Matheson Hammock Park

In 1930, William J. Matheson and his son Hugh donated approximately 85 acres of tropical hardwood hammock forest off Old Cutler Road to Dade County, to be used and maintained as a botanical garden. Referred as "Matheson Botanical Hammock", it was the original extent of Matheson Hammock Park, which was also the first public park to be established in Dade County.

One of Miami's oldest parks, this verdant corner of Coral Gables was laid out in 1930 and other than an attractive entrance with lake and palm tress, is pretty much in its natural state, that is, impenetrable mangroves growing in muck. Don't underestimate this though, as most of the fish in the ocean breed in these brackish waters. We now realize the value of mangroves and they are protected worldwide. If you take my bike tour suggestion, you will cycle right through them on a wooded pathway. This dense area of mangrove trees, partially in the ocean, is called a hammock (hence, the name of the park). At the end of the road there is a yacht marina and surprisingly a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. Very popular with families. There is quite a spectacular view of the distant Miami skyline. Paradoxically within a coral rock edifice beside the lagoon is one of Miami's better seafood restaurants, Red Fish Grill.

Matheson Hammock Park, Coral Gables: See 287 reviews, articles, and 218 photos of Matheson Hammock Park, ranked No.5 on TripAdvisor among 43 attractions in Coral Gables.

Matheson Hammock Park is a 630-acre urban oasis just south of Coral Gables. Opened in 1930, it features a manmade atoll pool flushed naturally by the tide, a beach, marina and boat launch. A prime spot for kiteboarding, you can also rent kayaks and standup paddleboards from the park's concessions. For a unique dining experience, grab a table for dinner...

Matheson Hammock Park is a 630 acres (2.5 km2) urban park in metropolitan Miami at 9610 Old Cutler Road, just south of Coral Gables, Florida. The park surrounds the north and western ends of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.