Margaret Pace Park

Bay Views That Will Take Your Breath Away

Margaret Pace Park stretches across 8 acres of urban greenery along the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay in Miami's Edgewater neighborhood. From here you get beautiful views of the Venetian Islands, Miami Beach, and the causeway stretching into the distance. If you're looking for that perfect Instagram moment, stop by around sunset when the bay absolutely glows with golden light.

A Park With Purpose

The late 1960s gave birth to this special place, named after Margaret Pace - a woman who truly made her mark on Miami. As chairwoman of Royal Palm State Park (which later became part of the Everglades National Park) and a founder of the Miami Garden Club, Pace dedicated herself to preserving Florida's natural beauty.

She also served as vice president of the Miami Women's Club right next door to the park. It's pretty fitting that this green space bears her name - she actually fought against developers who wanted to build on this very land!

Modern Miami skyscrapers visible from the park grounds

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

From Good to Great

A major renovation in 2003 (to the tune of $4 million) transformed the park into the space we see today. It's a popular spot for locals living in the surrounding high-rises and visitors alike.

Exciting things are on the horizon too! In 2023, Miami unveiled plans for even more improvements - think misting areas for those scorching summer days, splash pads for the kids, more shade trees, shoreline upgrades, better playground equipment, and even a two-story community center.

An outdoor event tent set up on the green lawn area

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

Get Your Game On

If you're the active type, you'll feel right at home here. The park has well-maintained tennis courts, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts that are popular with local athletes throughout the week. There's also an outdoor fitness area packed with equipment for everything from strength training to bodyweight exercises.

You can rent paddleboards and kayaks to explore the bay up close. If you're lucky, you might spot manatees in the harbor waters nearby.

The rocky shoreline where gentle waves meet the coast

Photo: Christopher Sessums (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Space to Breathe

For those looking to relax, there are generous green spaces throughout the park with shady trees to sit under. The waterfront promenade makes for a peaceful walk or jog with the bay as your backdrop.

Planning a get-together? The picnic areas come complete with tables and grills - some right at the water's edge. While you're there, check out the unique mosaic throne chairs - massive twenty-foot high art installations that tell stories of Miami's diverse elder communities through colorful visuals.

A waterfront view southwards along Biscayne Bay

Photo: alesh houdek (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Family-Friendly Fun

Kids will make a beeline for the shaded playground, which comes with the added peace of mind of being gated for safety. Note that some equipment occasionally needs a little TLC, but that doesn't stop the little ones from having a blast.

Clean restroom facilities are conveniently located near the playground area. The park welcomes visitors daily from early morning until 10PM (with a slightly later start on Saturdays).

Palm trees in the south section of the park

Photo: Phillip Pessar (CC BY 2.0)

Four-Legged Friends Welcome

There's a dedicated dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs. Your furry friends will appreciate the specially designed water fountains just for them. Remember to keep your dogs leashed in the main park areas, but once inside the fenced dog park, they're free to run, play, and make new friends to their heart's content.