Crandon Park
Crandon Park offers a serene island escape with miles of soft sand, calm waters, and lush palm trees, perfect for beach days and nature exploration.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crandon Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Crandon Park offers a serene island escape with miles of soft sand, calm waters, and lush palm trees, perfect for beach days and nature exploration.
"This is my 3rd time coming here. Nice clean sand. Beautiful coconut trees."
🎯 Parking Peace of Mind
Pay the $7 daily rate via PayByPhone app to avoid a $35 ticket. Enforcement is vigilant!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Seaweed and sulfur in the water can be present; water shoes protect your feet and jewelry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tranquil Beachfront
Key Biscayne
Miles of soft sand, calm, shallow waters, and abundant palm trees create a Caribbean-like paradise. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Wildlife & Nature
Bear Cut Preserve
Explore mangroves and coastal hammocks for rare birds, sea turtles, and unique lizards. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular.

Family Fun Zone
Amusement Center
A classic carousel operates on weekends, offering a nostalgic touch for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Best Beach Day Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Parking Peace of Mind
Pay the $7 daily rate via PayByPhone app to avoid a $35 ticket. Enforcement is vigilant!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Seaweed and sulfur in the water can be present; water shoes protect your feet and jewelry.
🐚 Shell Collector's Dream
Low tide reveals abundant conch shells and marine life for discovery.
🚲 Explore by Bike
Rent family bikes or bring your own to tour the expansive park grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Parking Peace of Mind
Pay the $7 daily rate via PayByPhone app to avoid a $35 ticket. Enforcement is vigilant!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Seaweed and sulfur in the water can be present; water shoes protect your feet and jewelry.
🐚 Shell Collector's Dream
Low tide reveals abundant conch shells and marine life for discovery.
🚲 Explore by Bike
Rent family bikes or bring your own to tour the expansive park grounds.
☀️ Shade Seeker's Haven
Plenty of natural shade from coconut trees and beach chairs/umbrellas available for rent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Crandon Park for its beautiful, Caribbean-like beaches with soft sand and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. The abundance of palm trees and natural shade is a major draw, as are the opportunities for wildlife spotting and snorkeling. While parking is generally easy and affordable, some note occasional issues with seaweed and the smell of algae, particularly at low tide.
"Beautiful beach, this is my 3rd time coming here. Nice clean sand. Beautiful coconut trees. We went snorkeling off the beach in the grass beds and saw lots of fish. My daughters found big conch shells and a sea urchin shell. You can order food and rent beach chairs with umbrellas but there’s lots of nice spots in the shade. We went at low tide so there was lots of seaweed and it was a bit smelly. But the water was clear and we had a nice time watching the pelicans diving for fish. Nice clean bathrooms and an outdoor shower to rinse off the sand."
kara “theselittlesteps”
"The beaches here are absolutely beautiful — clean, spacious, and perfect for swimming or just soaking up the sun. One of the best parts is how easy it is to park. There's plenty of parking available for just $10 a day, which you can conveniently pay through a phone app or at the park office (if you can find it — signage could be better).
The park also has lots of designated areas for cookouts, making it a great spot for family gatherings or casual barbecues with friends."
Elli H
"There are a lot of activities across various locations. Beaches are beautiful and spacious. Plenty of parking available. Benches, wash stations, etc are available. Nice bike and walking side trails. Beautiful lizards and birds. Worth the trip!"
Cheetah M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crandon Park is located on Key Biscayne, a short drive from downtown Miami. You can reach it by car via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
While the park itself is well-known, signage for specific areas like the park office can sometimes be improved. Using GPS and looking for signs for Key Biscayne and Crandon Park is advised.
The park is quite large. Renting bikes or using a personal bike is a great way to explore its various sections, from the beach to the amusement center.
Yes, there is a toll on the Rickenbacker Causeway when driving to Key Biscayne, where Crandon Park is located. Be prepared for this fee.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at Crandon Park. However, arranging a pickup might be more challenging depending on the specific location within the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking at Crandon Park typically costs $7 per day. It's crucial to pay this fee to avoid a $35 parking ticket, as enforcement is strict. You can pay via the PayByPhone app or at the park office.
No, access to the beach at Crandon Park is generally free. You only need to pay for parking and any optional rentals like chairs or umbrellas.
Crandon Park is typically open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, specific facilities like the carousel have limited hours, usually operating on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Yes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent at Crandon Park, providing comfortable shade and seating options.
There is no general entrance fee for Crandon Park itself. The primary cost is for parking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Crandon Park offers a variety of activities including swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring nature trails. There's also a carousel and tennis courts.
Yes, Crandon Park is known for good snorkeling, especially in the seagrass beds where you can spot various fish and shells. The calm waters make it ideal for beginners.
The park is equipped with clean bathrooms and outdoor showers, which are very convenient for rinsing off sand after a day at the beach.
Absolutely! Crandon Park has many designated areas for cookouts and picnics, making it a great spot for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Yes, Crandon Park is very family-friendly. It features calm waters, a playground area, and a classic carousel that operates on weekends, ensuring fun for kids of all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are concessions and kiosks offering food and drinks, many visitors also opt to bring their own picnic baskets and enjoy barbecues in the designated areas.
Concessions typically offer beach-friendly snacks, light meals, and beverages. It's a good option for a quick bite, but for a full meal, packing your own food is often preferred.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, especially if you plan on having a picnic or barbecue. There are ample picnic tables available.
Key Biscayne has several restaurants and cafes just a short drive from Crandon Park, offering a wider range of dining options if you decide to venture out.
Regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public parks can vary. It's advisable to check the latest park rules or local ordinances before bringing alcohol.
📸 📸 Photography
The long, sandy beach with its iconic coconut palm trees offers stunning backdrops. The Bear Cut Preserve area also provides unique natural scenery for photography.
Crandon Park is excellent for sunrise photos, as it faces east. Sunset views might be more obstructed by the mainland, but the golden hour light on the beach is still beautiful.
You can photograph various bird species, lizards, and potentially sea turtle nests in the protected areas. Keep an eye out for pelicans diving for fish.
Drone usage in parks is often restricted. It's best to check with Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation for current regulations regarding drone operation at Crandon Park.
Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, or late afternoon for the golden hour. Midday can be harsh due to direct sunlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐠 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Crandon Park: Parking & Access
Beyond parking, exploring the park is best done with a bit of mobility. Many visitors recommend renting bicycles or bringing your own to traverse the miles of trails and reach different beach sections or amenities. This allows for a more comprehensive experience of what Crandon Park has to offer, from its natural preserves to its recreational facilities.
Crandon Park's Natural Beauty: Beach & Wildlife
For nature enthusiasts, Crandon Park is a treasure trove. The Bear Cut Preserve area is a haven for wildlife, with mangroves and coastal hammocks supporting diverse bird species and even sea turtle nests. Visitors often report seeing beautiful lizards and pelicans. Snorkeling is particularly rewarding, especially during low tide when the seagrass beds teem with fish and marine life. Finding large conch shells is also a common delight for beachcombers. However, be mindful of potential seaweed and sulfur in the water, which might necessitate water shoes.
Family Fun and Amenities at Crandon Park
Practical amenities enhance the family experience. Clean restrooms and outdoor showers are available for convenience, allowing visitors to rinse off sand and freshen up. While concessions offer snacks and light meals, many families opt to pack their own food to enjoy at the picnic sites, further enhancing the value and flexibility of a day trip. The park's overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, contributing to a memorable experience for all ages.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit