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First Day Hikes: Start the New Year Outdoors in South Florida

Florida State Parks host free First Day Hikes every New Year's Day, and a few excellent parks sit within easy reach of Miami-Dade and Broward families. Here is how to plan one.

By Nanci Gilbert, PA September 28, 2026
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Florida State Parks host free First Day Hikes every New Year's Day as part of the nationwide America's State Parks tradition, and a few excellent parks sit within easy reach of Miami-Dade and Broward families. It is a low-cost, screen-free way to begin the year together, close to home.

How First Day Hikes work

Ranger-led and self-guided hikes are offered on January 1 at participating parks. The events themselves are free, though regular park entry fees still apply, so bring a few dollars per vehicle. Schedules change each year, so confirm the day's times on the Florida State Parks website before you go.

Oleta River State Park, Miami

In North Miami, Oleta River State Park follows mangrove-lined trails along the Intracoastal, with a past First Day Hike start from Parking Lot 1 in the mid-morning. Expect paddlers on the water and families on the path, with picnic tables ready when the walk ends.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne

On Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has hosted First Day Hikes in past years, with trails that pass the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse and end along the Atlantic. The park fills early on New Year's Day, so arrive in the morning and enjoy the beach after the hike.

Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, Dania Beach

Just south of Fort Lauderdale in Broward, this park, formerly John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, offers seaside trails through a coastal hammock. Check its event calendar, since participation can vary by year, and pair the walk with the park's wide beach.

Make it a family tradition

Whatever park you choose, pack water, hats, and comfortable shoes, and let the kids set the pace. A First Day Hike does not need to be long to count. An hour outside on January 1 sets a gentle tone for the whole year, and it costs almost nothing.

Nanci Gilbert, PA is a South Florida realtor who guides buyers and sellers across Miami-Dade and Broward. Questions about this topic? She answers every message within one business day.