Are you looking for somewhere to relax and have fun with your kids or four-legged friend? Or, do you want to have fun on a playground or see the boats on the Miami River? Jose Marti Park is your best bet.
Jose Marti Park is a park in East Little Havana named after a Cuban poet and freedom fighter. There are only a handful of parks in Little Havana, so José Marti Park is a big deal here and, of course, a place you do not want to miss.
Before diving deeper and seeing everything the park offers, let’s check out a little backstory. So strap your seat belt as we journey to the 90s’.
Backstory
Numerous Indian camps existed in this area long ago. Pottery fragments, shell tools, projectile points, and an Indian woman’s tomb were discovered during excavations in 1982.
In fact, the area served as a “tent city” for two months, hosting 4,000 political exiles from Cuba who left the country via the Mariel boat lift.
Later, it was transformed into this excellent river park in 1984 and was given the name of a poet and independence hero, José Marti, from Cuba. He is known for his role in liberating his country from Spain.
Since the park’s opening, this 8.9-acre park by the Miami River has been a local and tourist favorite.
Cool right? Now, let’s dive deeper.
The expansive playground of the park is great for youngsters, and there is a public pool where you may swim for $3 for adults and $1 for kids.
You can use the picnic or chess/checkers tables, sit back on chairs and take in the views of Miami’s skyscrapers and fishing boats, or all three.
You can also enjoy the public riverwalk that goes along the park with benches where you can watch the boats and read a book. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors of all ages who want a break from the city.
Some of the facilities to enjoy at José Marti Park :
1. Basketball court
2. Public Riverwalk
3. An indoor Gym and Picnic tables
4. A six-lane, 25-meter pool
Recommended Activities you should do in the park:
1. Water Aerobics
2. Swim lessons
3. After-school programs
4. Summer camps
5. Have a picnic with your family or friends
6. Basketball games
Basketball games
You can enjoy some quiet and uninterrupted time to play your game on the bright courts of the park. The courts are seldom occupied, so you will surely enjoy an uninterrupted game.
There are minor drawbacks, like the loud noise of the highway and the occasional sight of a big ship sailing on the river.
Like in college games, the surface is smooth and marked with a three-point line. You will also get to enjoy the beautiful views of the city center.
Take your dog for a walk
One of the most popular activities in José Marti Park is dog walking.
This park has plenty of cement sidewalks where you and your closest dog friend can exercise even though there isn’t much grass there.
Around the playground area are also many chairs and tables where you can unwind with your four-legged friend.
There are numerous restaurants nearby that serve tasty, high-quality Cuban cuisine. You can stroll over and grab some delectable treats for yourself and your dog to enjoy!
However, due to the bylaws in Miami, you will need to stop by a doctor to make sure your dog has a recent rabies vaccination and pick up a tag simultaneously.
Don’t forget to always keep your dog on a leash in Miami’s public areas.
Go swimming
If you are looking to make a splash while at the Jose Marti Park, then check out the Jose Marti Pool. This is an aquatic facility that invites park visitors of all ages to take a refreshing dip in its inviting waters.
With its six-lane, 25-meter pool, it caters to lap swimmers seeking a dedicated space to perfect their strokes. Throughout the week, specific lanes are reserved for lap swimming, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
But the Jose Marti Pool isn’t just for lap swimmers. It also offers a range of activities to suit different interests and fitness levels. If you’re looking to improve your swimming skills, the pool hosts a learn-to-swim program, providing expert guidance and support to help you become a confident swimmer.
For those seeking a more dynamic workout, water aerobics classes are available. Dive into the invigorating waters and let the gentle resistance of the pool enhance your fitness routine. The classes take place Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 9:00am, offering a refreshing start to your day.
The pool’s features are designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. With depths ranging from 4 to 12 feet, the pool accommodates swimmers of all abilities. The facility is outdoors and heated to a pleasant 84ºF (29ºC), allowing for year-round enjoyment. Additionally, the pool area boasts ample boards and buoys, providing extra support and fun for water enthusiasts.
When it comes to amenities, the Jose Marti Pool offers a spacious changing area, though lockers are not available. The facility is well-maintained, and although the pool and deck may show signs of age, they are diligently kept clean, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all visitors.
Other recreational Activities
Besides swimming, games, and dog walking, you can enjoy many other recreational activities in José Marti Park, Miami. They include:
- Walking or sitting along the public riverwalk that runs the length of the park with benches where you can read a book and watch boats float by.
- Have fun at the large playground. It features a variety of structures for climbing, swinging, and sliding, plus a covered play area and a grassy field for kickball and other games.
- Put on your gym clothes, strap tight those Nikes’ and hit the gym. Do some aerobic moves, lift some weights, improve your flexibility and just get fit.
- If you are a Yoga fan, then you are in luck, as you can practice yoga as much as you want. Do various poses, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques that can benefit your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Whether you want to come early to the park or stay late, you be covered, as the park is open to all throughout the week from 6 am to 10 pm.
Jose Marti Park Photos
Final thoughts
While there might not be many parks in Little Havannah, Jose Marti Park sure excel as one of the best parks around.
Whether you are a resident or a tourist in Miami, Jose Marti Park is a place you should consider when looking to unwind or get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. So bring Fido along and have one of the best times of your life.
