10 Best Miami Islands To Visit In 2025: Costs & Activities

Imagine turquoise waves kissing golden beaches, palm trees dancing in the breeze, and a vibe so magical you’ll swear you’re in a movie. Welcome to the best Miami islands escapes, where paradise is a causeway or ferry away!

From Key Biscayne’s family-friendly shores to Star Island’s celebrity mansions, Miami’s islands offer luxury, adventure, and urban chic.

This 2025 guide dives into the best Miami islands for every traveler—families, thrill-seekers, or star-spotters. My sunset kayak on Virginia Key was pure bliss—ready for your island adventure?

Download PDF Guide: 10 Best Islands in Miami

Why Visit the Miami Islands in 2025?

Miami isn’t just about beaches and nightlife — it’s also a gateway to some of the most beautiful islands in Florida and beyond.
From secluded nature escapes to luxury private communities, here’s your updated, fact-checked, and travel-ready guide to exploring the islands around Miami.

Miami’s islands are a dazzling mix of nature, luxury, and culture, outshining crowded South Beach. Key Biscayne boasts a 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating (1,200+ reviews), while Star Island’s celebrity allure draws curious visitors.

Top 10 Best Miami Islands to Visit in 2025

1. Fisher Island (Private & Exclusive)

Fisher Island, a 3-mile ferry ride, is the best Miami island for exclusivity:

Quick Facts:

🚫 Public Access: Not available
🛥️ How to Get There: Private ferry (residents, guests, or staff only)

Fisher Island is one of the most exclusive residential communities in the U.S. and is not open to the public.
The private ferry runs from Miami Beach’s Terminal Island, but only residents, invited guests, or authorized personnel may board.
Visitors who aren’t invited cannot access the island.

What’s There:

Ultra-luxury condos & homes
Private marina and golf course
Exclusive beaches and clubhouses

2. Venetian Islands (Accessible) & Star Island 🏝️ (Gated)

Venetian Islands

Access: Open to the public by car, bike, or on foot via the Venetian Causeway
Why Visit: Scenic drive/cycle with views of Biscayne Bay
Best For: Photographers, joggers, and architecture fans

Star Island

Access: Gated community, no public entry by car or foot
How to See It: Take a Biscayne Bay boat tour to view celebrity mansions from the water

Pro Tip: Rent a bike in Miami Beach and ride the Venetian Causeway for a unique city-meets-water experience.

3. Virginia Key (Historic Beach & Nature)

Virginia Key, 4 miles via Rickenbacker Causeway ($2.25 SunPass, $3.50 Toll-by-Plate), is the Miami island for outdoor fun:

Access: Car, bike, or rideshare via Rickenbacker Causeway
Activities: Mountain biking ($15/hour), paddleboarding ($30/hour), kitesurfing lessons ($100/hour).
Dining: Food trucks ($10–$20/meal).
Highlights:
- Historic Virginia Key Beach Park (opened in 1945 as a “colored only” beach during segregation, now a cultural landmark)
- Nature trails and mangroves
- Picnic areas and kayak rentals

This is a must-visit for history lovers and nature enthusiasts — and it’s just minutes from downtown Miami.

4. Biscayne National Park Islands

Access: Only by private boat or licensed tour operator
Popular Islands:
- Boca Chita Key — lighthouse, picnic spots
- Elliot Key — hiking, camping, snorkeling
- Adams Key — quiet, day-use only

Biscayne National Park is 95% water, so getting here is part of the adventure. Guided tours often include snorkeling or wildlife viewing.

5. Key Biscayne

Key Biscayne, 5 miles from Downtown Miami, is best for families. Cross the Rickenbacker Causeway ($2.25 SunPass, $3.50 Toll-by-Plate) and enjoy:

Access: Car, bike, or rideshare via Rickenbacker Causeway
Crandon Park: 2-mile beach with cabanas ($40/day), carousel (~$2).
Bill Baggs State Park: 1825 lighthouse, trails, picnic spots ($8/vehicle).
Activities: Kayak ($25/hour), tennis ($10/hour), golf ($100–$200/round).
Dining: Rusty Pelican ($15–$30/meal).
Solo Cost: ~$50–$100/day (toll $2.25–$3.50, park $8, kayak $25, dining $15–$30).
Couple Cost: ~$80–$150/day (shared toll, activities, dining).
Why Visit:
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park & historic lighthouse
- Crandon Park Beach (calm waters, great for families)
- Biking and kayaking

A great mix of family-friendly beaches and outdoor activities is just 15 minutes from downtown.

