Crandon Park was a donation, made for the regency, in 1940 by Commodore William John Matheson, a wealthy aniline dye businessman who used the land as a coconut plantation, provided that the land was used as a Public parks. In return for the land donation of Chairman Charles H. Crandon of the District Commission, for whom the park was named, offered the regency to build a cross-road that would connect the Key Biscayne to the mainland. The Miami Zoo has its origins in the Botanical Gardens of Crandon Park. The County bought several animals in the year 1948, which started the Crandon Zoo. At 1965, Crandon Zoo has grown to become one of the main zoos in the country, with over 1,000 animals and around 380 species. Currently, with facilities such as Crandon Park, Nature Center, marina, golf course, and Tennis Center, Crandon Park is visited by locals and tourists who enjoy many recreational opportunities.
Visitors to the park can explore the various ecosystems in Key including sand dunes, mangroves, beach hammocks and seagrass beds; and observe cranes, osprey, and many brightly coloured butterflies. The island is also home to rare and beautiful crops such as beach beans, Biscayne ash, and Coontie. Beautiful sandy beaches, sand dunes and tropical hardwood hammocks are a place to nest and eat that are essential for the migration of singers, eagles, and turtles. Seagrass fields provide houses for mangroves, parrotfish, crabs, prawns, starfish, and buntal fish. The bear cut preserve, located in Crandon Park is the study Area of natural environment designated, and serves as a window into the wilderness that used to be South Florida. The Miami-Dade Parks Naturalists Guide visitors through the nature reserve to explore the hammocks, oceans and coastal communities and see amazing animals and plants inhabiting South Florida.
Beach, the beautiful two-mile beach of Crandon Park is consistently named among the top ten beaches in the country. It is one of the most popular recreational destinations in the whole of Miami-Dade County, enjoyed by millions of residents and tourists every year. The beach is celebrated for its pristine sand, tranquil water, winding promenade, a concession venue, several picnic areas with tables and grills, and convenient parking for more than 3,000 vehicles. Near the beach is the Crandon Family Entertainment Centre. The seas and waves of Crandon offer a challenging screen for wind fighters. Rental and learning of kiteboarding equipment is offered at the water sports concession by the park