A Tale of Two Beaches: Key Biscayne and South Beach

The tropical islands of Key Biscayne and South Beach couldn’t be more different, but both have expansive stretches of gorgeous white sand beaches surrounded by aquamarine water. Although they’re both located in Miami-Dade County and situated only a few miles apart by boat (about 20 minutes by car) — each island has a very distinct and unique vibe.

Key Biscayne is just minutes from Miami’s cosmopolitan center, yet feels like a secluded island getaway with its lush tropical gardens, infinity ocean views and the only South Florida beach on Dr. Beach’s Top Ten Beaches in the U.S. list.

South Beach is Miami’s most famous beach and is located just steps from Lincoln Road — a 10-block pedestrian esplanade with world renowned shopping, dining, nightlife and people-watching.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Both islands host famous events — Key Biscayne hosts the Miami Open Tennis tournament and South Beach hosts the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival (among many others)
• Key Biscayne doesn’t offer much in the way of nightlife, while South Beach is famous for it’s high-energy club scene
• There are fewer developments and towering buildings on Key Biscayne and the attitude is more laid-back and family oriented
• Golf carts aren’t allowed on South Beach, while it’s the preferred method of transportation on Key Biscayne (although you’ll see Lamborghinis in both places)
• Both islands are home to multi-million dollar waterfront mansions and celebrities
• South Beach has a much more expansive shopping and dining scene, but Key Biscayne does have a few trendy boutiques and delicious restaurants

Bottom line: South Beach is high-energy with more crowds and lots more to offer in the way of entertainment. Key Biscayne is family-friendly, a little more laid back, and exists slightly under the radar.

So why not have the best of both worlds? 

Two of my favorite hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami want you to experience both the excitement of South Beach and tropical island oasis of Key Biscayne, in an all-encompassing package.

The journey begins with two nights at one resort followed by two nights at the other. Aptly named the Tale of Two Beaches package, here’s what it includes:

• Two nights at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
  • Oceanfront lunch at The DiLido Beach Club for two
  • Two beach chairs and umbrella daily
  • Art Deco Walking Tour for two to explore a page in South Beaches history
  • Beach bag welcome amenity
• Transportation between the two resorts
• Two nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne
  • Oceanfront lunch at Cantina Beach for two
  • Two beach chairs and umbrella daily
  • Two tickets to the Bill Baggs State Park to explore the Cape Florida Lighthouse
  • Beach towel welcome amenity

 If You Go: Rates start from $799 and are valid through Nov. 22, 2014. For reservations, please call (800) 542-8680.

This story originally published on VisitFlorida.com.