These three romantic and affordable parks in Miami are a great option to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one.
This February 14 falls on a Tuesday, so you can make plans for that weekday, or the previous or the following weekend.
Most of the time, going to a restaurant is the first option that comes to mind, but on a date like this, generally, reservations are required. Prices are higher than usual, and service is not always the best. They actually want you to eat and leave as soon as possible so they can handle the next party.
So, after giving a few thoughts to the issue, I came up with the idea of having a romantic picnic in one of these parks, which apart from the impressive views, good atmosphere, additional activities, the amenities they offer to enjoy, are also an important option because of how affordable they are.
For the matter, you can go to any park you wish, but these three parks have something special that will make this Valentine’s a memorable one.
Here they are in alphabetical order:
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Maurice A, Ferré Park
- Oleta River State Park
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Contents / Contenido
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
If you’re looking for a romantic set with beaches, wild life, water sport activities, history, and even a 200 year-old lighthouse, the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park or “El parque del farito” (the little lighthouse park) as some locals call it, is for you and your Valentine.
Make sure to arrive early since it’s very busy on weekends. Access to the lighthouse tower and the keeper’s cottage is only during tour times. There are no additional fees or reservations needed for the tours.
There’s also a cafeteria for some fresh-prepared meals.
So, in case you want to propose on top of the lighthouse, check for tour hours here.
Location: 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 33149 – Map
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM until Sunset, 365 days a year
Fees: $8 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4 single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers (when more than 8 in a vehicle)
Public Transportation: Bus Route: B Map – Download the bus tracker app here.
Experiences: Bicycling, Boat Tours, Boating, Camping, Canoeing and Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Paddling, Picnicking, Roller Blading, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Swimming, Tours, Walking and Running, Weddings, Wildlife Viewing.
Amenities: Wheelchair Accessible Amenities, Bathrooms, Beach, Dogs Allowed on Leash, Historic Site, Lighthouse, Parking included with admission fee, Picnic Area, Shelters, Showers, Water Sport Equipment Rental, Waterfront Views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and many more. Check the complete list of amenities here.
Maurice A. Ferré Park
This park is the equivalent, of course on a small scale to Central Park in New York. It’s located in the very heart of Downtown Miami.
There’s plenty of space for strolling or sitting on a blanket sipping wine under the palm trees watching the sailboats and cruise ships come and go.
You might want to combine your romantic day with a visit to one or both museums on premises. Don’t miss the sculpture exhibition throughout the park nor the Dogs and Cats Walkway exhibition.
Parking is very limited, but there’s street parking within walking distance. In most meters you can pay by credit card, debit card or cash.
If you have a US-issued credit or debit card, you can use the app on your cell phone. Download the PaybyPhone App here.
Location: 1075 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33132 – Map
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM 365 days a year
Fees: No Fee
Public Transportation:
Bus Routes: 3 Map, 93 Map, 120 Map, S Map – Download the bus tracker app here.
Trolley Routes: Biscayne – Map, Coral Way – Map
Metromover: OMNI Loop to Museum Park Station – Map
Experiences: Bicycling, Picnicking, Roller Blading, Walking, and Running.
Amenities: Art Exhibitions, Bathrooms, Bicycle Paths, Bike Racks, Dogs Allowed on Leash, Museums, Open Area, Paid Parking, Picnic Area, Restaurant, Wheelchair Accessible Ramps, and Waterfront Views of Biscayne Bay, the Port of Miami, Downtown Skyline and Bayside Marketplace.
Oleta River State Park
We could easily say that this is not a park, but a Floridian urban oasis inserted in the city. In fact, it is the largest urban park in the state of Florida!
Packed with so many amenities, home to a great variety of wildlife, and surrounded by gorgeous views, no wonder is very popular on weekends and sometimes the park needs to close the entrance when it reaches its maximum capacity.
So, if you’re planning for a romantic picnic on a weekend, make sure to arrive early. No problem during weekdays.
