The best walks and hikes in Florida

Embark on an easy urban hike around the Brickell Key Loop, a paved 1.8 miles (2.9 km) route that offers continuous waterfront views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. You will experience a minimal elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres), making this a perfect quick escape that takes approximately 44 minutes to complete. As you stroll, you will find the path lined with palm trees and lush greenery, providing a pleasant contrast to the surrounding city architecture. Keep an eye out for the stunning views of Brickell Key and Downtown Miami, especially beautiful as the sun begins to set over the water.

This popular loop is a multi-use path designed for pedestrians, joggers, and those with strollers, offering easy access for everyone. While it is a dog-friendly trail with waste bag stations available, please note that bikes, scooters, and rollerblades are not permitted on the route. The trail can become quite busy during peak times, so consider planning your visit for earlier mornings or later afternoons if you prefer a more tranquil experience. There are no permits or fees required to enjoy this scenic walk.

The Brickell Key Loop stands out as a unique urban oasis, providing a natural escape without leaving the city. You might even spot dolphins or manatees in the clear waters of Biscayne Bay, adding a touch of wildlife to your city adventure. This route offers a distinct perspective of Miami's dynamic skyline and its vibrant waterfront, making it a notable destination for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful yet engaging outdoor activity.

Embark on an easy hike along the Don Soffer Exercise Trail, a paved 10-foot-wide path that offers a pleasant outdoor experience. This accessible loop stretches for 3.6 miles (5.7 km) and involves a minimal elevation gain of just 20 feet (6 metres), making it suitable for all fitness levels. As you hike, you will enjoy picturesque views of the Turnberry golf course and its surrounding developments. The route is lined with abundant shade trees and lush greenery, creating a refreshing atmosphere. You can expect to complete this entire loop in about 1 hour and 26 minutes, enjoying the consistent path and the chance to spot local wildlife like squirrels and various bird species.

Planning your visit to the Don Soffer Exercise Trail is straightforward, as the route is open 24 hours a day, year-round, offering great flexibility for your schedule. You will find convenient amenities distributed along the path, including shaded benches where you can rest, chilled water fountains to stay hydrated, and trash receptacles for waste disposal. If you plan to bring your dog, remember that the trail is pet-friendly, but your furry companion must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. These features ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for everyone.

The Don Soffer Exercise Trail stands out as an ADA-accessible loop, designed to provide a consistent and enjoyable path for your workout or leisurely stroll. Its design prioritizes ease of use and comfort, making it a popular choice for daily exercise. The trail's commitment to accessibility and the provision of essential amenities make it a valuable community resource for outdoor activity. This route offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, setting it apart in the region.

Embark on an easy hike across the Old 7 Mile Bridge, a unique paved path stretching over the water. This 4.3-mile (6.9 km) route offers panoramic views where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean, with the water shifting from turquoise to navy. You will gain a minimal 11 feet (3 metres) in elevation, making it a flat and accessible journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete.

When planning your visit, be aware that this popular linear park can attract crowds, especially during peak times. There is no shade on the bridge, so you should bring plenty of water, wear a sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. While the trail itself is free to access, facilities on Pigeon Key, the small historic island at the end of the route, may require an admission fee.

As you walk, keep an eye out for wildlife in the clear waters below; you might spot spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, or even dolphins. Birdwatchers will enjoy seeing pelicans and magnificent frigatebirds soaring overhead. The adjacent new Seven Mile Bridge forms a striking backdrop, adding to the scenic beauty of this historic crossing that leads directly to Pigeon Key.

Embark on the Spoonbill and Osprey Loop, an easy hike covering 3.4 miles (5.6 km) with a minimal elevation gain of 12 feet (4 metres). You can expect to complete this route in about 1 hour and 23 minutes. As you hike, you will find yourself in a subtropical jungle, surrounded by massive palmettos and tall pine trees. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including alligators and various birds. The Robinson Preserve Wooden Bridge offers a unique vantage point over the wetlands.

The Spoonbill and Osprey Loop is located in Bradenton, Florida, and is generally accessible for many visitors. You will find parking readily available at Robinson Preserve, which provides convenient access to the trailhead. There are no specific warnings about seasonal closures or permits, so you can plan your visit with ease. This makes the route a straightforward option for a pleasant outdoor experience.

This trail is a fantastic spot for birding and wildlife viewing within Robinson Preserve. You might spot prehistoric-looking birds and even wild pigs as you explore. The preserve itself offers a rich natural environment, making the route a highlight for nature enthusiasts. It provides a great opportunity to connect with the unique ecosystem of the area.

