Key Biscayne, Miami

We were driving down along when all of a sudden we saw a very small sign telling of us this National Park. So we decided to venture along in and see what interests it might hold. Thankfully we did so.
Key Biscayne is a gorgeous place to visit. The views of the ocean are incredible. At the Visitors Center there is a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Not to be confused with the Florida Keys, which are south of Miami, Key Biscayne is actually within city limits. This "island" is a small community of its own, with several nice yet uncrowded beaches as well as some good restaurants and the Miami Seaquarium.

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In 1967, we took the kids to the Crandon Park. Crandon Park has a wonderful kid-friendly beach. There is also a little family park

My kids rode on the antique carousel (photo 2), which first started spinning in 1950. It has been restored and started up again in 1998 after having been idle for 20 years. They also went to the zoo area - I don't know when the Miami Zoo was moved from this location, but this area is now a 200-acre garden. In those days there was a kind of petting zoo (photo 4).

Now there is a roller rink, and a squirting fountain. You can also take a canoe ride across one of the lakes in the Central Garden and there is also a "Tropical Hayride" on weekends from 10am-1pm and enjoy a half hour of stories about Key Biscayne's colorful history while touring Crandon Park Gardens, a pirate area and an Indian village. It sounds like an ideal and low cost place for children to play.

Hours: Daily 8am-sunset(beach); Daily 10am-7pm (amusement area)
• Cost: $5 per car

Directions: Take I-95 S to Key Biscayne/Rickenbacker Causeway exit. Causeway requires $1 toll. After crossing (photo 3) at sign for Crandon Park take left turn to South Beach lot. After the toll booth, go to the far right of the parking area for the amusement center.

one of our family hangouts when we lived nearby, was to come to the beach here, locals call el Farito too for the lighthouse on the beach. the town is here and you see all the locals too, besides been one of the best beaches in Florida:::!!!
1200 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL., 33149