Crandon Park
Key Biscayne, FL
Crandon Park runs along the north end of Key Biscayne, a wide, quieter counterpart to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the island's southern tip, with a beloved vintage carousel and a nature center rounding out the family friendly amenities. Sea turtles nest along this stretch too, drawing conservation programs each summer.
The carousel, nature center, and wide beach give it real range for families, though the no pets policy and weekend parking premium are worth planning around.
How we score beachesRide the vintage carousel near the entrance if traveling with kids, it's a genuine throwback that's been part of the park for decades. Weekday visits mean cheaper parking, 5 dollars versus 7 on weekends, worth timing around if the schedule allows.
The parking fee is 5 dollars on weekdays, 7 dollars on weekends.
Paved paths lead from the lots to the beach, wide and flat throughout most of the park.
Pets aren't allowed anywhere in Crandon Park, including the nature center, service animals excepted.
Winter and spring bring South Florida's driest, mildest weather and the biggest crowds. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, coincide with sea turtle nesting season along this stretch.
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