Oleta State Park, North Miami Beach Florida

North Miami, Florida

Welcome to Miami! If you want to experience the fun of South Florida, Oleta River State Park is the place to visit. The park is located just off U.S.1, only miles from downtown Miami in Northeast Dade County. The park is open daily and offers almost every activity you could dream as with a magnificent view of beautiful Biscayne Bay. Be sure to bring your bike because the trails at Oleta are some of the best in the area. Oh yeah, the nights are not so bad either; did I mention it is only miles from South Beach!

Oleta Park is the largest urban park in the state of Florida at over 1043 acres. The park offers kayaking, mountain biking, camping, swimming, fishing, picnic areas and air-conditioned cabins. The Oleta Park was named after the Oleta River that runs through the grounds. The river used to flow north straight through to the Everglades. The river does not quite reach the Everglades anymore, but the beauty and the atmosphere still live on. The shores are lined with mangroves where Waterbirds feed and call home. The birds share the shoreline with the West Indian manatee seeking refuge form the Miami boat traffic on many afternoons. Do not be surprised if you spot Dolphins playing on the Bay as you are enjoying the parks beauty.

Oleta River State Park offers over ten miles of bike trails for all types of riders. For the beginner there are over four miles of novice dirt trails and three miles of paved trail. The paved trails are also open for roller blading. For the experienced bikers, the park offers shaded trails that will test even the most talented riders. The trails consist of roots, rocks and water hazards that will challenge your control and shills. Bring your helmet, because you cannot ride without one.

If you are looking for a more relaxing afternoon, I suggest you pull out your fishing gear and cast a line off of Oleta’s fishing pier. This pier is a popular fishing site for those interested in enjoying the sites of the Intracoastal Waterway.

If you have no luck catching dinner do not worry, just across the street from the park are some of South Florida’s most popular eateries. If you are a Sushi lover, visit Sushi Hiro. If you are in the mood for some pub style dishes visit the North Miami Beach AleHouse or the Outback Steakhouse.

Bring the bikes, rods, canoe, roller blades, beach chair and book. Oh yeah, don’t forget some South Beach attire for the action after sundown as well. For a true South Florida experience all in one park, visit Oleta River State Park. Oleta offers it all! For more information visit Oleta on the web at https://floridadep.gov/parks.