Crandon Park Beach Overview
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to spend the day in Miami, Crandon Park Beach is a great option. Located on the barrier island of Key Biscayne, this public park offers 2 miles of pristine beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean.
Accessible via the Rickenbacker Causeway, Crandon Park Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and picturesque views of the ocean.
In addition to the beach, Crandon Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including a golf course, tennis center, nature center, and marina. The park is also home to a unique fossilized mangrove reef and protected wetlands, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, play a round of golf, or explore the natural beauty of Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Beach has something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and head on over to one of Miami’s most beloved beaches.
Getting There
Address and Location
Crandon Park Beach is located at 6747 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, USA. The park is situated on a barrier island in Key Biscayne, with Biscayne Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The park covers 808 acres (327 hectares) and features 2 miles (3.2 km) of beach, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Transportation
There are several ways to get to Crandon Park Beach, depending on your starting location and preferences. The following are some of the most common transportation options:
- Bus: Miami-Dade Transit operates several bus routes that provide service to Crandon Park Beach. Bus 102 runs from Downtown Miami to Key Biscayne, stopping at the park entrance. Bus 52 runs from Coral Gables to Key Biscayne, stopping at the Rickenbacker Causeway. Check the Miami-Dade Transit website for schedules and fares.
- Car: If you are driving to Crandon Park Beach, take the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami to Key Biscayne. Follow the signs to the park entrance, which is located on the left side of the road. There is ample parking available at the park, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
- Bike: The Rickenbacker Causeway features a dedicated bike lane, making it easy to ride to Crandon Park Beach from Miami or Key Biscayne. Bike racks are available at the park entrance.
- Boat: If you have access to a boat, you can dock at the Crandon Park Marina, which is located on the west side of the park. The marina offers 220 slips, fuel, and other amenities.
No matter how you choose to get to Crandon Park Beach, be sure to check the park’s hours of operation before you go. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, but some facilities and activities may have different hours.
Park Amenities
Crandon Park Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide variety of amenities for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the top features you can expect to find at the park:
Beach and Water Activities
With over 2 miles of beach, Crandon Park is the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the water. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and play in the surf, or rent kayaks and other flotation devices to explore the bay. The beach is also a great spot to catch a stunning sunset over the Miami skyline.
Nature and Eco-Adventures
Crandon Park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangroves, coastal hammocks, seagrass beds, and the Bear Cut Preserve. Visitors can explore these natural wonders on foot using the park’s extensive network of nature trails, or take a guided tour to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Sports Facilities
Crandon Park boasts a world-class golf course and tennis center, with facilities available for players of all skill levels. The golf course offers stunning views of the bay and downtown Miami, while the tennis center features lighted courts, a pro shop, and instructional programs for kids and adults.
Other Facilities
In addition to its beach, nature, and sports amenities, Crandon Park also offers a range of other facilities for visitors to enjoy. These include picnic areas, bathrooms, and cabana rentals, as well as fuel pumps, marinas, and restaurants. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
Overall, Crandon Park Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Miami’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a beach bum, nature lover, sports enthusiast, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this park has something for everyone.
Operating Hours
Park Office Hours
The park office at Crandon Park Beach is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day of the week, including weekends. If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, you can stop by the park office during these hours to speak with a park representative.
Activity Hours
Crandon Park Beach is open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. Visitors can enjoy the beach and park facilities during these hours. The park offers a variety of activities, including golf, tennis, and kayaking. The hours of operation for each activity may vary, so it is recommended to check with the park office or visit the park website for more information.
The tennis center is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers both day and night play. The golf course is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers 18 holes of championship golf. The marina is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers wet slips for boats up to 50 feet in length.
Please note that some park facilities may be closed due to inclement weather or maintenance. It is always a good idea to check with the park office or visit the park website for the most up-to-date information on park hours and facility availability.
More Information
Biscayne Nature Center Website: http://www.biscaynenaturecenter.org/
Miami Dade Government Website: https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/crandon.asp
Rules and Regulations
When visiting Crandon Park Beach, it is important to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The following sub-sections will provide an overview of the park code and prohibited activities.
