Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock is a beautiful park in the heart of one of the oldest sections of Miami, just off of Old Culter Road.  This is far off the tourist map which is mostly confined to South Beach. However, it is just 20 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from Downtown.  The park is enjoyed by many locals during the day, due to the mossy oaks in its interior, intimate mangroves, and breezy palms which line the bay front.  

The shallow and calm waters here offer the best spot in Miami to learn how to Kite Surf, Kayak, or Stand-Up Paddle board.  Some of Miami's most impressive mansions line this stretch of the bay, if you care to get on the water and check them out up close.  Also, the tame beach lagoon makes for a safe place for kids to swim and build sand castles.  Furthermore, Red Fish Grill is a beautiful restaurant constructed out of coral rock and is located right between the lagoon and the bay.  

All of the things listed above are great, but my favorite thing to do in this park is to come 30 minutes before first light and just sit and watch the sun come up over the horizon over Biscayne Bay.  There are few things that are more relaxing in the hustle and bustle city of Miami.  The best thing is that you can take this time to do whatever you want in order to get your day started in the best way possible.  Whether it be doing yoga on the sand, running laps around the lagoon, fishing, reading a book under the palm trees, or just watching the first rays of light rise over the bay and hit the skyscrapers in the distant Miami skyline, there is seriously something for everyone to love in these early morning hours.  

Trust me, I know just as much as the next guy how painful it is to wake up and get moving while it is still dark outside, but if there is ever a reason to get up early in Miami, this is it.