Key Biscayne

Technically one of the first islands in the Florida Keys archipelago, Key Biscayne is a secluded paradise and natural refuge that sits just a few miles east of downtown Miami. Key Biscayne is a peaceful getaway for both tourists and locals, it is one of the best places to go in Greater Miami for tennis, golf, sunbathing, swimming, boating, bicycling, fishing and windsurfing. The secluded island of Key Biscayne can be reached via the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway, which spans beautiful Biscayne Bay. Key Biscayne is located just south of Downtown Miami and north of Coconut Grove, the island touts miles of golden sand beaches and features a quaint, quiet neighborhood atmosphere where parks abound. You can play tennis at the Crandon Park Tennis Center, home to the NASDAQ 100 Open tournament every March, featuring the world’s top-ranked tennis players. while Crandon Park Golf Course’s intriguing terrain puts it among the top 50 public courses in Florida.

Thick tropical foliage lines the road to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, where the beach invites swimming or kayaking. Also, you can rent small sailboats, paddle boats and water bicycles. On land, rent a bike, hike the nature trails and climb to the top of the 1825 lighthouse. Swim with the dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium or meet Lolita the Killer Whale and visit a host of fascinating sea creatures and exhibits. The Majorie Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center offers hands-on marine exploration among dunes, beaches, coastal hammocks, mangroves and fossil-rock reefs. The delicate ecology of Biscayne Bay is studied at the University of Miami’s noted Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key.