Park Code
Crandon Park Beach is governed by the Code of Miami-Dade, which outlines the rules and regulations for all county parks. Visitors are expected to abide by these rules at all times. Failure to comply with the park code may result in fines or other penalties.
Prohibited Activities
To ensure the safety and well-being of all visitors, certain activities are prohibited at Crandon Park Beach. These include:
- Entering or being in the water at any bathing area wearing, carrying, pushing, or towing any flotation device (Rule 16 of the Code of Miami-Dade)
- Fishing or crabbing in designated swimming areas
- Smoking in any designated non-smoking area
- Bringing glass containers onto the beach
- Using loudspeakers or sound amplification devices without a permit
- Feeding or disturbing wildlife
- Littering or leaving trash on the beach
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of prohibited activities. Visitors should refer to the park code for a complete list of rules and regulations.
By following the park’s rules and regulations, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to Crandon Park Beach.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re visiting Crandon Park Beach, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore. Here are a few options:
Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is a beautiful island located just across the Rickenbacker Causeway from Miami. In addition to Crandon Park Beach, the island is home to the Bill Baggs State Park and Lighthouse, which offers a historic lighthouse, hiking trails, and stunning views of the ocean. You can also check out the Family Amusement Center, which has go-karts, mini-golf, and other fun activities for the whole family.
History of Crandon Park Beach
Crandon Park Beach is located in Key Biscayne, Florida, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The park has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century when it was part of the largest coconut plantation in the United States, operated by William John Matheson and his heirs.
In 1940, the Matheson family donated 808.8 acres of their land to Dade County, now known as Miami-Dade County, for a public park. The park was named Crandon Park after Commodore William John Crandon, a pioneer of the Florida East Coast Railway who owned the land in the early 1900s.
Crandon Park Beach was opened to the public in 1947 and quickly became a popular destination for beachgoers. The park has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years, including the addition of the Crandon Park Tennis Center, which hosts the Miami Open tennis tournament, and the Crandon Golf Course, which is considered one of the best public golf courses in the country.
In addition to its recreational offerings, Crandon Park Beach is also home to several important historical and archaeological sites. Evidence of indigenous peoples’ existence was discovered in 1992 in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew, where three distinct areas of archaeological materials were uncovered in Crandon Park. A very significant site was uncovered adjacent to the once Crandon Zoo and south of the Crandon Tennis Center entrance.
Today, Crandon Park Beach remains a popular destination for families, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts. With its beautiful beaches, nature trails, picnic areas, and other amenities, it continues to be a beloved part of the Miami-Dade County park system and an important part of the area’s heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of renting a cabana at Crandon Park?
The cost of renting a cabana at Crandon Park varies depending on the size and location of the cabana. As of the current date, the rental fee for a small cabana is $64.00 per day, and a large cabana is $84.00 per day. Reservations are required for cabana rentals and can be made online or by phone.
What are some popular activities to do at Crandon Beach?
Crandon Beach offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach also has several volleyball courts, a playground, and a nature center.
Is there a fee to enter Crandon Park?
Yes, there is a fee to enter Crandon Park. As of the current date, the entrance fee is $7.00 per vehicle for a one-day visit. There are also annual passes available for purchase.
Can you fish at Crandon Park Beach?
Yes, fishing is allowed at Crandon Park Beach. However, there are some restrictions on the type of fishing gear that can be used, and certain areas of the beach may be off-limits to fishing. It is recommended that visitors check with park officials before fishing to ensure that they are following all rules and regulations.
Are beach chairs available for rent at Crandon Park?
Yes, beach chairs are available for rent at Crandon Park. As of the current date, the rental fee for a beach chair is $10.00 per day. Visitors can also rent umbrellas, kayaks, and paddleboards.
What is the best area of Crandon Beach to visit?
The best area of Crandon Beach to visit depends on personal preferences. The North Beach area is popular for its calm waters and family-friendly atmosphere. The South Beach area is known for its lively atmosphere and proximity to amenities such as restaurants and restrooms. The Key Biscayne Nature Center is also a popular attraction for those interested in learning about the local ecosystem.
