Crandon Park, Florida — Beach Days, Wild Trails & Old-Miami History
Two miles of serene shoreline, the Bear Cut fossil reef, epic birding, a marina for adventures, and the story that opened the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Map & Coordinates
Centered between the main beach and marina for easy navigation.
Overview
Crandon Park blends quiet, family-friendly beaches with wild coastal habitats. Expect calm water, roomy sand, shaded picnic spots, and trails through mangroves, seagrass beds, and bird estuaries — a rare mix of Miami chill and natural Florida.
- Part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail.
- Roots of Zoo Miami began here (late 1940s Crandon Park Zoo).
- Opened to the public with the Rickenbacker Causeway on Nov 9, 1947.
- Official info: Miami-Dade Parks — Crandon Park.
Wildlife & Eco-Tourism
Watch for manatees grazing in seagrass and shorebirds on tidal flats. Spring/summer may bring Mangrove Cuckoos, Prairie Warblers, Black-whiskered Vireos, and White-crowned Pigeons. Use boardwalks, respect dunes, and carry binoculars.
Activities
- Beach & Sandbar: Calm, shallow water for families.
- Water Sports: Kayak, SUP, kite, sail, snorkel (North Concession, first-come).
- Trails: Walk/bike Bear Cut Preserve boardwalks & hammocks.
- Crandon Tennis Center: Public courts + lessons.
- Crandon Marina: Slips to ~80ft, fuel, bait, public dive boat.
- Crandon Gardens & Carousel: Retro fun for kids.
Events & Programs
Nature walks, eco-programs, clinics, and junior tennis run seasonally. Check the current calendar on Miami-Dade Parks — Crandon.
Nearby Pairings
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Lighthouse tours, beaches, trails.
- Miami Seaquarium: Classic marine stop on the way to the Key.
- Historic Virginia Key Beach Park: Cultural landmark + quiet shore.
Family & Accessibility
- Accessible promenades and shaded picnic areas.
- Arrive before 10am on weekends for better parking.
- Great for small kids; bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.
- Rentals: cabanas, kayaks, kite gear (first-come at North Concession).
Photo Spots
- Sunset over Biscayne Bay from the marina docks.
- Bear Cut boardwalks at golden hour (mind tides).
- Vintage carousel framed by palms.
Safety
- Lifeguarded zones posted; no flotation devices per county rules.
- Stay off dunes and the fossil reef; pack out what you pack in.
- Give wildlife space (nesting birds & manatees).
Guidance: Miami-Dade Beach Safety
Quick FAQ
- Parking? Paid lots near beach & marina (rates vary).
- Rentals? Kayaks, cabanas, kiteboards (North Concession).
- Tennis? Public courts; book lessons & times online.
- Boating? Slips to ~80ft; fuel, bait, public dive boat.
Always confirm hours/fees on Miami-Dade Parks.
History: Crandon Park opened with the Rickenbacker Causeway (Nov 9, 1947). Zoo Miami traces its roots to the former Crandon Park Zoo.