Crandon Park Beach derives its name from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Charles H. Crandon, who promised to build a causeway to Key Biscayne when the heirs of Commodore William John Matheson donated their 1,700-acre coconut plantation to the county in 1940 for use as a public park. The Matheson family had purchased the property in 1908 and operated it as a vast coconut plantation for decades. World War II delayed causeway construction, but it finally opened in 1947, connecting the island to mainland Miami. The area's earliest known inhabitants were the Tequesta Indians, whose archaeological sites were exposed after Hurricane Andrew, revealing poles that once supported their thatched homes. Crandon Park also became the original home of Zoo Miami, which began as the Crandon Zoo in 1948 with several purchased animals and grew by 1965 into one of America's major zoos with over 1,000 animals and 380 species before relocating.
Crandon Park Beach stretches for two miles along pristine sand consistently ranked among the nation's top ten beaches. The park's Nature Center offers self-guided trails including a mangrove boardwalk leading to fossilized reef overlooks, with three guided EcoAdventure programs: Bike and Hike, Expedition South Florida, and the Sea Turtle Awareness Program. Bird communities including herons, ospreys, songbirds, and hawks make this a premier Miami birdwatching location. The Crandon Park Amusement Center features a historic carousel operating on weekends and holidays, an old-fashioned outdoor roller rink, and a playground with marine animal sculptures. Kiteboard and kayak rentals are available at the north concession, while underwater fossilized reefs and colorful sea life attract divers and snorkelers. The beach offers calm waters, a winding promenade, concession stands, multiple picnic areas with tables and grills, and parking for over 3,000 vehicles, plus a marina, golf course, and tennis center.
Dining options near Crandon Park Beach include Milanezza, Key Biscayne's top-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor, serving hand-crafted Argentine and Italian dishes in a cool vintage atmosphere. Costa Med Bistro+Wine offers haute Mediterranean cuisine with eclectic contemporary continental selections. El Gran Inka has served excellent Peruvian food for 20 years, featuring fresh ceviche and signature dishes from Raw and Ceviche Bars. Tutto Pizza & Pasta provides authentic Italian flavors in a cozy setting. Fairways on the Key serves as the on-site restaurant at Crandon Golf Course. The Rusty Pelican offers stunning Miami skyline views with fresh seafood and Latin-Spanish cuisine.
