Learn More About Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Baggs, Bill Cape Florida State Beach, located on the tip of Key Biscayne, is a more tranquil and picturesque alternative to some of Miami's busier beaches. It also has the oldest existing structure in Miami-Dade County, a historic lighthouse with scheduled visits. Bill Baggs is a perennial A-lister on Dr. Beach's rankings and is frequently lauded by other prestigious travel magazines.

This beach is beautiful and scenic, and it also has a variety of activities. There are hiking and biking paths that run through local flora. Restrooms, picnic tables, food booths, and showers are among the amenities. Fishing enthusiasts and families wishing to throw a line may do so from the seawall that runs along Biscayne Bay.

There are two restaurants on-site: the Lighthouse Café, which overlooks the beach, and the Boaters Grill, which is set on a peaceful lagoon. Both restaurants serve delectable Cuban cuisine, sandwiches, and cool beverages. If you want to bring your own food, there is a nice beach for sandwiches beneath a designated pavilion. A day at the beach on gorgeous Key Biscayne is a popular Miami activity.

• What Are the Activities?

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a fantastic area for outdoor activities that the entire family may enjoy. There is a true treasure trove of outdoor activities for you and your family to enjoy together, from bicycling and swimming to hiking and canoeing, as well as natural paths for walking and riding. There is a boat launch place, and tourists are free to swim in the ocean. There are no lifeguards on duty, and the region, like many beaches in Florida and the Caribbean, is occasionally swamped with Sargasso seaweed.

Beach chairs and umbrellas may be rented.

Nature paths are excellent for walking and running, and they are frequented by a variety of wildlife such as lizards, raccoons, and many bird species that pause to rest in the park throughout their winter migration. If you wish to use the paved cycling route, bring a bike or a pair of rollerblades.

• The Lighthouse

The ancient lighthouse is a must-see. Take the lighthouse and keeper's cottage tour, which is offered twice a day. This lighthouse was built in 1825 and is the oldest building in south Florida. It is also the only lighthouse that has ever been involved in a fight with Native Americans. In addition, the park is designated as a historic Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. Enslaved persons were able to find a boat captain ready to help them escape to the Bahamas from here. 1 A tour can teach you a lot more about this history as well as the life of a lighthouse keeper.

• Best Hikes & Trails

The simple nature paths in this state park are flat, so aside from the 109 steps to the top of the lighthouse, you won't be doing any climbing. The majority of the paths are on the park's west side, but there is also a northern route that winds through the mangroves. The trailhead is located 100 feet north of the Boater's Grill Parking Area. Another coastal route begins 100 feet east of this parking lot and continues south until it terminates in Area D.

• Where to Camp

Individual camping is not permitted in Cape Florida State Park, as the campsite is exclusively accessible to camping groups. A "group" is defined by the park as a group of multiple individuals who are sponsored by a non-profit organization, such as a church or civic community group. If you're planning an event, keep in mind that youth groups usually have first dibs on camping.

If you wish to camp on your boat, you may dock at No Name Harbor. There is a nightly charge to use the showers, bathrooms, and picnic area. These fees should be paid in cash by boaters.

• How to Get There

The park is located on Key Biscayne, just a few miles south of Miami, and is easily accessible through the 4.8-mile Key Biscayne Bridge. Take I-95 south from downtown Miami until you reach FL-913, which will take you across the bridge to Key Biscayne. This road leads all the way to the park's entrance.

• Accessibility

The park has several amenities to assist people with physical disabilities in enjoying the beach and even getting into the ocean. Two beach wheelchairs and one swimming wheelchair are provided for free at the bicycle rental area on a first-come, first-served basis. To access onto the beach, there is a Mobi Mat at the Lighthouse Cafe at Beach Access #6.

The lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible due to its numerous steps, however there is a monitor at the base that provides a live stream of the view from the top. There are also accessible picnic spots, grills, and tables, as well as the fishing pier and playground. Throughout the park, service animals are welcome.

Daily Entrance Fee Schedule

All costs are based on the number of people in the car, which can range from two to eight. If there are more than eight passengers in a car, extra per person costs apply, unless otherwise indicated. There may be a county fee. For further information, please contact the park.

Certain park facilities, such as camping, special excursions, or equipment rentals, may have additional costs. Children under the age of six are allowed free to any state parks.

Information provided by Flood Professionals, Inc.