6. Bimini, Bahamas

Access:
- Ferry (Baleària Caribbean, departs from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale — not Miami)
- Seaplane from Miami
Travel Time: ~2 hours by ferry, ~30 minutes by plane

Bimini is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway — think turquoise water, snorkeling with dolphins, and island cocktails.

7. Keystone Islands: Best Island for North Miami Charm

Keystone Islands in North Miami, split into Keystone Point and Sans Souci, are the best Miami islands for suburban serenity:

Vibe: Residential islands with waterfront homes and canals.
Activities: Kayaking or paddleboarding in canals ($25–$30/hour), fishing (free with license).
Access: 15 min from Downtown via NE 123rd St (no toll). Bus 107 ($2.25, 30 min).

Pro Tip: Rent a kayak to explore canals. Check northmiamifl.gov for rentals.

8. Palm Island: Best for Private Retreats

Palm Island, a gated residential island near Star Island, is the best Miami islands for privacy:

Vibe: Quiet, upscale community with large homes and private docks.
Access: Via MacArthur Causeway (no toll), restricted to residents and guests. Boat tours (~$30–$50) offer views.
Activities: Limited public access; best seen via celebrity homes’ boat tours.

Pro Tip: Book a boat tour via miamiandbeaches.com to see Palm Island’s waterfront estates.

9. Watson Island: Island for Urban Adventures

Watson Island, a 5-minute drive via MacArthur Causeway (no toll), is best for urban attractions:

Jungle Island: Eco-adventure park with zip lines ($59/adult), lemur encounters ($99), and flamingo lakes.
Miami Children’s Museum: Interactive exhibits for kids ($24/adult, $20/child).
Activities: Helicopter tours (~$150/15 min) or yacht charters (~$250/hour).

Pro Tip: Pair Jungle Island with a museum visit for a family day. Book via jungleisland.com.

10. Star Island: Best Miami Island for Celebrity Glamour

Star Island, a man-made island near South Beach, is the best island for star-spotting:

Vibe: Exclusive residential enclave with 30+ mansions owned by celebrities like Gloria Estefan and Diddy.
Access: Via MacArthur Causeway (no toll), but restricted to residents and guests. Public access is limited to boat tours (~$30–$50/person).
Activities: Join a Miami celebrity homes boat tour to cruise around Star Island’s waterfront mansions.

Pro Tip: Book tours via miamiandbeaches.com for a glimpse of A-list homes.

How Much Will It Cost? What to Expect

Estimated daily costs (USD) for solo travelers and couples include transportation, activities, and dining (excluding lodging unless noted). Costs reflect budget-conscious choices (e.g., public transit, casual dining).

Island	Solo Cost/Day	Couple Cost/Day	Key Expenses
Key Biscayne	$50–$100	$80–$150	Toll ($2.25–$3.50), park ($8), dining (~$15–$30)
Fisher Island	$550–$1,000+	$600–$1,200+	Ferry ($26), hotel (~$500/night), dining (~$30–$50)
Virginia Key	$40–$80	$60–$120	Toll ($2.25–$3.50), activities ($15–$30), dining (~$10–$20)
Star Island	$30–$50	$60–$100	Boat tour ($26–$38), parking (~$9/hr), snacks (~$5–$10)
Venetian Islands	$30–$60	$50–$100	Toll ($3.00–$3.75), bike rentals ($15), dining (~$15–$30)
Watson Island	$60–$120	$100–$200	Attractions ($26–$59), parking (~$9/hr), dining (~$15–$30)
Palm Island	$30–$50	$60–$100	Boat tour ($26–$38), parking (~$9/hr), snacks (~$5–$10)
Keystone Islands	$30–$60	$50–$100	Bus ($2.25), kayak ($25), dining (~$10–$20)

Note: Lodging costs (Fisher Island) are listed below. Couples save by sharing transport and activities.

Best Time to Visit Miami Islands

The best Miami islands experience depends on timing:

Spring (Mar–May): 70–80°F, low humidity, ideal for Key Biscayne or Virginia Key.
Winter (Dec–Feb): 65–75°F, peak season, pricier. Book Fisher Island early.
Summer (Jun–Aug): 85–90°F, budget-friendly, rainy. Venetian/Watson Islands shine.
Fall (Sep–Nov): 75–85°F, hurricane risk. Great for Keystone Islands deals.

Pro Tip: Check miamiandbeaches.com for events like Art Basel (Dec).

Getting to the Miami Islands

How to reach the best Miami islands:

Key Biscayne & Virginia Key: 5–10 min via Rickenbacker Causeway ($2.25 SunPass, $3.50 Toll-by-Plate). Bus 26 (Key Biscayne) or 102 (Virginia Key) from Brickell ($2.25, 15–20 min).
Fisher Island: 7-min private ferry ($26 round-trip) from 190 MacArthur Causeway, for residents, guests, or hotel visitors with security clearance. No cars without approval.
Star Island & Palm Island: 5 min via MacArthur Causeway (no toll). Restricted access; book boat tours (~$30–$50).
Venetian Islands: 5 min via Venetian Causeway ($3.00 SunPass, $3.75 Toll-by-Plate). Free Miami Beach Trolley (North Beach Loop).
Watson Island: 5 min via MacArthur Causeway (no toll). Bus 120 ($2.25, 10 min).
Keystone Islands: 15 min via NE 123rd St (no toll). Bus 107 ($2.25, 30 min).
Bahamas Ferries: Ferries to Bimini depart from Fort Lauderdale (~30 miles away), not Miami (baleariacaribbean.com).

Savings Tip: Use the GO Miami-Dade Transit app to skip tolls.

Miami Islands Locations on the map:

Miami Island Hacks for 2025

Maximize your best Miami islands adventure:

Book Early: Secure Fisher Island clearance or Key Biscayne rentals 2–3 weeks ahead.
Pack Smart: Sunscreen, hats, reusable water bottles for beach days.
Save on Dining: Picnic at Crandon Park (~$10/meal) vs. restaurants (~$30+).
Free Activities: Hike Virginia Key trails, jog Venetian Causeway, or fish at Keystone Islands (free).
Apps: Download miamiandbeaches.com app for deals.

Pro Tip: Follow @VisitMiami on Instagram for flash sales.

Recommended Island Activities Around Miami

Activity	Best Locations
Kayaking / Paddleboarding	Boca Chita Key, Elliot Key, Virginia Key
Cycling with Scenic Views	Venetian Causeway, Key Biscayne
Beach Relaxation	Crandon Park, Virginia Key Beach
Snorkeling / Diving	Biscayne National Park reefs, Bimini
Historic Exploration	Cape Florida Lighthouse, Virginia Key Beach Park

Travel Tips for Visiting Miami’s Islands

🚗 Check access rules — some islands are private or tour-only.
📅 Plan ahead — tours to Biscayne National Park sell out quickly.
🥤 Stay hydrated — Miami’s sun can be intense year-round.
📸 Bring a camera — you’ll want to capture the views.

FAQs

Q: What is the best Miami island for couples?
A: Fisher Island and Key Biscayne are great for couples. They offer quiet beaches, beautiful views, and romantic spots to relax together.

Q: Which island in Miami do celebrities live on?
A: Many celebrities live on Star Island. It’s a private, gated island with big luxury homes.

Q: What islands near Miami can I visit?
A: You can visit Key Biscayne, Virginia Key, and the islands in Biscayne National Park. These have beaches, parks, and outdoor activities.

Q: Which Miami island has the best restaurants?
A: Fisher Island and Key Biscayne have some of the best island dining, from fresh seafood to fine dining spots.

Q: What is the best Miami island to live on?
A: Fisher Island is known as the most exclusive place to live, but Key Biscayne is also a top choice for families and nature lovers.

Final Thoughts

Pick your best Miami islands—Key Biscayne for families, Fisher Island for luxury, or Star Island for glamour. Book tours at miamiandbeaches.com, pack sunscreen, and hop on the free trolley to save. Whether you’re looking for luxury seclusion, natural beauty, or cultural history, the islands around Miami offer something unique. Just remember:
Some are freely accessible, others require tours, and a few are invitation-only, so plan accordingly.

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10 Best Miami Islands to Visit in 2025: Costs & Activities

Why Visit the Miami Islands in 2025?