One of the perks of living in Miami is the ability to lead an active outdoor lifestyle. Instead of limiting daily runs to a treadmill inside a stuffy gym, South Florida residents have the opportunity to lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement.
Plus, Miami-Dade County is home to the third largest park system in the nation, made up of more than 280 trails, fields and lakes. That's why Miami's public green spaces run the gamut from sandy coastlines and large parks to quiet racetracks and open fields.
Throw on a baseball cap. It's time for a run!
One of South Florida's most picturesque parks, Bill Baggs, features a 1-mile glistening coastline perfect for sunbathing and swimming, as well as walking and running. Stick to the beach or keep an eye out for a "Nature Trail" sign, which runs through freshwater marshes and mangrove forests.
Calling all adventurers: Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach is a perfect fit for outdoorsy types. As Florida's largest urban park, which measures in at about 1,000 acres, the grounds here feature more than a dozen trails. Access the park on 163rd Street to find a 3-mile loop shaded with trees.
With more than 500 acres of land and five large lakes, Amelia Earhart Park in northern Hialeah is one of the largest parks around. Besides offering a bounty of green space, the park includes five miles of walking, hiking and mountain-biking paths. Parking is free on weekdays.
A small, suburban area of North Miami, Aventura features three recreational parks within a 3-mile area. In addition, the city is centered around a 3-mile loop circling the Turnberry Isle Resort Golf Course along Country Club Drive. It's a popular spot to walk, run, jog, rollerblade and bike. It's also heavily landscaped, with an abundance of shaded trees, benches, water fountains and bike rentals. The path is free and open to the public.
A Miami Beach favorite, South Pointe Park is located at the southernmost tip of South Beach. Although it is only a few acres from nightclubs and rowdy restaurants, the park maintains a sense of stillness. It also offers a breathtaking view of the ocean with a paved walkway for runners, joggers, rollerbladers and walkers that runs up and down the Miami Beach coastline. Begin at South Pointe Park on 5th Street, and go up to 46th Street on Collins, which is just about four miles.
This 10-mile stretch (which is under construction but still open to walkers and joggers) connects Brickell to Coral Gables, running through Vizcaya, Coconut Grove and the University of Miami. The trail falls beneath Miami's Metrorail route, and once completed, will include art installations, lush landscaping and designated bike and running routes. For now, locals can journey through the track and watch it transform with every step.
Find a new home near your favorite running route in Miami today!