CRANDON PARK BEACH
Crandon Park, Key Biscayne’s largest and most popular beach, stretches across the northern third of the island. This public park is open 365 days a year and is more than just a beach. It has several beach volleyball courts, ecological adventure rides, guided nature walks, kayak rentals and hikes for bird and butterfly watching. There are also guided trolley rides through Bear Cut Preserve, a 106-hectare island-shaped natural barrier at the northern tip of Key Biscayne. The beach has cabanas available to rent through the park office and is perfect for beach lovers who want to spend the whole day in the sun. The strong South Florida sun makes itself felt, especially in the summer months, so the nearby shade is always a cozy retreat.
Crandon Park is home to ecosystems with dunes, mangroves, coastal hardwood trees and seagrass meadows and many other plants and animals that live in those spaces. Whether you’re a nature lover, birdwatcher, or horticulture enthusiast, you’ll happily get lost in the sprawling grounds of Crandon Park.
The park has a $5 car park for visitors to Crandon Park. Nearby, Crandon Tennis Center and Crandon Golf Key Biscayne are open to the public and host premier annual professional events.
BILL BAGGS CAPE FLORIDA STATE RECREATION AREA
The oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County is the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Lighthouse at the southern end of Key Biscayne. Drive down Key Biscayne’s main street, across the island, and visit this quiet, picturesque beach that is listed as the “Top 10 Beaches in the USA” ever. Cycling on paved roads is a popular activity at Bill Baggs, as is seawall fishing, nature trail hikes and lighthouse visits. Eat barefoot or wrapped in a towel at the island’s two open-air restaurants, Lighthouse Café and Boater’s Grill, which serve fresh seafood and Cuban fare in a casual seaside setting. If you prefer, go on a picnic and stay on the beach or reserve a pavilion and use one of the grills on site.
If you rented a boat for your trip, you can comply at No Name Harbor and camp on your boat overnight.
There is a fee of USD 8 for vehicle entry to this state park.
HISTORIC VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is located on Virginia Key, near the Rickenbacker Causeway, the bridge linking the mainland to Key Biscayne. In 2002, Virginia Key Beach was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2008 it reopened after nearly 30 years. Today, Virginia Key Beach is a beautiful and secluded protected beach to visit.
Virginia Key is a lovely beach smaller than the surrounding ones. Some of the services and natural spaces of this beach include an old carousel, a miniature train, playgrounds, picnic areas and a meadow for events. In this thriving ecosystem you will find unique sea and land animals, and a wild flora and fauna.
Other Virginia Key facilities include Miami Seaquarium, University of Miami’s Rosensteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the Miami Marine Stadium headquarters, and much more.
HOBIE BEACH/BEACH FOR WINDSURFING IN CAUSEWAY
A beach for dogs and windsurfers? Yes. At Hobie Beach you’ll see puppies playing in the sand (it’s the only dog-friendly beach in Miami where dogs on leashes are allowed on the sand) and colorful windsurfing floating in the water. Hobie Beach is located adjacent to the Rickenbacker Causeway as it crosses from the mainland to Key Biscayne. Drive to the beach where you can park your car next to the Causeway.
Rent windsurfing, kayaking or paddleboard equipment from a shop located on the beach.