Matheson Hammock Park
Coral Gables, Florida · Miami-Dade County
Matheson Hammock pairs open Biscayne Bay water with a sheltered, man-made atoll pool, both calm enough for beginner and intermediate paddlers on a low-wind morning. The downtown Miami skyline sits on the horizon the whole time you are out, and a self-service rental kiosk covers you if you show up without a board.
The Paddle
You get two options here: the open bay, or the sheltered, man-made atoll pool, both calm on a low-wind morning at high tide. It suits beginner and intermediate paddlers well. The skyline of downtown Miami sits on the horizon the whole time you are out, which is the real draw of this spot. Manatees, rays, dolphins, and wading birds show up regularly on the flats.
Launch & Parking
Launch from the sandy beach or the boat ramp, whichever suits your board. Parking is paid per vehicle: $7 plus tax on weekdays, $10 plus tax on weekends and holidays.
Rentals
PADL runs a self-service kayak and paddleboard kiosk right on-site, so you can show up without gear and still get on the water. There is also a kiteboarding operation based here if that is more your speed.
Rules & Safety
The open bay side can pick up wind and chop, and there is boat traffic to watch for near the marina; the atoll pool is the calmer, more sheltered option if conditions turn. Statewide paddleboard rules apply on this water too; the summary below covers them.
Getting Here
Our nearest location is Island Water Sports in Pompano Beach, about 39.9 miles away. That is a proper drive, so plan to bring or rent everything you need for the day, since you will not be swinging by our shop on the way.
Florida paddleboard rules
Outside designated swimming, surfing, and bathing areas, Florida and the U.S. Coast Guard treat a stand-up paddleboard as a vessel, which means basic boating rules apply. Carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under 6 must wear theirs while the board is underway. You also need a whistle or other sound device audible for at least half a nautical mile, and after sunset or in poor visibility, a flashlight or lantern with a white light to signal your position. Inside a marked swimming or surfing area these vessel rules do not apply. Non-motorized paddleboards under 16 feet do not need Florida registration. Rules can change, so check current FWC guidance before you paddle.
Summarized from FWC and U.S. Coast Guard guidance, verified 2026-08-12. Rules can change; check current FWC guidance.
FAQ
Do I need to bring my own paddleboard to Matheson Hammock?
No. PADL runs a self-service rental kiosk on-site for kayaks and paddleboards, so you can rent right there if you do not have your own gear.
Is the atoll pool or the open bay better for beginners?
The atoll pool is the calmer, more sheltered choice since it is man-made and protected. The open bay is still manageable on a calm, low-wind morning, but it can pick up chop faster.
What does parking cost at Matheson Hammock?
It is paid per vehicle: $7 plus tax on weekdays, $10 plus tax on weekends and holidays.
Nearby paddle spots
Key BiscayneOleta River State Park
North Miami BeachWest Lake Park / Anne Kolb Nature Center
HollywoodWhiskey Creek
Dania Beach