KEY BISCAYNE

Hurricane Andrew roughed up Key Biscayne pretty badly in the summer of 1992, but nowadays, unless you’re looking hard for the telltale signs, you’d swear it’s the same seaside paradise it’s been for more than a decade. Sure it’s a favorite R&R spot for the rich and famous, but Key Biscayne has a little something for everyone.

For fishermen, bicyclists and nature enthusiasts, there’s Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the end of the island. Or set up a nature hike through the Biscayne Nature Center at 4000 Crandon Blvd. (642-9600). Beach lovers have Crandon Park’s three miles of sparkling shoreline. And kids love the park and playground as it is situated right smack in the middle of downtown.

World-class golf is available at the Crandon Park Golf Course, which hosts a PGA Seniors event on the county-owned course. The Tennis Center at Crandon Park hosts a springtime professional tennis extravaganza bringing together the top pros on the men’s and women’s circuits. During the remainder of the year, both venues are open to the public for play.

Crandon Park also is home to Calusa Park, with its Calusa Playhouse as well as a marina, baseball and soccer fields, an outdoor skating rink and several children's’ playgrounds.

Just beyond the boundaries of Crandon Park is the Village of Key Biscayne, which serves the folks visiting and living in the hotels and condominiums on the island. There’s also a branch of the Miami-Dade County Public Library on the island if you want to check out a book to read on the beach.

If you’re visiting the island and want to stop for a bite to eat, there are several places to choose from, including Sunday’s on the Bay Restaurant and Dockside Bar as you enter the island. Within the Village of Key Biscayne, there’s Stefano’s on Crandon Boulevard in the village and around the corner on Harbor Drive, the Oasis Café. To satisfy your sweet tooth, there’s a Haagen Dazs at 606 Crandon Blvd.

Crossing the Rickenbacker Causeway, named to honor the famed aviator, costs a dollar. Crandon Park’s beaches and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park also have entry fees, but the positively breathtaking view of Miami’s skyline is free.

Key Biscayne

Crandon Park, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL (305) 361-5421

Crandon Park Marina, 4000 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL (305) 361-1281

Crandon Golf Course, 6700 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL (305) 361-9129

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, 1200 S. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL (305) 361-5811

Hint: Although there are ample places to eat on the island, nothing beats packing a picnic lunch and eating on the beach.