Key Biscayne (Miami’s “Secret” Island) Has Tennis, Bike Trails & a Fancy Beach Resort

I’m always looking for the perfect beach resort in Florida, and I’m always really attracted to the Miami area because it’s easy to get a flight (and usually pretty cheap!) and there’s so much to see and do. But finding just the perfect spot is tricky. 

I’m not into the Miami Beach party scene, but I also don’t like some of the spots in the area that feel a little too isolated…enter Key Biscayne. It’s not exactly a secret, but in some ways it feels like Miami’s secret island. 

Only about 15 minutes from the Miami International Airport, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of Miami, Key Biscayne feels like an oasis with amenities. 

It’s an upscale, family friendly spot that’s heavy on beaches, tennis, and biking and buttons up pretty quickly after the sun goes down. 

Key Biscayne

I recently spent a weekend on Key Biscayne checking out the resort scene, the tennis, and the state parks and here’s what you need to know: 

Where to Stay: Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

There are quite a few condo-tels and vacation rentals on Key Biscayne, but when it comes to a resort, there’s really only one name in the game…The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne is bookended by Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on the south and Crandon Park on the north leaving the “village” of Key Biscayne pretty compactly in the middle. 

The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne sits right in the middle of the village (on the beach) making it pretty walkable to anywhere you’d want to go in the area. Throw in the access to Freebee on the island (a complimentary ride share program via electric car) and it’s a nice little pocket to stay in. 

The rooms are pretty large and traditional with nice sitting areas, and a luxe bathroom with a separate tub and shower. 

The pool game is pretty strong here. There are two pools: a family pool (with a separate splash pad play area) and an adult pool that’s attached to a beach club/lounge. We spent a day at each pool and I’d be happy hanging out at either one. 

I hate to say it, but the beach is probably the biggest negative of this resort. And it’s not unique to the resort…it’s the island, the whole area in general. 

If you’re used to the beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast or panhandle (which I am), the beaches on the Atlantic just don’t compare. If you’re used to beaches on the Atlantic then you’ll probably be okay with the situation. 

We had dinner at Lightkeepers (the resort’s signature restaurant featuring “Florida fresh” cuisine) one night and I really liked everything I had, but I wouldn’t say it was an overwhelmingly “must do” restaurant. We had the salmon, lobster mac and cheese, and brussel sprouts (fixed in chili oil). I really liked everything, but the brussel sprouts where the stand out with the table. 

Key Pantry is the place to go for coffee in the morning and pastries and light breakfast options. They also have snacks and drinks available, but they closed about 1PM every day we were there which was a little inconvenient. 

Also, we didn’t go to Rumbar in the evenings, but it looked like a spot with a great atmosphere and it was highly recommended. So if you like an after dinner drink (or pre dinner drink if you dine later), they definitely hit it up. 

Here’s something the Ritz Carlton gets sooooo right: The spa facilities are open for ALL resort guests during your stay. That means you have access to the locker rooms, showers, changing rooms, etc. to use on the day you check out. 

Besides the lockers and showers, there’s also a really nice part of the spa that you can use anytime you want. There’s a relaxation room, a wet and dry sauna, and a whirlpool. It’s all laid out so well and it would be a great place to hang out if it’s a rainy day, a little chilly, or you just want some extra R&R time. 

You can book a stay at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne here

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount USA Car Rental. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. I started using their sister company (Discount Hawaii Car Rental) on my Hawaii trips almost 10 years ago and now I use their main site for all of my other trips. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Things to Do on Key Biscayne

Tennis

I’ll be honest…I planned my trip to stay at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne mostly because of the tennis. The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center is on property and it makes the Ritz a phenomenal tennis resort.

They have 11 clay courts and run a pretty impressive schedule of clinics, drills, round robins, and lessons throughout the week. They also have the best “Padel” facilities in the state (Padel is a game rapidly growing in popularity that combines tennis and squash). You can view the schedule for open clinics here

You don’t have to be a resort guest to play here (the club has memberships and you can also play as a drop in). Drills and clinics pretty much fill up everyday so I strongly suggest making reservations in advance. The first day of my trip I showed up without calling ahead and it was already full. It cost $40 for the 1.5 hour adult clinic I participated in. I brought my own racquet, but you can rent for $7/day in the pro shop. 

Crandon Beach Park

Crandon Beach Park on Key Biscayne is one of my favorite spots because of the palm trees. It used to be the largest coconut plantation in the US and it’s one of the only places where I’ve ever seen so many palm trees right out in the sand. Shade is always a precious commodity at the beach! 

Bike to the Lighthouse

Key Biscayne is probably the most cycling friendly part of Miami. Starting at the Rickenbacker Causeway, there’s almost 9 uninterrupted miles of bike lanes and trails that take you all the way to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. 

