GREAT THINGS TO DO IN KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI
If you’re searching for fun things to do in Key Biscayne, this guide is for you!
Miami is such an incredible place to visit, and one of my favorite spots just outside of downtown is definitely Key Biscayne. While Downtown Miami and Miami Beach can get quite busy, Key Biscayne is the peaceful escape with a much calmer atmosphere. We make sure to visit Key Biscayne every time we’re in Miami, and in this post, I’m sharing all the things I highly recommend you do while you’re there!
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WHERE IS KEY BISCAYNE?
Key Biscayne is a small island located just south of Miami Beach and east of downtown Miami. You can easily reach it by car from downtown Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway. It’s a beautiful scenic drive that crosses Biscayne Bay and leads you straight onto the island. The ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Miami or around 25 to 30 minutes from Miami Beach.
We’ve driven there from both Miami Beach and downtown Miami, and both routes are easy and incredibly scenic. There’s a small toll along the way, but we usually get the toll pass from our rental car company, which costs around $14 per day. That’s totally worth it for the convenience. Key Biscayne is divided into three main parts: Crandon Park, the residential area called Village of Key Biscayne, and the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
IS KEY BISCAYNE WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Key Biscayne is absolutely worth visiting! It’s so close to Miami, yet it feels like a completely different world. Unlike the busy and sometimes chaotic South Beach, Key Biscayne offers peace, quiet, and a much more relaxed atmosphere, so it’s perfect for escaping the crowds.
The island is home to soft white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views of both the ocean and the Miami skyline. You’ll also find plenty of natural beauty and historical landmarks to explore. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, photography, or simply want a calm beach day near the city, Key Biscayne is the perfect getaway and definitely worth the trip.
GREAT THINGS TO DO IN KEY BISCAYNE
There are two main areas in Key Biscayne where you can easily spend a few hours (or even the whole day). Those are Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park and Beach. Both are absolutely beautiful. One is more natural and historical, while the other is perfect for relaxing beach time and family-friendly fun.
VISIT THE BILL BAGGS CAPE FLORIDA STATE PARK
Florida’s state parks are absolutely beautiful, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is no exception. It’s located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne and the park is a true gem. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of things to do. You can enter by car for $8 per vehicle, which is a great deal considering everything you get to enjoy here. If you’re staying nearby, you can also enter by bike or on foot for an even lower fee.
Here’s exactly what to do in this gorgeous state park:
ENJOY THE BEACH
If you’re a beach lover or simply looking for a perfect beach day near Miami, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the ideal destination for you. The most popular beach here is located right beneath the famous Cape Florida Lighthouse, and it’s absolutely stunning. The sand is soft, the water is calm and clear, and the whole area feels peaceful and relaxed. It’s a total contrast to the busy beaches of Miami.
Bring some drinks and snacks for a picnic and enjoy a slow, sunny day by the water. If you prefer a bit more comfort, you can rent sunbeds for around $15 and umbrellas for about $25. Even if you’re not planning to swim or sunbathe, it’s worth coming just to walk along the shore or watch the sunrise. It’s truly beautiful here!
CLIMB THE LIGHTHOUSE
Climbing the Cape Florida Lighthouse is one of the absolute highlights of visiting Key Biscayne and it’s definitely my favorite thing to do there. The lighthouse is right next to the beach and is actually the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. The best part? The climb is included in your $8 park entrance fee, so definitely don’t skip it (unless you’re not great with heights!).
It’s a short climb, only 109 steps, but the narrow, spiral staircase can feel a bit tight and might be challenging for anyone with vertigo or claustrophobia. Still, if you can make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° view of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and the Miami skyline. It’s absolutely worth it and one of the most scenic spots in the entire Miami area!
EXPLORE THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER’S COTTAGE
After climbing the Cape Florida Lighthouse, make sure to explore the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage right next to it. Though it’s small, this beautifully restored home gives you a real glimpse into what life was like for the lighthouse keepers back in the 1800s. Inside, you’ll find historical displays, antique furnishings, and old photographs that tell the story of early life on Key Biscayne. It’s genuinely fascinating.
You can walk through the living room, three bedrooms, and the kitchen, all set up as they would have been back then. It really feels like stepping back in time, and if you take a seat on the front porch, you’ll get to enjoy the same peaceful views the lighthouse keepers once did. It’s a small but meaningful stop that adds a lovely historical touch to your visit, definitely don’t skip it!
GO CYCLING
If you love cycling, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is the perfect place for it. Biking here is a relaxing and scenic experience, with smooth, paved trails that go through tropical hammocks, mangroves, and along the coastline with beautiful ocean views.
The paths are flat and easy to ride, so it’s great for all fitness levels. You can go at your own pace and simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can bring your own bike or rent one in the park. Check out Lighthouse Bike Rentals, where bikes cost around $10 per hour or you can even rent a quadracycle for $20–40 if you want to share the ride and make it even more fun!
VISIT THE NO NAME HARBOR
Finally, one spot you absolutely can’t miss in this beautiful state park is No Name Harbor. Just a few minutes’ walk from the lighthouse, this small sheltered bay is a favorite hangout for boaters, kayakers, and sunset lovers alike.
Around the harbor, you’ll find picnic tables shaded by palm trees and two relaxed waterfront restaurants, Boater’s Grill and The Cleat, both perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and a drink with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. We visited Boater’s Grill and absolutely loved it!
Whether you come here for a laid-back meal, a paddle around the bay, or simply to watch the sun set over the water, No Name Harbor is the perfect ending to your day in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
WALK THROUGH CRANDON PARK
Getting out of the state park, another beautiful spot to explore in Key Biscayne is Crandon Park. Strolling through Crandon Park is a wonderful (and free!) way to take in the island’s natural beauty. This 800-acre park on the northern end of Key Biscayne is absolutely stunning, filled with gorgeous nature, wildlife, and amazing scenic views.
As you wander through the park, you’ll come across mangroves, tropical birds, and native plants, and there are plenty of picnic areas and viewpoints where you can stop to relax or admire the bay. You can also walk over to the marina to watch the boats go by or go straight to the beach, which is just a short walk away. Parking costs $7 for the whole day, so it’s worth spending time enjoying both the park and the beach!
SWIM AT CRANDON BEACH
Crandon Beach is right next to Crandon Park, stretching along a large portion of Key Biscayne’s coastline. If you don’t feel like driving all the way south to the state park, Crandon Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy the island’s calm, crystal-clear waters. The beach has soft white sand and gentle waves, so it’s ideal for families, beginners, or anyone who just wants a peaceful swim.
Lifeguards are usually on duty during peak hours, and the water stays shallow near the shore, so it’s a very safe and relaxing place to spend the day. After your swim, you can rest under the palm trees, have a picnic at one of the shaded tables, or simply walk along the long, scenic shoreline.
Keep in mind that seaweed can be common, especially around November (we’ve seen it every time we visited then!). It’s completely natural and helps preserve the local ecosystem, so just keep that in mind and find a clear spot. The beach is long enough that you’ll easily find your perfect spot to enjoy.
CONCLUSION: GREAT THINGS TO DO IN KEY BISCAYNE
Key Biscayne is an absolutely lovely destination near Miami, and I’d say it’s a must-visit. If you have the time, spend at least half a day or a full day exploring Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park because it’s beautiful, peaceful, and full of things to see and do. But even if you’re short on time, visiting the Cape Florida Lighthouse or Crandon Park and Beach closer to Miami is still well worth it. It’s one of the most relaxing and scenic areas near the city, and we absolutely love coming back every time we’re in Miami!
