Exhausted with the crowds, endless partying and high-price tags in Miami? Then, escape to Key Biscayne. Chances are you’ve never heard of this idyllic isle 20 minutes from the heart of Miami. If you’re seeking pristine, secluded beaches, solace and a wallet-friendly vacation, this is your destination. Driving over the causeway that connects Miami to the seven-mile long island, the tension disappears from your body.  With it’s relaxed pace, numerous palm trees, turquoise ocean, minimal cars and people give you the feeling you’re in a tropical oasis in the Caribbean.

Pass your time here relaxing on many fairly secluded beaches. Or, you can fill your days with one of many activities. Water lovers will find boating, kite boarding or kayaking along the lush mangroves. Water sports stand along several of the beaches. If you’re looking for guided experience, hire a powerboat or catamaran for a half-day through Play Time Water Sports. The boats offer lunch, unlimited drinks, tours to famous attractions surrounding the area like Star Island, where celebrities own homes.

If you prefer to stay landlocked, rent a bike or cruise through the island on a two-wheeler to explore the island. Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse and one of the oldest structures in the state. Climb the 109 stairs to the top and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Miami and the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers areas for picnicking and trails for hiking, skating, or biking. The beaches here are ranked as among the best in the country. Golfers, test your game at the 18-hole Crandon Golf Course with views of the water from almost every hole.

You won’t find a large selection of restaurants, but most of the eateries serve high-quality food for half the prices of neighboring Miami. The Rusty Pelican, situated on Biscayne Bay, is a seafood and Continental cuisine spot where many of the oversized entrees are under $20. You can’t go wrong at Cantina Beach, a beachfront Mexican restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton resort. It’s known for its flavorful entrees such as the skirt steak taco and ceviche and boasts the country’s only tequila sommelier.

Stone crabs, in season from October to May, are the star crustaceans in the area, but any seasoned seafood eater knows how pricey they are. A little known secret on Key Biscayne is that these beauties can be enjoyed for a song. Go to Crandon Marina, home to dozens of fishing boats, and catch one of the fishermen coming inland between 2p.m .- 4p.m.  Buy stone crabs starting at $15 a pound and even score the prized jumbos for between $20 and $25 a pound. Compare that to venerable seafood spot Joe’s Stone Crab in downtown Miami where three pieces go for $68. Take your catch back to your hotel, and enjoy straight out the shell with ice-cold beer.

With a minimal late night scene on the island, RUMBAR, at the Ritz, is the most happening joint. It takes you back to Old Havana, and the menu has 52 rums, cachacas and piscos from around the world, many of its picks are under $15. Customers often get up and dance to the lively, four-piece salsa band that plays Thursday through Saturday.

There are handfuls of accommodations on the island. The Ritz-Carlton is the most luxurious. The picturesque property boasts 450 rooms, two pools, and beach area. The soothing spa at the hotel offers specials every month at substantially inexpensive prices. In March, you’ll get a 90-minute manicure and pedicure and 50-minute massage for $250 including tax and tip. You can work out in the large gym or use the decadent relaxation areas and locker rooms which have a sauna, whirlpool and steam.

For budget lodgings, check into the 52-room Silver Sands, located on the ocean with a large pool. Each room resembles a studio with two queen beds and a kitchenette and costs $169 a night or $839 a week. Parking is free and Silver Sands is within walking distance of several restaurants and a grocery store.

Or, rent a house or apartment for a week, also a popular type of accommodation. Key Life Realty has condos and homes for rent in all price ranges. If you tire from the calm, the hubbub of Miami is just a short ride away. But really, why would you want to leave this paradise?

Accommodations

The Ritz-Carlton

www.ritz-carlton.com

Silver Sands

http://www.silversandsbeachresort.net/

Key Life Realty

www.keylife.com

Attractions

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida

Play Time Water Sports

www.playtimewatersport.com

Crandon Golf Club

www.crandongolf.net

***This article was written by Guest Contributor and New York Times Journalist Shivani Vora. To view Shivani’s full bio and contact information click here!***