Allison Park

Beachfront Oasis

Tucked away in the North Beach area of Miami Beach, Allison Park is a little slice of paradise that spans 1.1 acres of well-kept green space right along the shoreline. This family-friendly spot combines natural beauty with urban convenience, providing a nice retreat from Miami's energetic pace.

Eco-Walk and Sea Turtle Conservation

A highlight here is the Eco-Walk, where you can learn about the coastal ecosystem and the sea turtles that call Miami Beach home. As you stroll along, you'll discover informative exhibits about turtle conservation efforts, including some life-size sea turtle replicas that make for pretty awesome photo ops.

It's nice to see that the park's designers thought about the turtles too - they've planted native vegetation along the dunes specifically to block artificial light that could interfere with turtle nesting habits and the survival of hatchlings. Conservation with a view!

Informational display about local sea turtles

Photo: Martin Lewison (CC BY 2.0)

Playground and Recreation

If you've got kids in tow (or just want to channel your inner child), the modern playground is definitely worth a visit. It includes the classics - swings and slides - plus a popular zipline that's typically a favorite with the younger crowd. The play area includes ADA-accessible equipment so all children can join in the fun. Parents will appreciate the partial shade covering and cushioned flooring that helps prevent bumps and bruises.

Adults haven't been forgotten either - you can get your workout in at the outdoor fitness equipment near the playground.

Sea turtle sculptures in the park illustrate marine wildlife protection efforts

Photo: Martin Lewison (CC BY 2.0)

Beach Access and Amenities

This park marks the starting point of the beachwalk, a scenic pathway that stretches more than a mile north to the North Shore Open Space Park. The adjacent beach features fine white sand and blue-green water that's great for swimming.

You can find all the necessities here too: clean restrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing off the sand, and a drinking fountain to stay hydrated under that Florida sun.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sundown and doesn't charge an entrance fee. There is a public parking lot with meters, but be warned - spaces fill up fast, especially during peak times, so it's best to arrive early.

Accessibility Features

Allison Park takes inclusivity seriously, with ADA-compliant playground components and picnic areas. They even host adaptive beach days for people with mobility challenges, with staff on hand to help visitors enjoy the water.

Recent upgrades include turtle-friendly lighting, and there are plans to add more accessible features like adaptive picnic tables, beach chairs, and water sports equipment designed for people with disabilities.

Additional Features

Need a set of wheels? There's a Citibike station right in the park, great for exploring the beachwalk at your own pace. And if you're an early riser looking to find your zen, drop by on Friday mornings at 7:15 AM for yoga sessions with an ocean backdrop - pretty hard to beat that setting for your downward dog!