Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Cutler Bay, Florida

Located at the southern edge of the Miami metropolitan area, Cutler Bay was established as an incorporated municipality in 2005. This area had witnessed catastrophic devastation from Hurricane Andrew thirteen years prior, which made landfall here.

Since then, the population has more than doubled, and in 2011, the city inaugurated a remarkable performing arts center that serves as a cultural landmark for South Miami-Dade County.

Cutler Bay is adjacent to Biscayne National Park, with the Black Point Marina acting as a gateway to this aquatic wonderland.

Additionally, you are merely minutes away from popular regional attractions such as Zoo Miami and the Charles Deering Estate.

Hence, this article highlights the top attractions and activities to experience in Cutler Bay.

1. Biscayne National Park

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The Jetty at Black Point Marina in Cutler Bay is one of the few locations within Biscayne National Park that can be accessed without a boat.

Remarkably, 95% of the park’s 173,000 acres are aquatic, establishing it as the largest marine sanctuary within the National Park Service.

This is undeniably a paradise, characterized by vibrant tropical reefs, lush islands, and shimmering aquamarine waters, encapsulating thousands of years of human history.

For an introduction to the park, I recommend making the short drive south to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. This bayfront facility provides an excellent overview of the wide range of experiences available in the park.

From either Homestead Marina or Black Point Marina, you can embark on ranger-led boat tours or partake in snorkeling, paddling, and sailing excursions that will be memorable experiences.

2. Charles Deering Estate

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During the early 20th century, prosperous Chicago industrialist Charles Deering (1852-1927) acquired hundreds of waterfront acres that comprise present-day Cutler Bay and Miami.

In 1922, he augmented the existing Richmond Cottage with a grand Spanish Revival mansion. Both structures are accessible through guided or self-guided tours.

The grounds are as aesthetically pleasing as the buildings themselves. Deering was an environmental advocate who played a crucial role in preserving one of the largest virgin tropical coastal hammocks in the United States.

The scenic coastal views are impressive, complemented by numerous walking paths and seating areas where visitors can relish the gentle breezes from the bay. My visit in early spring enabled me to observe a group of manatees in the shallows.

3. Zoo Miami

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The only tropical zoo in the continental United States is situated on the western perimeter of Cutler Bay. Having relocated here in the early 1980s, Zoo Miami occupies the former Naval Air Station Richmond’s grounds.

This extensive attraction encompasses over 700 acres and houses 2,500 animals across more than 100 exhibits. Based on my experience, you will require at least half a day to fully appreciate Zoo Miami.

Exhibits are categorized into five principal zones: Florida: Mission Everglades, Asia, Africa, Amazon and Beyond, and Australia.

Visitors can observe tigers, jaguars, koalas, crocodiles, orangutans, Asian elephants, giraffes, giant anteaters, and a plethora of other species.

The Conservation Action Center also made a memorable impression due to its interactive exhibits that underscore environmental concerns and the issue of invasive species.

With four miles of pathways, there is a considerable amount of ground to cover on foot, making it worthwhile to consider the tourist tram or even renting a four-wheel Safari Cycle for easier navigation.

4. Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center

This remarkable building, which is the most visually striking in the city, debuted in 2011 as a premier performing arts center. The Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center was conceived by the architectural firm responsible for Miami’s Kaseya Center and features a mainstage theater with 960 seats.

The structure is enriched with sculptures from Miami artist Robert Chambers, alongside a captivating kinetic light wall created for the project.

In addition to the main stage, the facility includes a lab theater, a black box theater, and an outdoor performance space on the lawn.

This venue offers state-of-the-art facilities for a diverse range of performances, including ballet, an expansive variety of concerts, opera, Broadway productions, children’s entertainment, contemporary dance, and much more beyond that.

5. Southland Mall

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This expansive enclosed shopping center located along South Dixie Highway has a history extending back to 1960. Southland Mall continues to be the preferred shopping destination for locals and was poised for a substantial $1 billion revitalization when this information was compiled.

I visited just prior to the commencement of this renovation and was delighted by my findings. There were nearly no vacant storefronts, featuring a lineup of retailers such as JCPenney, Macy’s, Kay Jewelers, Victoria’s Secret, and Foot Locker, among others.

A variety of fast-casual dining options exists, ranging from Olive Garden to Buffalo Wild Wings, alongside a 16-screen Regal multiplex theater.

6. Burr’s Berry Farm

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With a legacy spanning three generations, Burr’s Berry Farm serves as the area’s largest agritourism destination, effectively “bringing a piece of the country to Miami.”

During the season, the farm offers an impressive array of family-friendly activities. Guests can engage in U-Pick strawberries, hayrides, sunflower fields, and a farmers’ market filled with fresh produce and specialty foods.

My children thoroughly enjoyed their time here, spending hours exploring the haystacks, obstacle course, and the lumber playground, which features a canopy.

A wide variety of food options is available, from tacos to BBQ to burgers. Our preferred choice was the ice cream, which offers delectable milkshakes in flavors ranging from cappuccino to key lime pie.

7. Larry and Penny Thompson Park

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Adjacent to Zoo Miami, Larry and Penny Thompson Park boasts nearly 300 acres of untouched natural landscapes typical of South Florida.

After my visit to the zoo, this park served as a tranquil refuge. It features a lake, pines, saw palmettos, seasonal wildflowers, and an impressive variety of fruit trees.

