Feeling cooped up? Check out part 2 in a three part series on Miami scenic drives and walks, places ripe for exploring and welcome eye candy. Plus, one of these suggestions is featured in the publication Great Runs for their trails and views. The recommendations come from realtors who are in the know. You’ll also read about nearby places to grab a bite after the visual adventure on these best scenic drives in Miami. If you missed Part 1, a Daycation in Homestead, click here.
Morningside Historic District
By Zachary Belil
The Morningside Historic District runs from NE 55th Street to NE 60th Street and extends from Biscayne Boulevard to Biscayne Bay. Morningside was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, the first district in Miami with this designation. It was developed by James H. Nunnally, a man who made his fortune in the candy business, and was built between 1922 and 1940. The east-west running boulevards are very lush and often canopy completely over the road. Architecturally, there are mostly Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco homes, with a few other styles thrown in like a whimsical Tudor Revival, a Federal style home, and a rare Mission style home. Bathed in charm, there’s a reason Morningside is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods to live in Miami. (note from Karen: Morningside Park has also been featured in Great Runs as a top running spot. Here’s what they say: “There is about 1 mile of shaded, paved trails in the park and nice water views as well.For a longer run, the residential neighborhood just to the west of the park is very pleasant for running, with windy, low-trafficked roads.”)
Director of Luxury Sales
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
917.319.4627
Walks around Belle Isle, Venetian Islands, South Beach
By Macarena Spittler
Belle Isle is located in the easternmost tip of the man-made Venetian Islands. It went through a renovation project in 2006, including sidewalks, lighting and landscape improvements, picnic areas, and a dog park. Some parking spots can be found around the park, but you won’t find an official Miami Beach park sign. Citi Bike rentals are on the north side of the park along the causeway.
It’s quiet enough to hear songbirds among the native oaks and gumbo limbos. Palms, flowering trees, and a large banyan also provide a bit of shade and lovely landscaping to look at along the park’s perimeter. You can sit and have a picnic . The park’s pleasant landscape design offers some nooks for relaxation, with benches, garbage receptacles, water fountains, and pet waste stations at different points along the walkways. You can continue your walk or bike ride along the Causeway to the other Venetian Islands with everything from mid-century to contemporary post-modern architecture.
For lunch or dinner head over to Sunset Harbour (you can walk there) with a number of restaurants. My favorite is Sardinia though there’s also the IceBox Cafe, PubBelly Sushi, Stiltsville and more. Note from Karen: across the street is The Standard Hotel with it’s Lido Bayside restaurant. See below for the review.
Waterfront Dining: Izikaya PopUp
Pine Tree Drive Neighborhood, Miami Beach
By Priscilla Gonsalves
And last but not least of the best scenic drives in Miami — Minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and posh South Beach lies the historic Pine Tree Drive neighborhood of Miami Beach. Named for the towering, knotty pine trees that line the street, a stroll down Pine Tree Drive is like a trip to the low country of South Carolina or the Garden District in New Orleans. Easily accessible with no need for a gate pass, you’ll get your eyes full of a variety of decadent homes.
You can walk or enjoy one of those great Miami scenic drives along these opulent streets and breathe in homes from the classic South Florida Mediterranean- style to the ultra modern and high-tech post modern. Pine Tree Drive showcases not only the magic of Miami’s Art Deco pastel and geometric foundations but also has a wealth of contrasting architecture.
This neighborhood encapsulates the city’s visual history. It entices you with the glamour and frivolity of the 1930s designs but also shocks with the stark and minimalist tones of the post war. Be sure to take a look, Pine Tree has it all.
By Priscilla Gonsalves, luxury real estate specialist at Keller-Williams Lucido Agency.
priscillagonsalves@lucidoglobal.com
