Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
4.7(13K)google
4.4(239)yelp
NatureOutdoorPhoto SpotSunset
Overview
Perched dramatically on the southernmost tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a scenic coastal paradise famous for its pristine natural beauty and monumental maritime heritage. The park's crowning jewel is the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, constructed in 1825 and standing proudly as the oldest surviving historic structure in Miami-Dade County. Visitors can take guided tours up the lighthouse stairs for breathtaking panoramic ocean views, swim along a top-rated Atlantic sand beach, shoreline fish from seawalls, or cycle through paved paths winding past native wildlife.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended to visit between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM during the winter or autumn months. This state park offers spectacular sunset views. Tour the historic 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse first, then take a walk along the oceanfront fishing piers as the sun sets over the bay.
Getting ThereLocated at the absolute southern tip of Key Biscayne. Take I-95 South and continue all the way down the Rickenbacker Causeway (toll applies) to the very end of the road, which leads directly into the state park entrance. Admission is charged per vehicle.
Travel Tips
- Traffic: Located at Key Biscayne's tip. Weekends from 10:30 AM-3 PM, traffic on Rickenbacker Causeway is heavy; arrive before 9 AM.
- Lighthouse: Free, but requires a guided tour, usually available Thu-Mon at 10 AM and 1 PM. No kids under 8.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- Tip: $8 parking fee. Piers 6-7 offer the best lighthouse views, perfect at dusk.
Reviews
Positive
- Boasting Florida's oldest brick lighthouse, the white tower, blue seas, and wild beaches create a postcard-perfect visual landscape.
- The beach here is shielded by offshore reefs, meaning waves are minimal and the water is crystal clear, ideal for peaceful swimming and snorkeling.
- It features well-designed bike paths and seawall walks, with options to rent multi-person quad bikes; restrooms and rinse stations are well-maintained.
- It houses two highly popular, authentic Cuban seaside restaurants (like Lighthouse Cafe) where you can dine on reasonably priced food with a sea breeze.
Heads up
- On weekends and holidays past 10 AM, parking spaces fill up rapidly; once capacity is hit, the main gate locks down, creating massive vehicle queues.
- The historic lighthouse interior is incredibly tight and daily climbing capacity is strictly limited; if you don't line up early for a slot, you cannot ascend.
- Certain unpaved hiking nature trails through the dense foliage and marsh boundaries harbor severe mosquito and horsefly swarms during the summer.
- The shoreline frequently exhibits natural bands of washed-up black sea kelp, which, while eco-friendly, can disappoint tourists seeking spotless white sand.