Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park sits at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, anchored by the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Visitors come for the long stretch of beach with calm, clear water, walking and biking trails through coastal hammock, and views of the Miami skyline from the lighthouse grounds during limited tour hours.
The park also has a marina, fishing spots, picnic areas with grills, and Boater's Grill and the Lighthouse Cafe for food. Iguanas, raccoons, and occasional manatees near the shore are common sightings.
Parking runs about $8 per vehicle, and beach chair and umbrella rentals are available for those without their own gear. It's a popular weekend escape for families, cyclists, and anyone looking for a quieter beach alternative to South Beach, with restrooms, showers, and wheelchair-accessible facilities on site.
Reachable by car or public transit from Miami.
Highlights
Nature Lover
Family Outing
Tourist Must-Visit
Free Parking
Paid Parking
Restrooms
Cafe / Restaurant
Admission & Visit Info
Admission
Paid Admission
$
Price
Parking approximately $8 per vehicle; walk-in/bike-in guests reportedly around $2 per person; beach
Scored on published criteria from real guest data. Ranks are never for sale. How we rank →
Buzzing
DaysWeekdays
TimesPeak hours
Relaxed
DaysWeekdays
TimesOff-peak hours
For a quieter visit, arrive before 10am on any day or plan a weekday trip. Weekend mornings before 9am are also considerably less crowded than midday.
Hours
Mon8:00 AM – Sunset
Tue8:00 AM – Sunset
Wed8:00 AM – Sunset
Thu8:00 AM – Sunset
Fri8:00 AM – Sunset
Sat8:00 AM – Sunset
Sun8:00 AM – Sunset
Reviews
With well over ten thousand reviews and a strong average, guests consistently praise the beach, the historic lighthouse, and the natural surroundings, with only a small share of critical reviews.
Beach & Water: Visitors repeatedly describe the beach as clean, calm, and family-friendly, with clear, warm water and few big waves, making it a favorite alternative to more crowded Miami beaches.
Lighthouse: The historic Cape Florida Lighthouse draws praise as a must-see, with guests noting skyline views from the top during tour hours.
Wildlife & Nature: Guests frequently mention iguanas, manatees spotted near shore, and lush vegetation along the trails as highlights of the visit.
Trails & Amenities: Walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a surprisingly good on-site restaurant come up often as reasons guests return.
Know Before You Go
Parking runs about $8 per vehicle, and lots fill up fast on weekend afternoons, so arrive early.
Lighthouse tours run on a limited daily window (roughly 10am to 2pm depending on the day), so check the schedule before you go if climbing it is a priority.
Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented on site if you don't bring your own gear.
Much of the park is outdoors with limited shade on the beach and trails, so bring sun protection and water.