Key Biscayne: Nature, History and Activities

When choosing a hotel in Key Biscayne, it can help to first list the destinations you want to shape your trip: nature by the water, history, exercise, or a combination of these interests. The Rickenbacker Causeway is the only land access to Crandon Park, the Village of Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. If any of these three destinations are part of your plans, you can use them to guide the rest of your excursion planning. Each place has a different focus, with history, nature and sports each taking center stage through their own sites and activities.

History between the lighthouse and Village Hall

Cape Florida Light was first built in 1825, making the lighthouse a clear historical landmark. The Pop-Up Museum of the Key Biscayne Historical & Heritage Society is located in Suite 200 of Village Hall and presents the history of Key Biscayne. Together, these two places offer different ways to explore local history: the lighthouse is a specific structure with an early construction date, while the museum explores the history of the area as a subject in its own right. You can take these highlights into account if cultural stops are a factor in your travel plans.

Nature trails and coastal landscapes

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center is located at the northern end of Crandon Park. At Cape Florida, nature guides lead walks along nature trails through mangroves and coastal vegetation and along the shoreline. This gives you two distinct nature experiences: a named nature center at the northern end of the park and guided trails through various coastal landscapes.

Kayaking, waterfront walks and sports

Miami EcoAdventures offers the Oceanside Kayak Adventure in Crandon Park along the Atlantic coast of Key Biscayne. Schedules may change, so check the current tour schedule before making this activity a firm part of your plans. The Key Biscayne Kayak Adventure is a separate experience: a tour description dated July 10, 2023, mentions commentary about the Tequesta and pirates who were shipwrecked off the coast, as well as a route across seagrass beds and sand flats, past an ancient fossilized reef and into mangrove forests. Check the current schedule for this adventure as well.

Bear Cut Nature Preserve and Trail offers waterfront walks. Crandon Golf Course Key Biscayne is the only public golf course on Biscayne Bay. Crandon Park Tennis Center has a total of 27 tennis courts and tennis programs for all ages and skill levels. The number of courts and programs tailored to different ages and skill levels offer specific points of reference for tennis enthusiasts; golf and waterfront walks are other types of activities.

A Saturday tradition on Key Biscayne

The Key Biscayne Farmers Market has become an island Saturday tradition. If you plan to visit the market during your stay, check the current schedule before your trip. Saturday is a helpful anchor for planning your day and can be combined with the other activities you choose for your stay.

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