Despite all the famous beaches, Miami is dense and full of concrete—and running in the heat can be no fun. Here's a look at some of the best routes in the city, with an eye towards getting under the shade and off the pavement.
Miami Beach Boardwalk/Atlantic Way
Let's get this one out of the way. The stretch of the Atlantic coast beach is world-famous for its gentle slopes ending in gentler waves. Running nearer the water gets you hard-packed sand, while sticking to the boardwalk in the south and the Atlantic Way trail in the north gets you more shade and a mix of sand, wood and brick surfaces. The island is almost exactly 10 miles in length, from South Pointe Pier to the end of the trail, and will take you past the city's top hotels. Consider a scenic, cooling detour into the North Shore Open Space Park, a seaside tropical forest.
More details via the official site>>
Virginia Key Trail
The good-sized island includes a large amount of natural open space popular with local runners, connected to the south part of the city via the Rickenbacker Causeway. The main running course loops around the northern edge for about four miles, a good part of it under shade, and with views facing towards the city. Most of the trail system is designed by and for local mountain biking enthusiasts, so yield as appropriate. Also come prepared for the island access fees and the mosquitoes.
More details via All Trails and the official site>>
Key Biscayne
Connected to the mainland via Virginia Key and the causeway, the island has two main trail areas, one in Crandon Park in the north and the other in Bill Baggs Cape Park in the south. The northern park's main trail runs from the causeway down about 2.5 miles on trail-side oceans to the island's residential area. The southern park offers a perimeter along the beach itself, for a little more than three miles.
More details via MapMyRun, Crandon Park's official site, Great Runs and Running Routes.
Venetian Causeway
This not-so-shady concrete sidewalk is a well-regarded local route because it gives you nearly three miles of straight running between Miami Beach and the north side of downtown, crossing 11 human-made islands with views of the city and ocean in all directions.
More details via MapMyRun and the official site>>
Oleta River State Park
The largest urban park in the state and the main wilderness left within city limits, Oleta offers an ancient mangrove forest and tons of wildlife. While there are about 14 miles of recreational trails, many routes are designed more for mountain bikers. Running options include a three mile paved route and a four mile off-road bicycle route.
More details via All Trails, Friends Of Oleta River, and the official site>>
