Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
State park · Miami-Dade County
1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Highlights
Historic lighthouse, clear waters, bike trails, and scenic beaches
Historic lighthouse, clear waters, bike trails, and scenic beaches
"Head over to Bill Baggs State Park and visit the lighthouse built in 1825! It was the only lighthouse to be attacked by Indians. Talk about historic. Sunbathe, swim, or picnic on the sandy Atlantic beachfront. Grab your bike and navigate the paths with views of Biscayne Bay (you might even spot a manatee). Reserve a pavilion so you can stop and fire up some burgers on a grill. Or head over to one of two restaurants located inside the park and let them cook for you." - Maas Studio
"Located along the tip of Key Biscayne about 10 miles from downtown Miami, this less-developed scenic stretch charges a small access fee (less for pedestrians or cyclists than for cars) and may reach capacity on busy holidays and weekends, so arrive early. Many people visit for the Cape Florida Light, a circa-1825 lighthouse with a wraparound balcony at the top that makes for phenomenal views and photographs; you can only climb the lighthouse between 10 a.m. to noon from Thursday to Monday, though the grounds are open from 8 a.m. to sundown daily. The nearby Lighthouse Café serves delicious Cuban food. You can also fish, rent bikes, and explore trails through lush mangroves." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"At the southern tip of Key Biscayne this state park combines a mile-long Cape Florida beach with trails for walking and biking, birding and skyline views, the circa-1845 Cape Florida Lighthouse, and on-site dining options—my recommendation is to pair a bit of beach time with trail exploration and meals at spots like Boater’s Grill or the sunset-focused Cleat Mia rather than treating it as a pure beach destination." - Paul Rubio
"A short drive from downtown Miami offering undeveloped sandy beaches and tranquil bayside spots for sunset drinks at local favorites, with recreational options that include biking a 1.5-mile paved path, hiking mangrove wetlands, grilling at a picnic pavilion overlooking Biscayne Bay, and touring a historic 1825 lighthouse on guided days." - Terry Ward Terry Ward Terry Ward is a writer covering family travel, culture, scuba diving, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"At the far end of Key Biscayne, you’ll come to Bill Baggs State Park, a preserved old Florida wilderness with the most isolated beaches in the city. That’s not to say you couldn’t get to a Winn Dixie in five minutes if you needed more beer. But the narrow beaches at Bill Baggs are situated away from the city, meaning your only views are out to the expansive Biscayne Bay and funky historic Stiltsville. The park is also home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which dates back to 1825 and offers spectacular views from the top. For lunch, grab a sandwich at Boater’s Grill, which feels a little like an old pirate’s cove hidden along a canal just inside the park." - MATADOR_NETWORK
