By Tim Houghten
about.com
about.com
Historic Virginia Key Beach is one of Miami, Florida’s secret
sandy sun-kissed gems that even many locals haven’t had the chance to
experience yet. Visit Virginia Key Beach and explore a new side of the
Sunshine State.
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Located south of Miami Beach, across the water
from Fisher Island, and reached from downtown Miami by Rickenbacker
Causeway, Virginia Key Beach is within easy striking distance from all
of the rest of the Magic City’s main draws. In fact, Virginia Key is
where visitors will find the excitement of Miami Seaquarium, which easily rivals Orlando’s SeaWorld.
Discovering Virginia Key
Most do not even realize that across the main causeway (which passes through Virginia Key, down to Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs State Park)
is so much more, including Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. After a
significant amount of historic controversy this site was added to the
National Register of Historic Places and dedicated a Florida Historical
Marker.
It was officially re-opened to the public in February 2008.
In
addition to Miami Seaquarium, which is home to 10,000 specimens of
marine life, Virginia Key is home to several very important learning
institutions. This includes the magnet school MAST (the Maritime and
Science Technology Academy), Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric
Science which is the site of the University of Miami’s related graduate
studies, and the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.
Things To Do At Virginia Key Beach Park
It
isn’t all serious study on Virginia Key. In fact, there are endless
activities for the whole family to enjoy. Kayak rentals are available
for those eager to get out on the water. There is a disc course, four
miles of new mountain biking course, a miniature train, and children’s
playground. This is a local favorite for getting out to the beach
without the hectic crowd and commerce of Miami Beach. Pavilions, grills,
and picnic tables make Virginia Key Beach ideal for an idyllic day out
with breakfast or lunch on the sand, as well as romantic evenings on the
water.
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The only thing not to love for some are the raccoons which
can be quick to scavenge any abandoned food, and the fact that while
this is a great area for windsurfing the currents may not be ideal for
young children and inexperienced swimmers.
Virginia Key is also home to very popular music and environmental festivals
previously including ‘Marley Fest’, and the Grassroots Festival of
music and dance. Grassroots is spread over several days and incorporates
live music, yoga workshops, sustainability expos and education, and
offers the chance to camp out on the key for the weekend.
Virginia
Key Beach’s adjoining Hobie Beach is actually the only official dog
beach in Miami, and a famous windsurfer launch point.
Getting To Virginia Key Beach
Virginia
Key Beach Park can be found at 4020 Virginia Beach Drive, Virginia Key,
FL. For those visiting Miami the main thoroughfare; Rickenbacker
Causeway is hard to miss when travelling south via Interstate 95. Those
living and staying in Miami can also visit the beach by bike, or by
using local car services Uber and Lyft. Hours are generally 7am to 7pm.
While there is plenty to do for free there is an entry charge of $6 to
$8 for cars, $1 for bicycles, and $25 for buses or RVs. No matter where
you are staying in Miami, FL Virginia Key Beach is really just minutes away.
Summary
Affordability
and proximity make Virginia Key Beach a great choice for both Florida
visitors and local Miamians looking for something new to experience.
From the discovery and excitement of the Miami Seaquarium, to
tranquility and natural beauty of the park and beach Virginia Key offers
a little something for everyone, and for whatever mood visitors are in,
and for any budget. The key’s dazzling sunrise and sunset views and
sandy beach make it worth the trip to South Florida alone, while local
business people will find this the ultimate lunch time escape for
inspiration, as well as relaxing evenings to unwind from the hustle of
the financial district. Stay for an hour, or camp out for a weekend and
learn something new while experiencing one of the unique annual
festivals Virginia Key hosts.
