A trip to the Miami area isn't complete without a stop in Key Biscayne, just a short – and gorgeous – drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway from the big city.

From sunny beaches to the Ritz-Carlton resort, Key Biscayne offers all the allure of South Florida on a tiny sliver of land.

Key Biscayne has terrific beaches and the added appeal of being sandwiched between two major parks – Crandon Park to the north and Billl Baggs Cape Florida State Park to the south.

Key Biscayne also offers a nearby coastal barrier reef and the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the United States.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Key Biscayne to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 81.5°F (27.5°C) and 78.1°F (25.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a smalll amount: 3 to 4 times per month.

The nearest airport to Key Biscayne is Miami (MIA) Airport which is 9.9 miles away. Other nearby airports include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) (26.1 miles), West Palm Beach/Palm Beach (PBI) (69.1 miles) and Ft. Myers (RSW) (114.9 miles).

Key Biscayne is home to some of the most brilliant, white sandy beaches and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities, including bicycling, tennis, golf, fishing, kite boarding, windsurfing, boating and sailing. To get to Key Biscayne by car you’ll pass the Miami Seaquarium, home to the original “Flipper”, before driving across the causeway to the idyllic island of Key Biscayne.

Bayside Market Place has something for everyone! Dine with friends at an exciting restaurant or visit one or all of the many thrilling attractions, like South Beach, Jungle Island or Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Visit the 170-year old Cape Florida Lighthouse or Crandon Park Beach and meet Miami's biggest star - Lolita the Killer Whale. Crandon Beach is also famous for its parade of famous photographers and models.

Some of the world’s best fishing and scuba diving is done right off shore on amazing artificial reefs made ingeniously from everything from recycled tug boats to airplanes! Amazing! Enjoy a round of golf, play tennis, go windsurfing or spend some quiet time with a good book under the shade of a palm tree on the Village Green. Here, miles of beautiful beaches and natural settings can be enjoyed by bike, rollerblades or scooters.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area is located on the southern tip of Key Biscayne and is one of the most beautiful natural areas near Miami. Follow the Key Biscayne Heritage Trail and experience incredible blue waters, barrier island ecosystems and a prehistoric fossil reef. See where the Nixon Winter Whitehouse stood, where pirates hid in Hurricane harbor and watch dolphins and manatee.