Where To Take The Best Post-Thanksgiving Family Walks in South Florida

By Alejandra Zamora

     Thanksgiving is officially next week, which means you’re probably busy preparing your home or solidifying travel plans, curating your grocery list, and more to get ready for the holiday ahead. We all have our own Turkey Day traditions; maybe it’s watching the parade in the morning before the day’s chaos begins, baking a new dessert every year, or going around the table to share one thing you’re grateful for. One tradition many of us share is taking a post-feast stroll in the evening, preferably after dinner but before dessert. With dinner happening so early and being so heavy, these family strolls are great to walk off some of that food in preparation for pie, as well as spend some quality time with your loved ones in nature. South Florida’s breezy November climate makes our area the ideal place to take one of these walks, no matter where you go. Keep reading to hear our recommendations for the best walk spots to take on Thanksgiving or any day. 

1. Boynton Inlet Pier & Beach

     This is one of our favorite South Florida piers to stroll through thanks to its small crowds and gorgeous views of the open sea. Park across the street and walk over to the beach to wander along the shore-- the farther you walk, the less crowded it will be, too. After, head to the pier to take a moment of peace, surrounded by the ocean breeze and sounds of the crashing surf, before you & your family get back to your Thanksgiving fun. 

2. El Rio Trail

     For more of a long-winded Thanksgiving walk, head to a nature trail like El Rio in Boca Raton. Enter at either Congress Avenue or Glades Road to begin the 5 mile hike through a private, asphalt-paved trail that spans through Spanish River and FAU. The weather and the company during sunset hour will make this walk more than ideal. 

3. Along Bayshore Drive in Miami

     If you’re looking to impress family visiting from out of town and can make the drive to Miami, this is a stunning spot to take a short, looped walk along the bay. Located just off of Bayshore Drive in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, the Margaret Pace Park includes a continuous path along the intracoastal, giving you great views and a nice ocean breeze as you take your stroll. Ample street parking near the park is available, so this downtown spot is easily accessible. 

4. Blazing Star Nature Preserve

     For another hike through nature that’s a little shorter in length, the Blazing Star Nature Preserve in Boca Raton right off of Camino Real next to Sugar Sand Park is the perfect place. This dune-like looped trail spans for just one mile, making it ideal for those who want to spend time outdoors for a more slower-paced stroll where you can stop and admire the nature. 

5. Along A1A

     One of South Florida’s greatest treasures is our over 300-mile coastal road that spans all along Florida’s eastern border. A1A can be accessed wherever you live in Florida; park your car in beach parking and start from wherever! No matter where you go, you’ll be met with a sea breeze and an easy path to walk north or south. 

6. Markham Park Trailway 

     If you’ve ever driven on the Sawgrass Expressway and spotted the raised path along the Everglades, this is it: The Markham Park Trailway’s Conservation Levee Greenway is a picturesque spot to walk or bike and catch great views of our national park. Spanning over 10 miles, you can enter at the park’s official entrance in Weston. 

7. Along Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach

     If you’re closer to West Palm Beach and still want to show off a gorgeous city and ocean view, the walk along Flagler Drive should be your go-to. This over 7-mile road is directly adjacent to the intracoastal and extends from Lake Worth all the way through downtown West Palm Beach. 

     Whether Thanksgiving family walks are an existing tradition for you or not, we hope this list of South Florida walking spots inspires you to start your own family tradition, no matter the holiday.