Kayaking and biking activities at Virginia Key Beach near Miami

Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

Island beaches minutes from Downtown: Crandon Park, the Cape Florida lighthouse and kayaking on Virginia Key.

Best time to visitNovember to May

Ideal stay1 day

RegionGreater Miami

Tours here12 tours

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Reached by the Rickenbacker Causeway from Brickell, Virginia Key and Key Biscayne feel far from the city even though Downtown Miami's skyline is right across the water. They offer calm, family-friendly beaches, nature trails and some of the best paddling in the Miami area.

What to see

Crandon Park on Key Biscayne has a long, calm beach protected by an offshore sandbar, making it popular with families. At the island's southern tip, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has quiet beaches, trails and the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

On Virginia Key, the historic Virginia Key Beach Park, mountain-bike trails and calm lagoon water make it a good place for kayaking and paddleboarding. Our beach planning guide compares Key Biscayne with Miami's other beaches.

Getting there

Drive or take a rideshare over the Rickenbacker Causeway from Brickell; the causeway has a toll. Most visitors come for the day, as parks charge per-vehicle entry and close in the evening. Bring water, sunscreen and snacks, as facilities are spread out.

Tours in Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

All tours here

Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour in Florida Keys

A GPS audio app for driving the Overseas Highway to Key West, with stories, stops and directions. Works offline.

★ 4.7 (102) 1 days Free cancellation Day trips Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$20 via Viator

Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals in Key Biscayne

Hourly kayak or paddleboard rental from the PADL Wind Club at Crandon Park, booked through the PADL app.

1 hours Free cancellation Water sports Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$25 via Viator

Discover Key West in a Day : Sun, Sea and Paradise

A cheap bus day trip to Key West along the Overseas Highway, with about six hours to explore on your own.

14 hours Free cancellation Day trips Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$25 via Viator

Miami Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals on Biscayne Bay

Hourly paddleboard or kayak rental with views of the Downtown skyline across the bay.

★ 4.8 (9) 1 hours Free cancellation Water sports Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$25 via Viator

Miami Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals in Virginia Key

Self-guided kayak or paddleboard rental on Virginia Key's Lamar Lake, known for manatees in winter.

★ 4.9 (36) 1 hours Free cancellation Water sports Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$27 via Viator

Miami Skyline Cruise with Biscayne Bay Views

A classic 80-minute skyline cruise from Bayside with music and a bar, plus a champagne package if you want it.

★ 4.6 (1,533) 1.3 hours Free cancellation Boat tours & cruises Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$30 via Viator

Miami City Tour in 3.5 Hrs–South Beach, Wynwood & Little Havana

A good-value half-day city tour with five stops: Miami Beach, Wynwood, Key Biscayne, Little Havana and Bayside.

★ 4.6 (277) 3 hours Free cancellation Sightseeing & bus tours Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$35 via Viator

Maimi Water Taxi on Biscayne Bay to & from South Beach

A round-trip water taxi from Bayside Marketplace to South Beach Marina, with crew commentary on the way.

★ 3.6 (5) 1.5 hours Free cancellation Boat tours & cruises Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$35 via Viator

Key West Day Trip from Miami: Scenic Drive & Free Time

Hotel pickup, a four-hour scenic drive down the Keys and six hours free in Key West, with a non-stop return.

★ 3.6 (7) 15 hours Free cancellation Day trips Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$39 via Viator

Miami to Key West Day Trip with Optional Hotel Pick up

A guided coach trip to Key West with pickup from select hotels, a breakfast stop and restrooms on board.

★ 3.7 (33) 15 hours Free cancellation Day trips Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$39 via Viator

Miami to Key West Day Trip with Activity Options

The best-reviewed budget Key West bus trip: AC coach with Wi-Fi and a restroom, a breakfast stop, and optional activities.

★ 4.3 (1,753) 15 hours Free cancellation Day trips Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$49 via Viator

Key West Day Trip from Miami Beach with Activities

Coach transport from Miami Beach or Downtown to Key West, with optional glass-bottom boat, trolley, parasailing or snorkeling.

★ 4.2 (44) 14 hours Free cancellation Boat tours & cruises Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

From$54 via Viator

Where to stay in Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

Compare 3 hand-picked hotels by rating, price level and amenities.

See hotels in Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

Questions about Key Biscayne & Virginia Key

How far is Key Biscayne from Downtown Miami?

It is about 20 to 30 minutes by car over the Rickenbacker Causeway from Brickell, depending on traffic.

Is Key Biscayne good for families?

Yes. Crandon Park has calm, shallow water, lifeguards, picnic areas and play areas.

Can you climb the Cape Florida Lighthouse?

The lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers tours at set times; check the state park website for the current schedule.