Summary
- 1. Pinecrest Gardens
- 2. Matheson Hammock Park
- 3. Zoo Miami
- 4. Old Cutler Trail
- 5. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
- 6. R Hardy Matheson County Preserve
- 7. Deering Estate
- 8. Montgomery Botanical Center
- 9. Dadeland Mall
- 10. Pinecrest Farmers’ Market
- 11. The Falls
- 12. Coral Pine Park
- 13. Evelyn Greer Park
- 14. Pinecrest Bakery
- 15. PineToberfest Beer Festival
In South Dade, Pinecrest is an affluent suburban village that was established in 1996 during a period of rapid growth, shortly after Hurricane Andrew caused extensive damage in 1992.
This vibrant village is now characterized by its lush tropical vegetation, presenting an opportunity to visit various botanical gardens any day of the week.
Pinecrest’s community park serves as a botanical haven, simultaneously providing a hub for culture, live performances, and community events.
Located conveniently close to Pinecrest, the Miami Zoo, recognized as the only subtropical zoological garden in the continental United States, offers additional recreational options. The village’s affluence is also evident in the high-end shopping along US 1, particularly at Dadeland Mall and The Falls.
1. Pinecrest Gardens
Pinecrest Gardens transcends the definition of a typical public park. It is, in fact, a botanical marvel that amalgamates culture, live entertainment, and numerous events.
Originating in the 1930s, this enchanting landscape was formerly known as Parrot Jungle, a notable early tourist attraction in Miami.
Spanning 14 acres, the gardens feature an array of native hardwood hammock and bald cypress slough, alongside succulent gardens, orchids, and various specimen plants.
Children will delight in the splash pad and the opportunity to interact with gentle animals, such as miniature donkeys at the petting zoo.
Pinecrest Gardens is also home to the village’s significant annual events, including the Art & Design Fair each January, alongside art exhibitions, theater performances, live music, and the widely acclaimed weekly farmers’ market, which will be discussed later.
2. Matheson Hammock Park
Adjacent to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Matheson Hammock Park features a stunning coastal park comprised of a substantial area of coastal hardwood hammock and mangroves.
The primary attraction at Matheson Hammock Park is the manmade atoll pool located at its eastern tip, constructed in the 1930s and regularly replenished by the tides. This pool offers a shallow swimming area bordered by a sandy beach shaded by palm trees.
This park is an excellent location for those looking to try kiteboarding, as the coastal conditions of Biscayne Bay are ideal, and there is a kiteboarding school situated within the park.
3. Zoo Miami
Located a short drive from Pinecrest is one of the finest zoos I have encountered. The most remarkable aspect of Zoo Miami is its environment. Particularly in areas like Amazon and Beyond, you gain the sensation of encountering wildlife in their native habitats.
This zoo offers an engaging experience, with approximately four miles of trails meandering across 750 acres of tropical landscapes. Therefore, to explore comprehensively in a limited timeframe, renting a bike is a practical option.
Throughout your exploration, you will encounter over 400 species, ranging from western lowland gorillas to koalas. Additionally, there is abundant natural shade throughout the zoo, and children particularly enjoy the splash pad, making swimwear essential for families.
4. Old Cutler Trail
Numerous attractions on this list are situated along or adjacent to an historic roadway running parallel to Biscayne Bay. The Old Cutler Road predates the modern grid plan and originates from a rural wagon trail along an elevated limestone seam.
Since the turn of the 20th century, affluent residents, including Charles Deering (1852-1927) and Robert Hiester Montgomery (1872-1953), co-founder of PricewaterhouseCoopers, established their residences along the Old Cutler Road.
You can enjoy an 11-mile bike ride alongside this trail, which consists of paved paths, sidewalks, and designated bike lanes. The ride is picturesque, passing impressive residences beneath a canopy of banyan and live oak trees.
5. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
David Fairchild (1869-1954), an eminent plant explorer and botanist, significantly contributed to American agriculture by introducing thousands of crops, including soybeans and nectarines.
In 1938, Fairchild’s contemporaries honored his legacy by naming this splendid 83-acre botanical garden after him. The diverse collections at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden feature flowering trees, vines, cycads, and palms.
Within this remarkable tropical oasis, visitors can spot a cannonball tree, which was planted at the garden’s inception and is one of the few in the country.
Throughout the year, the garden hosts various live events, including mango, chocolate, and orchid festivals that attract visitors nationwide.
6. R Hardy Matheson County Preserve
Cumulatively spanning over 800 acres, this public land functions as a buffer between Pinecrest and Biscayne Bay.
Snapper Creek converges into the bay at this location, and the shores reveal compelling evidence of habitation by the Tequesta Native Americans, dating back centuries.
The preserve encompasses a rich diversity of ecosystems, including pine rockland, hardwood hammock, mangrove, and the estuarine environment of the bay.
Walking the trail adjacent to Snapper Creek early in the morning is an enchanting experience, culminating in a jetty that offers a breathtaking view of the ocean at sunrise.
7. Deering Estate
South Florida has long been a refuge for the affluent, but South Dade possesses a unique allure.
