Where We Actually Go Outside in South Florida (A Running List)

The spots worth knowing about, organized by what you're actually in the mood for

Published: May 25, 2025 | South Florida Outdoor Life | Play Outside Co.

People who don't live here assume South Florida is just beach and strip malls.

People who do live here know it's one of the most ecologically strange and beautiful places in the country, and also that finding the good spots requires either knowing someone local or doing a lot of trial and error.

This is the list I wish someone had handed me when I moved here. Organized not by geography but by mood, because that's how outdoor decisions actually get made.

We keep a fuller version of this over on our South Florida outdoor guide, but here's the version you can screenshot and reference on a Sunday morning when you're trying to figure out where to go.

When You Want Water and Didn't Plan Ahead

Oleta River State Park, Miami. This one consistently surprises people. It's in the middle of North Miami and it feels like you've stepped into a completely different world. Kayak and paddleboard rentals on site, mangrove tunnels to paddle through, mountain biking trails, and a small beach. If you have kids who need variety, this place delivers all of it in one stop. More on South Florida boating and water adventures here.

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Fort Lauderdale. Our backyard, basically. A freshwater lagoon runs through the park and you can rent kayaks right there. The nature trail is flat and shaded and good for younger kids. The beach access across A1A is a bonus. On a weekday morning it's genuinely peaceful. See our full Fort Lauderdale guide here.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne. Worth the drive for a different kind of Florida morning. The lighthouse, the long beach that never feels as crowded as it should, the fishing piers, the bike path through the palms. Pack the UPF shirts and plan to stay a few hours.

When You Want an Actual Trail

Grassy Waters Preserve, West Palm Beach. Flat, well-shaded, and one of the better birding spots in the region. The trails are well-maintained and genuinely interesting even for kids who aren't usually into hiking. Early morning here in spring and fall is something special.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound. About an hour north of Fort Lauderdale and worth every minute of the drive. The river tours are excellent, the hiking trails are varied, and you can camp here if you're ready to commit to a night outside. One of those places that reminds you how wild Florida still is when you get out of the city.

Tree Tops Park, Davie. A well-kept secret for Broward families. Horse trails, nature walks, and a genuinely nice picnic area. It's not dramatic terrain but it's consistently shaded and good for shorter legs. We've had some of our best weekend mornings here for exactly zero dollars in entrance fees.

When You Want to Feel Far Away Without Actually Going Far

Everglades National Park, Anhinga Trail. This is the one I tell every visitor to do before anything else. It takes about forty minutes from Fort Lauderdale and it is unlike anywhere else on earth. The Anhinga Trail is a half-mile boardwalk through the marsh and the wildlife density is almost absurd. Alligators, anhingas, herons, turtles, all within arm's reach (but please don't get that close). Go early. Bring water. You'll want to stay longer than you planned.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Copeland. This one is for the people who want something genuinely wild. A boardwalk through a old-growth cypress swamp that feels more like Jurassic Park than suburban South Florida. It's a longer drive but if you've never been it's the kind of experience you talk about for years. Not for very young kids, but for older kids who are ready for something genuinely different, it's unforgettable.

When the Kids Just Need to Run Around

Markham Park, Sunrise. Huge, well-maintained, and packed with options. Target ranges, bike paths, a dog park, playgrounds, campsites, and enough space that you can spread out and not feel crowded. It's a good default when you want to be outside but don't have a specific activity in mind.

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach. A narrow barrier island park with a beautiful nature center, a boardwalk over the lagoon, and a long stretch of relatively uncrowded beach. The snorkeling is good when conditions cooperate. The whole thing has a slightly forgotten, unhurried energy that South Florida doesn't always offer.

When You Want Camping

South Florida camping is a commitment in the summer heat but deeply rewarding when you get the logistics right. Jonathan Dickinson, Markham Park, and Oleta River all have campsite options. Our South Florida camping guide has the specifics on what to bring, when to go, and how to make it work with kids.

The Gear Note

Every spot on this list involves sustained time in the sun. The ONE Shirt is what I wear to all of them, and my kids wear the kids' version to most. Bamboo UPF 50+ keeps the sun off without the heat trap that some sun-protective fabrics create, which matters a lot when you're spending a full morning outside in South Florida. Sunscreen for faces and legs, The ONE Shirt for the rest, and you're covered.

Keep the List Growing

This is a living document. We add to the full South Florida outdoor guide as we find new places, and we'd genuinely love to hear your favorites. Tag us at @playoutside.co or send us a message. The best recs always come from other local families who have already done the trial and error.

Shop The ONE Shirt for women | Shop The ONE Shirt for kids | See the full South Florida guide

Play Outside Co. is a South Florida brand making bamboo UPF 50+ sun shirts for women and kids built for exactly these places.