The best walks and hikes in Florida

The Brickell Key Loop offers a unique urban oasis, providing continuous waterfront views of Biscayne Bay and the Port of Miami. This easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) hike, with only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 44 minutes to complete on a paved, flat surface. You'll enjoy the contrast of palm trees and lush greenery against the Miami skyline, with opportunities to spot boats and perhaps even dolphins or manatees in the clear waters.

Planning your visit is simple, as no permits or fees are required for this accessible route. While the trail is suitable for all, including families and dogs, it can get busy; aim for early mornings or late afternoons to experience the most tranquility and enjoy stunning sunrises or sunsets. Remember that bikes, scooters, and rollerblades are not allowed on the path.

This loop stands out as a distinctive perspective of Miami's dynamic waterfront, offering a natural escape right within the city. It's a multi-use path that caters to pedestrians, joggers, and those with strollers, providing waste bag stations for dog owners. The Brickell Key Loop is a notable destination for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful, scenic walk.

The Don Soffer Exercise Trail offers a wonderfully accessible and scenic escape in Aventura, Florida. This 3.6-mile (5.7 km) paved loop is perfect for a relaxed outing, winding past the Turnberry golf course and through lush, shaded greenery. With only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, it's an easy route that takes about 1 hour and 26 minutes, making it ideal for all ages and fitness levels.

This trail is open 24/7, year-round, providing ultimate flexibility for your visit. You'll find amenities like shaded benches and chilled water fountains along the way, and it's also dog-friendly for leashed pets. To enjoy a quieter experience, consider an early morning start, as the trail can become quite popular during peak hours.

What makes this route stand out is its commitment to comfort and accessibility, featuring a wide, perfectly maintained path. It's a great option for a casual walk, run, or bike ride, offering a consistent distance for your workout. You might even spot some local wildlife amidst the abundant shade trees.

The Old 7 Mile Bridge offers a truly unique hiking experience, allowing you to walk across the shimmering waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. This easy 4.3-mile (6.9 km) out-and-back route, with a minimal 11 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. The paved, flat surface makes it accessible for everyone, and you'll be treated to expansive, open views of the sea and sky, often spotting marine life like rays and sea turtles below.

Planning your visit is straightforward, but remember there's no shade on the bridge, so come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Parking is available at the Marathon trailhead, but it can get busy, so an early start is recommended, especially if you want to avoid crowds and the strongest sun. The trail is open year-round, with mornings and late afternoons offering the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful light.

This isn't just a scenic walk; it's a journey through history. The Old 7 Mile Bridge was originally part of Henry Flagler's ambitious Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad and later served as a vital automotive link to Key West. The restored 2.2-mile section leads directly to Pigeon Key, a small historic island that once housed the railroad workers, adding a fascinating cultural layer to your hike.

The Spoonbill and Osprey Loop offers a delightful journey through Florida's coastal ecosystems, winding through emerald mangroves, salt marshes, and coastal hammocks. You'll enjoy open water views of Tampa Bay from various observation points, including an observation tower that provides a sweeping vista. This easy 3.4-mile (5.6 km) hike, with a mere 12 feet (4 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes, making it a perfect outing for those seeking a relaxing and scenic experience.

When planning your visit, be aware that some sections of the trail, particularly those with crushed limestone, can reflect sunlight, so sunglasses are highly recommended. It's also a good idea to check for current Spoonbill and Osprey Loop trail conditions, as past hurricane damage might mean deep sand deposits or even a closed connecting bridge. The trail is largely stroller-friendly and wheelchair-friendly, making it accessible for many.

This trail is a fantastic option for beginners and families, offering rich wildlife viewing opportunities where you can spot ospreys, turtles, butterflies, and dragonflies. The gracefully curving boardwalks are a highlight, seamlessly integrating into the natural environment. As part of the larger Robinson Preserve, it connects to other trails like the Eagle Loop, allowing for extended exploration if you desire.

The Mahogany Hammock Trail offers a captivating glimpse into the Everglades' unique hardwood hammock ecosystem. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you'll find yourself immersed in a dense, jungle-like environment, a stark contrast to the surrounding marl prairie. Keep an eye out for the towering palm trees, gumbo-limbo, and strangler figs, all thriving in this tropical oasis, including the largest living mahogany tree in the United States.

