Matheson Hammock Park Beach

Matheson Hammock Park Beach Review

Kids love the gentle waves and warm water of this beach in Coral Gables suburbia, near Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. But the beach is only part of the draw—the park includes a boardwalk trail, a playground, and a golf course. Plus the park is a prime spot for kite-boarding. The man-made lagoon, or "atoll pool," is perfect for inexperienced swimmers, and it's one of the best places in mainland Miami for a picnic. But the water can be a bit murky, and with the emphasis on families, it's not the best place for singles. Amenities: parking (fee); toilets. Best for : swimming.