This Florida town boasts uncrowded beaches and blue waters reminiscent of the Caribbean

Key Biscayne offers a peaceful, Caribbean-like escape just minutes from Miami. Its uncrowded beaches, nature preserves, historic sites, and waterfront dining make it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration. From Crandon Park and Virginia Key Beach Park to state parks and scenic restaurants, the island blends natural beauty, history, and coastal charm.

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Beautiful Crandon Park Beach located in Key Biscayne, Florida – Courtesy: Shutterstock-Photo by Fotoluminate LLC

Despite being close to one of the largest cities in South Florida, this small piece of paradise has a Caribbean flavor to it. Key Biscayne, which lies directly across the sea from Miami, offers a wealth of peaceful natural experiences, mouthwatering restaurants with breathtaking water views, and even a small amount of history to discover.

Directions to Key Biscayne

Miami is easy to get to and from.

Key Biscayne is only a short drive from Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway. You’re only a short distance from all the eateries, retail establishments, museums, and other glamorous attractions that the South Florida metropolis has to offer if you wish to escape the tranquility of the beach. If you’re flying, Key Biscayne’s close proximity to Miami also puts you in close access to a major airport.

The beaches are lovely and empty.

Despite its tiny size, Key Biscayne boasts a number of beaches, each with its own unique character. Additionally, they are wonderfully uncrowded in contrast to Miami’s coasts.

Hobie Beach

If you’re traveling with a pet, this neighborhood is dog-friendly and offers some of the best views of the city skyline. It’s a windsurfing destination as well. You may watch the show from the sand or Miami Watersports can set you up with all the equipment and launch you from the beach.

Crandon Park

There is much more to this place than just sun and sand. The Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, which features touch tanks, aquariums, an art gallery, special exhibits, and more, is located at one end. Additionally, it serves as the entrance to the Bear Cut Preserve, which spans 165 acres. In addition to walking and bicycling trails, boardwalks, mangrove forests, and a gorgeous tropical setting, this location is a stop on Florida’s Birding Trail.

Virginia Key Beach Park

Beaches and many other locations in the South were segregated in the 1940s. Following a protest that including a “wade-in” in the sea, Virginia Key Beach Park was officially declared a Black-only beach. Since then, a lot has changed, such as the beach being listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Today, it is a well-liked location with features including bike trails, picnic spots, a vintage carousel, and six cottages that you can rent for the day.

State Parks Are Wonderful

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

When Ponce de Leon visited this region in 1513, he gave it the name “Cape of Florida” and it is now home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which was built in 1825. The lighthouse’s numerous stairs lead to the summit, where visitors are rewarded with expansive views of Miami Beach and Biscayne Bay.

Biscayne National Park

The majority of this national park is underwater, with only 5% of it on land. The protected region extends further south to the Florida Keys and includes coral reefs, mangrove forests, and even some shipwrecks. In addition to informative exhibits, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center provides sailing excursions, snorkeling adventures, and guided boat tours.

Casual and Elegant Dining by the Waterfront

With stunning views of the ocean, Key Biscayne has something for everyone, whether you want to dress up for a special night out or just kick back with a drink at a dive bar. Although Rusty Pelican (above) may seem like it fits in the latter group, it is actually a well acclaimed seafood restaurant that serves sushi, crab cakes, and a raw bar. Another high-end choice with lots of seafood and Mediterranean cuisine is Costa Med. Go to Gramps Getaway for a fun, relaxed atmosphere with food that goes beyond hot dogs and wings. Paella and grilled fish are the specialties of the neighborhood favorite Boater’s Grill, which is situated in No Name Harbor.

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