Coral Gables Wayside Park

A Glimpse into History

Tucked away in Miami-Dade County, Coral Gables Wayside Park is a charming historical touch of Florida's past. Spanning about 1.5 acres between Southwest 34th and 35th Streets (just west of Red Road), this little oasis has quite the backstory.

Born during the roaring 1920s Florida Boom, this park was originally meant to welcome folks to the ambitious planned community of Central Miami. Though ownership has changed hands over the decades, the park has stubbornly held onto its peaceful, green character.

Fairytale-Like Architecture

What really makes this park stand out are the Medieval Revival-style structures that transport you to another time. Square towers built from concrete blocks and dressed in stucco create an entrance that feels almost enchanted.

These 13-foot square towers aren't alone - they're joined by smaller towers running along SW 34th and 35th Streets. Between them, walls feature gentle concave arches and square piers topped with pyramid caps. Think medieval castle vibes, but with softer, more elegant curves.

Nature's Touch

The Coral Gables Waterway cuts right through the middle of the park, forming a serene little pool that divides the space into four grassy quadrants.

Massive shade trees dot the landscape - pigeon plum, ficus, and live oak trees with trunks sometimes reaching a whopping 42 inches across. These leafy giants create cool, dappled shade that makes even the hottest Miami day bearable.

Surprising Wildlife Encounters

Don't let the urban setting fool you - the waterway running through this park is teeming with life. You'll likely spot fish darting through the clear water, making it a surprisingly decent spot to cast a line.

Keep your eyes peeled for various waterfowl including ducks that call this place home. If you're really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the gentle giants of Florida waters - manatees - as they occasionally visit the waterway. It's these unexpected nature encounters that make this small park special.

Things to Do

While it's not massive, the park offers plenty of breathing room for simple pleasures. Spread out a blanket on the grass for a picnic under the shade of those magnificent old trees.

Take a moment to stroll around, sit on a bench, or simply pause to appreciate this pocket of tranquility amidst Miami's hustle and bustle.

Historical Significance

The park's cultural importance was officially recognized when it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on January 19, 1989 - a nod to both its historical story and unique architecture.

Today, the Miami-Dade County Parks Department maintains this little historical retreat, keeping it open daily from 7AM to 7PM for anyone looking to step back in time while enjoying a moment of peace.