The resort presides over stunning views of the Atlantic

Planning Your Trip

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Situated on Key Biscayne and flanked by the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to the south and Crandon Park to the north, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach (even though it’s only a few minutes’ drive). Whether you plan to hide away at the resort or venture inland for a night on the town, here’s what you should pack for your visit.

Aerial view of ocean, beach and south pool.
Aerial view of ocean, beach and south pool.
What to Pack
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

Bring an umbrella. Miami may average a balmy 77 degrees, but it also sees its fair share of rainstorms — about 128 days each year.

Beach Vacation

Perched on miles of golden beaches, it’s all about the sun, sand and relaxation here, and visitors would be wise to pack accordingly.

 

  • Bring a bathing suit (or two). You’ll probably spend much of your time at one of the two pools or lounging on the beach, drink in hand.

  • Pack a smart pair of sandals that can easily transition from the beach to lunch or dinner.

  • A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essentials, particularly if you’re out on the water paddle boarding, sailing or kayaking.
Weekend Getaway

If you’re looking to get a real taste of Miami, pack for a few different situations:

 

  • A beach day necessitates a bathing suit and the accouterments, but don’t forget to also pack a kaftan, shawl or light linen shirt to ward off any chill from air conditioning indoors.

  • For a day walking around South Beach, focus on clothing in light fabrics like cotton and linen to help beat the heat, and stow a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated on the go.

  • Miami is famous for its nightlife, from clubs to fine dining, so pack a few pieces that are meant to impress — vibrant colors and bold patterns are practically de rigueur.
Consectetur

Beyond time at the beach, there is so much to do without ever leaving the resort. Don’t forget to bring these essentials:

 

  • If you’re going to play 18 at the challenging par-72 Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne course just minutes from the hotel, bring a light waterproof layer in case of a surprise shower.

  • Whether you’re lounging at one of the two pools or at the beach, be sure to bring your swim essentials and plenty of sunscreen.

  • If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll want to get involved in the Ritz Kids activities. Make sure they have a comfy pair of sneakers, a bathing suit and a hat, and consider a rash guard with SPF to protect their skin during long days at the on-property water park.
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
What to Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

At The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, it’s all about good food, relaxation and fresh air. Book a few experiences before your visit to really enjoy everything the resort has to offer:

The resort offers five restaurants, from grab-and-go to fine dining. Make sure to reserve a table at the newest spot, Lightkeepers, for fresh-from-the-ocean oysters and shrimp, and locally sourced dishes like Palmetto Creek pork with candied yam purée and mustard molasses glaze, all while enjoying the stunning oceanfront views. If you’re in the mood for a post-dinner drink, Rumbar stays open late and offers more than 85 rums, piscos and cachaças from 18 countries; enjoy a drink and a cigar while listening to live music. No reservation is needed at Scoop, the poolside ice cream parlor, but you’ll want to pencil in time to visit for a cone or a fresh smoothie.

The 25,000-square-foot spa offers a coed sanctuary for relaxation, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, whirlpool and vitamin C-infused shower for pre- or post-treatment R&R. Book ahead for one of the spa’s signature treatments like the Coconut Nourishment Ritual, which includes a sugar cane coconut scrub, body massage, nourishing wrap and scalp treatment. Or the Tequesta Ritual, which aims to aid in detoxification through an algae wrap, an aromatherapy massage and a scalp massage.

The Ritz Kids program offers fun activities for children ages 5–12. Activities are customized to the age of each child but include fun events like face painting, animal shows, magic shows, poolside games, arts and crafts, kickball and even live “mermaids” by the pool. Snack breaks with kid-friendly treats like chicken fingers, fresh fruit, popcorn and more are included. Reserve a spot for your child by 5 p.m. the day before.

Enjoy the beautiful Miami weather by renting a bicycle on the property to explore the grounds or to venture farther afield to the many hidden bicycle trails that wind through the island. If you’re interested in getting out on the water, there are many nonmotorized activities that can be arranged through the hotel: boating, fishing, riding Jet-Skis and much more. Nearby, visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens — a National Historic Landmark and European-inspired estate — to not only tour the interiors of the main house but also to explore the 10 acres of gardens on Biscayne Bay as well as a serene native forest.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Itineraries
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

Located just 15 minutes from the big city bustle of Miami, Key Biscayne concentrates myriad opportunities for relaxation and recreation in less than 7 square miles. The barrier island’s picturesque town is bookended by stunning wilderness parkland filled with natural beauty and historic sites. Here, you can soak up the sun on one of the nation’s most-acclaimed beaches, hike the grassy trails of a tropical hammock, and perfect your skills on the golf course or tennis courts — all in the same day, if you’re so inclined. But why rush? This island’s attractions are best experienced at a more leisurely pace.

