Top Rated Parks to Visit in Isle of Normandy

"But Wynwood Walls is a total classic of the Miami art scene and a definite must-have on your list of Miami Instagram shots. Whether you choose to capture the murals by themselves or set them up as background to your next selfie, these gorgeous murals are bound to elevate and totally Miami-fy your feed."

"2520 NW 2nd Ave, This is also a huge stop for Instagrammers!. This neighborhood showcases vibrant and colorful murals on the walls of many of the buildings. Get lost in the art and stay for the great restaurants and shopping."

"In the midst of rusted warehouses and concrete blah, there's a pastel-and-graffiti explosion of urban art. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard that invariably..."

"Perfect for families with kids looking for some outdoor fun, Bayfront Park has plenty of activities for all ages. Originally built back in 1896 and known as Royal Palm Park, this park has grown from a small patch of grass to gather on to more than 32 acres of playgrounds, beaches, walkways, gardens, and a waterfall. With other attractions like a pirate ship playground and multiple performance venues, there is always something going on."

"Few American parks can claim to front such a lovely stretch of turquoise (Biscayne Bay), but Miamians are lucky like that. Notable park features are two performance venues: the Klipsch Amphitheater, which boasts excellent views over Biscayne Bay and is a good spot for live-music shows, and the smaller 200-seat (lawn seating can accommodate 800 more) Tina Hills Pavilion, which hosts free springtime performances."

"When you’re dreaming of Miami, you're dreaming of Lummus Park Beach, a postcard-perfect spot surrounded by historic art deco buildings, high-end hotels, a winding beachfront walkway, and bronzed athletes playing volleyball games on the sandy courts. This beach is full of action and a favorite among tourists looking for the full Miami experience (Muscle Beach and frozen margaritas included). At the heart of Lummus Park, find Miami Beach's LGBTQ+ beach located at the intersection of 12th street, a hotspot during Miami Beach Pride and identifiable year-round by the rainbow flags at each lifeguard station."

"Lummus Park Beach is a public park with over 74 acres of land. It can be found on the east of Ocean Drive and was created in 1985."

"Wander around Calle Ocho for some interesting street art, watch locals play dominos in Maximo Gomez Park, and pick up a hand-rolled cigar as a souvenir. Although it’s known for its Cuban heritage and influence, Calle Ocho isn’t just limited to Cuban food. Go for that Cuban sandwich or basket of croquetas from Versailles, or try some Nicaraguan food at Guayacan, Mexican food at Mi Rinconcito Mexicano, or, my personal favorite, the Thai cuisine at Lung Yai Thai Tapas. Yep, some of Miami’s best Thai food is found in Little Havana!"

"Little Havana’s most evocative reminder of Old Cuba is Máximo Gómez Park, or ‘Domino Park,’ where the sound of elderly men trash-talking over games of chess is harmonized with the quick clack-clack of slapping dominoes. The jarring backtrack, plus the heavy smell of cigars and a sunrise-bright mural of the 1994 Summit of the Americas, combine to make Máximo Gómez one of the most sensory sites in Miami (although it is admittedly one of the most tourist-heavy ones as well)."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park is home to the oldest house in Miami|© William Silver / Shutterstock. Also in Coconut Grove, this fairly small park tops our list for having the oldest house in its original location in Miami. Visitors can tour the 1891 home, The Barnacle, to learn about the frontier life during the “Era of the Bay” at a time when all travel to the city was done by boat."

"The Barnacle Historic State Park offers an opportunity to relax in a serene atmosphere. Also, there are a few beautiful boutiques (The Showroom, First Flight Out, Nikki's Beachouse Boutique) on Commodore Plaza -beach style clothes, cosy decoration, design accessories. Fringed by trees and cafés with terraces, this district has a cool Caribbean vibe going on."

"Last but certainly not least is one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets: The Secret Woods Nature Center. Document your experience as you explore walking paths made from recycled materials. You’ll be able to observe a wide variety of Florida wildlife including reptiles,seabirds, and insects."

"You won’t want to miss Miami Mountain in Collins Park while you’re on Collins Ave. This fluorescent-colored rock sculpture towers over the park at 42 feet tall. Born from the creative mind of Ugo Rondinone, Miami Mountain is Florida’s version of Rondinone’s famous Seven Magic Mountains."

"4701 Tyler Street This neighborhood park includes a picnic shelter with metal roof and playground structures with shade coverings on artificial turf. Benches and tables enhance the setting as well as a walking path, water feature and asphalt for hopscotch. The water feature with a palm tree in the center has a surprise button which creates the effect of a summer shower for those who test the waters."

"West Lake and its surrounding mangrove forest occupy the center of the park and are the domain of boaters and kayakers who put in from the ramps at the main entrance. Boaters can head south to exit to the Stranahan River at the south end of the lake. Kayakers have some mazy meanders to explore where the canal meets the lake."

"2660 Coolidge Street This small neighborhood waterfront park is enjoyed by residents seeking a quiet place for reflection. This passive park has a view of the adjacent waterway."

"On the weekends, stop by to relax to some jazz music while you try some of the best wine in Fort Lauderdale. The atmosphere is relaxing and is a perfect way to relax after a busy day exploring the beach. They have a wide range of bottles and a tapas menu."

"The Central Broward Regional Park & Stadium (broward.org), located in nearby Lauderhill, offers 110 acres of facilities for picnicking, outdoor recreation and sports events. From March through October, a tropical splash water playground offers children a place to swim and frolic in the water. The facility also rents paddleboats."

"If you’re unafraid of the inevitable sugar high, Sugar Factory could be one of the most fun spots to hit with the whole family. Don’t be fooled by the name, there’s more than just sweets to be found here. This shop and restaurant located in South Beach’s Hotel Victor has a huge menu packed with pancakes, waffles, French toast, crepes, sandwiches, pizza, milkshakes, sundaes, and more."

"On Ocean Drive, the sweets-centric spot Sugar Factory serves a signature devil's food cake that's sinfully delicious. The cake is fluffy, flavorful, and layered with a sweet and bitter blend of dark and milk chocolate mousse, dressed in bittersweet chocolate fudge sauce, and adorned with delicate chocolate pearls. Devour a large slice for $16, or snag a whole cake for $40."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants South Beach. Willy Wonka has nothing on this South Beach sugar emporium. Up front, the bulk bins overflowing with sweets and adorable rubber duckies are sure to lure little ones in, but it’s the brasserie in the back that cinches the deal."

"The only thing maybe a little ordinary about this place is the outside. From then on, it is all nothing short of extraordinary. The minute you step in, you can feel the old Cuba vibes of the ‘50s."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"A beachfront park on the historic Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Shaded seating area, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and an splash fountain for kids. It also has 6 fully restored, historic paddleball courts that have been a popular feature on Hollywood Beach since the 1930s."