Crandon Park: A Natural Gem in Key Biscayne

Just across the Rickenbacker Causeway from mainland Miami, Crandon Park is wonderfully convenient but also a world away from the urban bustle. An 800-acre oasis on Key Biscayne, the park offers visitors a picturesque beach, golf course, tennis center, nature center and marina. Spend a day enjoying watersports, picnicking or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree.

Once part of the country’s largest coconut plantation, Crandon Park was owned by South Florida industrialist William Matheson, whose family donated the land to Miami-Dade County in 1940 to create the park.

Crandon Bike — Get out and explore Crandon Park Beach.

Crandon Park Beach

Set at the northern end of scenic Key Biscayne, Crandon Park boasts a two-mile-long beach lined with sand dunes and sea oats. Nature lovers, adventure seekers and those in search of a beachside nap will all find what they’re looking for here.

Wildlife abounds in the park. Venture along the hiking and biking trails past mangroves and through coastal hammocks – you may well spy limpkins, green herons and other less-common shore birds.

Visitors with energy to burn can enjoy an active day of kayaking, paddleboarding or kite boarding. Rent a single or quad bike to explore the park’s grounds on two (or more) wheels.

The park’s relaxation options are many. Rent a chair or beach umbrella or take advantage of the park’s barbecue grills, concession stands, covered picnic area and volleyball courts. For the ultimate beach experience, chill in a private, 100-square-foot rented cabana complete with private shower and designated parking spot.

Flotatation devices are not allowed in the park. Also, personal paddleboards and kayaks may not be launched from the beach; only those being used in conjunction with a tour or rented through the concession may be launched there. Personal kayaks and paddleboards may be launched at the Crandon Park Marina, which is on the bayside near the causeway.

Four beach wheelchairs are available for use, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Call 786-336-6982 once you’re at the park, and a wheelchair will be brought to your car. All four wheelchairs can navigate the sand, and two of them can be used in the water as well.

With its soft sand, swaying palm trees and calm waters, it’s no wonder Crandon Park Beach is consistently named among the top beaches in the nation.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne

Hitting the links at Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne is like spending a day in paradise, as you navigate your way around saltwater lakes and past mangrove thickets. The golf course, host to the Senior PGA Tour for nearly two decades, is a championship 18-hole course – the only one in Miami overlooking glittering Biscayne Bay.

Designed by Robert von Hagge, the par-72 course is known for both its beauty and its difficulty. It’s rated one of the Top 20 Courses in Florida by Golfweek and one of Florida’s Top 15 Courses by Golf Digest. The seventh hole, in particular, is known as one of golf’s greatest holes, a par 4 that doglegs to the right and sends your ball flying over the water.

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne also features a driving range, putting greens, a pro shop and a staff of golf pros. Single-rider golf carts are available for golfers with disabilities – call at least a day ahead to reserve one.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center at Crandon Park is a prime destination for immersive, hands-on learning. View sea turtle hatchlings up close, enjoy a seagrass adventure with a naturalist, and collect sea life in nets and buckets for closer examination.

The nonprofit conservation center is a wonderful place, especially for kids, where visitors can learn about local plants and animals from the expert staff, linger over exhibits and check out the art gallery, lab classrooms and central amphitheater courtyard.

Tennis Center at Crandon Park

The Tennis Center at Crandon Park was, until recently, the longtime home of the Miami Open tennis tournament. Many stars have graced these courts, including Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. The center has 27 tennis courts, including 13 that are lighted for evening play, with both clay and hard courts available for reservations. With its on-site pro shop, the center also offers lessons and clinics year-round, as well as a summer camp and after-school program.

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