Now, I’ll level with you. I am not a professional cyclist. But Key Biscayne is a great place to get out for a bike ride no matter your comfort level. It’s easy to rent a bike, the trails and sidewalks are plentiful, and I think biking to the lighthouse at the very end of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a must do in the Miami area. 

Since I was staying at the Ritz Carlton on this trip, it’s a little over two miles one way. You ride down the entrance way to the resort, take a left and ride all the way to the south end of the island. From the hotel to the southern end of the “village” of Key Biscayne, you’re riding on a sidewalk. There’s a pretty wide sidewalk on both sides of the street. Once you get to the State Park, you’re riding on a 6-8 foot wide bike and walking path. It’s 100% flat and a very easy ride. Our bikes even had bells on them which was nice when we were riding through town. 

There’s a $2/bicycler fee once you get to the park. When we biked through, there wasn’t anyone manning the entrance, but there was a pretty clear sign about paying. You put your money in a little envelope they provide and drop it in the box. There was also a QR code you could scan with your phone if you wanted to pay via credit card. 

The trail through the state park is really pretty and lush and has some great spots to stop and take a break. Once you get close to the southern end of the park, it opens up to the bay and there’s a great spot where you can stop to see Stiltsville. 

Stiltsville was started in the 1930s and by the 1950s and 1960s there were as many as 30 of these stilt dwellings out in Biscayne Bay. They were a popular hangout spot among boaters, fishermen, partiers, and somewhat notable Florida residents. Only 7 structures survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and they’re now part of Biscayne National Park. Besides being out on a boat, this is one of the best vantage points you’ll find. There’s even a pair of long distance binoculars set up here. 

When you leave this spot, the rest of the road to the lighthouse is gravel, but it’s still an easy ride. 

When you reach the lighthouse, there’s a bike rack where you can lock up your bike (they don’t want people riding bikes past the gates). 

The Lightkeepers Cottage has been well restored and preserved.

If you arrive at the Lighthouse on bike, be sure to walk all the way up to it and down the palm tree lined pathway that leads from the parking lot (if you’re coming by car) to the lighthouse. It’s the best vantage point to take in the whole thing. 

The lighthouse is open for tours Thursday-Monday at 10AM and 1PM and it’s the only way you’ll be able to see inside. Even if you’re not able to make it for a tour, it’s still worth seeing. 

When we were done at the lighthouse, we just retraced our route all the way back to the Ritz Carlton, but if you want more time biking, pick up one of the park maps at the entrance and you’ll see a few more pathways you can bike inside the state park. 

If you’re staying at the Ritz Carlton, they have bikes onsite that you can rent via the Zybra app. Otherwise, you can rent bikes from Key Cycling, use one of the many Citi Bikes you’ll find on the island, or rent them once you get to the park

On Another Note: If you’re looking for a condo or vacation rental for your trip, I always book with Vrbo. They’ve got the largest selection of rentals you’ll find anywhere and you can easily filter to find exactly what you’re looking for. Need a specific number of bedrooms and bathrooms? Narrowed it down to a certain location? Want flexible cancellation terms? Need to stay under a fixed budget? Click here to search for Florida vacation rentals for your trip.

Where to Eat on Key Biscayne

There aren’t a ton of restaurant option on Key Biscayne, but we really enjoyed:

Breakfast at La Boulangerie Boul’Mich (seriously it was so good!!)

Dinner at the Rusty Pelican (one of the best sunset views in Miami!)

Who Key Biscayne is perfect for…

There are a couple of reasons to stay at this resort:

The tennis. The onsite tennis program is a HUGE draw for this resort. It’s one of the best tennis resorts in Florida. 

You can upscale family friendly close to Miami. 

Who might want to stay somewhere else…

Somebody looking for the Miami “scene.” THis is not a party place. It’s pretty laid back.

Foodies that are looking for the hottest restaurants. Key Biscayne has some really good restaurants, but not like what you’re used to in Miami or Miami Beach and it’s probably a little far to drive into Miami/Miami Beach for a trendy dinner spot every night. 

Want to Read More Posts about Florida? I’ve got plenty!

Check out these destinations: Miami (Things to Do Besides Party & Where to Stay) // Key Biscayne // Sanibel & Captiva // Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island // Marco Island // 30a // St Augustine // Amelia Island // St Pete Beach // St Petersburg // Fort Myers // Dunedin // Crystal River & Weeki Wachee Springs // Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island State Parks // Tarpon Springs // Matlacha & Pine Island // Apalachicola

Trying to narrow it down? Siesta Key vs Anna Maria Island // St Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach // Sanibel vs Marco Island // Destin vs Panama City Beach // Destin vs 30a // Key Biscayne vs South Beach // Seaside vs Rosemary Beach 

Best Beaches in Florida with Seashells

Best Florida Tennis Resorts

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