Although I am still new to the North Miami area (I’m from South Miami), I was so shocked when I stumbled upon Oleta River State Park! This is a 1,000+ acre oasis in the middle of the city, with beautiful views, a beach, extensive trails and tons of picnic tables and pavilions. I was also amazed at the amount of paved trails- most, if not all of the walking trails are paved and can take you anywhere in the park.
Park Address:
3400 N.E. 163rd St.
North Miami Beach FL 33160
Park Hours:
8am until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees:
$6 per vehicle (2-8 people per vehicle)
$4 per single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle
$2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass
They accept cash and cards
Cabin Rentals:
$55 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee
What To Do
Oleta River State Park has tons of things to do, including miles of paved and unpaved trails for walking or jogging, as well as miles mountain biking trails and paved biking trails.
Beach
There is a beautiful salt water lagoon surrounded by a white sand beach, the great thing about this beach is that it is small in size (less distance from the entrance to the water) and the sand is usually packed, making walking and rolling easier. There is a mobi-mat at the entrance, however it does not extend onto the beach or close to the waterline.
Swimming is allowed, however there is no lifeguard on duty.
Picnicking and Pavilions
The first thing I noticed once I got into the park was the amount of picnic tables around – so many! There are picnic tables in virtually every area of the park so you definitely have options. There are also nine covered pavilions that can be rented for $53.50-$160.50 per day depending on the size of the pavilion. The park also has plenty of grilling areas near the picnic tables, so you have that option as well!
Water Activities
The park has kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards available to rent, they also offer classes and tours on a weekly and monthly basis. If you have your own equipment, you are able to bring it and launch it as well! If you have a fishing license, you are also able to fish on the property. There is a small fishing pier as well, though it is closed right now and the website does not say when it will reopen.
Butterfly Garden
There is a cute little butterfly garden in the park, though it may be difficult to push a wheelchair through as it appears it has not been kept up with (possibly due to the pandemic). There are picnic tables and a small playground near the butterfly garden though, so it would be a nice area to relax and watch for butterflies!
Camping and Cabins
While there is primitive camping available, it is primarily for organized youth groups. No electricity is available at the primitive camp sites, though there are restrooms and cold showers available.
There are 14 cabins on site, however, 1 is ADA accessible. I was not able to look at these cabins, so it would be good to call ahead and ask for specifics. The website states that linens are not provided and there is no kitchen or bathroom inside of the cabin, though hot showers and restrooms are located nearby.
Parking
There are plenty of parking options throughout the park and plenty of handicap parking as well. There are also handicap spots near some of the pavilions, so if you are going to be renting out a pavilion, make sure to ask if there is a handicap spot next to it available.
Restrooms
As I drove and walked around the park, I noticed at least 5 different restrooms, though I only walked into and photographed one. The space inside the main restroom area is spacious and appeared clean and well kept. In between the men and women’s sections was a single handicap restroom, though it was locked. If the handicap accessible stall in the main restroom is not suitable to your needs, you will need to contact the park office to obtain entrance into the single handicap restroom.
Main restroom 
Handicap Stall within Main Restroom 
Handicap Restroom 
Ramp up to restroom
Amenities Outlined by Park Website:
- Beach wheelchairs
- Beach access by mobi-mats (I saw one mobi-mat at one of the beach entrances, however, it did not extend onto the main beach or near the waterline)
- Canoe/kayak launch
- Restrooms
- Elevator for Blue Moon
- Portions of the butterfly garden
- Picnic pavilion and benches
- Grills
- Fishing pier (currently closed)
- One cabin (no kitchen or restroom inside)
Concession and Restaurant
Oleta River Outdoor Center – rents the available equipment and sells general merchandise, bait and snacks.
Blue Marlin Fish House
Overall
If you are in the North Miami area, this is a MUST SEE!! Seriously, one of the most accessible outdoor areas I have ever seen and so beautiful as well. Plan a yummy picnic and spend a day at the beach, you will be sure to enjoy every minute!
OT Caroline 