Matheson Hammock Park wilderness guide
County Park · FL

Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock Park is a scenic urban park located near Coral Gables, Florida, offering a variety of recreational opportunities along Biscayne Bay.

County Park6302+ Trails
DesignationCounty Park
Total Wilderness Area630
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock Park is a scenic urban park located near Coral Gables, Florida, offering a variety of recreational opportunities along Biscayne Bay.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Matheson Hammock Park, spanning 630 acres, is situated along the picturesque Biscayne Bay just south of Coral Gables. The park is renowned for its unique blend of coastal beauty and urban convenience. It features a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of the bay, providing a safe swimming area for families. The park is enveloped by a mature coastal hardwood hammock ecosystem that offers hiking and exploration opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Historically, Matheson Hammock Park dates back to 1930, when it was donated by William J. Matheson, and it was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Visitors can engage in various recreational activities, such as picnicking in shaded pavilions, boating from the marina, or dining at the iconic on-site restaurant. The park’s proximity to Miami makes it a popular getaway for those looking to enjoy both nature and the amenities of a major metropolitan area.

Field Guide · County Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Matheson Hammock Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The man-made atoll swimming pool offering safe swimming experiences.✦ The scenic views of Biscayne Bay from the park's coastal areas.✦ The historic structures and walking paths dating back to the 1930s.✦ The natural hammock trails providing a glimpse into Florida's native plant ecosystems.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Matheson Hammock Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Matheson Hammock Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Matheson Hammock Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Matheson Hammock Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Matheson Hammock Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Matheson Hammock Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Matheson Hammock Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required; no special permits generally necessary.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Matheson Hammock Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Coral Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
⌖ 1.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coral Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands

Coral Bay offers a tranquil Caribbean escape for outdoor lovers with top-notch snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking. It’s an authentic spot to explore protected reefs, lush trails, and vibrant wildlife without the crowds.

December to April
Explore Town
Coral Gables, Florida
⌖ 3.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coral Gables, Florida

Coral Gables offers water-based adventures like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, mixed with biking and walking in charming historic settings. This lush enclave is perfect for leisurely exploration and enjoying subtropical beauty.

Granada, Andalusia
⌖ 4.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Granada, Andalusia

Granada, a vibrant Andalusian town at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, is a playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers. Combining rich history with outdoor thrills, it’s a year-round destination for adventurers seeking culture and nature.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Key Biscayne, Florida
⌖ 6.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Key Biscayne, Florida

Key Biscayne offers a serene escape for adventure lovers with kayaking, snorkeling, and cycling. This island paradise provides easy access to Miami’s urban allure.

Richmond Heights, Florida
⌖ 7.30 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Richmond Heights, Florida

Richmond Heights, Florida, offers a quiet gateway to South Florida’s natural side with kayaking, bird watching, cycling, and fishing just minutes away. Ideal for visitors wanting easy access to wetlands and Biscayne Bay adventures.

Winter to Early Spring
Explore Town
Miami, Florida
⌖ 7.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Miami, Florida

Miami offers a blend of coastal and urban adventure. From kayaking through mangroves to jet skiing along azure waters, it's a vibrant city for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss snorkeling at Biscayne National Park for incredible marine life encounters.

Winter and Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Matheson Hammock Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Basket Weaving
ADVEXPEDITION
Miami, FL
WorkshopADV Bookable

Basket Weaving

Weave your own basket in a relaxed, three-hour workshop set in the Kampong’s tropical garden at 4013 Douglas Rd. Learn diagonal plaiting, use provided materials, and leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir and new hands-on skills.

WorkshopCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Hands-on Horticulture: Orchid Care
ADVEXPEDITION
Miami, Florida
WorkshopADV Bookable

Hands-on Horticulture: Orchid Care

Turn a sunny window into a reliable bloom spot. This practical, 1.5-hour workshop at 4013 Douglas Rd. teaches repotting, root care, and seasonal routines specific to Miami’s tropical climate.

WorkshopCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Plant Propagation Techniques
ADVEXPEDITION
Miami, Florida
WorkshopADV Bookable

Plant Propagation Techniques

A practical, one-hour workshop at The Kampong that teaches cuttings, media choices, and aftercare so you can turn scraps into rooted plants. Learn hands-on propagation techniques from UF/IFAS Master Gardeners amid rare tropical specimens.

WorkshopCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Buffer Zones and Living Shorelineswith UF/IFAS
ADVEXPEDITION
Miami, Florida
Eco TourADV Bookable

Buffer Zones and Living Shorelineswith UF/IFAS

Build a living shoreline and food-producing buffer at The Kampong with UF/IFAS Master Gardeners. This hands-on workshop shows you how to pick salt-tolerant plants, reduce erosion, and support local wildlife along Biscayne Bay.

Eco TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
The Embroidered Garden
ADVEXPEDITION
Miami, Florida
WorkshopADV Bookable

The Embroidered Garden

Learn embroidery inspired by living plants at The Kampong in Miami. In a two-hour, small-group workshop led by textile artist Isabel Infante, beginners and intermediate stitchers turn leaves and blooms into stitched keepsakes.

WorkshopCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip