Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Key Biscayne, FL

While visiting this upscale island paradise, I had to remind myself that I was just 15 minutes away from downtown Miami. Nestled between a state park and an expansive county park, Key Biscayne offers a sense of seclusion that belies its proximity to the city.

To the south lies Cape Florida, where a lighthouse has proudly stood for 200 years. To the north is Crandon Park, which beautifully combines a pristine beach with natural habitats and a plethora of recreational opportunities.

Although Key Biscayne is the first area to be evacuated during hurricanes, the island itself feels more mellow than one might expect. Crandon Beach is protected by a sandbar, while numerous reefs await those interested in diving adventures.

1. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

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This enchanting landscape encompasses Cape Florida at the southern end of Key Biscayne. If you are seeking a natural beach experience without leaving Miami, this is the ideal destination.

On the eastern oceanfront, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park’s beach is among those ranked as the best in the nation.

Alongside its stunning shoreline and remarkable ocean views, the state park is home to the iconic lighthouse, further detailed below.

The optimal manner to explore the park and its network of paved trails is by bicycle, with rentals available at the concession. Some paths lead to the western bay side of the cape.

Here, you can observe manatees and enjoy sunsets that are truly breathtaking.

2. Cape Florida Light

The oldest structure in Miami-Dade County is the solemn 95-foot lighthouse located at the pinnacle of Cape Florida.

Completed in 1825, this structure was rebuilt in the 1840s following an attack during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).

Cape Florida Light possesses numerous historical tales, encompassing a history of hurricanes, coastal erosion, and an extended deactivation period between 1878 and 1978.

The lighthouse can be toured at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, Thursday through Monday. Personally, I found the views to be some of the finest in Florida, offering perspectives of Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, and a vast segment of the Atlantic.

3. Crandon Park

Much of the northern portion of Key Biscayne is occupied by a magnificent public park that spans over 800 acres.

Crandon Park is a true marvel, highlighted by an idyllic beach on the ocean side, which will be discussed further below.

The rest of the park features an impressive range of amenities. Notable amenities include a marina, a golf course, an amusement center for families, a nature center, numerous picnic areas, and rental services for kiteboarding and kayaking from the northern concession.

For more than three decades until 2018, the 27-court Tennis Center at Crandon Park hosted the Miami Open.

As you explore the park’s trails, you will encounter a stunning array of wildlife including sandhill cranes and peacocks, along with numerous iguanas.

4. Crandon Beach

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In this section, I will delve further into the palm-fringed beach at Crandon Park. Spanning two miles, this beach is frequently recognized as one of the finest, not only in Florida but across the entire United States.

Several factors contribute to its esteemed status, including sparkling white sands, a winding promenade, plentiful concession options, and numerous picnic spots.

Observing the surf, you will find a notable absence of crashing waves, which can be attributed to long sandbars that keep the waters serene.

During low tide, these sandbars create shallow pools for young ones to enjoy. Conversely, when the tide is high, it is possible to wade out a surprisingly long distance.

5. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Bay Nature Center

Source: Biscayne Nature Center / Facebook

The northern section of Crandon Park serves as a natural refuge, comprising over 160 acres of mangroves, dunes, uplands, and fossilized coral reef.

This is home to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Bay Nature Center, named for an environmentalist dedicated to preserving the wild landscapes of South Florida.

While the Miami skyline can be viewed from the center, it feels worlds apart in many respects. The center is an excellent educational resource for children to learn about the local ecosystems, available through self-guided visits or programs led by naturalists.

I was particularly impressed by the indoor exhibits, which include a range of mangrove and saltwater aquariums, in addition to a touch tank featuring tidepool species.

6. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Situated between Key Biscayne and downtown Miami is Virginia Key, another barrier island. Despite its proximity to the bustling urban area, the beach at Virginia Key offers a sense of tranquility.

This location has a fascinating history rooted in segregation. Following a protest at the ‘whites only’ Haulover Beach in the 1940s, this park was established for the Black community.

Subsequently, another protest led to the desegregation of Miami-Dade Beaches. Unfortunately, the park fell into disrepair later in the century, until a multimillion-dollar restoration project revitalized the picturesque shoreline.

Less suited for ocean activities, this stretch of beach is perfect for paddleboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking. For those wishing to unwind, there is a narrow expanse of white sandy beach, bordered by palm trees and mangroves.

Considering the area’s bay-like characteristics, it is advisable to bring mosquito repellent.

7. Diver’s Paradise

Located at the Crandon Park Marina is a dive center known for its outstanding reputation beyond Miami’s borders.

Diver’s Paradise operates two Newton dive boats utilized by visiting film crews and the University of Miami for essential research.

The center offers classes for enthusiastic divers pursuing certifications. In addition, with numerous shipwrecks and the world’s barrier reef system, it serves as an entry point to unforgettable diving experiences.

If you prefer a more leisurely experience, snorkeling expeditions are available to explore the reef’s natural beauty or nearby mangrove islands.

8. Nixon Beach Sandbar

A historical winter visitor to Key Biscayne was Richard Nixon (1913-1994), the 37th president of the United States.

On the bay side of the island, I am particularly fond of the sandbar named after the president, whose now-demolished residence was located nearby on Bay Lane.

From above, the sandbar appears as a lighter patch of clear, shallow water at the entrance to Hurricane Harbor.

Access to the sandbar is exclusively by boat. The combination of views of downtown, seclusion, and warm, shimmering waters makes this a renowned gathering spot in the Miami area.

9. Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne

To enhance your experience in an island paradise such as Key Biscayne, a visit to a day spa can be quite special.

My recommendation is the resort spa at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne. This facility boasts an exquisite setting with views of the Atlantic Ocean, complemented by a stunning pool and fitness center.

The spa is infused with Caribbean elegance and features decor that reflects the narrative of Miami’s Tequesta Native Americans.

Continuing this theme, guests may indulge in the Tequesta Ritual treatment, inspired by a detoxification ritual rooted in Native American traditions, including an algae wrap, detoxifying aromatherapy massage, and scalp massage.

10. Rickenbacker Causeway Beach

Located parallel to the Rickenbacker Causeway on Virginia Key, I have encountered this appealing stretch of sand referred to by several different names.

It is often called Dog Beach and Windsurfer Beach, accurately representing its dual identity. This beach is dog-friendly throughout the year, while the gentle waters and refreshing breezes create an ideal environment for windsurfing.

Adjacent to the Miami Seaquarium, the beach faces southwest. The Rickenbacker Trail runs behind it, adorned with palm trees, food trucks, concession stands, and watersports businesses.

The views are also incredibly compelling, showcasing a substantial portion of downtown Miami.

11. Crandon Golf Course

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The only public golf course situated on Biscayne Bay is located within Crandon Park. This 18-hole championship course is interwoven with nature along the bay side of the island.

For nearly two decades, Crandon Golf Course served as a stop on the Senior PGA Tour. Moreover, between 1997 and 2004, it was the host of the Champions Tour’s Royal Caribbean Golf Classic.

The course is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, from mangroves to swaying palm trees. Additionally, like the rest of Crandon Park, it boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including iguanas and wading birds.

In addition to its beauty, the course presents a significant challenge, particularly the 7th hole, which is a scenic yet tricky par 4 that features a dogleg right over pristine blue waters.

12. Rickenbacker Trail

One aspect that continues to impress me about Key Biscayne is the ease of access by bicycle.

Beginning in southern Miami, the Rickenbacker Trail traverses the causeway and continues along Crandon Boulevard for nearly nine miles.

Despite the presence of road traffic, the views are nothing short of spectacular. You will enjoy glimpses of the Miami skyline, unspoiled beaches, Biscayne Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

The trail is safe, protected from SR-913 by a concrete barrier on the bridges, and ultimately leads you to the tip of the cape.

13. Key Biscayne Village Green Park

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The community park within the village is situated at the heart of town. Although not as expansive as the large waterfront parks that frame the village, it remains a favored outdoor space, particularly for families.

My children thoroughly enjoyed the interactive splash fountain available here. For parents preferring to observe from a distance, shaded seating areas are conveniently located nearby.

For all others, Village Green Park offers a pleasant environment for a leisurely stroll. A promenade traverses the park, passing an elegant fountain framed by benches shaded by trees.

Lastly, residents can benefit from the full-service community center, featuring an indoor pool and a gymnasium.

14. Stiltsville

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One of the more haunting sights visible from atop Cape Florida Light is Stiltsville, an assembly of abandoned structures stranded in the bay just over a mile offshore.

These buildings were constructed decades ago by enterprising individuals seeking to circumvent alcohol and gambling laws that did not extend beyond the shoreline. At its peak in 1960, nearly 30 structures were present in Stiltsville.

Many of these have been lost to hurricanes and fires, but the remaining structures are preserved by a local non-profit organization. During my time in Key Biscayne, I observed six still standing.

If you wish to explore further, several boat tours operate to Stiltsville, primarily departing from Miami.

15. Key Biscayne Chamber Visitors Center

Located a block south of Village Green Park, the Village Hall serves as a valuable resource for travel information. The Key Biscayne Chamber Visitors Center, operational Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, is an indispensable asset for newcomers.

Visitors can seek personalized advice concerning attractions, dining options, tours, lodging, activities, and more.

Even if you happen to pass by outside of operating hours, you can still enter the foyer, which is accessible 24 hours a day. Inside, you will find a wealth of maps, guides, brochures, and other resources to aid in planning your visit.