This easy 0.4-mile (0.7 km) loop is perfect for all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs, with no elevation gain and an estimated duration of just 10 minutes. Parking at Mahogany Hammock Trail is straightforward at the trailhead, but remember to bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months, as mosquitoes can be prevalent.

This trail is a prime example of a "tree island" within the Everglades, showcasing a rich biodiversity that thrives on slightly higher ground. Informative plaques along the route provide insights into the local flora and fauna, making it an educational and engaging experience for anyone interested in the natural wonders of this iconic national park.

The Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop offers a delightful escape into Florida's natural beauty, combining lush old-growth forests with stunning coastal vistas. You'll wander through shaded canopies, spot diverse birdlife, and eventually emerge to the iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse, all while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. The path is mostly flat, making it an easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike that takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Located within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the trailhead is easily accessible by car, though an entrance fee applies. Parking is available, but consider arriving earlier in the morning to beat the heat and potential crowds, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. This easy route with minimal 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain is ideal for families and casual walkers looking for a scenic stroll.

Beyond the lighthouse, the trail provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 260 species recorded in the park, and you might even spot iguanas or other local wildlife. The route also offers glimpses of No Name Harbor and the distant Stiltsville, adding a unique historical and ecological dimension to your visit. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural side of Key Biscayne.

This easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hiking trail to Spanish Pond offers a delightful journey through the Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve. You'll wander through shaded hardwood hammocks draped in Spanish moss, then transition to open oak scrub, catching views of the expansive salt marsh from a dedicated viewpoint. The path, with its gentle 38 feet (12 metres) of elevation gain, leads to the tranquil Spanish Pond, where an observation deck provides a perfect spot for birdwatching and enjoying the scenery.

Accessing the Timuquan Ravine Trail is simple, with ample parking available at the Theodore Roosevelt Area Trailhead. The route typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a shorter outing. If you're planning to hike between May and September, be sure to pack plenty of bug spray, as mosquitoes and yellow flies can be quite active during these warmer months.

The Timucuan Preserve is an ecological time capsule of "Old Florida," rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. The Spanish Pond area itself holds historical ties to early European settlement in Florida, adding another layer of interest to your visit. This trail also connects to other routes like the Timucuan Trail, offering options for longer loop hikes if you wish to explore further.

The Fallen Log, Tarflower Loop and Osprey Overlook Trail offers a delightful and easy hiking experience through Florida's unique natural habitats. You'll wander along the Tarflower Loop's sugar-white sands through rare oak scrub, then transition to boardwalks over the bayhead swamp on the Fallen Log Crossing. The route culminates at the Osprey Overlook, where a covered pavilion provides expansive views of Lake Tibet-Butler, perfect for birdwatching. This 2.1-mile (3.4 km) loop, with only 18 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, is an easy hike that takes about 51 minutes.

Planning your visit to this trail is straightforward, as it's located within the Tibet-Butler Preserve, which provides a designated trailhead and parking facilities. While the trail is generally accessible and family-friendly, be aware that sections can become muddy after heavy rainfall, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. The preserve is a tranquil escape conveniently located near Orlando, making it an easy day trip for nature lovers.

This trail system is a designated stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, offering fantastic opportunities to see over 100 bird species, gopher tortoises, and even alligators. It's a prime example of Florida's diverse ecosystems, from dry scrub to wetland swamps, all within a short, easy walk. The preserve also features a nature center and butterfly garden, enhancing the overall experience.

The Alligator Alley Loop at Circle B Bar Reserve offers an incredible opportunity to experience Florida's wetlands and wildlife up close. This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike, with a mere 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain, guides you along berms that cut through marsh and swamp habitats, providing unparalleled views of Lake Hancock. You'll encounter a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, making it a truly immersive natural experience that takes just under an hour, around 57 minutes, to complete.

Planning your visit to this family-friendly hike is straightforward. The trail is part of the well-equipped Circle B Bar Reserve, which features a nature center and ample parking. While the route is easy, much of it is exposed to the sun, so be sure to carry plenty of water and wear sun protection, particularly during the warmer seasons. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for maximizing your chances of spotting wildlife.

This particular Alligator Alley Trail is renowned for its guaranteed alligator sightings, with many visitors reporting dozens in this section alone. Beyond the alligators, the Circle B Bar Reserve is a birding paradise, hosting over 220 species, including ospreys and sandhill cranes, making it a prime location for wildlife photography and observing diverse ecosystems.