A beach borders the lake, allowing for swimming and picnicking along its shore. The park is named in honor of Larry Thompson (1911-1973) and his wife Penny Thompson (1917-1975).

Larry is commemorated as a reporter and humor columnist for The Miami Herald. His Remington typewriter from 1941 is displayed at the camping office.

Penny was an aviation pioneer who flew with the WWII Civil Air Patrol, and later organized the World’s First All-Woman Air Show in Miami in 1947.

Camping facilities include over 200 individual campsites and RV slots equipped with complete water and electrical hookups.

8. Fruit & Spice Park

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A short drive west of Cutler Bay leads to this distinctive outdoor botanical garden, which cultivates hundreds of varieties of fruits, herbs, vegetables, and spices found in tropical climates across the globe.

This specific region of Florida exhibits ecological conditions that are unparalleled anywhere else in the continental United States, rendering this attraction quite unique.

Guided tram tours are conducted three times daily at 11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3 PM. I suggest attending the 3 PM tasting tour for an optimal experience.

During my visit, I sampled avocado and experienced starfruit for the first time. The guide also provided invaluable information on identifying ripe and edible fruits.

If you choose to visit independently, carrying a pocket knife is advisable, as you are permitted to sample any fruit that has recently fallen. The park’s website contains a helpful guide indicating what will be ripe during your visit.

9. Black Creek Trail

This extensive paved trail stretches nearly nine miles, running alongside the Black Creek Canal through Cutler Bay.

The Black Creek Trail enables access from Larry and Penny Thompson Park to Biscayne Bay. If you plan only a brief walk, I recommend heading towards Black Point, where you can stroll to the end of the jetty.

The views during sunset can be breathtaking, offering a splendid backdrop. The waters are home to dolphins, alligators, and manatees, providing ample chances for sightings.

For a more extensive excursion, the Black Creek Trail connects with several additional paths, including the renowned Old Cutler Trail, which leads to Coral Gables beneath a canopy formed by mature banyan and live oak trees.

10. Black Point Ocean Grill

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Located near the point where the Black Creek Canal meets Biscayne Bay, the Black Point Marina serves as a launching point for excursions in Biscayne National Park, but it is equally deserving of a visit for its own merits.

The primary attraction is the Black Point Ocean Grill, a seafood dining establishment with a delightful waterfront setting.

Having dined there recently, I can attest to the excellence of their Mahi Mahi tacos and conch fritters. The location adds to the appeal, allowing diners to watch boats pass by and potentially spot dolphins or manatees in Black Creek.

11. Coral Castle

A tribute to unrequited love, the Coral Castle is a unique sculptural marvel crafted by the Latvian-American eccentric Edward Leedskalnin (1887-1951).

Nearly thirty years in development, the Coral Castle encompasses over 1,100 tons of cut coral rock.

This peculiar monument possesses an aura of mystery, featuring large-scale constructions made by a single individual without the use of modern machinery.

I opted for a self-guided experience, utilizing the audio guides available. Two features that particularly captivated me were the stone rocking chairs and the revolving stone gate, which weighs nine tons yet can be moved with a gentle push.

12. Homestead Bayfront Park

Managed by Miami-Dade County, this pleasant area borders the headquarters and visitor center of Biscayne National Park. Just across the canal, Homestead Bayfront Park presents a compact section of tropical paradise. The tidal atoll pool, surrounded by a palm-lined beach, is a personal favorite of mine.

The waters in this pool are clear and shallow, making them ideal for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the week to ensure safety. A few years ago, they upgraded the lifeguard stands to more stylish designs.

Located along the waterway is the Homestead Marina, which provides additional access to Biscayne National Park and features La Playa Grill Seafood Bar.

13. Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Adjacent to Zoo Miami, this railroad museum boasts three miles of tracks derived from the old Naval Air Station Richmond.

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum’s collection includes two steam locomotives, seven diesel-electric locomotives, and an extensive array of rolling stock.

A notable highlight is the Ferdinand Magellan railcar, which was built in 1929 and served as the presidential railcar from 1943 to 1958.

One of the iconic moments in 20th-century American history—Harry Truman holding up the mistaken “Dewey Defeats Truman” headline—was captured in front of this very car.

Additional attractions within the museum include a model railroad, an exhibit dedicated to Naval Air Station Richmond, narrow-gauge railroad rides, and a considerable collection of railroad memorabilia.

14. Coral Reef Park, Palmetto Bay

This picturesque public park, located just minutes from Cutler Bay, never fails to charm me. The park is traversed by a lovely canal that often sees an array of boaters and paddlers.

A footbridge provides access to the eastern side of the park, which hosts the Palmetto Bay Farmers’ Market every Saturday.

The western side of the park features sports facilities for various activities, including baseball and soccer, as well as exercise stations and a covered playground.

This space is an excellent choice for a picnic, although the ducks flocking near the canal can be somewhat demanding for food.

15. Redland Market Village

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Established and operated by a family since 1987, the Redland Market Village is a vast indoor and outdoor market complex located off South Dixie Highway.

At the heart of this venue is an expansive farmers’ market that offers everything from fresh seasonal produce to seafood.

Complementing this is a large two-day flea market featuring international food trucks, a plethora of antiques, electronics, jewelry, furniture, tools, and toys. Personally, I have spent numerous enjoyable hours searching for treasures at the flea market.

The farmers’ market operates from 11 AM to 6 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 7 AM to 6 PM on weekends. The flea market is available on Saturdays and Sundays.