Rickenbacker Causeway

Imagine leaving the pulse of downtown Miami behind and driving toward the horizon where the city’s high-rises melt into the sea. That’s exactly what the Rickenbacker Causeway offers—an elevated ribbon of road connecting the mainland to the island of Key Biscayne, slicing through the shimmering waters of Biscayne Bay. It's more than just a scenic drive; it’s a path that unveils some of South Florida’s most serene coastal gems—from Virginia Key to Crandon Park, and finally, the far reaches of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

 

Whether you're on two wheels, four, or paddling nearby, the Rickenbacker has a way of slowing time. It's where locals come to breathe, jog, fish, and feel the salt breeze in their hair. For travelers, it's an underrated highlight of Miami-Dade County—a rare space where the skyline meets nature without the chaos.

 

What to Know

The Rickenbacker Causeway is a toll road, operated by the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation, and it stretches a little over 5 miles. But those few miles pack in sweeping views, picture-perfect beaches, bridges with soul, and access to some of Miami’s most loved outdoor spots. It starts near Brickell Avenue in downtown Miami and carries you past the Toll Plaza, then over the scenic Powell Bridge, across Virginia Key, and finally to Key Biscayne—the gateway to peaceful parks and white sand shores.

 

The causeway was originally built in the 1940s and named after Eddie Rickenbacker, the famous WWI flying ace and former head of Eastern Air Lines. Since then, it’s become both a vital commuter route and a destination in its own right.

 

 

How to Get There

Reaching the Rickenbacker is a breeze if you're already in Miami. From downtown, simply head south on Brickell Avenue until you merge onto Crandon Boulevard, which marks the beginning of the causeway. You'll pass the toll plaza, and from there, it’s a scenic ride all the way through.

If you’re not driving, rideshare services are a popular choice. Adventurous visitors can also rent bikes and cycle the causeway’s dedicated bike lane—just be prepared for sun and wind!

 

Best Time to Visit

Golden hour—early morning or just before sunset—is pure magic on the Rickenbacker. The sunlight hits the water like glitter, the skyline glows, and the breezes are just right. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday. Weekends tend to bring in joggers, cyclists, and families headed to the beach.

 

Spring and fall offer perfect weather, with less humidity and fewer afternoon storms than peak summer. That said, this stretch of roadway and coastline is beautiful year-round.

 

Highlights & Features

 

Hobie Beach (Windsurfer Beach):

A beloved stop on Virginia Key, popular for windsurfing and paddleboarding. Dogs are welcome here too, making it one of the few pet-friendly beaches in the area.

 

Virginia Key:

Home to the Miami Seaquarium and nature trails, this island offers both recreational fun and quiet coves for peaceful reflection.

 

Bear Cut Bridge:

Connecting Virginia Key to Key Biscayne, this bridge is a local favorite for watching the sunrise—or snapping photos of kayakers gliding through Bear Cut, a narrow water channel below.

 

Crandon Park:

Nestled mid-way along the causeway, Crandon Park boasts a beach with calm waters, nature trails, a marina, and a family-friendly vibe that feels worlds away from city life.

 

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park:

At the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this park features the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, miles of shoreline, and spots perfect for picnics and biking.

 

Cycling Lane:

The wide bike path running alongside the roadway is a major draw for cyclists looking to pedal with a view.

 

Fishing Spots:

Locals love casting lines off the side of the causeway—especially near bridges and shaded corners.

 

Fun Facts

 

Not just a road:

The Rickenbacker isn’t only a causeway—it’s a destination that weaves through some of the city’s most tranquil and scenic spaces.

 

Famous for its bridges:

The Powell Bridge and Bear Cut Bridge are more than connectors—they’re vantage points for some of the best waterfront views in Miami.

 

Named after a war hero:

Eddie Rickenbacker wasn’t just a pilot—he also helped shape American aviation and ran one of the most important airlines of his time.

 

Toll-funded upkeep:

The causeway’s maintenance and operations are largely supported by tolls paid at the toll plaza, which helps preserve access to the islands and parks.

 

Windsurfing paradise:

Thanks to constant breezes and calm shallows, Hobie Beach is a hotspot for water sports, especially windsurfing—a rarity so close to a major city.

 

Final Thoughts

The Rickenbacker Causeway is more than just a road—it's an escape stretching over the sea. It connects urban bustle with island calm, bringing you to a Miami most tourists never truly see. Whether you’re driving toward the lighthouse, pedaling at sunrise, casting a line near Bear Cut, or diving into the turquoise waters off Hobie Beach, the journey here is just as special as the destination.

 

Next time you find yourself in Miami, give yourself the gift of a slow ride across the bay. Let the skyline fade in your rearview, and let the Rickenbacker show you a quieter, saltier, more soul-soothing side of the city.