Oleta River State Park

In the hectic pace of Miami, the serene waters of Biscayne Bay are a true escape!

Oleta River State Park is the largest mangrove forest in the country and home to Casuarina trees and other aquatic life with a view of the bay in the background. The Florida International University sits right next to the state park and is a perfect spot to take a walk through and experience the natural beauty that is found in this development.

The area has been inhabited by humans for about 500 B.C. when the shores of the river were used as a campground for the Tequesta Indians. The U.S. military first explored the area in 1841 when it was referred to as Big Snake Creek during the Second Seminole War. Naval Captain William Hawkins Fulford would later explore the region in 1881, venturing inland to what is now North Miami Beach at the time. The Oleta River became the name of the area in 1922 after it became more heavily settled in the 1890s.

You will find a number of entertaining activities in the area that are sure to fill your time with fun and adventure. To experience what makes Miami’s environment so unique, it is highly recommended that you explore by water. The Oleta offers a range of watercraft for leisurely exploring the flat, calm waters of the river and estuary. The wide variety of kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards available means that there is the perfect vehicle for any type of exploration. Oleta’s ten-mile-long bike trails provide a variety of experiences for riders of all levels. Paved or dirt, novice or expert, there is a course for you at Oleta! Bring your own bike or rent one from the onsite vendor, which offers a wide range of bikes to suit all types of needs, including mountain bikes and cruisers as well as children’s bikes. With more than three miles of nature trails, Oleta River State Park is a great place to take a leisurely hike and explore the beauty of what Florida has to offer. The trail winds past mangroves, gumbo limbo trees, and flowers in different colors. You’ll come across views of Biscayne Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway as you make your way toward the beach. For a truly out-of-this-world experience, check out Oleta River State Park where you will find 14 rustic yet air-conditioned cabins that are the perfect place to call home for an extended stay. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try checking out the primitive youth campground where you’ll find just what you’re looking for!

With multiple different ecosystems and habitats for you to explore, this park will provide hours’ worth of fun!

Unwind and Relax! Discover Oleta River, State Park!