You’re driving down South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove, likely dodging a rogue peacock or a cyclist in full spandex, when you pass a strip of green that looks like just another Miami park. Most people breeze right past it on their way to the more famous Peacock Park or the sprawling David Kennedy Park.
That’s their first mistake.
Kenneth M. Myers Bayside Park is one of those spots that locals guard like a secret family recipe. It isn't just a patch of grass; it’s a strategic gateway to Biscayne Bay that manages to feel quiet even when the rest of Miami is screaming at 100 decibels.
The Identity Crisis: Kenneth M. Myers Bayside Park vs. The Rest
First off, let’s clear up the name. People often confuse this with the "Bayside Marketplace" downtown, which is a tourist-heavy hub of daiquiris and souvenir shops. If you show up here looking for a Hard Rock Cafe, you’re going to be very disappointed.
Honestly, this park is the antithesis of the downtown scene. Located at 2840 S Bayshore Dr, it sits nestled between the Coconut Grove Sailing Club and the Dinner Key Marina. It’s thin, long, and perfectly positioned for anyone who wants to see the "real" nautical side of Miami without paying for a boat slip.
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Why the Seminole Boat Ramp Matters
If you’re into the boating scene—or just like watching people struggle to back their trailers into the water—the Seminole Boat Ramp at Kenneth M. Myers Bayside Park is legendary.
Recently, the city poured serious money into this area. We’re talking about a massive project managed by the Office of Capital Improvements that wrapped up around 2024. They replaced nearly 100 feet of seawall and rebuilt the boat ramps from the ground up.
Why should you care?
Because it’s one of the most accessible points for locals to launch into the bay. When the ramps were closed for construction, the local boating community practically went into mourning. Now that it’s fully operational with a new floating dock (which is ADA-compliant, by the way), it’s the heartbeat of the park.
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Art, Dogs, and Those Weird Metal Animals
You’ll notice something immediately when you walk the paved path: there are giant, colorful steel animal sculptures scattered around.
These are the work of artist Fredrick Prescott. They give the park a sort of whimsical, slightly trippy vibe that fits the eclectic "Grovetowner" aesthetic perfectly. It’s not just a place to jog; it’s basically an outdoor gallery.
Speaking of jogging, the paved path is a godsend. It’s shaded by palms and connects the park to the wider network of Coconut Grove’s waterfront. You can walk east and end up at City Hall or head west toward the glitz of CocoWalk.
For the dog owners:
- Keep the leash on. (This isn't an off-leash park like nearby Blanche Park).
- There are waste stations, but honestly, always bring your own bags.
- The "people-watching" is great, but the "pup-watching" is elite.
The Practicalities: Parking and "The Catch"
Miami and "easy parking" rarely exist in the same sentence. Kenneth M. Myers Bayside Park is no exception.
The parking restoration that came with the boat ramp project helped, but on a sunny Saturday? Forget it. You’ll be circling like a hawk. My advice is to get there early—before 9:00 AM—if you’re planning to launch a boat or grab one of the few benches for a sunrise view.
If you aren't bringing a trailer, you might find spots along the street, but pay attention to the signs. Miami parking enforcement is efficient and ruthless.
Is it worth the stop?
If you want a playground with thirty slides and a water park, no. Go elsewhere.
But if you want to sit on a bench, watch sailboats from the Coconut Grove Sailing Club drift by, and feel the sea breeze without the South Beach chaos? This is your spot. It’s where you go to breathe.
It’s small. It’s simple. But it’s authentic Miami.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Tide: if you're using the Seminole Boat Ramp, check the local tide charts; even with the new improvements, low tide can be tricky for larger vessels.
- Pack Light: There aren't many picnic tables here compared to David Kennedy Park, so bring a foldable chair or a thick blanket if you plan to stay.
- Visit at Golden Hour: The way the light hits the Prescott sculptures and the mast-filled horizon of Dinner Key Marina is a photographer's dream.
- Walk the Loop: Start at the park, walk east past the marinas to the historic Miami City Hall (formerly the Pan Am terminal), and loop back for a solid 2-mile scenic stroll.