Matheson Hammock Park and Marina

Originally built in the 1930s from land donated by conservationist William Matheson, this park's man-made lagoon, refreshed by Biscayne Bay, is warm, shallow, and calm, making it an ideal place for little ones. A large sandy beach is dotted with palm trees that provide some shade. Lifeguards are on duty from 8:30am-5pm weekdays, and 8:30am-6pm weekends, and swimming is only permitted when they are on duty. Several picnic tables dot the grassy area adjacent to the beach. This area sits on the bay next to the inlet for the Matheson Hammock Marina so allows for some great boat watching. You can enjoy the view of downtown Miami and Miami Beach across Biscayne Bay by walking the loop around the lagoon. A concession stand is open from 11am-3pm at one of the coral rock buildings on the beach. The menu is limited, with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and sodas comprising the majority of the menu. This is an easy option, but we prefer a picnic under the palm trees at this beach! Showers and bathrooms (including handicap accessible bathrooms) are available adjacent to the beach, allowing a clean up prior to hopping in your car to head home. 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). As you pass the toll booth, you drive straight to the beach or can turn right and head towards the marina. Bait can be purchased here (shrimp and squid) to fish under the bridge for snapper, mullet, or snook. If you forgot your fishing equipment, 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 older than 16 years of age,and younger than 65 years of age. For more information regarding fishing licenses call 1.888.FISH.FLO. Pavilions for parties are available at the north and south entrances to the park. At the south entrance, use of the facilities is based on a first come, first serve basis with no rental fee (maximum of 20 persons). Because the park opens at sunrise, you'll need to get there early if you plan to use one of these pavilions. At the north entrance, the pavilion can be rented for $150 plus $75 refundable deposit for the day. Reserve early for this area, because bookings are often made several months in advance. Call the main number for reservations. The beach hours fluctuate depending on the time of year. The beach is always open between the hours 8:30am and 5pm, seven days a week, year round. The concession stand is closed on Mondays.