Village of Pinecrest

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A Local Guide to Pinecrest

prepared by Hal Feldman - updated December 11, 2023

If you want to find out what is going on in and around Pinecrest for its almost 20,000 residents, you’ll want to check out:

The Village of Pinecrest was incorporated in 1996 and is recognized as one of the most beautiful residential areas in South Florida. The Village is known for its exceptional schools, large lots (typically an acre) and beautiful homes, trees and vegetation. It is conveniently located 20-minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport.

Pinecrest IS ESSENTIALLY THE AREA EAST OF US-1, SOUTH OF SW 88TH STREET AND NORTH OF SW 136TH STREET (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

PARKS

Pinecrest has six parks including: Coral Pine Park, Flagler Grove Park, Evelyn Greer Park, Red Road Linear Park, Suniland Park, Veterans Wayside Park and an off-leash dog park called Pawcrest Park.

Pinecrest also has Pinecrest Gardens, which is the former grounds of Parrot Jungle, and now serves as a cultural arts park. Events ranging from art installations to music performances under its bandshell, known as the Banyan Bowl, make this a wonderful family destination almost every day of the year.

SCHOOLS/LIBRARY

One of the reasons Pinecrest is known as one of the best bedroom communities in South Florida is because of its educational resources and focus.

Pinecrest boasts a fabulous Community Center Building. It includes a branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library. In 2018, the Community Center opened a healthy restaurant called Elia Pinecrest.

Public Schools

  • Pinecrest Elementary 10250 SW 57th Avenue, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-667-5579

  • Palmetto Elementary 12401 SW 74th Avenue, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-238-4306

  • Palmetto Middle School 7351 SW 128th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-238-3911

  • Palmetto Senior High School 7460 SW 118th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-235-1360

PRIVATE Schools

  • Gulliver Schools 6575 N. Kendall Dr, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-666-7937

  • Gulliver Schools (at Bet Shira) 7500 SW 120th Street, Pinecrest, FL 33156 / 305-238-3424

MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY

Should your child need emergency medical care, Palmetto Bay has a branch of the Miami’s (Nicklaus) Children’s Hospital to provide outpatient services. There are also many highly respected pediatricians throughout Pinecrest. The original offices of Kings Bay Pediatrics has moved to Pinecrest and is where my kids went and got great care.

For nearby hospitals, you can race over to Jackson South Community Hospital just outside Palmetto Bay at 9300 SW 152nd Street or head to Baptist Hospital Of Miami at 8900 SW 88th Street in Kendall.

Many doctors are located in the Baptist Health Medical Building located at. There are a four urgent care facilities along US-1 for emergency issues. Starting at the north end, there is Concentra Urgent Care at 103rd Street, Nicklaus Children's Pinecrest Urgent Care Center in Suniland North Shopping Center, Baptist Urgent Care in the Suniland South Shopping Center and MD Now Urgent Care at 123rd Street.


GETTING AROUND

Pinecrest has a free mini-bus service called the Pinecrest People Mover. It has several stops throughout the Village and runs during the weekdays only. Launched in 2019 is another mini-bus service called Freebee. Thanks to a partnership between the Village of Pinecrest, Miami-Dade County's TPO and Freebee, a new green transportation service now offers free on-demand rides around your favorite destinations in the Village and also connects to the South Dade Transitway and Metrorail station. It is a fun and convenient way to get around − fast and stress-free.

Pinecrest has made extensive efforts to make significant portions of the Village accessible by bicycle. In conjunction with several other municipalities. You can read about lots of area bike paths here.



SHOPPING

For grocery shopping, it’s hard to beat Publix. Thankfully, Pinecrest has a huge Publix located at US-1 and SW 134th Street. Trader Joe’s is always a favorite at US-1 and SW 92nd Street. There is also a Milam's Market in the Suniland South Shopping Center.

Just outside of Pinecrest at US-1 and SW 104th Street, you’ll find Whole Foods.

