Hiking with Kids Open
Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
4.5(4,464)4.5 out of 5 stars, 4464 reviews Miami, FL
About Matheson Hammock Park & Marina
A peaceful, scenic park featuring a shallow, calm water area perfect for young children, scenic paths for biking and scootering, and beautiful views of the city skyline, though it enforces strict rules against grilling, pets, and throwing games.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with toddlers seeking a safe, shallow water spotA quiet, scenic bike ride or walk without large crowdsPicnics and relaxing outdoors without grillingToddlers and preschoolers (perfect for wading in the shallow, calm water)School-age children (great for riding bikes and scooters on flat paths)
Why families love it
- Shallow, calm water ideal for young kids to safely wade
- Scenic, peaceful paths perfect for biking and scootering
- Clean facilities including bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms
- Beautiful, relaxing views of the open sea and city skyline
- On-site dining at the highly-rated Red Fish restaurant
- Shallow natural pool for kids
Insider tips
- Bring bikes or scooters for the kids since throwing games like frisbee are banned
- Do not bring pets or grilling equipment as they are strictly prohibited
- Pack a picnic to eat at the tables, but leave glass containers at home
- Be prepared for seaweed at the boat launch if you plan to use the ramp
Good to know before you go
- Bringing pets or planning a BBQ/grill outing
- Adults looking for a deep-water swimming experience
- Playing active throwing games like volleyball or frisbee
- Boat ramp area is poorly maintained with accumulated seaweed and trash
- Strict rules banning grilling, pets, and throwing games like frisbees or volleyballs
- Crowds
- Peaceful and uncrowded, offering a quiet atmosphere especially during the first few months of the year
- Value
- Great value with a flat-rate parking fee of $7, though boat ramp users may feel the fee is high given the uncleaned seaweed conditions.
- Food
- No grilling or BBQs permitted
- Accessibility
- Flat, paved paths suitable for strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs
- Safety
- Shallow, calm water barrier that prevents deep-water hazards for small children
What parents say
"Love this park. Reclusive, clean, cozy with beautiful view of the city and open sea. Little private beach, great for children and family fun. BBQ is not permitted. However, there are plenty of picnic tables. And the Red Fish restaurant with an amazing menu. $$ Love, love this restaurant. I do very much recommend. Cheers."
a week ago
"The venue provides an exceptional atmosphere, convenient parking, and is ideally suited for families seeking water-based recreational activities. The views are breathtaking. The restaurant is also excellent."
in the last week
"Boat Launch Area review: horrible. I mean it works, location wise is great if you’re south of the city, but jeez it does needs work. I understand that sargassum happens every year, and it’s beneficial for the environment for many reasons, but you’re charging a flat rate per vehicle per day, the boat ramp should be clear of seaweed and trash so people can access the water properly. Yes there’s a fishing dock next to the ramps, there’s a bathroom in decent shape, but the ramps are the reason people are using this facility. They need to do better."
in the last week
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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