Matheson Hammock Park
Rating
Family of 4
$7 total (parking per vehicle, only cost).
Duration
3-5 hours
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
Matheson Hammock Park is one of Miami's best-kept secrets for families. While tourists flock to South Beach and Crandon Park, locals know that this 630-acre county park in Coral Gables offers a unique swimming experience, mangrove nature trails, kayaking, and a waterfront restaurant -- all for $7 parking.
The man-made atoll pool is the park's signature feature. A semicircular pool enclosed by a coral rock wall fills with Biscayne Bay water at high tide, creating a calm, shallow lagoon that's ideal for toddlers and young swimmers. The water is warm, clear, and completely protected from waves and currents.
At its deepest, the pool reaches waist height on an adult. The sandy beach surrounding the pool has palm trees for natural shade.
Beyond the beach, Matheson Hammock is a genuine nature preserve. The park encompasses mangrove forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, and a coral rock shoreline. Nature trails wind through the mangroves where kids can spot fiddler crabs, herons, egrets, and mangrove snappers.
The ecological contrast -- manicured beach transitioning to wild mangrove forest within a 5-minute walk -- gives kids perspective on Miami's natural environment.
Kayaking through the mangrove waterways is a standout experience. Rental kayaks ($20-30/hour) allow families to paddle through tunnels of overhanging mangrove branches, spotting fish, birds, and marine life along the way. The water is calm and shallow, making it suitable for families with older children.
The Red Fish Grill sits on the waterfront inside the park, offering seafood and American cuisine with outdoor seating overlooking Biscayne Bay. It's a legitimate restaurant (not just a snack bar) where families can have a sit-down meal as part of a park day. Sunset dinner on the patio, after a day of swimming and exploring, is the ideal Matheson Hammock experience.
The park is managed by Miami-Dade County Parks and is well-maintained. Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions with grills, and a marina with boat ramps are all available. The park is open from 6 AM to sunset. Weekend afternoons are popular with local families, so arriving before 11 AM ensures parking and the best selection of picnic spots.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Weekday mornings are peaceful and uncrowded. Weekend afternoons bring families in numbers. The atoll pool is calmest at low tide. Winter months (Dec-Mar) have the most comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor time.
Wait Times
No waits for beach/pool access. Parking lot can fill on weekend afternoons -- arrive before 11 AM. Kayak rentals may have short waits on weekends.
Nearby Food
Red Fish Grill is inside the park -- waterfront seafood and American cuisine, $15-30/entree, kid-friendly. Nearby: Pinecrest Gardens has a cafe (10 min). Coral Gables dining (15 min) includes Eating House, Swensen's, and Threefold Cafe.
Why Kids Love It
The man-made atoll pool is what makes Matheson Hammock special. A circular pool carved from the shoreline fills with Biscayne Bay water at high tide and creates a calm, shallow wading area that's perfect for toddlers and young swimmers. The water is warm, clear, and protected from waves and currents. It feels like having a private lagoon.
Beyond the atoll pool, the park is a 630-acre natural preserve with mangrove forests, hardwood hammocks, and a coral rock shoreline. Kids can explore nature trails through the mangroves, spot crabs and wading birds, and wade along the rocky shore looking for marine life. The contrast between the manicured beach area and the wild mangrove forest gives kids two very different outdoor experiences in one park.
The park also has a marina, kayak rentals for exploring the mangrove waterways, and the Red Fish Grill -- a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking Biscayne Bay. It's one of the few parks where you can swim, hike through mangroves, kayak, have a sit-down meal, and watch the sunset over the bay all in one visit.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The atoll pool fills and empties with the tide -- check tide charts. High tide fills the pool; low tide can leave it too shallow.
- This is a locals' hidden gem -- most tourists go to South Beach or Crandon Park. Matheson Hammock is less crowded and more natural.
- Red Fish Grill inside the park has waterfront dining at reasonable prices -- great for a sunset dinner after a beach day
- The mangrove trails are excellent for nature exploration -- bring binoculars for bird watching
- Arrive before 11 AM on weekends for guaranteed parking -- the lot fills and you'll be turned away
What to Bring
- swimsuits
- towels
- sunscreen
- picnic food and drinks
- water shoes
- binoculars for birding
- snorkel gear for the atoll pool
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$7 total (parking per vehicle, only cost).
Atoll pool swimming free.
Picnic areas free.
Red Fish restaurant on-site: $15-30/person for a meal.
Kayak rental: $20-30/hour.
Full beach day with lunch: $50-80.
Tips to Save
- The only cost is $7 parking.
- Swimming in the atoll pool is free.
- Bring your own food for the picnic pavilions (grills available).
- Bring your own kayak or paddleboard to avoid rental fees.
- This is one of Miami's best free beach experiences.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
- Monday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
- Sunday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
- Tuesday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
- Saturday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
- Thursday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
- Wednesday
- 6:00 AM - Sunset
