Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

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1200 Crandon Blvd. (Map)
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
From Miami, take I-95 to the Rickenbacker Causeway, all the way to the end.
305-361-5811

This 400-acre beachfront park on the southern tip of Key Biscayne is home to the Cape Florida lighthouse, first erected in 1825 and destroyed by Seminole Indians in 1836. A second tower, completed in 1846, still stands today.

Recreational activities include swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing along 1.25 miles of sandy Atlantic beachfront, with fishing available from several platforms along Biscayne Bay. A highly recommended shoreline fishing spot is the seawall along the bay. Nineteen covered pavilions provide shaded picnicking overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay available for reservation or first-come, first-served. The park's concession offers beach chairs, umbrellas and bike rentals. There are two walking paths. Overnight boat camping is available in No Name Harbor with the Boater's Grille open for dining (305-361-8487). Guided tours of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's quarters are available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Tours are limited to the first 10 people to sign up at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Note: the Lighthouse Cafe, which offered casual waterfront dining in the park, burned down and has not been reopened.

Wildlife: Shorebird migration in late summer is a good time to see plovers, ruddy turnstones, sanderlings, willets and other species on the beach. Wading birds and marsh rabbits are common in the freshwater wetlands. Butterflies and dragonflies are found throughout the park. Magnificent frigate birds and gray kingbirds are regularly seen in the summer. Early-morning visits Tuesday through Friday provide the best viewing opportunities at this busy park. Visitors must give nesting shorebirds a wide berth and heed any posted signs that restrict access to bird or sea turtle nesting areas. (January 10, 2006)



Hours: 8 a.m. to sundown.


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  DETAILS
Admissions Entrance/parking is $3 for one person, $5 per vehicle for two to eight people and $1 for each additional passenger, as well as bicyclists and walk-ins.
Attractions Wildlife Center/Sanctuary, Camping (Group camping only. Wildlife), Beaches, Parks, Walks
Beach Boardwalk/sidewalk (Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.), Great for kids, Lifeguard (Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.), Pets allowed (Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.)
Beach-facilities Changing rooms (Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.), Showering (Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.)
Beach-food Concessions, Restaurants nearby
Beach-rental equipment Chairs, Bicycles, Other (Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.)
Beach-swimming conditions Shallow for a while
Beach-width Lots of room on beach, Close at high tide, The beach is narrower at the south end and gets wider as you go north.
Fishing Surf fishing
Parking Free lot, There are four parking areas and three of them are close to the beach. Parking is free with paid park admission.
Pets Allowed Pets are not allowed in camping areas, on bathing beaches or in concession areas and may be restricted in other designated areas of the park. Where pets are allowed, they must be kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash and well-behaved at all times.
Recreation Activity Beaches, Bike, Camping (Group camping only. Wildlife), Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Parks, Run, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Walk, Other (Wildlife), Snorkeling (Group camping only. Wildlife)
Water Sports Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Web site

Important: Hours, prices and other information can change frequently. Please call ahead to confirm information.