Crandon Beach takes its name from Charles H. Crandon, Chairman of the County Commission who offered to have the county build a causeway connecting Key Biscayne to mainland Miami to thank the Matheson family for their land donation. The area was once home to Indian tribes, soldiers, and pirates, with Key Biscayne becoming a site for turtle turning, beach combing, and holiday celebrations during the 1880s "Era of the Bay." In 1908, wealthy businessman Commodore William John Matheson purchased 1,700 acres of northern Key Biscayne property, turning it into the largest coconut plantation in the United States. In 1940, the Matheson family donated 808.8 acres to Dade County (now Miami-Dade County) for a public park. World War II delayed construction, but the Rickenbacker Causeway opened in 1947, with Crandon Park dedicated for public use on November 9, 1947. The County purchased animals in 1948, starting Crandon Zoo, which grew into one of the country's major zoos by 1965 with over 1,000 animals and 380 species. In 1981, Crandon Zoo moved south of Miami, becoming Miami MetroZoo, later renamed Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens. Today, Crandon Park's two-mile beach is consistently named among the nation's top ten beaches, enjoyed by millions of residents and tourists annually.
The beach features pristine sand and calm Atlantic waters with a popular sandbar and waterfront promenade ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Canoeing, kayaking, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and windsurfing provide diverse water recreation options. Beach volleyball courts and picnic areas with on-site grills accommodate gatherings. The Family Amusement Center includes a historic carousel operating weekends and holidays, an old-fashioned outdoor roller rink, and a playground with marine animal sculptures. The eco-friendly Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center offers nature exhibits, a gift shop, audio-visual presentations, and lab classrooms. Biking and walking paths, skateboarding areas, and the Crandon Park Tennis Center with 27 courts provide land-based activities. The championship 18-hole Crandon Golf Key Biscayne course attracts golfers. Crandon Marina offers wet slips, boating ramps, and docks accommodating vessels up to 80 feet. Cabanas are available for rent. Public toilets, showers, and changing areas serve beachgoers. The park's coconut plantation heritage remains visible in towering palms, while the two-mile beach consistently earns top-ten national rankings for its natural beauty and comprehensive facilities.
Dining at Crandon Beach includes on-site options and nearby Key Biscayne restaurants. Fairways on the Key, the golf course restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with course views. Open Seas Cafe provides casual dining with a 4.6 Google rating. Park concessions offer snacks and drinks throughout the beach area. The Rusty Pelican nearby offers stunning Miami skyline views with upscale seafood and steaks. Tutto Pizza & Pasta serves authentic Italian flavors with pizzas and pasta dishes in a cozy atmosphere. El Gran Inka has served Peruvian cuisine and fresh seafood in Key Biscayne for 20 years with traditional recipes. Boater's Grill in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park features a deck overlooking No Name Harbor with fresh catches and casual fare. Costa Med Bistro offers Mediterranean cuisine with waterfront views. Kazumi features Japanese cuisine with sushi and Asian fusion dishes. The combination of on-site concessions, golf course dining, and nearby Key Biscayne restaurants creates diverse culinary options for beach visitors enjoying one of Miami-Dade County's premier recreation destinations.
