Dog-Friendly Parks Near El Portal

1) Military Trail Park (Top-Pick!)

825 NE 89th St, Miami, FL 33138 

Sitting right on the shore's edge is the Military Trail Park, a grassy, expansive park with winding footpaths, benches, and a fenced-off dog area just 4 minutes from El Portal.

The park is a bustling and blooming area with tall trees, a gorgeous grassy lawn, trails, and a small gravel parking area on the south side, which is connected to a dedicated dog park by a paved pathway.

At the dog park, you'll find separate areas for large and small dogs, with grass terrain and shade. 

Dog owners will have to pass through a double-gated entrance into the park. 

Dog park amenities include benches, a 5-foot high chainlink fence, a water fountain for humans, kids, and dogs, cleanup stations, and trash bins for use.

Meanwhile, at Military Trail Park, dogs on leashes can explore its entirety, where you can enjoy a shaded playground, picnic tables, a .4-mile trail made from concrete, benches, and water fountains near the play area. 

It's a great area to walk around in a loop to get away from the active dog center of the park.

Don't forget to bring a leash!

3) Lemon City Park

27 NE 58TH ST, Miami, FL 33130 

Welcome to Lemon City Park, a solid choice for some exercise/walkathon sessions with your dog under a bit of sunshine, just 7 minutes from El Portal.

This neighborhood park has plenty of space to move around—wide-open greens, a basketball court, shaded sitting areas, and a full rec center.

Here, families often gather after school for youth programs or laid-back outdoor time, and the lake view gives it a peaceful, tucked-away feel.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, so bring yours along for a walk, a sniff, or just to soak in the breeze beneath the trees.

5) Belle Meade Mini Park

775 NE 77th St, Miami, FL 33138

While small and offering few amenities, the only park in Belle Meade, Belle Meade Mini Park, shouldn't be disregarded when looking for a nature spot near El Portal-- especially with a pup in tow, since it's dog-friendly and only 7 minutes away!

The park has plenty of shade and room for the kids and Fido to play, boasting barbecue pits for your impromptu outdoor family lunches, picnic tables and benches to eat or sit on, and a vast shaded playground that your kids will love. 

And good news for dog owners, Belle Meade Mini Park also has a dedicated dog park within its premises, with a fenced area for off-leash fun. 

However, the rest of the park requires dogs to be leashed at all times. 

Don't forget to bring water and a leash for your dog when you visit!

7) Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park (Top-Pick!)

11525 NE 14th Ave, Miami, FL 33161

If palm trees, expansive spaces of grass, and the Florida sun are all you need to have a good time with Fido, stop by Biscayne Shores and Garden Park, an 8-minute drive from El Portal

The park has more than 6 acres of green space and shade to play in, with ample parking in the southeast corner. 

Once in the parking area, you and your leashed pup can enjoy a newly paved looping trail that travels through the park and connects shaded sitting areas.

Biscayne Shores and Gardens Park also has some great dog-friendly amenities, like dog-sized water fountains, clean-up stations, benches and picnic tables, and trash bins. 

You'll find large shade trees, open fields, a community garden, and a small playground at the park's center.

9) Buena Vista Park 

5250 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127 

Buena Vista Park is a vibrant neighborhood hangout that offers just the perfect amount of open space and activity, just 9 minutes from El Portal.

With picnic tables, a playground, a basketball court, and a rec center, it's a solid spot for families, solo visitors, and yes, dog parents, too.

You'll find locals stopping by for a short morning walk or lingering after school programs let out, enjoying the laid-back energy the park naturally brings.

Remember, dogs are welcome here, but only if leashed, so bring yours along with a little extra water and a few cleanup bags.

11) Baywood Park 

496 NE 71st St., Miami, FL 33138

A small but lovely park in the Upper Eastside neighborhood of the Bayside Historic District, Baywood Park is a straightforward nature spot loved by locals and dog owners alike, just 10 minutes from El Portal.

At Baywood Park, you'll find plenty of parking, peace, and a beautiful waterfront view overlooking Biscayne Bay, Bird Key, and Legion Picnic Islands. 

And while it doesn't offer many amenities aside from benches, nor does it have an expansive green space, you can walk Fido around the park, read a book, enjoy the plentiful marine and bird life in the area, or simply enjoy some quiet time with your pup amidst nature.

As a safety precaution, don't forget to bring a leash for your dog when you visit.