Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay residents looking for a low-cost summer outing don't need to drive far. Three public parks on Biscayne Bay sit within minutes of home, and all three have programs running through the season.

Here's what each offers and how to take part.

Upcoming events

  • Saturday, July 25 — Lighthouse Cruise on Biscayne Bay, Deering Estate, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $90
  • Sunday, July 26 — Yoga by the Bay, Thalatta Estate, 9:30-11 a.m., $6 (register by Friday, July 25, at 2 p.m.)
  • Saturday, Aug. 8 — Lighthouse Cruise on Biscayne Bay, Deering Estate, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $90

Deering Estate: history, trails and a lighthouse cruise

The Deering Estate at 16701 SW 72nd Ave. in Palmetto Bay preserves the 1920s bayfront property of Charles Deering. The grounds include nature trails, two historic homes (the Stone House and Richmond Cottage) and direct access to the bay.

The headline summer program is the Lighthouse Cruise on Biscayne Bay. A Biscayne National Park ranger guides a four-hour catamaran sail past three historic lighthouses, with a stop at Boca Chita Key. The next sailing is Saturday, July 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $90 per person. A second cruise runs Saturday, Aug. 8.

The estate also offers kayak tours through Miami-Dade County Parks' EcoAdventures program, including moonlight paddles and wildlife adventures at $50 per person. Full schedules and general admission details are at deeringestate.org.

Thalatta Estate: bayfront yoga is back

Thalatta Estate Park at 17301 Old Cutler Road in Palmetto Bay was closed through Thursday, July 17, for Miami-Dade County's Snowden Pedestrian Bridge project. The Village of Palmetto Bay is now accepting registrations for programs starting July 26.

Walking the grounds is free. The Village's signature program, Yoga by the Bay, returns Sunday, July 26, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Instructors lead energizing and restorative sessions for all levels with Biscayne Bay as the backdrop. Cost is $6 plus a convenience fee per person. Registration closes Friday, July 25, at 2 p.m. at palmettobay-fl.gov.

The Village also has a design project underway for an enclosed pavilion at Thalatta, with Chisholm Architects handling the design and South Florida Water Management District review in progress, according to the Village manager's March 2026 report to council.

Black Point Park and Marina: the jetty, the grill, the 24-hour ramp

Black Point Park and Marina near Cutler Bay is the gateway to southern Biscayne Bay. According to Miami-Dade County Parks, the park features a 1.5-mile jetty for shore fishing, bikeways, jogging trails, a large picnic pavilion and the Black Point Ocean Grill restaurant on site.

Walking the park is free. The marina and boat ramp operate 24 hours. Park office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Boat launch fees are $20 on weekdays and $30 on weekends and holidays, according to Miami-Dade County marina rate schedules.