Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

Open daily 7 a.m.-5 p.m. from November through March and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. from April through October; the main gate closes 30 minutes before park closing. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Vehicle entry is currently $5 Monday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Sunday, and $12 on holidays. Event operations and causeway traffic can change normal arrival conditions.

Enter from Virginia Beach Drive and follow signs for the historic park rather than the neighboring mountain-bike trails, marine facilities, or public beach areas elsewhere on Virginia Key.

Restrooms serve developed historic and event areas when the park is operating. Do not depend on facilities outside posted opening or event hours.

Current vehicle entry is $5 Monday-Thursday, $10 Friday-Sunday, and $12 on holidays. Rentals, permitted events, and special programs charge separately.

Developed cultural areas and selected paths are accessible, while sand, wetland edges, historic structures, and restoration zones vary. Contact the park for event-specific access.

Pet access is controlled by posted park and beach rules and may differ during events. Confirm before bringing a dog; never assume general Virginia Key rules apply inside the historic park.

The beach, train history, dance floor, picnic spaces, and civil-rights story can make a meaningful family visit. Prepare for heat, insects, limited shade, and variable concessions.

Direct public transit is limited. Driving, cycling, or rideshare requires the Rickenbacker Causeway, and rideshare pickup should be arranged before signal or event congestion builds.

Check the park calendar for full closures and ticketed events before crossing the causeway. Heat, lightning, water quality, mosquitoes, restoration work, and event setup can affect beach and cultural-area access.

Check official beach flags, lightning, heat index, UV, wind, tides, water quality, storms, and operator alerts. Leave the beach immediately for thunder and never use park hours as proof that swimming is guarded or safe.