"What’s the vibe here? As much as locals might have liked to keep South Pointe Park under wraps, it was only a matter of time before word got out about this park, located at the southernmost tip of South Beach just a few steps from Joe’s Stone Crab , the legendary restaurant that everyone's got to try at least once. While it’s technically just a city park, the 17-acre spot offers much more than a couple of benches and pretty palm trees. There’s beach access, a fishing pier, a playground for kids, interactive water features, paved sidewalks for jogging, biking, and skateboarding, and a dog park. Any standout features or must-sees? Given Miami’s art-forward reputation, it’s probably not surprising that the park benches here are works of art all their own. So grab a seat—or make your way right off the park and pull up a table or barstool outside at Smith & Wollensky—and wait for one of the many cruise ships to make its way past you. Watching one of these gigantic boats head out to sea is a one-of-a-kind sight. Was it easy to get around? The park is large but very open, so it’s easy to see where you’re headed. There are signposts, too. And there are always people around; if you find yourself unable to locate the fishing pier (the big structure hanging over the water), just ask one of your fellow park-goers. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? If you have limited time, decide what's most appealing; if it’s people-watching, find a seat near the promenade and gaze away. If you’ve got kids in tow, they’ll love the playground and water features, especially on a hot day. If you’ve got a fur baby, head straight for the Bark Park." - Jennifer M. Wood
