Best places to walk in Miami

Exploring Miami’s Best Walking Tracks

Miami’s reputation for beaches and nightlife often overshadows its incredible hiking opportunities. From vast swamplands to coastal paths, the region boasts trails for every type of hiker. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, there’s a trail here waiting for you.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Situated at Key Biscayne’s southern tip, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. The three-mile Robin’s Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop wind through mangroves and past a historic 1825 lighthouse. Parking costs $8 per vehicle at the entrance. The lighthouse and bird watching opportunities make this a scenic, relaxing hike.

Biscayne National Park

Though 95% underwater, Biscayne National Park offers unique trails, mostly on boat-accessible offshore keys like Elliott Key. Onshore, the Biscayne Birding Trail begins at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center with free parking. Onshore trails are easy, while the 6-mile Spite Highway trail on Elliott Key is moderately challenging due to its remote tropical forest setting. Pets are fine onshore but less practical for boat trips or remote trails. Birders will love spotting species like loggerhead shrikes.

Exploring Little Havana

Crandon Park

On northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park blends beachside relaxation with walking via the Crandon Beach Walk and a historic nature trail through Bear Cut Preserve. Parking ranges from $5-$7. The flat, easy trails, spanning 1-2 miles, feature a mangrove boardwalk and fossilized reef.

Everglades National Park

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Located along the Rickenbacker Causeway, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park features a nature trail through a shaded hardwood hammock and along the beach. Parking costs $5-$8. The easy, flat 1-2-mile trail is popular with families, joggers, and cyclists, ensuring safety for women. Leashed pets are permitted, adding to its appeal for a laid-back stroll or picnic.

Matheson Hammock Park

Photo Credit @ Trip Advisor

In Coral Gables, Matheson Hammock Park centers around a marina and man-made atoll pool, with a 1.4-mile loop through rugged limestone and tropical hammock. Parking is $5-$7 near the marina. The moderate difficulty comes from uneven terrain, but it’s manageable for most. With moderate foot traffic, it’s safe for women, and leashed pets are welcome. The atoll pool adds a unique touch to this scenic walk.

Oleta River State Park

Famous for biking, Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach also offers a 3-mile walking loop, with 14 miles of trails total. Parking is $6 per vehicle. The trails range from easy to moderate due to some uneven sections. It’s safe for women with frequent visitors and ranger presence, and leashed pets are allowed. Post-hike, the Blue Marlin Fish House offers a tasty reward overlooking the river.

Larry and Penny Thompson Park Loop

A 4.7-km (2.9-mile) loop near Miami, this trail offers lake views in a well-kept park. Free parking is available. The flat, easy terrain suits birding and jogging, and its family-friendly vibe ensures safety for women. Dogs aren’t permitted, but it’s a peaceful spot for a 51-minute walk.

Tropical Park Loop

This 6-km (3.7-mile) urban loop in metropolitan Miami features paved paths and recreational amenities. Nine accessible parking spaces are off Southwest 40th Street. The easy, flat trail is very safe for women in this busy park, though dogs are restricted to a nearby dog park, not the trails. It’s wheelchair-accessible with benches for resting.

Bobcat Boardwalk Trail

Photo Credit @Tripadvisor

This 0.6-km (0.37-mile) wheelchair-accessible loop near Miami winds through a sawgrass slough with interpretive signs. Five accessible parking spaces are available off East Road. The flat, paved trail is very easy and safe for women, with high visibility. Dogs aren’t allowed, but its accessibility and short distance make it ideal for a quick, educational outing.

Don Soffer Exercise Trail

Encircling Turnberry Isle Resort Golf Course, this 4.5-km (2.8-mile) paved loop offers free parking along Country Club Drive. The easy, shaded path is safe for women with regular local use, and leashed pets are welcome. Its ADA accessibility makes it versatile for walking, running, or biking.

Aventura Circle

A 5-km (3.1-mile) loop around Turnberry Golf Course, this track has three accessible parking spaces at the trailhead. The easy, smooth path is safe for women and allows dogs (some off-leash areas). It’s great for birding and biking, with a quiet, scenic atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Most Walkable Part of Miami?

What is the Famous Walkway in Miami?

The famous walkway in Miami is the Miami Beach Boardwalk, stretching over four miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Starting at Indian Beach Park and running south to 5th Street, it’s a scenic path lined with palm trees, sand dunes, and ocean views. Known for its lively vibe, it attracts joggers, cyclists, and tourists. Its iconic status stems from its blend of natural beauty and proximity to South Beach hotspots.

Is it Safe to Walk Around Downtown Miami?

Walking in Downtown Miami is generally safe during the day, especially in busy areas like Biscayne Boulevard and Flagler Street, where crowds and police presence deter crime. However, caution is advised at night, as some parts can feel isolated, with higher rates of petty theft reported. Recent 2025 crime stats suggest sticking to well-lit, high population density zones and avoiding alleyways to minimize risks while enjoying the urban energy.

Conclusion

Miami’s trails cater to diverse preferences, from urban strolls to wild adventures. Solo female hikers, pet owners, and those needing accessibility will find options aplenty. Check seasonal conditions, pack essentials like water and sunscreen, and enjoy the natural beauty Miami has to offer.