Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Beach, located on the tip of Key Biscayne, is a more quiet and scenic alternative to some of Miami's busier beaches. It also includes the oldest extant structure in Miami-Dade County, a historic lighthouse with planned visitors. Bill Baggs is a Dr. Beach A-lister who is regularly hailed by other renowned travel magazines.

This beach is lovely and picturesque, and it offers a range of activities. Hiking and bike trails wind among the native vegetation. Among the amenities are restrooms, picnic tables, food stalls, and showers. Fishing aficionados and families may cast a line from the seawall that stretches along Biscayne Bay.

On-site dining options include the Lighthouse Café, which overlooks the beach, and the Boaters Grill, which is located on a tranquil lagoon. Both restaurants provide exquisite Cuban food, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks. If you bring your own food, there's a great beach for sandwiches behind a sanctioned pavilion. A day at the beach on beautiful Key Biscayne is a typical Miami pastime.

What Exactly Are the Activities?

Baggs, Bill Cape Florida State Park is an excellent location for outdoor activities that the whole family may enjoy. From bicycling and swimming to hiking and canoeing, as well as natural trails for walking and riding, there is a veritable treasure trove of outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy together. There is a boat launch, and visitors are welcome to swim in the ocean. There are no lifeguards on duty, and the area, like many other beaches in Florida and the Caribbean, is periodically inundated by Sargasso seaweed.

Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for hire.

Nature trails are great for walking and running, and they are used by a variety of animals, including lizards, raccoons, and many bird species that stop in the park to rest during their winter migration. Bring a bike or a pair of rollerblades if you want to use the paved cycling path.

The Lighthouse

The historic lighthouse is a must-see. Take a tour of the lighthouse and keeper's cottage, which is available twice a day. This lighthouse, which was erected in 1825, is the oldest structure in south Florida. It's also the only lighthouse that's ever been in a battle with Native Americans. Furthermore, the park is a historic Underground Railroad Network to Freedom location. Enslaved people were able to find a boat captain willing to assist them in escaping to the Bahamas from here. 1 A tour may tell you a lot more about the history of the lighthouse as well as the life of a lighthouse keeper.

The Best Hikes and Trails

The basic nature pathways in this state park are flat, so you won't be doing much climbing except from the 109 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The bulk of the routes are on the west side of the park, but there is also a northern route that goes through the mangroves. The trailhead is 100 feet north of the Boater's Grill Parking Lot. Another coastal path starts 100 feet east of this parking lot and goes south until it reaches Area D.

Where To Camp?

Individual camping is not permitted at Cape Florida State Park since the area is reserved for camping groups only. The park defines a "group" as a group of several people who are sponsored by a non-profit organization such as a church or civic community group. When arranging an event, bear in mind that youth groups generally have first dibs on camping.

You may camp on your boat in No Name Harbor if you dock there. The showers, toilets, and picnic area are all subject to a nightly fee. Boaters must pay these charges in cash.

Ways to Get There

The park is located on Key Biscayne, just a few miles south of Miami, and is easily accessed through the Key Biscayne Bridge, which is 4.8 miles long. From downtown Miami, travel I-95 south until you reach FL-913, which will take you across the bridge to Key Biscayne. This road connects to the park's main entrance.

Accessibility

The park has many amenities to let persons with physical impairments enjoy the beach and even swim in the water. Two beach wheelchairs and one swimming wheelchair are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the bicycle rental area. A Mobi Mat is available at the Lighthouse Cafe at Beach Access #6 to provide access to the beach.

Due to the steep stairs, the lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible; however, there is a monitor at the base that gives a live broadcast of the view from the top. There are also picnic areas, grills, and tables available, as well as a fishing pier and playground. Service animals are accepted throughout the park.

Schedule of Daily Entrance Fees

All prices are determined by the number of passengers in the vehicle, which can range from two to eight. If there are more than eight passengers in a vehicle, additional per-person charges apply, unless otherwise specified. A county fee may be levied. Please contact the park for further information.

Certain park amenities, such as camping, special tours, and equipment rentals, may incur additional charges. All state parks are free for children under the age of six.

Information provided by Quick Mold Labs.

Looking for a place to enjoy great international cuisine, fine shopping, and exotic music? Read about Bayside Marketplace here.