Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
June 8th, 2008
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a beautiful park located on Key Biscayne in Miami. Sadly we didn't get to spend a lot of time here as we had places to go and people to see but none-the-less we did get to visit the park and take some beautiful photos. Pam ended up with one of my favorite photos during this trip ( the sepia lighthouse ). The beaches were a bit crowded while we were there so we might suggest visiting during the week when people are likely to be at work and kids at school. Of course we are talking about Miami so it might not even matter what day of the week it is. Maybe one of you readers can leave a comment and let us know if you have been there during the work week and how crowded it was then. There's a little Lighthouse Cafe there that you can stop and eat at as well. We didn't get eat there so again we can't tell you how the food is but i'm sure it's pretty good. It sure looked good anyway...
The beaches here are beautiful and the water is clear and blue. Rated one of the top beaches in Florida, we can definitely see why. While we were there the lighthouse was closed off but they do offer tours of it. Not quite sure if you can go in and climb to the top of it or not but man would that be an amazing view overlooking Key Biscayne. There's no typical camping at this State Park but boats are allowed to anchor overnight in the harbor so that's cool. The center of the park is a paved path for pedestrians, cyclists, and skaters to enjoy. There's also some Nature Trails if you're interested in slowing things down a bit and enjoying nature like we like to do. Like I said we didn't stay long maybe 15 minutes at most but next time we will definitely check out the nature trails and the lighthouse.
There's plenty of picnic areas and benches available at the park but like we said, it gets pretty packed on the weekends so get there early if you want to claim an area for yourself. All in all there is 18 covered pavillions there so you might have a good chance of getting one even if you are a little late getting up in the morning. Also, alcohol is permitted in designated areas at the park so if you want to barbecue and drink a few brewskies, you can do it here.
A little history on the park.. In 1992 Hurricane Andrew left the park nearly treeless and because of this, the park was able to restore the native plants that grew here once upon a time. There's plenty of wildlife to see here at Cape Florida ( Ponce De Leon named this area "Cape of Florida" back in 1513 ). The peregrine falcon, piping plover, and American crocodile often seek refuge here. ( Source: Information pamphlet from ranger station )
Well, i think that is about all we have for Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for now until we go back. and because of only being able to stay for 15 minutes or so, we will be going back so we can take the day and enjoy it and go swimming and eat at the Lighthouse Cafe.
Until then, Happy travelling.
For more photos from Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, please visit the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Photo Gallery
Map of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Activities available at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Canoeing & Kayaking
Concessions
Facilities
Fishing
Guided Tours
Hiking/Nature Trails
Pavilion
Pets
Picnicking
Playground
Showers
Swimming
Wildlife Viewing
Youth Camping
Parks within 20 Miles of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Cape Florida State Park (2.65 miles)
- Barnacle Historic State Park (4.45 miles)
- The Barnacle Historic State Park (4.67 miles)
- Oleta River State Park (14.60 miles)
The cape Florida light is one of my faves. The account/attack History of Seminole War episode is phenomenal! The beach was nice too as well as the view from the top of tower. & yes... Yes you can tour the light house/climb to the top.
Comment by D. — July 9, 2009 @ 8:45 PM