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    Bear Cut Preserve

    4.1 (7 reviews)

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    GSS snacking on a dragon fly.
    Israel R.

    So, I've visited Crandon Park many times in the last 29 years. It wasn't until a few months ago that i finally "discovered" Bear Cut though. I wouldn't necessarily call it a gem but it's definitely hidden up on the North side of Crandon. There is usually a barricade on one of the lanes leading to Bear Cut and i always figured that meant it was a "Nono spot". It isn't... pay no mind to that barricade. On my first visit i checked out their visitors center which was pretty neat. They have a couple of mounted creatures, including a bear. A few different fish tanks give you a close look at some coral and live sea creatures. There was even a small "nerd" shark in one of the tanks. It didn't look very nerdy though... it wasn't even wearing glasses. I also ran into Julian who is one of the educators their and he gave me a rundown of what they do. They have different programs / camps throughout the year so it is very likely that you'll see a huge mob of jits at the main building. As far as hiking goes, it isn't a long one but it does offer some variety and a nice view or two. You can either go down a wide paved path (mostly bicyclists), through the "nature trail" or a white sand path. Once you've explored the different routes you probably won't care to come back, at least not for the sights. I've come a few times for a workout. The different trails offer a change of pace from your regular concrete jungle routine. They also offer different difficulties or intensity. Weaker runners might want to stick to the paved path while those looking for something a little more exciting should run the main trail. Having to dodge giant spiders as you suck wind might just get your rocks off a bit.

    Caroline T.

    What a beautiful area! Multiple trails right along the shoreline of the beach! Great for dogs and owners, fun to take the family.

    Orca made out of beach litter
    Ana M.

    I really enjoyed myself on this trail. That being said, the trail is not very convenient to get to. First of all, you need to drive your behind all the way to Key Biscayne, and pay the $1.75 KB toll. Next, you need to park inside Crandon Park beach and pay $6 for parking. Considering you have all day access to the beach, its not that bad but I have never been a fan of Crandon Park beach because there is more seaweed and algae than water. The preserve has a fascinating nature center. Inside the nature center there are stuffed animals like deer, raccoons, armadillos and even preserved baby turtles. There are tons of educational charts. There are fish tanks with crabs, fishes and all kinds of sea creatures. The nature center is free of charge. I have great pictures but I will refrain from showing everything otherwise people will be discouraged to go. The hike itself was about 2 miles, because we did all the loops. We did not see too many animals but we did go at noon and I am sure they were all hiding from the hot sun. The wooded areas provided a nice shade. The trails are bike and pet friendly. I had a good time because I generally enjoying hiking and the outdoors. You might be a little disappointed if you make a day of going to the preserve so I would suggest combining it with a trip to the Key Biscayne lighthouse. You could park your car at Crandon Park (Bear Cut preserve) and bike the 2 miles to KB lighthouse park.

    Unidentified pantyhose-looking sea creature.  Can anyone help in identifying it? It seemed to be emerging from holes in the sand

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    Crandon Park - Crandon Park_Sanju-4

    Crandon Park

    4.0(180 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Crandon Park is popular for its beautiful beach, rich coastal environment, unique fossilized…read moremangrove reef, protected wetlands, birding sites and extensive range of sports and outdoor activities. Crandon Park is home to various ecosystems, from dunes and mangroves to coastal hammock and seagrass beds and rare plants like the Biscayne prickly ash and beach peanut. Underwater, fossilized reefs and colorful sea life give divers and snorkelers plenty to explore. Crandon Park comprises the northern portion of Key Biscayne (almost 7 miles southeast of Miami). The key began as a coconut plantation, before being donated with the stipulation that Miami-Dade County uses the land as a public park. With its golf and tennis facilities, unique eco-adventures and breathtaking beach, Crandon Park offers something for everyone Parking: Weekdays $7 and Weekends $10

    I was here as a child when it was a zoo. I'm happy to see it remains a park with beach access…read more More importantly, the beach often hosts some endangered migratory birds, Piping Plovers. These birds are adorable, but they are threatened by habitat loss. There is a volunteer who regularly checks for Piping Plovers during migration, and she looks for bands that reveal the path of the bird's migratory flight. It's important that we have places for these birds to forage, and I hope the city continues to protect this beach for that use. The bathrooms were a welcome amenity. I had problems paying the parking fee, it was a complicated process. There were about 10 peafowl (peacocks) that roamed the park, a remaining vestige of when this was a zoo. There were many wild birds throughout the park.

