{"id":1716,"date":"2013-09-22T07:24:31","date_gmt":"2013-09-22T11:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/~travelwriting\/?page_id=1716"},"modified":"2013-09-22T07:29:29","modified_gmt":"2013-09-22T11:29:29","slug":"key-biscayne-offers-perfect-getaway-for-both-tourists-and-residents-alike","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.com.miami.edu\/travelwriting\/?page_id=1716","title":{"rendered":"Key Biscayne offers perfect getaway — for both tourists and residents alike"},"content":{"rendered":"

Posted September 22, 2013<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

By NICKY DIAZ<\/p>\n

KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. \u2013 Every Sunday for the past four years, Key Biscayne resident Frankie Azuero, 18, has woken up at 8 a.m. to ride his bike through the island until he gets to the Rickenbacker Causeway. He then meets up with his girlfriend, Anna Corpas, at the Rusty Pelican for brunch.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s become part of my routine,\u201d Azuero said. \u201cOne of the perks of living on the key is that there\u2019s so much to do \u2013 especially when it comes to outdoor activities \u2013 and nothing\u2019s further than a short car or bike ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

The island of Key Biscayne, which lies just south of Miami Beach and east of Miami, makes for a perfect getaway for tourists and Miami residents alike. After crossing the Rickenbacker Causeway \u2013 built in 1947 and running across Biscayne Bay \u2013 visitors can find a plethora of activities.<\/p>\n

From shopping and sports to historical landmarks and the beach, Key Biscayne just about offers anything you could be after.<\/p>\n

A day at the spa and shops<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those looking to relax and unwind, the Village of Key Biscayne offers several different possibilities.<\/p>\n

Hotels like the Ritz-Carlton \u2013 located right off Crandon Boulevard \u2013 feature spas that offer massages, skin treatments, manicures and pedicures, and even hair treatments. Although the packages might be a bit pricey, you can take advantage of being in the area and spend the rest of the day by the beach after getting pampered at the spa.<\/p>\n

Some of the Ritz\u2019s packages include a signature massage ($119 for 50 minutes; $159 for 80 minutes), a manicure ($25) and pedicure ($49), Kerastase treatments starting at $119, and even personal training sessions at the hotel\u2019s gym.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so relaxing to spend the day by the beach and get spoiled,\u201d said Ana Fernandez, who frequents Key Biscayne when she wants to get away from the hectic lifestyle that comes along with being a Miami resident. \u201cI don\u2019t know what else could be better.\u201d<\/p>\n

If massages and getting spoiled don\u2019t seem so tempting, maybe the many restaurants and shops found along Crandon Boulevard will. For a delicious Argentinean meal, visit Novecento. Try the penne al pesto ($15) or the empanadas (2 for $9). Either dish is sure to satisfy anyone\u2019s taste buds.<\/p>\n

For something a bit more casual, try the Rusty Pelican\u2019s well-known weekend brunch. The waterfront restaurant was recently remodeled and revamped, making for a fun and comfortable meal. It doesn\u2019t hurt that brunch is served over a beautiful Biscayne Bay view of downtown Miami.<\/p>\n

A day on the court and the course<\/strong><\/p>\n

If staying active is more your speed, then spend the day at Crandon Tennis Center. The facility has hosted the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament for more than 20 years. It features 26 courts, including 13 that are lighted.<\/p>\n

Not a tennis pro? No problem. Individual private as well as semi-private lessons are available daily.<\/p>\n

Adjacent to the tennis center is the Crandon Park Golf Course. Surrounded by mangrove forests and water, Crandon Golf is private yet inviting. It is the only course in North America that has a subtropical lagoon.<\/p>\n

The public 18-hole course was originally designed by Devlin\/Von Hagge in 1972 and then redesigned by Von Hagge in 1993.<\/p>\n

A day at the beach<\/strong><\/p>\n

History buffs can also find something to do on the island. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is home to a historic lighthouse that was built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846. It is the oldest standing structure in all of Miami-Dade County. Guided tours of the lighthouse as well as the lighthouse keeper\u2019s cottage are offered twice daily.<\/p>\n

Of course, there\u2019s more to the park than just the lighthouse. Visitors can also sunbathe or take a swim in the ocean. Many tourists also enjoy kayaking or biking as well as shoreline fishing.<\/p>\n

After a few hours at the beach, most people work up an appetite. Fortunately, the park features two restaurants, Lighthouse Caf\u00e9 and Boater\u2019s Grill, which offer Cuban cuisine. Picnics are also an option; visitors can reserve a pavilion at the park.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love coming to the park with friends and setting up a picnic,\u201d Corpas said. \u201cIt\u2019s relaxing and just a 20-minute drive away from where I live, so it\u2019s like taking a mini-vacation. It feels like you\u2019re in paradise here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Virginia Key Beach also offers visitors some history. The beach, which was once accessibly only by boat, was established in 1945. It was the only public beach for African-Americans at the time in Miami-Dade County. In 1982, it was closed down and wasn\u2019t reopened until 2008.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s one of the most beautiful parks in South Florida,\u201d said Michelle Swaby-Smith, the park\u2019s special events liaison. \u201cWe have the luxury of enjoying both the beach and the park. Sounds like a winner to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

The park also features a miniature train ride and a vintage carousel, which each cost $1 per ride.<\/p>\n

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IF YOU GO<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rickenbacker Causeway
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