On my trip to Miami, I was more impressed by the cultural neighborhoods and shops lining South Beach than the beaches themselves.
But even seasoned travelers like me make mistakes. After reading Southern Living’s take on Miami’s alter ego, I quickly realized I missed the boat — literally.
I should’ve scoped out where locals go to escape the city grind, but instead I played tourist a bit too hard.
As such, we at Travel Off Path have covered numerous white-sand beaches this summer and couldn’t turn the page to fall without revealing Miami’s laid-back oasis away from the flashy hotels and dusk-til-dawn nightlife.
Away from the bustle of South Beach lies what feels like a hidden village in the Caribbean, yet it’s just a stone’s throw from the madness (don’t throw rocks, kids).
Drive The Causeway To Miami’s Slice Of Paradise
If you’re like me and feel like you did Miami the wrong way, Key Biscayne is calling for a redo.
If the party scene is overwhelming or you can only handle so much Cuban coffee, Key Biscayne is the perfect break from city life and is so easy to reach.
Just hop on the Rickenbacker Causeway (913) and you’ll arrive in Miami’s slice of paradise in less than 15 minutes.
Teeming with lush nature, white-sand shores, under-hyped restaurants, and unmatched views of both Miami’s vibrant skyline and vast Atlantic, you’ll be left gobsmacked why this sliver of Eden isn’t brought up as one of the city’s top destinations.
The whole stretch of the Causeway feels like the total opposite of the rest of Miami.
You’ll pass Virginia Key too, another hidden oasis for epic scenery away from the urban sprawl and full of surprises in its own right.
It’s definitely worth a stop along the way, though it’s best visited during daylight, so you can absorb all the history here, as Virginia Key once served as Miami’s first and only beach for Black residents during the segregation era.
Though it serves as a reminder of America’s dark past, nowadays, it’s actually a scenic day trip to immerse in nature with trails and well-preserved coastline, but Key Biscayne is the ultimate endpoint.
Miami’s White-Sand Hideaway
Ever been to South Beach? If you have, chances are the beach isn’t what sticks in my mind’s eye looking back on your trip.
That’s not to say you can’t enjoy a nice beach day in one of Florida’s most notable neighborhoods, but dining, shopping, and bar-hopping are the real draw, along with rows of picturesque Art Deco marvels.
If your vibe is more closely matched to the Florida Keys or Caribbean islands, then Key Biscayne is what you’re looking for.
This tiny blip on the map boasts several beaches to enjoy for such a small area. Best of all, they don’t even come close to seeing the level of crowds Miami often does.
Each beach is unique with its own allure. Some are dog friendly (Hobie Beach), some are more adventurous with windsurfing (Crandon Park and Hobie), and others are simply there to kick back, relax, and enjoy the paradisal vibe without a care in the world.
For what it’s worth, Southern Living raves about Key Biscayne’s parks, especially Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with a lighthouse perfect for photo-ops.
Though true adventurers will love Biscayne National Park, which is mostly underwater, believe it or not.
Laden with shipwrecks, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, it’s a diver’s dream in real life.
Posh Stays & Dining With A View
If there’s one claim to fame for travelers, it’s in the luxury category. Key Biscayne isn’t on too many tourists’ radar unless you’ve been saving up for a splurge.
In that case, you may already be aware that The Ritz-Carlton calls this tranquil oasis home. Obviously, only a fraction of tourists opt for such lavish digs, so many of the Key’s visitors are here to chow down on a patio for arguably Miami’s best views.
Whether you’re rockin’ flip-flop attire, still shaking out sand from your shorts, or wearing your Sunday best, you have ample places to go.
Southern Living hypes up the following 4 restaurants:
- Rusty Pelican (upscale)
- Gramps Getaway (casual)
- Costa Med (upscale)
- Boater’s Grills (upscale)
Southern Living didn’t ask my opinion, but I personally think they overlooked Ricky’s Arepas .
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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