Matheson Hammock

Miami-Dade County's first park, on Biscayne Bay south of downtown Miami, built around a man-made atoll pool/lagoon and a sandy bayside beach; a sheltered flatwater alternative to Crandon Park that has also hosted kite-foil sessions from adaptive riders.

beginnerflat waterfreeride

Photo titled 'Playa de la Palangana (Matheson Hammocks)' — Ivan Curra / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Sunrise at Matheson Hammock's bay-water swimming area, matches lagoon — joiseyshowaa / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Beach at Matheson Hammock, sunrise and palms — joiseyshowaa / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

View east over the bay from Matheson Hammock — joiseyshowaa from Freehold, NJ, USA / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wind

best months	Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
season notes	Same winter trade-wind pattern as the rest of the Miami area.
wind name	trade winds
quality	steady

Water

type	lagoon
temp summer c	29
temp winter c	23
wetsuit	boardshorts year-round for most riders
standing depth	sheltered, bay-protected shallows

Levels

beginner	yes
intermediate	yes
advanced	no
notes	Sheltered lagoon-style bay setting favors easier, more protected sessions than open-Atlantic Crandon.

Launch & crowd

description	Sandy bayside beach next to the atoll pool; self-service PADL kayak/paddleboard rental on site.
busy months	Dec Jan Feb Mar
vibe	quieter, more local alternative to Crandon

Hazards

flotation devices banned in the swim/beach area per county code
operating hours can change for water quality/wildlife reasons

Rules

park has scheduled operating hours (seasonal, roughly 9am-4:30/5:30pm weekdays)
no tents, grills or open flame on the beach
pets not permitted

Tips

Noma Beach at Red Fish restaurant on site for post-session food
free WiFi near the boat docks

Travel basics

airport	MIA (Miami International)
getting there	car, south of downtown Miami off Old Cutler Road
accommodation	greater Miami hotels/rentals
cost level	high
no wind	Miami's beaches, dining and nightlife

Nearby: Crandon Park

Sources: miamidade.gov · iksurfmag.com