Popular island park with protected beach, tennis & amusement centers, eco-tours & concessions.

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Crandon Park

Crandon Park, a jewel of Key Biscayne, distinguishes itself with its unique blend of preserved natural habitats and recreational amenities. Its historic significance lies in its former life as part of a vast coconut plantation owned by the Matheson family, a legacy still subtly visible in the landscape. Unlike typical beaches, Crandon boasts a preserved mangrove ecosystem, offering glimpses into South Florida's pre-development ecology. The park's iconic carousel, a vintage treasure, provides a nostalgic counterpoint to the surrounding natural beauty. A lesser-known feature is the abandoned zoo, a relic of the park's past, now overgrown and offering a glimpse into a bygone era of animal exhibits. The shallow, calm waters of the beach are not entirely natural; they are the result of deliberate dredging and sand replenishment projects, creating an ideal environment for families. The park also features a unique "sandbar" area, accessible by wading at low tide, offering a secluded escape.

Introduction

Crandon Park's origins are deeply intertwined with the Matheson family, who significantly shaped its existence. In 1940, the heirs of William John Matheson, a wealthy industrialist who had established a coconut plantation on Key Biscayne, donated 808.8 acres of their land to Dade County, now Miami-Dade County, with the stipulation that it be used as a public park. This act of generosity transformed a significant portion of Key Biscayne into a recreational space for the public.

The donation was made possible by Commodore William John Matheson, who initially purchased 1,700 acres of northern Key Biscayne property in 1908 and developed it into a coconut plantation. His son, Hugh Matheson Sr., along with his siblings, later facilitated the donation of a substantial portion of this land for the park. In return for this contribution, County Commissioner Charles H. Crandon, for whom the park is named, ensured the construction of a causeway connecting Key Biscayne to mainland Miami. This causeway, now known as the Rickenbacker Causeway, significantly improved accessibility to the island and the newly established park.

Bruce Matheson, grandson of Hugh Matheson Sr., recalls childhood memories of the park, including the zoo and train rides, highlighting the park's long-standing appeal as a recreational destination. The Matheson family's legacy endures through Crandon Park, a testament to their vision of preserving a natural space for the enjoyment of generations.

Matheson Family Donation

Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne, a championship 18-hole golf course within Crandon Park, holds a distinguished legacy, having hosted the Senior PGA Tour for 18 years. Golfing greats such as Lee Trevino, Chi Chi Rodriguez, and Gary Player have graced its fairways, solidifying its reputation in the sport. Designed in 1972 by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, with a redesign by von Hagge in 1993, the course presents a well-planned challenge.

Crandon's seventh hole is particularly celebrated as "One of the Greatest Holes in Golf," a par 4 that demands a strategic shot over Biscayne Bay. The course has earned accolades, including being rated in the top ten by Golfweek and among America's top 75 upscale courses by Golf Digest. From its challenging first hole requiring a drive over water and mangroves to the final hole with water hazards on both sides, Crandon Golf has become Miami-Dade's signature public golf course.

The par-72 course, stretching 7,301 yards, features TifEagle Grass greens and Bermuda Grass fairways. Golfers may encounter local wildlife, including crocodiles and various bird species, enhancing the experience. While some reviewers have noted concerns about course conditions and pricing, the layout and scenic views, including the Miami skyline from hole 18, contribute to its appeal. The on-site restaurant, Fairways on the Key, provides dining options for golfers.

Crandon Golf's Championship Legacy

Crandon Park on Key Biscayne showcases diverse ecosystems, including dunes, mangroves, coastal hammocks, and seagrass beds. These environments support a wide array of wildlife, from herons and ospreys to brilliantly colored butterflies. The park is also home to rare plant species such as the beach peanut, Biscayne prickly ash, and coontie. The coastal dunes and tropical hardwood hammocks serve as crucial nesting and feeding grounds for migrating songbirds, hawks, and sea turtles.

Seagrass beds within Crandon Park provide habitat for various marine creatures, including mangrove snapper, parrotfish, crabs, shrimp, sea stars, and puffer fish. The Bear Cut Preserve, a designated natural environment study area within the park, offers a glimpse into South Florida's original wilderness. This preserve allows visitors to explore hammock, ocean, and beach communities, observing the native flora and fauna.

The park's ecosystems play a vital role in the region's biodiversity, making it an important site for both conservation and education. Miami-Dade Parks naturalists guide visitors through these ecosystems, highlighting the unique ecological features and the importance of preserving these natural habitats. Crandon Park's commitment to maintaining these diverse environments ensures its continued value as a natural resource and recreational destination.

Crandon Park's Ecosystems

Within Crandon Park, Bear Cut Preserve serves as a window into South Florida's original wilderness, offering a natural environment study area. This 165-acre preserve, situated at the northern end of Key Biscayne, features a network of sandy and paved trails leading to a boardwalk with views of fossilized coral reefs and the Miami skyline. The preserve showcases diverse tropical landscapes across connected trails, including the paved Fossilized Reef Bike Trail, which leads to scenic overlooks.

The Bear Cut and Tequesta Hammock Trails explore transition zones and maritime hammocks, while the Osprey Trail meanders along sandy dunes. These trails combine to form a two-mile loop, easily accessible from the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Nature Center. Here, Miami-Dade Parks naturalists guide visitors through hammock, ocean, and beach communities, highlighting the area's unique flora and fauna.

Visitors can explore various ecosystems, including dunes, mangroves, coastal hammocks, and seagrass beds. The preserve is home to rare plants such as the beach peanut, Biscayne prickly ash, and coontie, and provides nesting and feeding grounds for migrating songbirds, hawks, and sea turtles. Seagrass beds offer habitats for mangrove snapper, parrotfish, crabs, shrimp, sea stars, and puffer fish. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center serves as an interactive learning facility dedicated to the coastal ecosystem and acts as a starting point for exploring the preserve's natural trails.