While the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Matheson Hammock Park is the atoll pool, it is much more than that. Designed on a peninsula that spreads onto Biscayne Bay, Matheson Hammock Park is a 630-acre coastal area that opened for public entertainment in 1930 after the property was donated by William J. Matheson.
As locals frequently visit this place, Matheson Hammock Park continues to be one of the best places in Miami to visit with kids and families. Even tourists of all ages and groups love to spend hours in the man-made pool and other recreational activities at Matheson Hammock Park.
Zoom out. Tell me more about the park
Matheson Hammock Park is a beautiful planned green space with stretches of hardwood forests and mangroves in Florida. The architect Willian Lyman Phillips designed not only the park but also the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which it shares borders with.
This park is planned to complement the stunning waters of South Florida. As a coastal destination, it welcomes visitors to many attractive facilities, such as dense mangrove forests and swamps and the open cover that overlooks Biscayne Bay.
Any standout features?
Have you checked out the Atoll Pool at Matheson Hammock Park? Well, spend a day here, and you will realize how much people love this man-made bayfront pool. You can only swim when lifeguards are present, and there are some directions and rules that everyone must follow. Furthermore, no floatation devices are to be brought on the beach! This stunning area is surrounded by coral and limestone, and the water is contained within a sandy beach swaying with palms and breathtaking Florida coast views. What else can a man want?
What is the vibe at Matheson Hammock Park
The atoll pool at Matheson Hammock Park is calm and safe, making it a popular spot for young swimmers. Those who love nature will always find something to do at this place, whether it be walking on the winding trails, boating, visiting the Coral building made with rocks, or dining in.
Is it easy to get around the area?
The Matheson Hammock Park beach is extremely family-friendly. The various park amenities, such as picnic areas with charcoal grills, coral rock pavilions, and benches by the scenic lake, make it easy to have a great time here.
Keep an eye out for some rare bird species that make an appearance – like the black-throated gray warblers, sulfur-bellied flycatchers, or Townsend’s warblers.
For the little ones who are full of energy, the playground in the middle of Matheson Hammock Park is perfect for them to tire out when the adults put their feet up.
What else should I do at Matheson Hammock Park?
You must dine in at a restaurant near Matheson Hammock Park. There are many iconic waterfront restaurants where you can dig into seafood dishes, with outdoor terraces to get overwhelmed by the spectacular views of the Coral Gables.
Some of our favorite spots to dine in at Matheson Hammock Park are;
NOMA Beach at Redfish – For coastal Italian cuisine
Havana Harry’s – For hearty Cuban food and local fish
CVI.CHE 105 – For cocktails and authentic Peruvian cuisine
Titanic Brewery & Restaurant – A brewpub with happy hours and karaoke
Yard House – American chain restaurant with draft beers and New American fare.
