Crandon Park Beach is one of Miami’s greatest treasures and a wonderful destination for nature and outdoor activities. It is located in the Bay of Biscay and offers tourists three kilometers of white sands, palm trees and tranquility.
Its beach is composed of two distinct areas. The northern part, with more waves, is very frequented by surfers. The southern part, with calmer waves, is preferred by families and couples. In addition, among its virtues is the large area of palm trees to shelter from the sun in the summer.
Crandon Park also has a rich history. Long ago it was a huge coconut plantation and an area where indigenous tribes and pirates resided. In 1940, the owners donated the plantation to the county under the condition that it be used for a public park.
In 1947 a zoo was installed with the intention of turning the area into a major tourist destination. However, in 1981 it was moved to South Miami to become the Miami Metrozoo.
What activities does Crandon Park Beach offer?
The park has sandy beaches, a golf course, a tennis centre, a nature reserve and a marina. The beach is extremely quiet and the water is not usually very rough. For that reason it is recommended for trips with children.
Undoubtedly, the biggest attraction of Crandon Park is the natural environment it offers, so different from the busy South Beach or Palm Beach. This park offers tourists the possibility of knowing different ecosystems. The offer ranges from dunes and wetlands, to the incredible marine flora and fauna.
Diving lovers will have the possibility to live in Crandon Park a unique underwater experience. There you will find fossilized mangrove reefs and incredible marine life to explore.
It also offers tourists the ideal environment to get to know the great variety of local birds. Guided tours will allow you to spot herons, songbirds, ospreys, hawks, among many other species.
Within the park is a protected reserve: Bear Cut Preserve. In it visitors can take guided walks through different natural landscapes. In addition, they can visit the nesting areas of sea turtles and meet their young.
For water sports lovers, Crandon Park has a wide range of options. They can go kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, water skiing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, sailing and windsurfing. Bicycle rental and free use of the beach volleyball beaches are also available.
For the little ones there are also special options. The Crandon Park Amusement Center has a historic carousel that retains its original features. In addition, it has a skating rink and a sculpture area.
A paradise for golf and tennis lovers
Without a doubt, Crandon Golf deserves a special mention among the attractions offered by Crandon Park. It is a unique golf course in the district of Miami. It has 18 holes and is famous for both its surroundings and its difficulty, as it has seven saltwater lakes, a lagoon and mangrove thickets.
Inside the grounds you can find a fully equipped shop. Here you can buy golf clothing and play equipment, as well as rent cars and other items. In addition, classes and practices are offered for both beginners and more advanced players.
Another attraction on this beach is the Crandon Park Tennis Center. Home to the Miami Open for 32 years, this complex offers 27 courts, 13 of them illuminated. Its facilities were visited by illustrious names in tennis: Federer, Serena Williams, Nadal, Murray, Djokovic, among others.
It has clay and hard courts, a professional shop and lessons throughout the year. In addition, the courts are wheelchair accessible.
Also, if you are looking for a strategic point to organize your vacation, Crandon Park is an excellent option. In its vicinity you will find several tourist spots that you can not miss. Some of them are:
- The Miami Aquarium (3 kilometers).
- The magnificent Villa Vizcaya (7 kilometres).
- In addition, you can explore the Miami Design District, the epicenter of Art Deco in Miami (less than 8 kilometers from the park).
Crandon Park is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Miami. Its perks are rounded off by food stalls, an indoor picnic area, and beach cabana rentals. Its natural environment and wide range of activities make Crandon Park one of Miami’s great treasures.
References
Enjoy Miami. (2020). Crandon Park Beach. Retrieved from https://www.disfrutamiami.com/crandon-park-beach.
Miami and Beaches. (2020). Crandon Park Beach. Retrieved from https://www.miamiandbeaches.lat/thing-to-do/playas/crandon-park-beach/3765.
Miami and Beaches. (2019). Key Biscayne, hidden outdoor gem. Retrieved from https://www.miamiandbeaches.lat/cosas-para-hacer/playas/spend-the-day-at-crandon-park.
Visit Miami. (2020). Crandon Park Beach. Retrieved from https://visitarmiami.net/crandon-park-beach/.