All along the US-1 corridor you will find a myriad of great stores to shop. There are many small shopping plazas with wonderful boutiques like Heritage House (a place for boys’ suits and clothing for more than 50 years)

On SW 136th Street is a Home Depot. Like me, I am sure you’ll be spending plenty of time there to fix up your home just right.

The Falls Shopping Center is an open-air strolling mall with about 30 shops. Located just west of US-1 at 136th Street, you can’t miss the large monument sign. Outparcel The Fresh Market allows for alternative grocery shopping to Publix. The mall itself is host to anchors Macy*s and Bloomingdales. There is also a Regal multiplex movie theater.

The Falls Industrial area consists of warehouses, shops and restaurants and is located between 136th Street and 128th Street just west of US-1. It is best to take the 132nd Street turn off of US-1 to reach this location. Among the offerings is South Dade Electric, Bensons Lighting, several plumbing supply shops, tile and carpet stores and vendors who can provide parts for just about anything. In short, if you are looking for specialty items, you should check here first. You’ll probably find it!

Dadeland Mall is a larger, more mainstream shopping mall located moments from North Pinecrest. Best way there is US-1 to the Palmetto Expressway northbound. Exit at 88th Street and you will see the mall to your right.

DINING

Just outside Pinecrest is the famous Shorty’s BBQ. Opened in 1951, this place has survived fires and staved off developers to serve up some good old Southern BBQ. Captain’s Tavern at US-1 and SW 98th Street is a favorite of many of the native Miamians. A very nice dinner can be had at Two Chefs (8287 S Dixie Hwy). Roasters ‘n Toasters in two Pinecrest locations (US-1 and SW 128th Street & US-1 and SW 94th Street) is known as some of the best deli in Florida. I love good pizza and Anthony’s Coal-Fired Pizza is one of my favorites at US-1 and 102nd Street.

Quite frankly, there are more places than I can mention here. Try this Eater Miami link for their picks.

Starbucks has two locations in Pinecrest. One is at US-1 and 90th Street and the other at US-1 and SW 122nd Street. Both locations feature a drive-thru to get you on your way.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Deering Estate - If you are interested in the early history of Miami, Cutler and the Palmetto Bay area, look no further than the Deering Estate located off Old Cutler Road and SW 168th Street. Besides hosting events like the annual Seafood Festival, this is a great place to get some culture and stroll the grounds of a unique part of South Florida.

Zoo Miami – Located on SW 152nd Street about five miles west from US-1, this is a tremendous zoo. Zoo Miami offers discounts to families, a monorail option for getting around and hosts 40 endangered species. Since 1948, the zoo has opened its doors to kids and adults from around the world.

Fairchild Tropical Gardens – This is a treasure of South Florida. Located on Old Cutler Road north of Palmetto Bay at SW 119th Street, Fairchild Tropical Gardens has a lot more than just tropical gardens. This is a great social and cultural center as well. Dale Chihuli’s hand-blown glass art graces many areas of the grounds. Don’t miss the butterfly exhibit!

Black Point Marina – If you have a boat and want to launch to Biscayne Bay, this Cutler Bay spot is a great place to do so. Black Point Marina also has a great Ocean Grill restaurant/bar, where (if you are lucky) you’ll see one of South Florida’s great cover rock bands, Mr. Nice Guy.

Matheson Hammock – A park, beach and marina. This public park gets you close to the water activities you want. Located off Old Cutler Road at SW 96th Street, Matheson Hammock has many boat slips, launches, a restaurant (Red Ocean Grill) and a man made beach (really a lagoon-like lake).

GET GOING IN PINECREST

Beyond knowing Pinecrest better, you will want to use my online resource for getting started in South Florida. Everything from getting your electric and water turned on to filing for homestead exemption can be found in one place... at MiamiHal’s website.

I look forward to seeing you soon and talking more about everything Pinecrest has to offer!

HISTORY

The Village of Pinecrest has history going back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the area. Several historical markers dot the landscape. you can learn more here.