Monday, April 4, 2016

Dog-Friendly Day at Oleta River State Park in Miami, FL

We spent last Friday at Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, Florida.

Oz on Biscayne Bay, Oleta River State Park, Miami, Florida

Oleta River State Park is Florida’s largest urban park situated on beautiful Biscayne Bay.  It was acquired by the State of Florida in 1980 to protect and restore the natural and cultural values of the property.  The Oleta River, once named Big Snake Creek, linked the Everglades with Biscayne Bay.  The river was used by troops in the Second Seminole War to travel into Miami from Loxahatchee.

Oleta River State Park is not known for its camping or hiking but for its miles of off-road mountain biking trails.  Though there aren’t any mountains in Miami, or anywhere in Florida for that matter, the park has built numerous off-road bike trails that range from novice to intermediate level biking.  The Park is also known for its canoeing and kayaking, as you can paddle up and down the Oleta River or out into Biscayne Bay and through some nearby mangroves.

The Oleta River in Oleta River State Park, Miami, Florida

Oleta River State Park is an important warm water refuge for Florida’s endangered Manatees.

However, our visit was all about relaxing so we walked through the park and along the Bay.  It is a nicely shaded path that receives cool breezes off the Bay.  Along the path, we found several places to enjoy a picnic lunch with picnic tables and benches set up under the Sea Grape.

Oz on the beach at Biscayne Bay, Oleta River State Park, Miami, Florida

The picnic spot we chose was perfectly shaded and had its own sandy beach.  I spent some time listening to the waves and of course, barking at the passing boaters. 

Although this is not a camping park, there are spots within the parking lot for RVs to park.  The Park is not a far drive from I-95 so it makes for a nice break for RVers who are driving up from the Florida Keys.  We saw several RVers enjoying a rest and a picnic lunch while we were there.

Entrance to Oleta River State Park in Miami, Florida

If you are ever road tripping through Miami, I highly recommend a stop into Oleta River State Park.  You can enjoy a relaxing picnic, take a canoe trip on the river or into the bay or just enjoy the beach before heading off to your next adventure.





23 comments:

  1. That is a gorgeous park! What a fun day!

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  2. Where are the alligators?

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  3. We're with Kismet. Our first thought was gators. Looks like a great place to explore.

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  4. What a glorious place to visit...it looks very, very interesting, bet there were sum wonderful sniffs there!
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  5. sounds like a great place - we will add it to our list :)

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  6. OMD OZ.... we are SO glad that they changed the name from BIG SNAKE CREEK... we would NOT want you to see a BIG SNAKE... or even a LITTLE one. Did you see any manatees? they are so Cool Drool. It is a Beautiful place and we are so glad that you took Daddy Dog there to celebrate his Birfday.

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  7. I love this place... it's so perfect to walk with a daddy on the beach...I think I will do that too :o)

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  8. Oz you are a great spokesDog for the lovely state of Florida....
    My peeps have not been to Florida in a very long time
    Hugs madi your bfff

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  9. what a beautiful day for a day trip...wow!
    stella rose

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  10. What a beautiful park, Oz!! Looks like a great place to explore!
    Smileys!
    Dory, Jakey Arty & Bilbo

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  11. Looks like a fun place to kayak too
    Lily & Edward

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  12. That looks like a wonderful way to spend the day. I love your photos.

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  13. Looks like a fun day with your dad!

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  14. What a beautiful place, picnic on the beach under a shady tree sounds so lovely!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  15. What a beautiful place, picnic on the beach under a shady tree sounds so lovely!
    Love & biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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  16. So beautiful!! My brother lives in Miami...next time I am there I will have to ask him to take me to that park! DakotasDen

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  17. Looks like a lovely place to relax!
    hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  18. It sure looks like a great place to relax and take a nice walk. Thanks for telling us about this state park, Oz.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  19. What a beautiful place to visit!
    Cammie!

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  20. That looks like a fun place but since mom is scared of water we would not be able to try the canoe.

    Murphy & Stanley

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  21. What a fun day out with your Dad by the water!

    And who says there are no mountains in Florida? There's Sugarloaf Mountain. Probably not a mountain by non-Florida standards, but still!

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  22. That looks like an amazin' place Oz! And looks like you and your peeps had a FABulous time!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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Cairn cuddles,
Oz the Terrier