Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, and serene nature trails await at this Key Biscayne gem. Perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse, pristine beaches, and serene nature trails await at this Key Biscayne gem. Perfect for a relaxing day trip.
"The water is by far the best and cleanest in Key Biscayne, perhaps in all of South Florida."
Call Ahead for Lighthouse Tours
Lighthouse hours vary and can be impacted by weather or maintenance. Always confirm before your visit. [^Rreview1]
Arrive Early on Weekends
Popular spot! Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving before 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cape Florida Lighthouse
Southern tip of Key Biscayne
Climb 109 spiral steps for breathtaking 360° ocean and skyline views. The oldest building in South Florida!
Pristine Beaches
Along the Atlantic coast
Enjoy calm, clear turquoise waters and well-kept sand. Perfect for swimming, relaxing, and disconnecting. [^Rreview1] [^Rreview2]
Nature Trails & Cycling
Throughout the park
Explore scenic paths offering a peaceful escape with beautiful waterfront views. Bike rentals are available.
Sunset Views at The Cleat
Marina area
Savor stunning sunsets over the Miami skyline from this waterfront bar and grill.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Lighthouse Hours Before You Go
Weekend Crowds & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Call Ahead for Lighthouse Tours
Lighthouse hours vary and can be impacted by weather or maintenance. Always confirm before your visit. [^Rreview1]
Arrive Early on Weekends
Popular spot! Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving before 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bring Your Own Beach Gear
Beach chair and umbrella rentals are pricey ($40). Pack your own for a more budget-friendly beach day. [^Rreview2]
No Lifeguards on Duty
Swim and enjoy the calm waters, but be aware there are no lifeguards. Supervise children closely. [^Rreview1]
Tips
from all over the internet
Call Ahead for Lighthouse Tours
Lighthouse hours vary and can be impacted by weather or maintenance. Always confirm before your visit. [^Rreview1]
Arrive Early on Weekends
Popular spot! Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving before 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Bring Your Own Beach Gear
Beach chair and umbrella rentals are pricey ($40). Pack your own for a more budget-friendly beach day. [^Rreview2]
No Lifeguards on Duty
Swim and enjoy the calm waters, but be aware there are no lifeguards. Supervise children closely. [^Rreview1]
Pack Light for Lighthouse Climb
Kids must be over 42 inches tall. No pets allowed inside the lighthouse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for its stunningly clear and calm turquoise waters, making it a top choice for a relaxing beach day. The historic lighthouse offers impressive views, and the park provides a peaceful natural escape. Some wish for better amenities like changing rooms and more affordable rentals.
"We recently visited Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for the first time, traveling about an hour to get there. The park features a beautiful beach, great restaurants throughout, and the option to rent bikes—whether you're solo or with family.
Our main reason for visiting was to tour the historic lighthouse. Unfortunately, it was closed due to maintenance. I had checked the park's website beforehand, but there was no notice about the closure. I definitely recommend calling ahead to check if any specific attractions or activities are unavailable, so you can plan accordingly.
That said, the overall experience was still well worth the trip. I especially appreciated the history shared throughout the park—you’ll see it as you walk or ride around. The restaurant near the beach had excellent service, and both the food and drinks were great. There's also a small gift shop for souvenirs.
One thing to note: there are no lifeguards on duty, but the water is generally very calm, making it a pleasant spot for swimming and relaxing.
Admission to the park is $8 per vehicle, and there’s plenty of parking available. You can even fish if you'd like!"
Gen M.
"I like this state park. I come here for the beach. It's not free to come here. You have to pay $8 per car for 2 or more people. But if it's one person then they charge you $4. The park closes at 6:30pm. The beach is really nice. This is the first beach that I see in Florida that have very clear water.
Bring your own beach chairs and umbrella because they charge you $40 if you want to rent 2 chairs and an umbrella.
This beach is calm on the weekdays. On The weekend it's full of people. Try to come already dressed for the beach in your bathing suit because there is no changing rooms here. They have a restroom with 4 stalls. On the busy weekends, the line to use the restroom can get very long because people are changing into their bathing suits or removing their wet suits out. For all the money this state park makes from the people visiting, they can built adequate changing rooms here and update the restrooms."
Ruth Henry
"I visited this beach and absolutely loved it. Very clean, with well-kept sand and clear water. It’s a hidden gem, perfect for relaxing and disconnecting from the noise. The atmosphere is calm and pleasant, ideal for spending time with family or simply resting. Definitely one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to."
jade caussin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located at 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. It's about a 15-minute drive from downtown Miami. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park. +1
While direct public transport to the park is limited, you can take a bus to Key Biscayne and then potentially a short taxi or rideshare to the park entrance.
