key biscayne

Though just fifteen minutes from downtown Miami, Key Biscayne, FL feels worlds away from it. Two state parks, quiet beaches, bike paths, restaurants, and high-end accommodations can be found on this tiny island.

The town used to be a coconut plantation, but today it is a residential enclave that has attracted residents worldwide. Besides having fantastic beaches, Key Biscayne, FL is nestled between two parks—Crandon Park to the north and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to the south.

This small town offers a nearby coastal barrier reef and the only underwater archaeological trail recognized by the federal government in the United States.

Besides all that, here are a few other perks you’ll surely love about Key Biscayne, FL.

4 Things To Love About Key Biscayne, FL

1. Lifestyle and Culture

Key Biscayne, FL offers a laid-back culture, as well as a strong sense of community. Located along a beach, surrounded by beautiful homes, locally owned businesses, and chic restaurants, people here appreciate a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle.

Due to its small size, Key Biscayne, FL is easy to navigate without a car. Peaceful streets make the town extremely walkable, and bikes make a great option to tour around. People often use golf carts to run errands or get to the beach, and this is how the locals travel around.

It's a great place for swimming, paddle-boarding, and fishing, and the waters are crystal-clear, thanks to sand bars off the coast. A large majority of residents own boats, and many of the most expensive houses have docks.

Miami and South Beach, both just across the Causeway, offer a variety of culture and entertainment, and Key Biscayne, FL residents make the trips to explore museums, see a theater show, or dance the night away when they fancy some downtime.

The locals also enjoy volunteering, celebrating, and knowing one another. Protecting the environment is very important to them, and the Citizen Science Project reflects this passion. The city also hosts various local events throughout the year, like the Miami International Boatshow, which brings thousands of visitors.

2. Shopping and Restaurants

Key Biscayne's self-sufficiency is one of the island's most desirable features. You can shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment without having to go far. Most of the shopping and dining can be found on Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne's main thoroughfare. The area is home to a great selection of boutiques, supermarkets, pharmacies, and gourmet markets.

Restaurants worth checking out include The Rusty Pelican. You can enjoy here one of Miami's most popular Sunday brunches and some of the island's best sunset views. This elegant restaurant, perched on the island's edge, offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay and the dazzling Miami cityscape.

3. Things to Do

Key Biscayne offers a wide range of activities. Be sure to include visiting beaches, biking, kite-boarding, paddleboarding, and kayaking among your list of activities!

The island has some of Miami's nicest shoreline, flanked by sand dunes and palm trees rather than the city's ubiquitous skyscrapers, thanks to much of its area being designated parks. Crandon Park, located on the island's northern extremity, is a popular beach destination.

With bike lanes on its main highways and a 1.5-mile cycle track that goes through the flat terrain of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, through picturesque Biscayne Bay, Key Biscayne, FL is bike-friendly. In the park, you may rent bikes, including family-friendly quads.

If you’re a watersports enthusiast, you can rent kiteboards, stand-up paddleboards, and kayaks from Miami Kiteboarding at Crandon Park, where the gentle Atlantic Ocean waves can be enjoyed.

4. Real Estate

When it comes to housing, some of Miami's most coveted properties are located in the Key Biscayne area. Condo buildings dominate the northern end of town, offering resort-style amenities and luxury residences, whereas large single-family homes are found in the south.

Waterfront properties, which allow access to the ocean by boat and dock, are some of the most expensive and desirable in the area.