Morning

Sunrise Salutations. All yoga poses become balance poses during Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga classes. Miami Kiteboarding conducts the sessions in shallow, placid water just off North Beach in Crandon Park, a splendid spot for introducing the element of water into your practice.

Go for a Drive. Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne is a challenge from the first tee — the par-5, 548-yard hole transverses one of seven saltwater lakes and brashly snakes its way through eight sand traps. Gutsy golfers who tackle all 18 holes are rewarded with dazzling views of mangrove forests and the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay.

Midday

Lunch Al Fresco. Featuring plush sofas and cabanas, a gourmet burger selection and a wide array of champagne and rose, Dune Burgers on the Beach is reminiscent of lazy afternoons in St. Tropez. Enjoy a juicy burger will soaking in the ocean views.

Afternoon

Park Place. There’s yet more to explore in the sprawling Crandon Park campus: The former coconut plantation also houses a 26-court tennis center, a family amusement park, the Bear Cut Preserve environmental study area and 2 magnificent miles of beaches.

Surrender to Serenity. Relax and revitalize at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne. The Power Hour body treatment includes salt and oil exfoliation and a back massage to reawaken the senses, while the After Sun Ritual soothes and nourishes skin with cooling and moisturizing oils and extracts.

Evening

Seafood Special. The menu at El Gran Inka, overseen by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Felipe Villanueva, offers a Peruvian spin on seafood favorites — ceviche flambéed with Pisco and rocoto sauce; tuna steaks over yellow-pepper risotto with a chicha morada reduction. Salud!

Morning

Bonjour, Breakfast. Opt for an omelet at La Boulangerie Boul’Mich. The artisanal bakery, named after Paris’ eclectic Boulevard Saint-Michel, also specializes in French-inspired pastries — croissants, anyone?

Midday

Wreck-Reation. Snorkel or scuba-dive past the shipwrecks that constitute most of the points on the Maritime Heritage Trail. Start at the “the Eye of Miami” — Fowey Rocks Lighthouse towering 130 feet above the waters off Cape Florida — then sail or motor on to survey the remains of schooners, steamers and other ships that grounded on reefs and sank.

Afternoon

Sails and Tails. Hobie Beach, off the Rickenbacker Causeway, is best known for two things: fantastic windsurfing and the only dog-friendly beach in Miami-Dade County. The Rickenbacker Trail that runs by the beach offers a smooth 9-mile path for bikers, pedestrians and in-line skaters.

Perfect Your Serve. Featuring one hard court and 10 soft clay Hydrocourts, the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center is the perfect place to work on your game in a clinic or simply play a match or two against other resort guests.

Evening

Ride Off Into the Sunset. Before the sun dips below the horizon, explore the island’s hidden trails and dedicated bike lanes on one of the rental bikes available at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne.

Go Into the Lightkeepers. Seafood is the star at Lightkeepers at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami. The restaurant keeps a strong focus on progressive, modern coastal cuisine sourced from local and boutique farms and vendors.

Morning

South American Sampler. Try the Venezuelan Tasting at Artisan Kitchen and Bar and enjoy five different breakfast picaduras, including cachapas (fresh corn cakes with cheese and ham) mini empanadas and crispy arepas.

A Breathtaking View. Climb the 109 stairs to the top of Cape Florida Light at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and gaze out on the Atlantic. The landmark’s fascinating history — arson and artillery attacks by Seminole Indians, sabotage by Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War — makes it a marvel the building is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

Midday

Man the Lunch Pads. The oceanfront Lighthouse Café is moments away from Cape Florida Light, with seafood selections aplenty. Or pilot your craft around the key to dock at No Name Cove, where what once was a hideaway for pirates and smugglers is now home to the waterside Boaters Grill.

Hit the Beach. The mile-long beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has been ranked among the best in the nation by coastal ecologist Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach.” In addition to its powder-fine sand, the area has some of the best shoreline fishing in the region.

Clear Your Sights. Be sure to stick around until sunset. The park is one of the few spots where you can watch the sun set with no obstructions from man-made buildings or other land masses.

Afternoon

Park Place. There’s yet more to explore in the sprawling Crandon Park campus: The former coconut plantation also houses a 26-court tennis center, a family amusement park, the Bear Cut Preserve environmental study area and 2 magnificent miles of beaches.

Surrender to Serenity. Relax and revitalize at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne. The Power Hour body treatment includes salt and oil exfoliation and a back massage to reawaken the senses, while the After Sun Ritual soothes and nourishes skin with cooling and moisturizing oils and extracts.

Evening

Set Course for Cuba. Sip a signature mixology cocktail at Rumbar, which offers a half-dozen specialty drinks inspired by Hemingway and Havana, along with multiple mojitos and more than 100 selections of rum.

