and leashed dogs patrol every tree as if marking territory.
Since there’s no dedicated lot, parking on Coral Way or Granada Boulevard is your best bet. Once there, you won’t battle for space. The landscaping varies by season but always feels clean and welcoming. Whether you’re stretching your legs or enjoying a quiet moment, Fewell Park proves that small parks can pack a major neighborhood punch.
Ponce Circle Park
Right at the city center, Ponce Circle Park offers a neatly maintained green space that’s easy to explore. A flat loop of roughly 0.1 to 0.2 mile caters to joggers, stroller-pushers, and wheelchair users alike.
Tall oak and mahogany trees form a canopy above a bubbling fountain at the circle’s heart. Nearby plantings from the Montgomery Botanical Center add subtle horticultural interest without overwhelming casual visitors. Benches and picnic tables sit at regular intervals, all kept in tidy condition.
Exercise stations and a small playground further diversify the park’s offerings. Mornings on weekdays see the fewest people, although well-mannered dogs on leashes are common throughout the day. Street parking surrounds the circle and rarely fills up, provided you avoid peak sun hours. Ponce Circle Park proves that a modest footprint can still exceed visitor expectations.
Ingraham Park
Located in Coral Gables, Ingraham Park highlights thoughtful design and vibrant plantings. A flat, paved loop measures about a quarter mile—perfect for a brisk walk or rolling a stroller or wheelchair without effort.
Shady benches line the route near the Coral Gables Waterway. A decorative fountain and Greek-style columns add architectural flair. Bougainvillea gardens provide bright splashes of color, and iguanas often bask on low walls. Birdwatchers may spot herons or, on rare occasions, a manatee in the waterway. Early mornings and late afternoons bring a parrot show from hidden residents.
Exercise stations, misting fans, and a playground offer amenities for all ages. Public transit stops nearby, though parking remains limited. Leashed dogs are welcome, and most visitors keep noise to a minimum. With smooth trails and ample shade, Ingraham Park strikes a balance between active recreation and peaceful relaxation.
William H. Kerdyk, Jr., and Family Park
At William H. Kerdyk, Jr., and Family Park you’ll find smooth, paved walkways winding through three acres of landscaped lawns and scattered shade trees. The terrain remains completely flat, which makes it easy for a brisk stroll or a quick walk to your car. Play areas are divided into sections for younger children and older kids, each equipped with inviting slides, swings, and a small climbing wall.
Visitors often arrive with dogs, strollers, or even laptops, since some benches offer solar charging ports. Along the walking path, outdoor fitness stations invite you to stretch or test your strength. Benches and open lawns are ideal for a casual picnic or reading in the sun.
A rentable pavilion sits near the center of the park, offering shade for small gatherings or birthday celebrations. The park rarely feels crowded, paths stay clean, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed—perfect for anyone seeking a low-stress outdoor spot.
R Hardy Matheson County Preserve
R Hardy Matheson County Preserve remains a tranquil option for a low-key outdoor stroll. The main trail covers 2.3 miles of flat dirt, with only minor dips and rises—roughly nine feet of total elevation change.
Occasional rocks and chunks of coral add texture underfoot, so strollers roll easily but wheelchairs may struggle. The trail stays uncrowded, and leashed dogs share the path with birdwatchers scanning for herons and egrets. On rare days, an alligator basks along the trail edge.
Benches appear at intervals for quick breaks or snack stops. The parking area is small, so early arrival helps secure a spot. No restrooms are available, so plan accordingly. From September through May, temperatures remain comfortable and insect activity stays low. Open year-round, this preserve offers a simple, well-kept route through South Florida’s natural landscape.
Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
Spanning 630 acres along Biscayne Bay, Matheson Hammock Park & Marina combines waterfront leisure with rugged nature trails. The man-made atoll pool sits just steps from picnic tables shaded by towering trees.
The marina features boat slips, fuel stations, a snack bar, and water hookups. A bayfront restaurant overlooks the water, drawing both boaters and land-based diners. Paved paths and bike loops wind through open meadows, while dirt trails in the hammock preserve showcase native mangroves and exposed limestone. Here, herons and alligators occasionally patrol the underbrush.
Parking fees range from five to ten dollars, a fair trade for avoiding endless circling. Crowds flock to bike routes and picnic areas, but quieter spots appear once you enter the hammock trails. Leashed dogs join most pathways, though some loops restrict pets. Restrooms and shaded picnic shelters are conveniently placed. Between November and May, mild temperatures and lower mosquito activity make this park at its best.
Jaycee Park
Jaycee Park offers two acres of well-maintained green space in Coral Gables. A paved looped path accommodates walkers, cyclists, and scooters, making it simple to get around without navigating narrow sidewalks.
The park features multiple playgrounds, two tennis courts, and a basketball court. Benches line the pathway, providing spots to rest or watch a game. Street parking is available nearby, though spaces fill quickly after school hours and on weekends.
Note that pets are not permitted and there are no restroom facilities on site, so plan accordingly. Despite these limitations, the grounds remain clean and well-kept. Jaycee Park stays open year-round, with cooler winter temperatures making it an especially pleasant place for a Florida walk.
