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Oleta River State Park
Florida’s largest urban state park delivers a true mangrove-wilderness paddle minutes from Miami. Choose calm mangrove tunnels or bay-edge routes with Biscayne Bay views near Haulover Inlet.
Oleta River State Park is a rare South Florida boating and paddling escape: more than 1,000 acres of mangrove forest and tidal waterways tucked beside the Miami–North Miami Beach skyline. For many visitors, it’s the easiest way to get a “backcountry” feel without leaving the city.
On the water, Oleta is best known for protected mangrove trails (great for beginners and families) plus optional, more exposed bay-edge routes that open up to Biscayne Bay scenery. Launch options inside the park make it simple to bring your own kayak/SUP or rent on-site through the Oleta River Outdoor Center.
Because the park often reaches capacity—especially on weekends—timing matters. Arrive early, pick a route that matches wind and tide conditions, and plan a post-paddle stop near the historic Blue Marlin site area.
What to expect on the water
Oleta mixes sheltered mangrove corridors with open-water stretches along Biscayne Bay. Inside the mangroves you’ll find calmer water and “tunnel” paddling that feels surprisingly remote; near the bay, conditions can change quickly with wind and boat traffic. Wildlife is part of the draw—mangrove habitats support fish nurseries and attract many birds, and manatees are also noted in and around the park.
Find This Destination
Getting There
Minutes from North Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay; a quick urban-to-wilderness jump-off for paddlers and small boats.
Open in Maps
About This Destination
Oleta River State Park (3400 N.E. 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FL 33160; 786-756-2327) is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown. Day-use admission is $6 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists/extra passengers. It’s Florida’s largest urban state park and a standout for paddlers because it delivers protected mangrove routes alongside Biscayne Bay views near the Haulover Inlet area. Note: the park frequently reaches capacity, and if it closes due to capacity, it does not reopen until the following day.
Boats to Get You There
Lovely Day
Lupo Two
Lupo One
Giselle at Haulover
55 Searay
Jerico V
Sanbella 44
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Whiskey & Waves at Bill Bird
The 40 VanDutch
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Kilauea
Lovely Day
Lupo Two
Lupo One
Giselle at Haulover
55 Searay
Jerico V
Sanbella 44
Le Grand Bleu at Bill Bird
Whiskey & Waves at Bill Bird
The 40 VanDutch
Dolce Vita Leopard 90
Kilauea
Local tips for a smooth launch
Arrive early on weekends/holidays—capacity closures are common, and once closed the park won’t reopen until the next day.
Choose your route based on wind: mangrove trails stay calmer, while bay-edge paddling can get choppy and exposed.
If you’re renting, plan around Oleta River Outdoor Center hours (Mon–Fri 9 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset; Sat–Sun 8 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset).
Bring sun protection for open water and insect repellent for mangrove sections.
Keep a respectful distance from wildlife (including manatees) and avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation in the mangroves.
Choose-your-adventure routes from Oleta
Mangrove Tunnels (Beginner-Friendly Loop)
Launch inside the park and follow sheltered mangrove trails for calm-water paddling and wildlife viewing. Ideal when wind is up on the bay or when you want a low-stress outing.
Biscayne Bay Edge Cruise (Intermediate)
Paddle out toward the bay-side edges for wider views and a more open-water feel. Best on lighter-wind days; expect more exposure and occasional boat traffic.
Historic Blue Marlin Area Paddle + Picnic
Plan a relaxed route that passes the Blue Marlin site area (historic to circa 1938, tied to the original Blue Marlin Smoke House). A great option for a scenic break before heading back.
Haulover Inlet Area (Advanced/Conditions-Dependent)
For experienced boaters, the nearby Haulover Inlet area adds ocean-adjacent scenery. Paddlers typically stay on calmer bay-side routes and should avoid inlet conditions unless highly skilled and conditions are favorable.
Explore Miami-area waters with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan more days on the water around Biscayne Bay, Oleta’s mangrove trails, and nearby inlet scenery. Your BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips—so you can focus on the route, conditions, and who’s coming along.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oleta River State Park is at 3400 N.E. 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FL 33160. The park’s general GPS coordinates are 25.9216, -80.1444.
The park is open 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Admission is $6 per vehicle (2–8 people), $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 for pedestrians/bicyclists/extra passengers.
Visitors with their own vessels are requested to launch from the area just west of Parking Lots 5 and 6. There’s also a launch near the Blue Marlin Fish House area.
Yes. Rentals and guided paddles operate through the Oleta River Outdoor Center. Hours are Mon–Fri 9 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset, and Sat–Sun 8 a.m. to 1 hour before sunset.
Yes. The park frequently reaches capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. If it closes due to capacity, it does not reopen until the following day—arrive early.
Popular targets include protected mangrove routes inside the park, Biscayne Bay for open-water cruising and skyline views, and (for experienced boaters) the nearby Haulover Inlet area—paddlers typically stick to calmer bay-side routes.
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