Just outside Miami, in Biscayne Bay, you’ll find Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
Cape Florida has been many things through the ages. Ponce de Leon found this pristine area on his first expedition to Florida back in 1513 and named it the ‘Cape of Florida’. It was inhabited by Seminole Indians, and even served as a launching point for slaves attempting to escape to the Bahamas. Today, you can explore the wonderful park and see remnants of some of the old vessels, the rebuilt lighthouse, and the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
The historic lighthouse was completed in 1825 but damaged in a war with the Seminoles. Rebuilt in 1846, it is the oldest structure in Miami Dade. It underwent an extensive renovation in 1996 where many of the original cast iron pieces forming the staircase were replaced by stronger and more modern structures. These originals are visible on display at the entrance to the lighthouse.
To climb to the top of the lighthouse, be sure to be under the canopy (near the parking area) for tours that kick off at 10 am and at 1 pm daily. Climbing up the 100+ stairs rewards you with spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the beach.
Look out into the Florida waters to see ‘Stiltsville’. These overwater houses built on stilts started in the 1930s when a bait shop was setup by a local named Crawfish Eddie. By the 1960s, there were as many as 30 such structures, some of which would serve as bars and gambling spots bypassing local land-based laws. Today, only seven of the original historic structures remain and these are now part of Biscayne National Park.
There are many BBQ spots and canopies, but the latter must be reserved Mon-Fri due to their popularity. There is an on-site restaurant, the Lighthouse Cafe. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented if you so desire. You can also bring your own.
We did try snorkeling from the beach out to a marker buoy, but visibility was terrible and aside from sand and seagrass there was nothing much to see. We turned around and just enjoyed the beach for a bit. Perhaps there is a special place to go for snorkeling which we didn’t know about (let us know if you do!).
The ranger giving the tour of the lighthouse did warned against swimming south past the lighthouse due to the the strong currents. We saw many local fishermen casting their lines in this area too.
Overall, it was fun to see the lighthouse and to climb up for the views. If you are so inclined, make a day of it finishing off with a BBQ and staying for what must be a beautiful sunset over the water.
Aside from swimming and fishing there are nature trails perfect for wildlife viewing and birding. You can also launch a kayak or canoe from the sea wall in No Name Harbor or set off in your paddleboard directly from the beach. Bikes (single and quad) are available for rent. Check the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park website for up-to-date prices.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park hours and fees
- The park is open daily from 8 am until sundown
- Entrance is $8 for a car, motorcycles and single occupant vehicles are $4, while bikes and pedestrians are $2
- Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking is known to fill up
- Boats are allowed to anchor overnight in No Name Harbor for $20/night