PARKS

Whether they are looking for an adventure filled day or an emerald green leisurely respite from the daily grind, Miami's many different parks and gardens offer Williams Island residents a breathtaking natural diversion to the sophisticated urban living. For your enjoyment, we have compiled this list describing some of Miami's most beautiful parks, their amenities and contact information. Enjoy!

Biscayne National Park

There are several ways to explore Biscayne's amazing wildlife reserve - and all of them will leave you in awe of its spectacular beauty. You could stay dry and take a glass bottom boat or a snorkeling catamaran to adventure across the southern side of Biscayne Bay or get a little went and rent a canoe or kayak and have an independent adventure through the mangrove creeks, coral reefs, and emerald islands. More adventurous visitors often choose to jump right in, snorkel, dive and get a closer view of the fish be-jeweled underwater landscape. Or you could spend a couple of days hiking and wandering through the length of Elliott Key, strolling on the Jetty trail, picnicking by the water, or slumbering in a rocking chair on the deck of the Visitor Center. There are plenty of campsites and shower facilities on hand - simply call and make a reservation.

With many swimming areas and picnic spots at Convoy Point, Elliott Key, Boca Chita Key, and Adams Key, as well as pavilions at Boca Chita and Adams Key, and touting the first part of the third-largest coral reef in the world and a slim border of mangrove forest along the mainland shore, there is no shortage of opportunities for both adventure and respite here. The impressive visitor center, open daily from 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. also features films, exhibits, and information.

For more information:
(305) 361-6767, ext. 119
Website

Biscayne Nature Center

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center
6767 Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Everglades National Park

Featuring 1.5 million acres of rare and breathtaking ecosystems, endangered species such as the Florida panther, West Indian Manatee, and American crocodile, hiking, biking, wheelchair accessible boardwalk trails, and miles of navigable waterways, the Everglades National Park is truly spectacular. With a full-service marina, visitor center, ranger guided tours, boat-launching ramp, 156 miles of canoe and nature trails, boat rentals, and infinite camping opportunities including 47 designated campsites, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

For more information:
(305) 242-7700
40001 State Rd. 9336, Homestead, FL 33034

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Experience multitudes of exquisite flora and fauna at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. With rare cultivated specimens of endangered species and a myriad of plants that have been collected from the wild, this garden assortment is a truly of world significance, and a locus of conservation, research and education. The garden touts the greatest living collection of palms and a myriad of tropical plants. Visiting the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden will undoubtedly inspire a love and knowledge for gardening and plant life in you that will feed your appreciation for the bounty and splendor of the tropical world.

For more information:
(305) 667-1651
10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33156

Fruit & Spice Park

A true novelty, the Fruit & Spice Park is the sole tropical botanical garden of this type in the U.S. This 35-acre fruit park touts over 500 varieties nuts, vegetables, and fruits, as well as many other commercially significant plant varieties. Dozens upon dozens of varieties of mangos, bananas, bamboo, and other exotic eatables make their home in this public facility as well as over 500 samples of herbs and spices from all over the globe. After enjoying a guided tram tour through this lush fruit and fauna wonderland you can even munch at a tasting counter and sample some of the park's edible attractions. This quintessentially Miami outdoor attraction is one you cannot miss.

For more information:
(305) 247-5727
24801 SW 187th Ave., Homestead, FL 33031

Pinecrest Gardens

A 22-acre playground for adults and children alike, Pinecrest Gardens has a multitude of activities for the whole family. Featuring a water playground, amphitheaters, historical botanical gardens, playground, butterfly exhibit, and community rooms, this beautiful and entertaining venue is equipped to host weddings and private parties. Admission into Pinecrest Gardens is free and it is open daily from 8 a.m. - sunset.

(305) 669-6942
Website
11000 SW 57th Ave.
Pinecrest, FL 33156

Samson Oceanfront Park

With transportation service to the park from the city's free Community Shuttle, Oceanfront Park is a natural resource-based public recreation area right at 17425 Collins Avenue. A lovely 2.1-acre park, it features a boardwalk, playground area, vending refreshments, and lifeguard station. And planning a relaxing day of fun in the sun is convenient when you go to Oceanfront Park as it is fully equipped with all the appropriate amenities. Pack a picnic and lunch in one of the park's many pavilion tables and benches. Bring your own ball and play a pickup game of volleyball with your friends until sunset. With restrooms and showers at hand there is no need to leave your post of respite until you are good and ready to. Open from sunrise to sunset, it's the perfect place for a day leisure and catching some rays.

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden

Exquisite in its extensive collection of rare tropical plants such as cycads, palms, vines, and flowering trees, it is a plant-lover's dream. Its landscapes and living collections are spectacular in their natural beauty and exquisite in their tailored finish. Inside of this garden paradise you will find numerous creeks, streams, mountains and lakes as well as the second largest inland waterway system in the U.S. It also boasts the longest natural “land bridge” east of the Mississippi River. With countless trails and a rainbow of flora and fauna, Fairchild is a nature-enthusiast's paradise.

For more information:
(305) 667-1651
10901 Old Cutler Road
Coral Gables, FL 33156

Miami Beach Botanical Gardens

A living bouquet, the gorgeous Miami Beach Botanical Gardens features a multitude of bromeliads, orchids and subtropical palms. Additionally, the gardens offer a wonderful array of entertaining diversions such as gardening classes, cultural performances, and elaborate Japanese garden, a conservatory, and walking tours. Experience the allure of the Miami Botanical Gardens. It is sure to be a delightful engagement.

For more information:
(305) 673-7256
Website
2000 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139