Oleta River State Park is considered as South Floridas largest urban park named after the Oleta River. The park is located in the North Miami Beach and encompasses an area of 1033 acres of mangrove land with the scenic beauty of green nature. This park is the home of various types of mangrove species and also a home of a large concentration of Australian pine trees.
A nice picnic spot
Oleta River State Park is a nice picnic spot to enjoy a full day with family and friends doing lots of activities. Both picnic tables and covered picnic pavilions are available in the park but served for a first come first served basis. Covered pavilions are for large picnic groups and need to book one day before your arrival on the spot. Moreover, advance booking is available before 11 months highest. Though food is available inside the park, you can bring food with you.
A wide variety of outdoor activities
The park is a nice place to spend a whole day doing lots of activities. This place is liked by tourists because of all the facilities that are available for full-day entertainment.
- Bicycling
15-mile cycling trail of Oleta River State Park will give you the most amazing experience of cycling in a wild and native area in the heart of Miami Dade Country. The trails are convenient for both the experts and amateur riders. However, you need to collect the trail map and choose one among the three trails that is convenient for you. Bring your own cycle or rent one from the Oleta River Outdoors. Kids cycles are also available so that the kids do not lag behind and experience the tase of cycling in such a calm and beautiful area with the elders. You can also experience mountain biking here as there is a 10 miles mountain bike trail.
- Kayaking
During your trip to the Oleta River State Park, you can enjoy kayaking which is offered by the park. Throughout your guided kayaking trip you can explore the mangrove marine ecosystem of the park and will get to know how the trees cope up with the salty water of the area. You will find a yellow leaf in each brunch of a tree which is called the sacrificing leaf where the salt is absorbed.
You can also enjoy canoeing in the water which is also enjoyed by most of the visitors.
- Fishing
Oleta River State Park is a perfect place for the people who love fishing. You can do it on the south side of the park where you will get a fishing pier. If you are an expert you will be able to catch snook, mullet, snapper and many other kinds of fishes. Do not forget to bring your own accessories. There are few rules and regulations of catching fish and the season matters as well. A fishing license may also require. Make sure to check the website of the park for the fishing pier whether it is open or closed.
- Swimming
Swimming in the salty crystal clear water of the Biscayne Bay is another attraction of the park. Moreover, there are no lifeguards on the beach and you need to swim at your own risk.
- Camping
If you are planning to do camping with a scout troop or a group of friends, the Oleta River State Park is the perfect place for you. There are many opportunities available for camping and the group must check-in before 5 pm inside the campground. For the campfire, firewood will be found at the ranger station.
There are three primitive campsites and each of them can accommodate a group of thirty people. On the other hand, there is no electricity in the primitive camps and dogs are not allowed in the campground.
Need to know before going there
- Opening and closing time of the place
The park opens from 8 am till the sunset throughout the year. As the gates are closed at that time you need to talk to the authority if you are planning to go after that time.
- Entry fees and others
To enter the park, you need to pay some entry fees. The entry fee is counted on each vehicle.
a. You need to pay $6 for each vehicle containing 2 to 8 people.
b. pay $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle.
c. pay $2 for others.
To rent cabins you need to pay $55 without other fees and a non-refundable reservation fee of $6.70.
- Pets inside the park
Pets are allowed inside the park but the owner needs to maintain strict rules regarding their pets. On the other hand, there is also a restriction on the number of pets. For full information check the website of the park.
- Weather
As the park is near Biscayne Bay, you need to check the weather forecast before planning for a trip there. If you plan for swimming on the beach, you must know about the weather. On the other hand, if you are planning for cycling, your plan will be ruined if there is rain.
Ways to go there
Oleta River State Park is a 30 minutes drive from Downtown Miami. There are several ways to go there. You can drive by yourself, rent a car, Uber or taxi to reach there. Moreover, you can use GPS regarding the traffic before going to avoid excess traffic on the road.
While planning for Oleta River State Park, you can have a visit to the Aventura mall as it is near to the park. On the other hand, there are many restaurants nearby to fill your appetite.