At the bayfront Deering Estate, established by a Chicago industrialist in the 1920s, you can gain insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy during the early 20th century.
The estate features a grand Mediterranean Revival house and the Richmond Cottage, which dates back to 1900, predating Charles Deering’s residency.
As both an art patron and devoted conservationist, Deering’s 450-acre estate encompasses eight native ecosystems, including a rare old-growth tropical hardwood hammock.
My preferred method of engaging with the Deering Estate is through nature walks or kayaking alongside a congregation of manatees.
8. Montgomery Botanical Center
My enthusiasm for exploring the botanical gems surrounding Pinecrest is unceasing. For those wanting to delve deeper, the Montgomery Botanical Center is located adjacent to R Hardy Matheson County Preserve.
Founded in 1959 in honor of Robert Hiester Montgomery, co-founder of the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, this center is situated on his estate and boasts an exceptional range of palms (400 taxa) and cycads (202 taxa).
Visitors can appreciate these collections at the Coconut Grove Palmetum, the South Palmetum, and the Lowland Palmetum.
Moreover, the center encompasses a research facility containing laboratories, a botanical library, a herbarium, and nurseries.
9. Dadeland Mall
The majority of Pinecrest’s commercial activities are concentrated along US 1, marking the western boundary of the village. Here, you will discover one of the largest luxury shopping malls in Greater Miami.
Established in 1962, Dadeland Mall houses over 160 tenants. For individuals seeking unique shopping experiences, this mall is a primary destination.
The directory boasts a prestigious list of brands, including Boss, Rolex, Guess, Michael Kors, Ann Taylor, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Additionally, there are options accommodating a broader range of budgets, featuring retailers like Zara, Mango, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Foot Locker.
The food court is another highlight, presenting diverse culinary options, from Chick-fil-A to Lebanese delicacies, pan-Asian cuisine, and Latin American fare.
10. Pinecrest Farmers’ Market
The weekly farmers’ market at Pinecrest Gardens ranks among the premier events in the area, having received accolades from the Miami New Times on multiple occasions as the best in the Miami region.
This market takes place on Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM, showcasing local produce, arts, crafts, and prepared foods.
During my last visit, I encountered a variety of offerings, including freshly baked bread, artisanal cheeses, jewelry, flowers, houseplants, candles, and handcrafted ceramics, accompanied by an enticing aroma from an Argentinian churrascaria.
The location is also advantageous, with plenty of natural shade, providing comfort on warmer days.
11. The Falls
Another key shopping attraction along the US-1 corridor is an upscale lifestyle center that opened in 1980.
This establishment continues to thrive, featuring ponds, waterfalls, and shaded walkways, creating an inviting atmosphere for shopping, even during the summer months.
Brand names include Sephora, Abercrombie & Fitch, Apple, L’Occitane, Hollister, Aeropostale, Francesca’s, and Soma.
Dining options range from Sweetgreen and Shake Shack to P.F. Chang’s and Haagen-Dazs, while the 12-screen Regal UA Falls theater enhances the overall experience.
12. Coral Pine Park
This quaint neighborhood park offers facilities for active recreation, primarily focusing on racquet sports with five lighted tennis courts and four lighted pickleball courts.
In addition to these amenities, the Coral Pine Park Tennis Center features a pro shop, all set amidst a tranquil suburban environment.
A portion of the park is designated as a pineland preserve, where the surrounding trees create a lush canopy to provide shade, making it an ideal picnic destination, complemented by a children’s playground.
13. Evelyn Greer Park
Conveniently located along US 1, this ten-acre park offers a plethora of recreational facilities and is named after Pinecrest’s first mayor. The park features fields for soccer, baseball, and softball, as well as batting cages and multipurpose areas.
For those seeking exercise, Evelyn Greer Park is encircled by a walking/jogging track with adult workout stations conveniently placed along the way. Additionally, a covered playground is available for children, while the gazebo provides a spot with free Wi-Fi.
This park hosts various youth and adult programs throughout the year and regularly organizes community events such as the PineToberfest Beer Festival in late summer.
14. Pinecrest Bakery
As the name suggests, this flourishing chain of 24-hour Cuban-American bakeries originated in Pinecrest.
Inaugurated in 2012, Pinecrest Bakery has quickly expanded to nearly 30 locations across the Miami region, filling a notable gap in the market and becoming a local favorite.
Visitors can indulge in a selection of Cuban specialties like empanadas, pastelitos, croquetas, and tequeños.
Moreover, traditional Cuban-style sandwiches are available fresh from the grill, alongside an impressive variety of over 60 cakes and desserts, as well as whole traditional Cuban family meals. The Havana-style cortadito is a must-try breakfast option.
15. PineToberfest Beer Festival
Pinecrest consistently features public events every weekend, with many held at Pinecrest Gardens; however, PineToberfest stands out.
This Bavarian-themed beer festival, organized by the village’s Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with Exit One Taproom, showcases over 40 beers from across Miami-Dade County.
Scheduled at Evelyn Greer Park during late September or early October, PineToberfest invites attendees to explore the local beer scene, complemented by a VIP area, live music, food, games, and attendees often donning dirndls and lederhosen.