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Get to Know Us: Explore the Story Behind Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, Our Mission, and Commitment to Preserving Natural Beauty, Cultural Heritage, and Community Engagement in Miami.

The beach is really nice with plenty of palm trees for shade or for hanging a hammock from

Charee Brogden

Visitor of park

I loved the place, lot of history

Aledelvale

Visitor of park - Local Guide

I really loved Virginia Keys Beach, the history is amazing and really important.

Raju Ajiz

Visitor of park

Interesting, passionate, fascinating landscape and history that it encompasses within. A place to spend time with family, friends, and children.

Teresita Veitia

Visitor of park

WELCOME TO HISTORIC VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK

Why you should visit HVK Beach Park?

Breathtaking Natural Scenery

Immerse yourself in the park’s spectacular coastal views, pristine sandy beaches, and tranquil turquoise waters. It’s the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day under the sun or a picturesque sunset stroll.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Experience a piece of Miami’s history through the park’s historic carousel and mini-train rides, which echo the joy and laughter of generations past.

Outdoor Adventures Galore

Whether you’re into kayaking, paddleboarding, or mountain biking, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park offers a variety of activities to get your adrenaline pumping.

Eco-Friendly Exploration

Engage with nature through the park’s environmental initiatives, including mangrove restoration projects and educational programs.

Our History

The story begins in 1896. This was the year the City of Miami was founded with approximately one-third of the signatures of the city charter being black men (which was no accident considering their predominant role in the early building of the city).

Segregation became a day-to-day reality throughout the South. It was this reality that systematically excluded all people of color from Dade County’s most famous attraction, its miles of beaches.

By 1920, as the city grew, many of these beaches were developed into parks and public swimming facilities exclusively for the white population. D.A. Dorsey, an African American millionaire, purchased what is now known as Fisher Island so that blacks could have a beach of their own. But due to increasing property taxes, Mr. Dorsey was obligated to sell the property. As a result, the black community was left without a beach to enjoy.

1945

Virginia Key Beach Park opened as Miami-Dade County’s “Colored Only” beach.

1947

Rickenbacker Causeway is built, connecting mainland Miami with Virginia Key and Key Biscayne.

1999

Miami City Commission establishes the Virginia Key Park Civil Rights Task Force.

2008

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park re-opens to the public for the first time in 26 years.

Journey Through Time

HVKBP Historic Timeline

1945 - 2000

From its establishment in 1945 as a haven for African Americans during segregation to its restoration and preservation efforts today, this timeline highlights key milestones and events that have shaped the park’s legacy. Delve into the past to understand the significant cultural, social, and environmental contributions of this cherished Miami landmark.

2000 - 2005

From its planning stages in 2000 to its grand re-opening in 2008 after extensive renovations, these key events reflect the park’s journey from historical significance to a revitalized community landmark. Discover how the park has evolved through major restoration projects, environmental efforts, and cultural enhancements.

2005 - 2010

This timeline highlights the major efforts in planning, construction, ecological restoration, and community engagement that brought the park back to life.

2008

Reopening and Restoration

After years of restoration, volunteer support, and a campaign led by former city commissioner Athalie Range, the park reopened to the public. Athalie Range had raised awareness about the city’s plan to turn the park over to developers, leading to a successful effort to preserve and restore the park.

2010 - 2020

Between 2010 and 2017, Historic Virginia Key Beach Park saw significant restoration and enhancements. Major projects included installing a buoy line, creating interpretive exhibits, and completing an extensive ecosystem restoration.

Photos & Images That Will Last Forever

A 1956 photograph shows the merry-go-round in operation at Virginia Key Beach Park in Virginia Key, Fla. The park was the only recreation area available to Blacks in Miami during segregation.
The train that used to go around Virginia Key, often taking children on train rides.
M. Athalie Range, who fought to restore Historic Virginia Key Beach Park in Miami as the founding chairwoman of the Virginia Key Beach Park Task Force. In 1967, she was the first African American elected to the Miami City Commission.
Attendees place offerings in remembrance of ancestors from Africa who perished while traveling through the Middle Passage during the slave trade in a 2019 commemoration event hosted by the NAACP at Historic Virginia Key Beach.
Beachgoers swim during the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park’s 75th Anniversary celebration in Miami-Dade on Aug. 8, 2020.
People participate in a meditation session near the water during Art With Me music and cultural festival at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

Members of the team that advocated for creation of a civil rights museum at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park pose for a picture with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, front center, in 2019. Trust board member Gene Tinnie holds aloft Suarez’s resolution pledging financial support.

A participant of the symbolic ‘wade-in’ holds an archival image of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

Our Partners

Want to partiner with VBKP? Contact us →

Latest News & Updates

Dive into the heart of Historic Virginia Key Beach Park with our up-to-the-minute news and updates section. Whether it’s announcements of new attractions, special events, conservation efforts, or park enhancements, this is your go-to source for all that’s happening.

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