Step onto the Mahogany Hammock Trail and discover a unique, jungle-like hardwood hammock ecosystem. This easy 0.4-mile (0.7 km) boardwalk loop takes about 10 minutes to hike, with no elevation gain (0 feet or 0 metres), making it a perfect quick immersion into the Everglades. You will find yourself surrounded by towering palm trees, gumbo-limbo trees, and strangler figs, with the highlight being the largest living mahogany tree in the United States.

Located within Everglades National Park, the trailhead is roughly 30 minutes from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. This route is wheelchair accessible, making it a family-friendly option for all visitors. Remember to bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent in this wetland environment, especially during certain times of the year.

The trail offers a rare glimpse into a dense, biodiverse environment that contrasts sharply with the surrounding open prairie. It is a prime spot to observe diverse flora like colorful bromeliads and listen for various bird species that call this unique habitat home. This short, immersive experience provides a memorable encounter with the Everglades' rich natural wonders.

Embark on an easy hike along Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop, a 2.7-mile (4.4 km) route that offers a gentle 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this scenic journey in about 1 hour and 6 minutes. As you wander through old Florida forests and lush mangrove wetlands, keep an eye out for diverse birdlife, turtles, and even American crocodiles, all leading you towards the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.

This trail is generally flat and well-suited for beginners and families looking for a pleasant outdoor experience. Before your visit, remember to check the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park website for current parking information and any applicable entrance fees. While the route is accessible year-round, it's always a good idea to review seasonal conditions to ensure the best possible hiking experience.

The park is a vital stopover for migratory birds, making this trail a prime location for wildlife observation and a unique natural environment. The iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse serves as a prominent landmark, providing not only a focal point for your hike but also offering panoramic views across Biscayne Bay and the vast Atlantic Ocean. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes the loop a standout choice in the region.

Embark on an easy hike along the Timuquan Ravine Trail to Spanish Pond, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) route that takes about 1 hours and 20 minutes to complete. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of just 38 feet (12 metres) as you explore varied terrain. The trail winds through shaded hardwood hammocks, dense with Spanish moss, oaks, and magnolias, before opening into oak scrub. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the expansive salt marsh, especially from the Salt Marsh Viewpoint, before reaching the scenic Spanish Pond with its observation deck.

When planning your visit, be aware that the buggy season runs from May through September, so bringing bug spray is highly recommended to ward off mosquitoes and yellow flies. Even with shaded sections, sun protection is also a good idea. Parking is conveniently available at the Theodore Roosevelt Area Trailhead within the Timucuan Preserve, making access straightforward for your outing.

This trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Florida's diverse ecosystems and rich historical landscape. Located within the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve, the route provides a window into the natural beauty and past of this significant region. It is a perfect choice if you are looking for a tranquil outdoor experience that combines natural exploration with a touch of local history.

Embark on the Fallen Log, Tarflower Loop and Osprey Overlook Trail for an easy hike through Florida's diverse ecosystems. This route immerses you in pine flatwoods, oak scrub, and shady bayhead swamps, where massive palmettos and cypress-lined shores create a subtropical jungle feel. You will cover 2.1 miles (3.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of just 18 feet (6 metres), making it a perfect outing for about 51 minutes. A highlight is the boardwalk leading to the Lake Tibet Overlook, offering expansive views of the marsh and opportunities to spot unique birds.

Before you head out, know that while the paths are mostly well-maintained, certain sections might be narrow or rough, particularly after rainfall, so prepare for potentially wet ground. It is important to remember that dogs and bicycles are typically not permitted on the trail system within Tibet-Butler Preserve. Consider starting your adventure at the Vera Carter Environmental Center, which serves as a convenient gateway to the preserve's offerings.

This trail provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the rich natural features of Tibet-Butler Preserve, showcasing a variety of Florida's unique habitats. You will encounter everything from dense pine flatwoods to the serene cypress-lined lakeshore, offering a glimpse into the region's subtropical environment. The preserve's commitment to preserving these diverse ecosystems makes this route a notable destination for nature enthusiasts looking for a short, accessible hike.

Embark on an easy hike along the Curry Hammock State Park Nature Trail, a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) route that takes about 35 minutes to complete. You will experience a unique tropical rockland hammock ecosystem, gaining only 8 feet (2 metres) in elevation. As you hike, you can admire lush tropical plants and trees, including one of the largest populations of endangered Florida thatch palms, before reaching an overlook with serene views of Florida Bay.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail features uneven terrain with extensive surface cap rock and exposed tree roots. Wearing closed-toed shoes is crucial for your protection, as the rugged environment can make it feel more challenging than its easy rating suggests. Remember to bring your own water and bug spray, since there are no facilities directly on the trail and it can be quite buggy.

This trail offers a distinct opportunity to explore the Florida Keys, immersing you in a dense forest environment. Keep an eye out for tidal flats edged with mangroves and listen for birds like the white-crowned pigeon near the bay. The unique ecosystem and diverse plant life make this a notable short excursion for nature lovers.