Best Outdoor Activities in Key Biscayne

Located in Miami-Dade County, Key Biscayne is a small, charming island town. It’s surrounded by Crandon Park on the north, Bill Baggs Cape Florida Park on the south, Biscayne Bay on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. From spending the day out on the water to exploring state parks, locals and visitors can take advantage of the outdoors. Read on to learn about some of this tropical paradise's best outdoor activities.

Considered one of the best places to golf on the island of Key Biscayne, Crandon Golf is a championship 18-hole course. Golfers can look forward to a thoughtfully designed and challenging course surrounded by water, mangroves, and tropical foliage. The course was designed in 1972 by Devlin and Von Hagge and later resigned by Von Hagge in 1993. Since then, it’s become one of Florida's most beautiful and challenging 72 courses. It’s also been rated in the top ten courses by Golfweek and has hosted an impressive line of nationally televised PGA Champions Tours events.

 

Stretching across 7,180 yards from the middle tees, this golf course is most suitable for players from mid-level to professional golfers. It’s the only course with a subtropical lagoon in North America. The seven saltwater lakes and challenging sand traps provide a challenge to even the most experienced golfers. From the first hole to the last, Crandon Golf appeals to golfers of all abilities.

Enjoy the sand and surf at Rickenbacker Causeway Beach, one of the top attractions in Key Biscayne. The Rickenbacker Causeway connects Miami to the barrier islands of Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. It’s a popular place for windsurfing, where experienced vets and adventurous vacationers alike can spend the day embarking on this adrenaline-pumping activity. Those looking for something casual might enjoy checking out the Rickenbacker Trail, a popular spot for biking, walking, jogging, or in-line skating. The trail begins in southern Miami and continues south for nearly nine miles, traversing the length of Key Biscayne with views of Biscayne Bay, beaches, and palm trees for the entire duration of the trail.

From digging your toes in the sand at the beach to a day spent hiking in the woods, the benefits of spending time in nature are endless. Benefits include improved attention, lower stress, and better moods. If you’re ready to experience these benefits for yourself, then make plans to visit the Bear Cut Nature Preserve. Located on the shores of Biscayne Bay at Brandon Park, this secluded preserve is the perfect escape into nature. Guests can enjoy hiking along the waterfront and in the shade of tropical trees by following a trail system of footpaths interspersed with paved trails while taking in the water views the whole way. At the end of the trail, hikers will be rewarded with an overlook of a fossil reef and a backdrop of downtown Miami.

Located just minutes from downtown Miami, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park takes up approximately the southern third of the island of Key Biscayne. The park is a relaxing alternative to some of Miami’s more popular beaches, making it an excellent spot for those who prefer to avoid the crowds. Guests can explore the park through a series of walking and bicycle trails, which weave their way through the native vegetation. Meanwhile, fishing enthusiasts can look forward to casting a line and spending the afternoon waiting to reel in the big one. If you’re hungry after a full day in the sun, grab a bite at one of the park’s two onsite restaurants.

 

Lighthouse Cafe, which faces the beach, and Boaters Grill, located on a quiet lagoon, offer authentic Cuban food and cold drinks. You can enjoy your sandwiches beneath a reserved pavilion if you prefer to pack a picnic. After a day spent at this beautiful state park, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Are you looking to improve your tennis swing? Then be sure to make a trip to the Crandon Park Tennis Center. The facility boasts 27 courts in total, including 13 that are lighted. It is anchored by Stadium Court, a 13,800-seat venue home to the Miami Open from 1987 to 2018. The Miami Open utilized 12 courts for competition, plus six practice courts. Today, Crandon Park Tennis Center is a public facility where anyone is welcome to come and play.

 

New to the sport and not sure where to start? Consider joining a clinic where you can learn about the ins and outs of the sport. Tennis clinics usually have four to six players to one instructor, offering a chance for you to have individualized attention and assistance. Crandon Park Tennis Center offers everything from clinics for beginners to advanced players, as well as after-school programs and holiday programs for children.

There’s little more refreshing than escaping from the endless hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnecting with nature. Thankfully, Crandon Park provides the perfect spot to do just that. Located on the Bear Cut Preserve, this 800-acre urban park is a gem of the scenic Key Biscayne. It’s consistently named among the top beaches in the nation, offering the perfect setting to rent a chair or umbrella or take advantage of the park’s barbecue grills and concession stands.

 

Take a stroll around the marina, enjoy a family-fun day kiteboarding, or kayaking on the water. The park is also home to a handful of sports, such as golf, volleyball, and tennis courts. Crandon Park is a popular place for birding, thanks to its diverse array of wildlife. It’s home to everything from butterflies to herons, so keep an eye out for them!

No trip to Crandon Park is complete without a visit to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center. Located at the park's north end, this state-of-the-art center is a go-to destination for immersive, hands-on learning. This nonprofit conservation center was first established in 1985, overlooking dunes and the ocean. It’s home to a laboratory classroom, a coastal and marine life exhibit room, a theater, an outdoor amphitheater, and a native plant garden. Witness baby sea turtles up close, take a seagrass adventure with a naturalist, and learn more about sea life. From its informative lectures to engaging exhibits, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center exists for environmental education and fostering a love of the natural environment in the community.

Immerse yourself in Florida’s rich history by planning to tour the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. The oldest structure in Miami-Dade, the lighthouse, was first built in 1825 and still stands firm as a piece of living history. In its early days, the lighthouse helped guide sailors around the Florida reef to avoid boating accidents. Since then, it has been renovated into a cultural landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors may tour the tower five days a week from 10 am to 1 pm. Upon reaching the top of the lighthouse, you’ll be greeted with views of the world-famous Miami Beach in the north. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Cape Florida, Key Biscayne, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Due south of Key Biscayne, Biscayne National Park is one of the state’s most unique parks. The park stretches over 270 square miles, officially making it the largest marine sanctuary in the National Park Service. It is home to four different ecosystems and comprises coral reefs, undeveloped islands, mangrove coasts, and wildlife. It’s worth noting that 95 percent of the park is water and its reefs and islands are accessible by boat only. Appealing to visitors worldwide, the park boasts ample recreational activities, including fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling, cultural exploration, and the chance to explore the northernmost Florida Keys. Boat tours, special events, and educational exhibits are also great ways to educate guests on the park’s aquamarine waters and vibrant coral reefs.

 

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell Key Biscayne real estate, Jacquie Gallardo is there to help guide you through the process. Whether you’re looking for a vacation rental or a forever home, Jacqueline is ready to help you find your dream home. With years of experience in the real estate market and a deep knowledge of luxury homes, expert Key Biscayne real estate agent Jacqueline can help you find a place that truly feels like home.