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MATHESON HAMMOCK PARK BEACH
This tranquil park features a man-made lagoon, which is
flushed naturally by the tides of Biscayne Bay. Its safe, warm waters make
it a perfect place for quiet afternoons in the South Florida sun—not to
mention the gorgeous, tropical hardwood forest surroundings. On the left as
you drive towards the beach you'll see a wooded pathway, ideal for a
well-shaded walk or bike ride. This dense area of mangrove trees, partially
in the ocean, is called a hammock (hence, the name of the park). If you walk
the loop around the lagoon you can enjoy the view of downtown Miami and
Miami Beach across Biscayne Bay. Matheson Hammock Park Beach is family-friendly
and has a marina,
restaurant, snack bar, picnic pavilions and nature trails. Lifeguards are on
duty 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 8:30 a.m.
to 6 p.m. weekends, and
swimming is only permitted when they are on duty.
You will be happy to find several picnic tables on the
grassy area adjacent to the beach, and the great thing about this picnic
area is it sits on the bay next to the inlet for the Marina, so it allows
for some great boat watching. A concession stand is open from 11a.m. - 3
p.m. at one of the coral rock buildings on the beach. The menu is limited ?
hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and sodas ? so if you are a health nut you
better bring your own snacks. Or better yet, make reservations at the Red
Fish Grill (they serve fresh seafood, pasta, chicken and steak, nightly,
except Mondays) and come back a second day.
If you plan on doing a little fishing be sure and stop
in to the marina. Bait can be purchased here (shrimp and squid) to fish
under the bridge for snapper, mullet, or snook. If you forget your fishing
gear, a small rod and reel can be purchased at the marina for $25. For more
information about the marina call (305) 669-3020. Fishing licenses are
required for persons from outside Florida who are between the ages of 16 and
65. For more information regarding fishing licenses call 1-888-FISH-FLO. |
