Key Biscayne, just east of bustling Brickell Avenue and the frenetic pace of downtown Miami, is a serene and scenic island paradise and premier resort community. Although discovered by Ponce de Leon in the 1500’s, the Key was not developed until the Matheson family, in 1947, donated a large parcel of land to Miami for Crandon Park in exchange for the erection of the Rickenbacker Causeway connecting the island to Miami. Once completed, the island began to take shape attracting affluent residents seeking a low-key tropical lifestyle. President Nixon further popularized Key Biscayne when he purchased a waterfront compound in 1969 frequently referred to as the Florida White House. Key Biscayne was incorporated as its own city in 1991.
Visitors to this Island sanctuary enjoy spectacular palm-tree lined beaches, upscale shops, outstanding restaurants and luxury resort hotels, as well as the many gorgeous parks including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, listed as one of the best beaches in the U.S., and Crandon Park. Runners and cyclists share the path along Rickenbacker Causeway and out to Key Biscayne for a scenic and challenging route. Golfers rave about the demanding but breathtaking course, the Links at Key Biscayne. Home to the Sony Ericsson Open, Key Biscayne draws the top-ranked professional tennis players and spectators from around the world to its shores. The new recreation and community center with multi-use courts, a musical theater program, and dazzling swimming pool unite families and visitors on the Key.
Every imaginable water sport from kite boarding to wind surfing is indulged on the shores of Rickenbacker Causeway, the main thoroughfare leading to Key Biscayne. Visitors flock to Key Biscayne for its great boating and white sand beaches shaded by mature palm trees as well as its exciting attractions and marine shows at Seaquarium.
Residents of Key Biscayne fondly known as “key rats” commonly list the great learning environments such as Mast Academy and the prestigious Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the sophisticated tropical ambience, scenic island beauty and the exceedingly safe environment as reasons for living in sunny Key Biscayne.
Key Biscayne is served by Metrobus and is located just east of Coconut Grove.
