BEST THINGS TO DO IN KEY BISCAYNE, MIAMI: COMPLETE GUIDE

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Key Biscayne, you’re in the right place!

Key Biscayne is one of my favourite places to visit near Miami. While Downtown Miami and Miami Beach can get quite busy, Key Biscayne almost always offers a much more peaceful atmosphere, as well as beautiful beaches and plenty of nature. We visit Key Biscayne every time we’re in Miami, and in this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do, the places I recommend visiting, and how much time you need. This is honestly one of the easiest day trips from Miami and it’s totally worth it!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KEY BISCAYNE AT A GLANCE 👀

What are you looking for?	Where to go
Best beach	Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Best for history	Cape Florida Lighthouse
Best for nature	Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Best for swimming	Crandon Beach
Best for cycling	Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Best for a full day	Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park + Crandon Park
Best for a quick visit	Cape Florida Lighthouse + Beach

WHERE IS KEY BISCAYNE AND HOW DO YOU GET THERE?

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 drive 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. If you’re only paying the toll for the Rickenbacker Causeway, it will cost less than that. You can also use Miami-Dade Metrobus Route 26 from Downtown Miami to reach Crandon Park, or simply take an Uber or Lyft to Key Biscayne.

Key Biscayne is divided into three main parts: Crandon Park, the residential area called the Village of Key Biscayne, and 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 completely different. While Downtown Miami and Miami Beach can be busy and crowded, Key Biscayne is much more peaceful and relaxed. It also never feels as crowded as Miami or Miami Beach.

We visit every time we’re in Miami, mainly because of the beautiful beaches, nature, and Cape Florida Lighthouse. It’s also really easy to reach, especially if you have a car, so it’s one of the easiest day trips from Miami. If you want to escape the crowds for a few hours and spend some time by the water, I definitely recommend adding Key Biscayne to your Miami itinerary. You won’t regret it!

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

When you leave 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, with plenty of nature, wildlife, and beautiful 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 head straight to the beach, which is just a short walk away. Parking costs $7 for the whole day, so it’s worth spending some 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.

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN KEY BISCAYNE?

I’d recommend spending at least half a day in Key Biscayne, especially if you want to visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. You can easily spend several hours there between the beach, Cape Florida Lighthouse, cycling, and exploring the park.

If you have a full day, you can combine Bill Baggs with Crandon Park and Crandon Beach and have a much more relaxed day without rushing between places. If you only have a couple of hours, I’d personally prioritise Cape Florida Lighthouse and the beach at Bill Baggs, because these are my favourite parts of Key Biscayne.

CAN YOU VISIT KEY BISCAYNE WITHOUT A CAR?

Yes, you can visit Key Biscayne without a car, but I personally find it much easier to explore with one. We’ve always driven there from Miami Beach or Downtown Miami, and having a car makes it much easier to visit both Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and Crandon Park in the same day.

If you don’t have a car, you can get to Key Biscayne by Uber, Lyft, taxi, or public bus. If you only want to visit one beach and spend a few hours there, taking a rideshare can make sense. However, if you want to explore different parts of the island, I’d definitely recommend having a car.

CONCLUSION: BEST 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!