Crandon Park Beach, Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne's calm, family-friendly sand
⏱ Half to full day👤 All ages$
Get Tickets
Get Crandon Park Beach Tickets
Skip the line · mobile tickets accepted at the door
The sand is wide and the water tends to be calm, thanks to offshore sandbars that soften waves. Parents often appreciate that, and visitors who prefer swimming to surfing will too. Shaded spots among the trees and picnic tables provide relief from the sun, and the setting feels greener and more spacious than the busier beaches to the north. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, and consider an umbrella or a beach tent.
Beyond the beach, the park offers a gentler side of Miami. The nature center runs programs and exhibits about local ecosystems, and trails and boardwalks lead through coastal vegetation and mangroves, with chances to see birds and other wildlife. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular around Key Biscayne, so if you want to add an activity, check local rental options. The Cape Florida lighthouse and state park are nearby, making for a good pairing.
Planning matters on weekends and holidays. Arrive early to secure parking and a good spot, and bring cash or a card for the entry fee. Plan to pack your own food and drinks, since options near the beach can be limited. Check lifeguard coverage and flag conditions, as with any ocean beach. The drive over the causeway offers views of the Miami skyline and the bay, which is a pleasant start to the day. If you want a beach day that feels more like a family picnic than a nightclub, Crandon Park is a strong choice.
What to Expect
Format
A long public beach on Key Biscayne with calm, shallow water, shaded picnic areas, a nature center and coastal trails.
Best Time
Weekday mornings for space; arrive early on weekends and holidays.
Duration
Half to full day.
Tips
Pack food and water, bring sun protection, expect a parking fee and check lifeguard and flag conditions.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
Families and anyone wanting a calm, uncrowded beach day.
Families
One of the best beaches in Miami for children, with shallow water and shade.
Couples
A relaxed, scenic beach day away from the party scene.
Pair With
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and its lighthouse.
Time Needed
Half to full day.
Ready to book Crandon Park Beach?
Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crandon Park Beach?
On Key Biscayne, reached by the Rickenbacker Causeway from downtown Miami.
Is there a fee?
There is a parking fee at the park entrance; check current rates.
Is it good for children?
Yes. The water is generally calm and shallow, with shade nearby.
What else is there?
A nature center, trails and picnic areas.
When should I go?
Early, especially on weekends and holidays, to get parking.
More Miami Attractions
Browse all →
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
The lighthouse beach at Key Biscayne's tip — a mile of uncrowded Atlantic sand ranked among America's best, the 1825 lighthouse's spiral climb, seaside cafes, bike paths, and no-wake lagoons, twenty minutes and one causeway from downtown.
South Pointe Park & Pier
Miami Beach's front-row seat — the manicured point at South Beach's tip where cruise ships parade through Government Cut at arm's length, the pier runs out over turquoise, the cut walk tracks the ships, and sunset works both horizons.
Oleta River State Park
Florida's largest urban park, hiding in North Miami — mangrove tunnels by kayak, 15 miles of real mountain-bike trails, a calm bay beach and sandbar culture, and paddle-up islands, twenty minutes from South Beach and a world away.