Then Make for Mexico. For dinner, enjoy the best of coastal Mexican cuisine at Cantina Beach, a casual oceanfront restaurant that pairs fresh fare with stunning views.

Morning

Nature Walks (and Wades, Too). A naturalist-guided outing at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in Crandon Park takes guests across coastal hammocks, tidal pools, butterfly gardens and hands-on marine exploration in the Bear Cut Nature Preserve.

Afternoon

Park Plays. An ever-shifting offshore sandbar protects Crandon Park’s 2-mile lagoon-style beach from crashing surf. Swimmers can easily paddle out to the sandbar, then walk or wade along its length; farther out, kite boarders can test their stand-up skills against the ocean breezes.

Meet Your Match. Book a few hours of play at Crandon Tennis Center. The home of the Miami Open houses more than two dozen hard and green clay courts, open for adults and juniors. The nearby full-service pro shop offers lessons, equipment, apparel and restringing services.

Evening

Try the Tequila. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami enjoy complimentary tequila tastings at 6 p.m. daily at Cantina Beach. Learn how to discern nuances among different types with the help of the resort’s “tequiler,” who also shares facts and dispels some myths about the spirit.

Morning

Join the Counter Culture. The breakfast options are plentiful at Donut Gallery Diner, a 45-year fixture in Harbor Plaza. The only thing you won’t find on the menu? Doughnuts. (The restaurant opened in 1972 in what had been a donut shop.)

Get Some Space. Venture into mainland Miami for early entry to the Frost Museum of Science. In the Planetarium, viewers take a virtual trip into outer space via an immersive 16-million-color, 8K visual system.

Afternoon

The Great Estate. Step back a century and explore Vizcaya. Industrial heir James Deering’s Italianate estate, built in the early 1900s for an estimated $26 million, now is a National Historic Landmark open for tours of the 38,000-square-foot main house, 10 acres of formal gardens and a collection of 2,000 orchid specimens.

Evening

Club Med. Continue your Mediterranean-inspired moment with dinner at Costa Med Bistro + Wine, where specialties include carpaccio di manzo, squid-ink risotto with calamari, and Milanese-style entrecôte.

Morning

Current Affairs. Hobie Beach, just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, attracts thrill seekers willing to trade plentiful sand dunes for the perfect waves. These waters are made for windsurfing, kayaking, water-biking or sailing a catamaran.

Into the Light. Tuck into modern-coastal fare at Lightkeepers, an oceanfront restaurant that brings island history to life. Enjoy the decadent Sunday brunch that offers something for everyone, from a chilled seafood selection to a make-your-own-waffle station.

Midday

Play Time. Enroll the kids in a Ritz Kids resort experience, where they’ll be swept away by everything from coral reefs and forests to recycling and sustainability.

Afternoon

Train Dolphins and Seals. Become a marine mammal trainer with a behind-the-scenes experience at Miami Seaquarium and spend the day working side by side with dolphins and harbor seals. Or affix your state-of-the-art diving helmet and take an underwater walking journey through a 300,000-gallon tropical reef, where divers feed stingrays and fish.

Evening

Cantina Cuisine. The oceanfront Mexican restaurant at Cantina Beach offers sophisticated takes on traditional favorites, including snapper ceviche and ahi tuna tacos. Pair any dish with the perfect tequila or margarita with the guidance of tequiler Heriberto Oviedo, who trained in the agave-growing regions of Mexico.

Late Night Snacks. Pick up a few of your favorite munchies for a family movie night at Key Pantry, an open-style marketplace café at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne.

Morning

Dock Holiday. Rent one of the Stiltsville structures in Biscayne National Park for an all-day getaway. The seven secluded homes rise on pilings above the sand shoals, roughly 1 mile south of the tip of Key Biscayne. Access to the buildings is available by boat — and permit — only.

Afternoon

Surrender to Serenity. Retreat back to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne. The Power Hour body treatment includes salt and oil exfoliation and a back massage to reawaken the senses, while the After Sun Ritual soothes and nourishes skin with cooling and moisturizing oils and extracts. Teen Pampering treatments are available for the older kids in the family, too.

Evening

Burgers on the Beach. Featuring plush sofas and cabanas, a gourmet burger selection and a wide array of champagne and rose, Dune Burgers on the Beach has something to please every palate. Enjoy a juicy burger will soaking in the ocean views.

Morning

It's a Snap! Capture a magnificent memento — a stunning family portrait by The Photography Concierge — during the “golden hour” just after sunrise.

Afternoon

See the Light. Tour the lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The tower saved more than sailors; during the 1800s, escaped slaves would rendezvous there for travel to safety in the British Bahamas.

Evening

Sail at Sunset. Charter an evening cruise. The concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami will arrange a catamaran tour of Biscayne Bay complete with wine, beer, sodas and snacks.