Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Okay let’s get the bad things out of the way first…
$ 8 parking on the weekend
(A little pricey in my opinion)
Said parking cost must be paid in cash only
Water isn’t clean
Now to the better parts!
Beautiful views and serene atmosphere
Lots to do — kayaking, trails to walk through or ride your bike on, etc
Great for a family day (Have a barbecue, do different activities
Perfect (well almost!) for a kids party
Speaking on number 4, we recently had my nieces 3^rd birthday party there and although it sucked that we were right near the water but couldn’t go in the water, it was still an extremely fun time as there was a huge playground for the kids right next to us and another one (little 2 minute walk). To everyone’s surprise, there was a carousel and train! We paid and everyone in the party was able to ride. Great surprise. Definitely recommend. I only gave it 4 stars because of the parking. What can I say? I’m cheap lol.

I’m on the fence about this spot. The parking entrance was $ 8 (even though I hot there 3 hours b4 closing). yes always late to the party! Anyways the water didn’t look to inviting to me but my family said it was nice. I guess I expected more. The walking trails and little hidden spots I like the most.

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is a pretty nice and popular place to check out and do some recreational activities, have a group picnic, or simply hang out along the beaches. Noticed quite a few folks on jet skis going around the island. Parking is plentiful but costs $ 6 on the weekdays and $ 8 on weekends, which I think it a bit much, in my personal opinion. The park is located on Key Biscayne (just southeast of Downtown Miami) but does require you to take a toll road (Toll-​By-​Plate or SunPASS).
There’s a lot overall that the park offers (besides gorgeous views), but I would prefer to go during the times that it’s not so crowded. As mentioned, parking costs a bit too much.

Don’t bother going to this beach unless you just want a small park for grilling or hanging out on the grass. The beach is covered with seaweed, leaves, etc. The sand is not clean and fluffy. The noise pollution from jet skis, picnicers music and boats was high. The water was not very clean or clear. Later in the day we went to North Beach which was VERY beautiful. Although North Beach is packed with people it was quieter! And much more clean and pretty, not to mention free! Whereas at Virginia’s you have to pay $ 6. Hobie beach across the street from Virginia Key was also much nicer, free, and had shade.

Do not waste your time by visiting here. No maintenance, nothing to do. I was highly disappointed.

Virginia Key is a beautiful place to enjoy some sun, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or just some relaxing time by the water.
If you are looking for a huge, expansive beach — look elsewhere. The actual beach on Virginia Key is not as large or sandy as South Beach or Bill Baggs deeper on Key Biscayne. That being said, the view is gorgeous here! Whether you are at the benches and grills near the front or the kayak rental area near the back, you are guaranteed a beautiful view with warm Florida waters. There is nice snorkeling near Virginia Key if you are willing to swim out a ways, it’s worth it!
Do yourself a favor and make a day of it, come for paddle boarding, stay for swimming and take a drive into Key Biscayne for a late lunch or early dinner.

5 stars if you like natural beached. The view is untouched by man kind. The beach is full of shells. Something you don’t see much of. water is merky for swimming. It is perfect for water sports & over night camping

Virginia Key Beach Park is great for the park aspect, but lacks considerably when it comes to the beach component.
Let’s start with what makes this place an attraction, the park. There’s a large grass field that’s great for frisbee, soccer (aka futbol), occasional drive-​up movie nights, etc. at the front of the park, just after you enter. Past the field is a large parking lot to accommodate the weekend crowds. East of the parking lot is where you’ll find numerous grills, picnic tables, and trash cans, under the trees, which are great for get togethers and large gatherings. Nearby (100−150ft), you’ll find public restrooms, vending machines, a covered area, and a large playground (with motorized merry-​go-​round). Behind the playground, you’ll find a disc golf course (9 holes) that wraps around a small pond and loops around the north end of the park.
An area most people aren’t aware of is north of the disc golf course. The park actually appears to end at the merry-​go-​round, but if you continue along the dirt road, you’ll find more picnic areas and a hut that rents kayaks and paddle boards. Because this area is less known, you can often avoid the crowds here.
As for the beach at Virginia Key park, due to strong ocean currents (and extreme tidal shifts) between Virginia Key and Key Biscayne, there are countless jetties along the beach to prevent/​reduce sand erosion. As you can imagine, these jetties interfere with the view and make walking the beach a chore.
Because of the strong currents and tidal shifts, swimming is discouraged for small children and weak swimmers, making this more of a suntan beach (which is not my cup of tea).
Long story short, this park has a lot to offer, but I wouldn’t come here if you’re looking for calm waters and long walks on the beach.

One of my favorite keys!!! I went here twice, because the first time was just so relaxing. Going on a weekday probably helped… very easy to find and hardly any traffic. The park is off the beaten path sort of, but worth it because you get so much privacy and space. I didn’t have anyone within 100 feet of me so I could sunbathe without onlookers and read my book without the soundtrack of screaming children! The water was clear and warm and the palms were just gorgeous at sunset. I took a bunch of pics, I will have to upload them.
Ps. Beware of the wild raccoons!!! They walk around like they own the place during the daytime, and apparently are rabid! They just strut around on picnic tables and shit, like oh hayy guys! RARRR RABIES
So yeah, be careful. But you should be ok!

Me thinks not!. From broken glass, rotten food, broken dirty shoes. and garbage all together on the sand. The water dirty as can be. So disappointed :(we haven’t gotten around to go to the beach for almost a year and finally the weather is gorgeous but this beach is not. It’s a shame because they have a playground, picnic tables, a merry go round, and restroom accessibility.
If it wasn’t for the dirtiness this place has potential. However, with all the amenities mentioned above I still don’t feel like laying out to tan or bathe in dirt ugh. Parking is close to the beach so carrying all the junk will be easy lol. I will post pictures.

So different than South Beach it’s hard to believe it’s so close.

Always a pleasure coming here. Everybody friendly and the rides are a dollar. Clean and plenty space. My family tries to visit regularly, my grandfather would’ve loved this beach.

Dear Virginia Key Beach Park,
I have always known this park. From my days as a MAST Academy student, when we used to do beach cleanups for Community Service and skip classes on your sand, until now, when I still frequent your shores for a quick lunch break escape or a quiet afternoon at a great beach park.
For 2 years I have worked with you to plan our annual employee BBQ. And every year, we have the most amazing time ever. Your park has gone under tons of renovations because it has now been named a Historical Landmark for Miami, being that this was the first and only Colored Beach in South Florida, opening in 1945.
The park has been given a new façade, with a new giant playground, a concession stand with yummy snacks (hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, water, soda, etc), a train and carousel for the kids to ride, and of course the beach area, which was given new sand and lengthened/​widened a bit.
I’ve come here on the weekends, and though it does get packed, its still quiet enough to enjoy a really nice day with the family. For events such as BBQs, birthdays, etc, the park has an amazing pavilion for rental (I think its $ 200 for the day), which is very large and fits a lot of people. The pavilion can also be rented with electricity, which helps when you want to have some music. I believe they have rules in regards to bringing bouncy houses and things of that nature, but otherwise pretty much everything is game.
I love this park because of the new changes… Before it was a bit dirtier and definitely needed some kind of help to make it the hang out that its become. There is also this very cool walkway/​boardwalk thing, that lets you walk the perimeter of the park, with natural foliage surrounding. Oh and there is plenty of parking there.
The best part is, it’s totally FREE!
Sincerely,
Sabrina*