It’s even perfect to plan a wedding in one of the pavilions, or even a romantic night watching the stars by your rented cabin. For rental fees and reservations check this link.
Location: 3400 NE 163 Street, North Miami, 33160 – Map
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to Sunset, 365 days a year
Fees: $6 per vehicle (two to eight people), $4 for single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
Public Transportation: Bus Routes: E Map, H Map – Download the bus tracker app here.
Experiences: Bicycling, Camping, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Paddling, Picnicking, Roller Blading, Snorkeling, Swimming, Walking and Running, Weddings, and Wildlife Viewing.
Amenities: BBQ Grills, Beach, Bicycle Paths, Cabins for Rent, Canoe/Kayak launch, Concession for sports equipment rental and snacks, Gardens, Mountain Bike Trail, Parking included with admission fee, Picnic Area, Picnic Pavilion for Rent, Playground, Restaurant (outside next to the park), Restrooms, Shower Station, Water Fountains, and Waterfront Views of Biscayne Bay.
Wheelchair Accessible Amenities: Beach Wheelchairs, Wheelchair-friendly beach access, Canoe/Kayak launch, Grills, Fishing pier, Portions of the Butterfly Garden, Picnic pavilion and benches, Restrooms, and Cabin No. 1.
Check the complete list of amenities here.
Service animals are welcome in all public areas of the park.
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VALENTINE’S T-SHIRT COLLECTION
Conclusion
Last but not least, I encourage you to do something memorable on this unique day with that special person in your life.
If you still have not found that person, and maybe you are alone at present, even so, contemplate spending time with a friend, a family relative, or with yourself. Remember that in some countries, Valentine’s Day is also called Love and Friendship’s Day.
Whether you go to any of these parks, or somewhere else, I hope and wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.
If you found this information useful, please share it with someone and leave a comment to help me grow and reach others.
And if you purchased one of the t-shirts, know that you are helping a small business owner, and I thank you so much for that.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Thank you very much for this article. It is very informative and detailed. I have been to Oleta River Park a few times and found it very accommodating. I have not visited the other two however. I found the Bill Baggs park that offers the option of fresh food particularly interesting and will certainly plan a visit there.
Thank you, Marie for your feedback! Here’s a free list of 101 Things to Do in Miami that you can download to keep for yourself, 👉 Click Here!
Happy Valentine’s! 💘
Thanks for this information, I will share it. Good to know, great for family with children looking places to go on the weekends.
Thank you Beverly for your feedback and for sharing with your friends and family. I recommend this list I’ve put together with more than 100 places to visit in Miami for families with children. 👉 HERE’S THE LINK
Thanks so much for the information in the article. It’s very complete and gives a lot of interesting options for different budget.
I like Oleta River side park and many others.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it interesting. Good point about an option for different budgets!
Happy Valentine’s to you! 💘
Thank you so much Ed for your information regarding the so many options you gave us to celebrate this very special day.
Thank you Fernando! I wish you a Happy Valentine’s for you and yours! 💘💘
Thank you for these suggestions. I didn’t know these parks provided the amenities. And I love the descriptions and value you shared of each location.
Appreciate the time you took to leave your comment, Sy! Thanks for your words! Happy Valentine’s! 💘
Great info, very informative and easily understood.
I live locally and didn’t know a lot of the information provided in these articles.
Thanks for your kind words, Marlene! Many locals also told me about not knowing even half the info in these blog posts. I leave you this other article to discover a few things in Downtown Miami 👉 10 Places to Discover in this Walking Tour.
Have Wonderful Valentine’s! 💗💗
Thank you for you reply. I see you have a lot more interesting information I will definitely keep looking into your posts and take sometime to explore your recommendations. Appreciate how precise you are with your information. 👍
Thank you so much for your feedback! I’m glad you will keep looking into the posts. I’m open to suggestions anytime, so I’ll be looking forward to your comments! 👍