We don’t always want to take an Uber across the Rickenbacker Causeway into Miami for a day out. If you’re visiting Key Biscayne before or after a Pankey CE course, why not explore more of the island and get to know this beautiful vacation destination?

You can walk the entire length of the Key – from Calusa Park to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – in under an hour if you’re particularly industrious. It’s a fascinating, self-contained place that manages to distinguish itself from the intensity of Miami. It’s also a lush location for beach lounging, ocean wildlife sightseeing, unique food, golfing, and relaxation.

So what’s the best way to see Key Biscayne? By foot can be a bit too exhausting, so why not try a bike …

Exploring the Key by Bike

Key Biscayne is officially a ‘bike friendly’ community. Because it’s such a small area, cars are less of a disturbance. You can now pick up a bike all over the Key for a refreshing ride about town. Just download the Lime bike share app on either Google Play or the App Store and get to pedaling.

Lime bikes are much more convenient than most public bike systems since they have no official docking station you have to show up at. Use the app to search for a bike nearby and you’re good to go.

After multiple days of learning at the Pankey Institute, a bike ride outside is just what most us need to digest it all. Cover some serious distance and stop at our favorite food spots along your path. Wind through neighborhoods with buildings old and new, extravagant mansions and humble family homes. Catch a glimpse of the bay and inhale a whiff of salt air.

When you’re ready for a rest, you can park your bike wherever you want to end up.

What’s your favorite way to sightsee? 

Pankey just so happens to be located on a beautiful island off the coast of Miami: Key Biscayne. For many, the Key is an ideal tropical escape. It’s small enough to walk around on foot, but large enough to accommodate many cuisine and activity options.

There are gorgeous beaches, world-class restaurants, stunning mansions, and luxury resorts spread along a five mile stretch of palm-tree dotted land. Connected to mainland Miami by the Rickenbacker Causeway, you’ll feel yourself entering a different world as you leave congested city streets for the laid back island vibe.

We’ve already given you some ideas for the best Cuban food to sample while you’re attending a CE course at Pankey. Now, we’ve put together a simple guide you can take advantage of to get the most out of your trip.

3 Things to Do in Key Biscayne

1. Go to the Beach

When we say go to the beach, there really are a hundred different ways you could do this on Key Biscayne alone. One of the best is to extend your stay at Pankey into a mini-vacation and book a room at the local Ritz-Carlton. They have a delightful beach to lounge on for a relaxing getaway.

2. Visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

This state park is gorgeous and fascinating, along with having a great beach. You can explore the historic lighthouse and learn more about the area’s thriving wildlife. You can also go kayaking, snorkel, hike, and much more.

3. Shop in the Sunshine

There are multiple locations on Key Biscayne to shop for upscale clothing or unique items. On top of that, stores tend to be nestled right next to incredible restaurants like Origins Asian Bistro. Key Colony Plaza is one example of the intimate, classy shopping centers scattered around the island.

What do you love about traveling for CE courses? Please leave your thoughts in the comments!