Ariel W.
Yelp
This just may be my favorite park in Miami. South Pointe Park is located at the southernmost tip of Miami Beach island, at the end of Washington Avenue. The 17 acres of land for this park was donated to the City of Miami in 1979 by the Federal Government but at first Miami did not see the potential for a park. Instead they built municipal buildings and the Harbor Police, Miami police investigators, and the police horses were all housed here.
In 1985 the land was converted into South Pointe Park with an amphitheater, two wooden observation towers, picnic pavilions, fitness courses and a wooden boardwalk over Miami Beach's last natural sand dune. The park was renovated in 1995 and in 2009 the it received a 22 million dollar redesign by the Hargreaves Associates, of New York City. New features added to the park included 20-foot walkways lined with Florida limestone and an ocean-themed children's playground, and splashpad. Unfortunately the splash pad and playground are currently closed.
At the southern edge of the park is the large public art piece, Obstinate Lighthouse by German artist Tobias Rehberger. The lighthouse makes a great backdrop for pictures or string a hammock between the palm trees and relax in the tropical breeze. For foodies, Smith & Wollensky is a fine dining steakhouse located in the park.
One of my favorite parts of the park is the South Pointe Pier which offers stunning panoramic views of the South Beach shoreline, Port Miami's cruise ships, downtown Miami's skyline, Fisher Island, and giant ships going out to see. I even saw manatees swimming off the pier. South Pointe Park also has direct access to the beach, walking trails, picnic and barbecue areas, benches, and an off-leash bark park.
If there is a drawback to the park it is that parking can be a hassle, especially on a weekend. You have to pay to park and half of the lot is reserved for valet parking at Smith & Wollensky. Street parking in this area is scarcer than a unicorn. I came on a Saturday and had to give up. The next time I came it was a weekday and I was able to get a spot without too much of a problem. If you are able to secure parking this is a great park to visit. Another great option is to visit by Citi Bike which you can pick up at different kiosks around South Beach.