Miami's Top Five Basketball Courts, Just in Time for the NBA Finals

Kareem Shaker

3. Alice Wainwright Park
Alice Wainwright Park is one of Miami's most beautiful hidden gems. Situated on a thin strip of land on the water behind South Miami Avenue where Brickell meets Coconut Grove, the park affords visitors some of the most magnificent views of Biscayne Bay anywhere in Miami. In addition to basketball courts, the park also offers a few closed pavilions and a number of barbecue grills. Wainwright is a wonderful place to visit while it's open (from sunrise to sunset), but parking is usually scarce and it can be tough to drum up any serious competition.

Kareem Shaker

2. Palm Island Park
The view and near seclusion at Palm Island Park were enough to get the court the "Best Of" b-ball court designation here at the New Times in 2011. Contrary to popular belief, the park is open to the public by just passing through the police check station at the entrance to the opulent neighborhood. Mansions line the backdrop and a scenic bridge greets your every shot at the north basket. Just like the No. 3 and No. 4 courts on this list, however, there are no lights, so get there before sunset.

Kareem Shaker

1. Margaret Pace Park
Located directly on the bay between I-395 and I-195 just east of Biscayne Boulevard, Margaret Pace Park has everything a baller could ask for. There is plenty of parking, a nearby Metromover station at the Omni, and a spacious court. The park has a beautiful view, just like Nos. 2 and 3, but unlike the previous two, stays open past sundown for serious ballers. Especially during the summer, many wait until nighttime when heat dissipates and the best players in the neighborhood come out to play.

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