Nestled at the northern tip of Key Biscayne, you’ll find Crandon Park. This 800-acre nature preserve and public park beckon visitors to explore its pristine sandy coast and discover the rich natural wonder of the varied ecosystems that take root in this magical area.
Crandon Park is known as a picturesque beach destination, the kind of white-sand shores you see featured on travel brochures and movie scenes. But this beach welcomes all, tourists and locals alike, with plentiful amenities and enough to explore to keep you and your crew busy for days.
This beach is not wanting for natural wonder with rolling dunes, swaths of coconut palms, and ample places to observe the wildlife that calls this area home. Visitors often catch a glimpse of herons, ospreys, and various species of colorful butterflies.
But alongside its natural beauty, Crandon Park also features some world-class recreational amenities.
Activities
Swimming, biking, birdwatching, kayaking, snorkeling, sunbathing, kiteboarding, and much more.
Crandon Park’s 2 miles of soft white sand beach is known for the calm temperate waters, perfect for families with little ones. This is due to the sandbar that sits off the coast that blocks the Atlantic’s rough surf from crashing too far inland.
The 800 acres of the park offers more than just beachside activities, though. Nature trails and interpretive centers are the hallmark of this park and offers visitors a glimpse into the dense natural history of not only South Florida but specifically the unique ecosystems of the park.
All this finds its home in the Bear Cut Preserve. This natural environmental study area takes visitors back into the wild of the Florida and is a great way to spend an afternoon.
If the beachside fun starts to grow old, then venture a bit farther inland and explore the Crandon Park Amusement Center. This family attraction boasts a carousel, a playground, and a tot lot.
Amenities
Showers, restrooms, cabana rentals, pavilions, a walking promenade, fishing dock, picnic shelters, outdoor grills, and wheelchair accessible areas.
This park also features a 3,000 space parking lot. But even though there appears to be ample places to park, these spots do fill up, especially in the peak season.
There are also plenty of places to eat after your long day at the park, with restaurants and cafes that dot the area.
Nearby Attractions
The Tennis Center houses 27 courts and even has some that are lighted. Perfect for play after dark.
If golf is more your style, then make sure to check out the Crandon Golf Course. This championship 18 hole course can be found just slightly inland on Key Biscayne.
The course offers a pro shop and, of course, golf cart rentals.
Fun Facts
Crandon Park used to be one of South Florida’s largest coconut plantations. In fact, you can still see some of the coconut palms swaying in the breeze throughout the park’s grounds.
The land that makes up Crandon Park was actually gifted to the city of Miami in 1940 by Commodore William John Matheson under the condition that it would be used to host a public park for all to use.
Details
Address: 6747 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL
Season: All-Year
Website: Miamidade.gov – Crandon Park