Crandon Park

Crandon Park covers approximately 808 acres on the northern portion of Key Biscayne—a barrier island connected to Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Established in 1940 through a land donation by the Matheson family (in return for building the causeway), it opened as a public park in 1947.

The park features 2 miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic, with a pedestrian promenade lined by palms, cabanas, and picnic shelters. Swimming areas are supervised by lifeguards stationed in elevated towers, and mobility assistance is available via beach wheelchairs.

Within the park’s boundaries, ecosystems include dunes, seagrass beds, coastal hammocks, mangroves, and fossilized reefs. Rare native plant species—like the beach peanut and Biscayne prickly ash—are present alongside wildlife such as birds, sea turtles, and small marine fauna.

The Bear Cut Preserve, a designated Environment Study Area within the park, offers guided naturalist hikes through original coastal habitats. At the northern end sits the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, featuring interpretive exhibits, a classroom, and natural history resources.

• Tennis Center: 27 courts (13 lighted) dating back to the Miami Open era.
• Golf Course: An 18-hole public championship course located west of Crandon Boulevard.
• Marina: Includes boat slips, fuel, and dive-boat access.
• Family Amusements: Game and play areas such as a weekend carousel, roller rink, and playground.

The land was formerly a large coconut plantation. The park’s namesake—Charles H. Crandon—facilitated the causeway in exchange for the land donation. The park also once housed the Crandon Park Zoo (1948–1980), now relocated; remnants of the old zoo still exist as overgrown structures within the park.

The park is open everyday, Sunrise – Sunset.

The park is free to enter, however parking is $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends.