Key Biscayne FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Key Biscayne, Florida.
1. Crandon Park Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PALM PARADISE
Crandon Park Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand on the north end of Key Biscayne with beautiful tall palm trees and gentle waves. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters, picnicking under shady palms, and accessing family-friendly amenities at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. The beach offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, golf, and a marina in the adjacent Crandon Park.
2. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE BEACH
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park sits at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, featuring pristine beaches and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, fish, or rent bicycles to explore the park's natural beauty and walking trails. The park's combination of historical significance and natural splendor makes it one of the most popular beaches in the Miami area.
3. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
CULTURAL HERITAGE SHORELINE
Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a significant cultural landmark located just off the Rickenbacker Causeway with a rich civil rights history as Miami's once-designated 'colored-only' beach. Today, the revitalized beach park offers swimming in calm waters, nature trails through coastal hammocks, and educational exhibits about its important history. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes this a meaningful destination for both relaxation and reflection.
4. Hobie Beach
WINDSURFER'S PARADISE COVE
Hobie Beach, also known as Windsurfer Beach, is the premier destination for windsurfing enthusiasts in the Miami area with consistent breezes and shallow waters. The beach sits along the Rickenbacker Causeway, offering spectacular views of Miami's skyline while providing ideal conditions for watersports. As Miami's favorite dog-friendly beach, it welcomes four-legged companions to enjoy the shoreline alongside their owners.
5. Rickenbacker Causeway Beach
SKYLINE VIEWS WATERFRONT
Rickenbacker Causeway Beach stretches along the scenic roadway connecting Miami to Key Biscayne, offering stunning views of downtown Miami's skyline and Biscayne Bay. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the protected waters, paddleboarding along the causeway, or simply relaxing on the narrow strip of sand. Its convenient location makes it a popular spot for locals looking for a quick beach escape without venturing too far from the city.
6. Miami Marine Stadium
HISTORIC WATERFRONT VENUE
Miami Marine Stadium is an iconic waterfront landmark on Virginia Key with a distinctive concrete grandstand overlooking Biscayne Bay. Though the stadium itself is currently awaiting restoration, the surrounding waterfront area offers opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, and enjoying views of the Miami skyline. The location serves as a cultural and recreational hub, connecting visitors to the waters of Biscayne Bay in a historically significant setting.
7. South Beach
VIBRANT ART DECO SHORELINE
South Beach is Miami's most famous stretch of sand, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters against the backdrop of colorful Art Deco buildings along Ocean Drive. Visitors can swim in the warm Atlantic waters, participate in beach volleyball games, or simply people-watch at this see-and-be-seen hotspot. The beach's electric atmosphere, combined with its proximity to world-class dining and nightlife, makes it the quintessential Miami Beach experience.
8. Matheson Hammock Park
ATOLL POOL NATURAL OASIS
Matheson Hammock Park offers a unique man-made atoll pool that is flushed naturally with the tides of Biscayne Bay, creating a safe and scenic swimming environment. The park features a gentle beach area ideal for families, kayak launches, and walking trails through native Florida vegetation. With its stunning views of the Miami skyline across the bay and its old Florida charm, Matheson Hammock provides a tranquil alternative to the more crowded beaches in the area.
9. Oleta River State Park
KAYAKER'S MANGROVE PARADISE
Oleta River State Park is Florida's largest urban park, featuring a river system that winds through mangrove forests with calm waters perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. The park includes a small, secluded beach on Biscayne Bay where visitors can swim and relax away from the crowds of Miami's more popular beaches. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's extensive wildlife viewing opportunities, mountain biking trails, and peaceful atmosphere despite its proximity to the bustling city.
10. Haulover Beach Park
CLOTHING-OPTIONAL NATURAL STRETCH
Haulover Beach Park is known for having one of the few officially recognized clothing-optional beaches in Florida, located on its northern section between lifeguard towers 12 and 16. The mile-long, pristine white sand beach offers excellent swimming conditions with professional lifeguards on duty year-round and beautiful turquoise waters. Beyond its clothing-optional section, the park features a marina, picnic facilities, and a dog beach area, making it a diverse recreational destination for various interests.