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Crandon Park BeachPhoto: Paulkondratuk3194 (talk) (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Crandon Park Beach

#1 of 4 Beaches in Miami

7.9Friend Score / 10

A two-mile crescent of soft sand on Key Biscayne where an offshore sandbar keeps the water calm, shallow, and warm — the Miami beach locals bring their kids to. Grills, cabanas, and 3,000-plus parking spots make it an easy full day. The honest caveat: weekend afternoons the lots fill and the picnic areas get crowded, so come early or aim for a weekday.

“Families really enjoy the beaches here—the sand is soft, there are no riptides, there's a great view of the Atlantic, and parking is both inexpensive and plentiful.”
— Fodor's Travel

Key facts

Hours
Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Price$
Nearest transitMetrobus Route 102 (Biscayne Key MAX) runs from the Brickell area over the Rickenbacker Causeway to Crandon Blvd; no Metrorail on the island, so bus or car only.
Time neededHalf to full day — 3 to 6 hours to swim, picnic, and use the amenities
Best time to goWeekday mornings, or arrive before 11am on weekends before the parking lots fill
Last verifiedJuly 13, 2026

Friend Score

7.9/10
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Frequently asked questions

How do I get there and is it far from downtown?
Crandon Park is on Key Biscayne, reached by the Rickenbacker Causeway (a tolled bridge) about 20-30 minutes from downtown Miami or Brickell depending on traffic. Metrobus Route 102 serves the island, but most people drive. Note the causeway toll is separate from the park's parking fee.
Is there anything for kids to do besides the beach?
The Crandon Park Amusement Center has a restored historic carousel that runs on weekends and holidays only, an old-fashioned outdoor roller rink, and a playground with marine-animal sculptures. Combined with the shallow water, it's why families often make a whole day of it here rather than just a beach stop.
Can I rent a cabana or watersports gear?
Yes. Beach cabanas, kayaks, kiteboards, and paddleboards are available first-come, first-served at the North Concession — there's no advance reservation, so on busy weekends they can run out. The area is also popular for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and snorkeling given the protected, shallow conditions.
What amenities are on site?
Quite a lot for a public beach: restrooms, outdoor showers, changing areas, multiple picnic pavilions with tables and grills, concession stands, and a winding paved promenade. Beach cabanas, kayaks, and kiteboards can be rented first-come, first-served at the North Concession. Parking holds over 3,000 vehicles.
How much does it cost to get in and park?
Crandon Park charges per vehicle rather than per person. Parking runs about $7 on weekdays and $10 on weekends at the main beach lot. There's no separate admission on top of parking, which makes it one of the better beach values in the Miami area for a family.
Is the water actually calm enough for young kids?
Yes — this is the beach's signature feature. An offshore sandbar breaks up the surf, so the water near shore stays shallow, warm, and gentle. It's genuinely one of the safer swimming beaches in Miami-Dade for toddlers and small children, though you should still watch them since there's no barrier to the deeper channel.
How does Crandon compare to South Beach?
They're opposite experiences. South Beach is the see-and-be-seen scene with Ocean Drive behind it; Crandon is quieter, greener, and family-oriented, with calm water and picnic grills instead of clubs and bars. Crandon consistently lands on 'best beaches in America' lists precisely because it feels less touristy and more like a nature park.
Are dogs or grilling allowed?
Grilling is a big draw — the picnic areas have grills and tables, and weekends often smell like family cookouts. Dogs are generally not permitted on the main swimming beach; check current Miami-Dade Parks rules before bringing a pet, as beach pet policies are enforced.

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