A Jogger's Guide to the Best Miami Neighborhoods

For many avid joggers, the thought of lacing up their running shoes and pounding out a workout on a treadmill isn’t just disappointing—it’s downright dismal. Part of the allure of jogging is taking in the sights along the way, not the view of a fellow jogger sweating on a treadmill next to you.

Finding the right outdoor route can be a challenge in any city, particularly in one that doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation for being pedestrian friendly. In Miami, however, there are good choices, particularly in the city’s waterfront areas. The following are some of the best areas for joggers. 

Key Biscayne

One of the most well-known neighborhoods in the city for joggers is Key Biscayne, or more specifically, the Rickenbacker Causeway. This is the 3.1-mile stretch of highway that connects Miami with the barrier islands of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, and it’s a popular choice for runners, walkers, and bikers alike, particularly on weekends. 

If running in a park is more to your liking, you can choose Crandon Park in the northern part of Biscayne Bay. Accessed just past the causeway, this 808-acre park features running trails, along with a marina, golf course, tennis center, family amusement center, picnic shelters, and a nature center. The beach on the Atlantic side is two miles long, and there are also miles of trails suitable for running. 

South Beach

Even non-runners understand the appeal of people-watching in South Beach. The bikini-clad beachgoers, buff volleyball players, and perennially suntanned lifeguards are enough for any observer to take notice. But the beach also happens to be a good spot for jogging. For some runners, the hard-packed sand on the beach provides the ultimate workout, but there are also plenty of paved areas that can be explored. 

Lummus Park, a 74-acre park that runs on Ocean Drive, is a favorite for joggers in the area. As it’s listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and has been featured in many films and television shows over the years, it’s also a favorite spot for tourists—so a workout may involve dodging the occasional tour group.

Miami Beach

Though South Beach sometimes gets more attention than neighborhoods to its north, all of Miami Beach has great areas for running. The Miami Beach Boardwalk, which offers ocean breezes and views of the Atlantic Ocean, begins at Indian Beach Park at 46th Street and Collins Avenue. The wooden boardwalk serves as a strong cushion for runners, although in the lower section (south of 23rd Street) of the boardwalk is paved. If the salt air isn’t enough to attract you, then maybe jumping in the ocean for a swim after your workout may. 

Downtown

It’s a fairly densely populated area, but if you enjoy running in a more urban setting, Downtown may be the neighborhood for you. It’s still a work in progress, but the Miami Baywalk is a publicly accessible pedestrian corridor that runs along Biscayne Bay. Jogging in this area will bring you by some of the city’s biggest attractions, such as Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, the AmericanAirlines Arena, and Museum Park.

If you enjoy running in groups, you may want to join the Tuesday night Baptist Health Brickell Run Club, which is one of the largest free weekly run clubs in the country. 

North Miami Beach

For an escape from the urban running routine, you can visit Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach, which features over 15 miles of multi-use trails. Though you’ll have to pay an entrance fee for your vehicle and share the trails with mountain bikers, the trails feature some changes in elevation with man-made dredging and a canopy of foliage. The park also offers a range of other outdoor activities, such as canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and swimming. So if you want to spend an entire day, there are plenty of options.

Everglades

If you’re the type of runner who likes going for long runs with few people near you, then you may want to try the Tamiami Trail Levee in the Everglades, a 28-mile gravel road that sits atop the levee. There, it’s possible to run for miles without seeing another human being. You can park along the canal road, but be sure to come prepared as there are no bathrooms or water fountains.