From Miami, take the Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne. Follow Crandon Boulevard south until you reach the park entrance.
Yes, there is ample parking available throughout the park. However, on busy weekends, it can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended. [^Rreview1]
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore Key Biscayne and reach the park. There are bike paths along the causeway and within the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entrance fee is $8 per vehicle for two to eight people. A single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle pays $4, and pedestrians, cyclists, or additional passengers pay $2.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the per-vehicle fee is quite reasonable for a full day of activities. Consider visiting on a weekday for a potentially less crowded experience.
The park is open 365 days a year from 8 AM until sunset. However, specific attractions like the lighthouse have limited operating hours.
Tickets are typically purchased at the park entrance upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check the official park website for any updates.
The tour of the Cape Florida Lighthouse is free with park admission. However, there are height restrictions for children (must be over 42 inches tall).
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the beach, swim, fish, rent bikes, explore nature trails, tour the historic lighthouse, and dine at waterfront restaurants.
Yes, the park features a beautiful beach known for its clear, calm turquoise waters and well-maintained sand. [^Rreview1] [^Rreview2]
No, there are no lifeguards on duty at the beach. Visitors should exercise caution when swimming. [^Rreview1]
Yes, bike rentals are available within the park, allowing you to explore the scenic trails and coastline.
Absolutely! It offers a safe beach environment with calm waters, nature exploration, and the exciting lighthouse climb, making it a great family outing. [^Rreview3]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options within the park, including Boater's Grill and The Cleat, offering waterfront views and a variety of food and drinks.
The restaurants typically serve seafood, American cuisine, and drinks. Boater's Grill is known for excellent service and food, while The Cleat offers a more casual bar experience.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets and coolers to enjoy at designated areas within the park.
The park offers several picnic areas, providing a pleasant spot to enjoy your own meals amidst the natural beauty.
Yes, there is a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and essentials. [^Rreview1]
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the Cape Florida Lighthouse offers incredible panoramic shots of the ocean and Miami skyline. The beach and waterfront areas are also picturesque, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, provides the most beautiful lighting for photos. The lighthouse views are stunning at any time, but especially with clear skies.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Florida State Parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the official park regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and skyline views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant ocean shots.
Photography inside the lighthouse may be restricted due to the narrow spiral staircase and historical preservation. Check with the tour guide for specific rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated areas, which can be more convenient and cost-effective than dining out. Arriving early on weekends is key to managing crowds and ensuring a stress-free experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
While beach chair rentals are pricey, bringing your own beach essentials significantly cuts down on costs. [^Rreview2] The lighthouse tour is free with park admission, making it an excellent way to experience a key attraction without extra charge. Packing your own food and drinks for a picnic is another smart way to save money. The park's natural beauty and recreational opportunities provide a full day of enjoyment without needing to spend a lot on activities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse are unparalleled, offering unique perspectives of the coastline and Miami's skyline. The beaches themselves offer beautiful scenes with their clear turquoise waters and soft sand. Don't miss the opportunity to capture the vibrant colors of a sunset at The Cleat for truly memorable shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Cape Florida Lighthouse
+1Visitors can climb the 109 spiral steps to reach the lantern room, where they are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, the park's coastline, and the distant Miami skyline.
Remember that there are height restrictions for children (over 42 inches) to climb the lighthouse, and pets are not allowed inside. The ascent is a bit strenuous, but the panoramic reward is well worth the effort for most visitors.
Beach Experience and Amenities
While the beach offers a serene escape, it's important to be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty. Visitors should exercise caution, particularly with children, as the water is generally calm and shallow, making it suitable for families. [^Rreview1] Another key point for beachgoers is the cost of rentals; renting chairs and umbrellas can be quite expensive ($40), so bringing your own beach gear is a highly recommended tip for a more budget-friendly experience. [^Rreview2]
Amenities include restrooms, but some reviews mention a lack of dedicated changing rooms, which can lead to long lines on busy weekends. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the beach's natural beauty and tranquility make it a standout destination. [^Rreview2]
History and Heritage
Beyond the lighthouse, the park is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, commemorating the journeys of enslaved people seeking freedom. This historical significance is woven into the park's fabric, with elements of its past visible as you explore. The park offers a unique opportunity to connect with both natural beauty and important historical narratives, providing a richer experience for visitors interested in more than just a beach day.
[^Rreview1]
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit