Simpson Park

A Glimpse into Old Florida

Tucked between Miami's Brickell and The Roads neighborhoods lies Simpson Park Hammock, a 7.8-acre glimpse of wild Florida that feels worlds away from the surrounding urban landscape. Established in 1913, this little gem is one of the last remaining pieces of the Brickell Hammock, a lush tropical hardwood forest that once stretched from the Miami River all the way to Coconut Grove.

The park got its current name in 1927, honoring Charles Torrey Simpson, a passionate local botanist and early environmental advocate. Adding another layer of historical richness, archaeological evidence suggests this area was once home to the Tequesta people, connecting modern visitors to Miami's pre-colonial past.

Nature's High-Rise

Sitting atop the Miami Rock Ridge at over 15 feet above sea level (practically mountainous by Miami standards!), Simpson Park features shallow muck soils over limestone bedrock, known as the Matecumbe Series.

This little wilderness contains 162 plant species, with 96 native to the area. Among these are 15 endangered and 9 threatened species - making your stroll through the park something of a living conservation effort.

Just a heads-up: this is authentic subtropical nature, not a manicured garden. Expect humidity and the occasional mosquito, especially during summer months.

Plant Life Stars

The park features native trees and shrubs including Mastic, Red Stopper, Spicewood, Marlberry, and the aptly named Satin Leaf with its silky undersides. Look for the fruit-bearing Pigeon Plum and aromatic White Stopper as you explore.

For plant enthusiasts, rare treats await in the form of Wild Cinnamon, Coffee Colubrina, Yellow Boxwood, delicate Silver Palm, and the resilient Strongbark. Together, these plants represent Florida's unique subtropical ecosystem.

The Visitor Experience

Simpson Park provides something increasingly uncommon in Miami: quiet. The narrow walking trails wind through surprisingly dense forest, making it easy to forget you're in the middle of a major city. You'll want comfortable shoes - these are natural paths with tree roots and limestone outcroppings that keep things interesting.

Near the reception building, a tranquil koi pond with surrounding benches provides an excellent spot to sit with a book or simply watch the fish glide through the water. To protect the ecosystem, you'll need to stick to the designated paths.

Things to Do

While not designed for active recreation, Simpson Park offers a few scattered picnic areas with benches where you can enjoy lunch surrounded by chirping birds and rustling leaves. It's a budget-friendly escape in otherwise pricey Brickell.

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of subjects, from intricate plant details to the occasional butterfly or colorful insect. Sometimes, you might even encounter the unexpected joy of live music, as violin players have been known to practice here, their notes mingling with natural sounds.

Note that dogs aren't allowed in the park - a rule that helps protect the fragile ecosystem.

Recent Challenges

Like much of Miami, Simpson Park faced significant challenges when Hurricane Irma swept through in September 2017. The storm damaged much of the forest canopy, forcing a temporary closure. The park has since reopened after repairs.

Keep in mind that this gated sanctuary closes at 3 PM daily, offering a brief but meaningful window into what Miami looked like centuries ago - before the skyscrapers, before the roads, when this hammock forest stretched for miles across what would become one of America's most vibrant cities.