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    Crandon Park - Crandon Park_Sanju-3

    Crandon Park_Sanju-3

    Crandon Park - Nature trail

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    Crandon Park Visitor's & Biscayne Nature Center

    Crandon Park Visitor's & Biscayne Nature Center

    4.5(11 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    This center in Key Biscayne is free to visit. They offer different programs such as a full moon…read morecruise. I came here for a sea grass adventure. You basically go with staff members inside the water and catch some fish and other sea creatures that live within the sea grass. The tour was fun and educational but more geared towards kids age 6 and up. It was still fun for my toddler though to play in the water and watch what the bigger kids have caught. If you do this tour make sure to take water shoes and drinking water. Also keep in mind that seaweed has a stench.

    This nature center is a non profit that is run by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade…read moreCounty Parks and Recreation Department, and The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Inc. There is no admission but they do have a place for donations. It is located at the north end of Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. You do have to pay for parking in Crandon Park. This is a multifunctional center that contains a reception area, art exhibit space, gift shop, an audio visual presentation room and demonstration lab classroom facilities. This eco friendly center uses alternative technologies such as solar power, water and energy conservation, passive solar design, and recycled materials. During my visit I was enthralled by the sea life in the the three salt water aquariums. I could have watched the hypnotizing pulsating jellyfish swim around all day. I also loved the glass case that contained objects and photos relating to the life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas. In 1947 Douglas wrote the book The Everglades: River of Grass which spawned a movement to save the Everglades from development. I recognized many of the items in the case like a copy of her book, a picture of her house, and her trademark hat. Outside of the nature center is Bear Cut Preserve where the center holds many nature programs for all ages. You can attend a sea turtle release. take a sea grass adventure with a naturalist, and collect sea life in nets and buckets to examine. On most Fridays and Saturdays you can sign up for the Seagrass Adventure where you can drag a net in the seagrass and pull up urchins, pipefish, and starfish. Preregistration is required. I am sure Marjory Stoneman Douglas would be gratified to know that the next generation of ecologists and conservationists are developing a love of nature in center named for her. To quote Marjory Stoneman Douglas "You can't conserve what you haven't got." So visit this Crandon Park and this wonderful center so you can appreciate what we need to protect.

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    Crandon Park Visitor's & Biscayne Nature Center
    Crandon Park Visitor's & Biscayne Nature Center
    Crandon Park Visitor's & Biscayne Nature Center

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    David T. Kennedy Park

    David T. Kennedy Park

    4.4(111 reviews)
    4.9 miCoconut Grove

    This iconic Coconut Grove park was named in honor of David Thomas Kennedy (April 7, 1934 -…read moreSeptember 4, 2014). Kennedy was an attorney and politician who served as the Mayor of Miami from 1970 until 1973. Kennedy is credited with drafting the plans for the creation of Miami's Bicentennial Park which opened in 1976. David T. Kennedy Park is 20 acres and sits on the coastal mangrove shore of Biscayne Bay where there is access for kayaking and paddleboarding. Benches are set up so you can catch the sunrise and sunset and bay breeze. Park amenities include a dog park, open lawn, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic table, playground, and volleyball court. The expansive lawns, tree-lined walking paths, and a range of recreational facilities make this park a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Also in the park is A.C.'s Icees frozen lemonade truck selling refreshing treats near the parking lot. This frosted lemonade stand has been a park land mark since 1978. Even on the weekend, the park is spacious enough to never feel crowded. If there is one drawback, it would be the lack of parking during peak use time. Overall, David T. Kennedy Park is a fantastic representation of the Miami Dade Park system by combining relaxation and recreation in one beautiful location. Whether you're visiting for a few hours or spending the day, the park provides a welcoming recreational space for outdoor activities and leisurely enjoyment.

    A beautiful park next to the ocean/bay only a few blocks from downtown Coconut Grove. I love to…read morewalk around the entire park and take a few extra minutes to relax on the wooden walkways watching the fish and marine life!

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    Bear Cut Preserve - hiking - Updated May 2026

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