matheson hammock park

I am a native Miamian and grew up on the beaches at Matheson, Key Biscayne, and Miami Beach. Matheson Hammock is about the same as it was 50+ years ago. With the exception of the old coral rock 'refreshment stand' which has been a restaurant for quite a number of years it all looks the same. The beach is not the prettiest in Miami as it is basically a small pond where the water comes in and goes out with the tide but it's a good beach for kids and is well kept. There are great views of Key Biscayne, downtown Miami, and Coconut Grove.We grew up walking the sandbars where now they windsurf. The bike path to the beach was redone a few years ago but a part of it is almost always under saltwater - not good for your bike so the road proves to be a better choice, especially during the week when there is less traffic going to the boat ramp. There is a toll to take your car to the beach and/or boat to the ramp. The first part of the park when you enter off of Old Cutler Road on the right are picnic grounds and there is no charge for using the facilities (unless you want to rent the 2 story coral rock facility). Shaded by oaks, it is a nice place to relax on sunny days. There are paths in the picnic area for walking. You truly feel like you are in Miami many, many years ago. Matheson Hammock Park has something for everyone - picnic facilities, beach, restaurant, and bike/walking paths. The only thing you won't find is any refreshment stand, so bring your own. There are water fountains next to the beach. There are also hiking paths and parking on the west side of Old Cutler across from the park. The drive down Old Cutler is a beautiful one as well. You can bike from Coconut Grove or Cocoplum Circle on a bike path. Matheson Hammock is truly a beautiful park!

A true animal reserve with birds and racoons... A mangrove... and then the possibility to rent a kitesurf or go and swim into the lagoon or Watch all the ships go in and out the Harbour. Excellent for bike riders

This place has lots of little places an hideaways inside. I have been several times and always on a different agenda, either biking on trails, photographing clients, enjoying a beach day, or visiting at night for a wonderful meal at Red Fish Grill located inside the park next to the beach.

Matheson Hammock is a secluded reserve in the middle of a hectic metropolis. There is a marina and pond next to the bay that is great for swimming or a family picnic. It also offers views of downtown Miami and Key Biscayne. It is definitely worth a visit if one is in the area.

I had been to South Beach and had absolutely no desire to ever return. Preferring quiet, peaceful beaches, this one was an absolute gem. I don't enjoy being around kids, so was a bit hesitant given this location's reputation for being family friendly, but it turned out to be the best spot in the city. It wasn't crowded and people were respectful of others' space. There is a restaurant on-site, but it was not open when I was there.

a relaxing, amazing views, great spot for a cookout on a sunday afternoon. bring your kayaks or paddle boards and head out to the secret lookouts of hammock park!

This is a great place to come with young kids. It's an atoll pool so they can't really get that far and there are lifeguards EVERYWHERE!!!! I'm a Miamian and I have spent more time here than any normal person should!

I don't really like to write reviews about wonderful and quiet places like this, because they could become crowded, but this place really deserves it.Just twenty minutes from Downtown Miami and you are in the middle of a great place, full of green, close to the sea, just to have a seat and relax.If you walk around it gets better, great sea food restaurant, the quiet marina and the nature just for you...Just have a look... like a dream...

A great place to marvel in the beauty of Florida and not be surrounded by traffic and noise. A great place to get a different perspective of Miami and the surrounding natural beauty. Boating buffs paradise great launch sites and fantastic surroundings. Even a place to eat and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

We went to the Matheson Hammock park because it was supposed to be good for young children as the water is very shallow in the man made atoll. The beach itself is ok, nothing above average, there are tables for picnics and it is large enough to accommodate large groups. The main problem is the water. It is shallow, which is good for young kids, no waves, they can just slash and have fun. It is supposed to clean itself with the tide but I don't think it does. The water is dark and dirty, we were actually afraid our child could catch something! We ended up going away after a couple of hours.

I have been in Coconut Grove, Miami, for two weeks now staying with a friend. If you have been to Miami in the last few years, you know how hot, crowded and noisy it is, with some of the worst traffic anywhere. As a lover of nature and all it’s peace and beauty, I have been hard pressed to find the kind of places I like to spend time in daily. Today I found one. I left Miami altogether, and slipped into the jungle forest of South Florida. The ride down Old Cutler Rd. in Coral Gables, under the canopy of the banyon trees is itself breathtaking. Just before the Botanical Gardens, on the left, is Matheson Hammock Park Marina. To go all the way into the Marina you have to pay what appears to be the usual $7 state park fee. It looks like there are some reviews here already for that. But there is a whole section of park that is free, just as you turn left off the road. There is a nice pond surrounded my mangroves and palms, and a prominently displayed sign prohibiting boating, fishing or swimming and warning you of the presence of alligators makes the whole place, well, more exciting! There is an old shelter with stone picnic tables, a roof deck, and grills built into what looks like it was once part of a old fort of some kind. Feels like some history there. Large grassy areas beg to be walked barefoot upon, and the coconut trees and banyons offer shade to some of the picnic tables dotting the park landscape. Further in there is a bathroom and more picnic areas under even older more enchanting trees draped in what looks like Spanish moss. (But I know isn’t thanks to the tram guide at the Botanical Gardens!)This was my third visit to this park, but my first time exploring the trail across Old Cutler Road. For me, this was the best part of the park. The sounds of the road faded quickly as I walked slowly into the forest. I love how the forests anywhere can feel like a whole other world. This was no exception. The canopy above kept most of the sunlight out, the exposed limestone under my feet at first seemed like old concrete. It wasn’t until I saw all the sinkholes in the forest floor that I realized what it was. The lack of topsoil exposed much of the roots of the old banyon trees that leaned in every direction. The park opens at dawn, and though I was not on the trail until after 10 am, the fact I was alone out there added to the magic. The trail is a well marked loop, and with many side trails branching off, especially on the back side. If you go more than 100 yds without seeing one of the white posts, you know you have wandered off the path. While the Botanical Gardens give you the tropical jungle experience, and should not be missed, you are unlikely to ever be alone on those paths. This park does get busy on the weekends as well. But on a weekeday, if a little alone time in the woods is what you need, this trail is there for you…and free!

This is a great little swimming hole for families especially - do yourself a favor and walk the mangrove hiking trail; you really feel far away from Miami if you do this. Don't let a little "flooding" scare you either - it's a real pleasure to let a little saltwater wash over your feet as you approach the Bay.

We are new to the Miami area and had been searching for a great beach. We specifically wanted easy access to a kayak launch point, a sandy swim beach, and easy parking. We found all this and more here. The swim beach is a protected saltwater pool, with a 360* beach around it. Palm trees and patches of grass make for a place to sit, or benches if you prefer. Life guards stand duty. Across the parking lot, you can rent kayaks or launch your own. Restrooms and showers are here as well. If you prefer solitude, it can be found along with fishing spots. Rates are $5/car on weekdays or $7/car on weekends. Well worth it!

Wonderful place! Great for babies and big people Very safe with friendly lifeguard keeping the rules

How can they charge for a place like this? Why don't you clean up the place a little bit first? Dirty and smelly water, dirty sand, dirty toilets...