Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Florida, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at the southern end of Key Biscayne combines an Atlantic beach, bayside trails and the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. Plan a beach-and-walking day: flooding has closed the lighthouse grounds and canceled tours until further notice. The fishing piers and beach access 3 are also closed.

Beach walks and coastal habitats

Use the open beach accesses for a shore walk, or choose the west-side nature paths through mangrove wetlands and coastal strand. The park’s 1825 lighthouse remains an important part of the site’s history, but a visit to its grounds or a tower tour depends on the closure being lifted.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

No lifeguards on the beach

The beach has no lifeguards. Supervise children and assess water conditions before entering. Watch the ranger-station warnings for Portuguese man-of-war, particularly in winter. Keep out of closed areas rather than using a normal tour listing as evidence that the lighthouse has reopened.

Pets and sensitive coastal areas

Pets must stay attended on a leash no longer than six feet. They may use designated picnic areas, the seawall and walking or bike trails, but not the beach, wetlands, playground, lighthouse buildings or restaurants. Guide and service animals have the stated exception. Keep any wildlife observation quiet and avoid disturbing birds using restored vegetation.

Reserve a pavilion in person

Pavilions require advance reservations at the entrance station, at least two days ahead. Complete the rental and payment Monday–Friday between 8 a.m. and 30 minutes before sunset. Standard rental rates are USD 50 plus tax for a smaller shelter or USD 100 plus tax for a larger one; admission is additional. A pavilion reservation does not guarantee entry after the park reaches capacity. Review the fee and booking terms before arranging a group visit.

Find the park on Key Biscayne

Use 1200 South Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, for the park. Consult the official park page and map links to choose an open access point. West-side nature paths begin near the Boater’s Grill parking area; they offer a different outing from the Atlantic beach.

Other parks on the island approach

Crandon Park is another Key Biscayne option; its Visitor and Nature Center is at 6767 Crandon Boulevard. Pets are prohibited there except for service animals. Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is reached at 4000 Virginia Beach Drive in Miami. Check entry and parking conditions for either stop before leaving Cape Florida.

Choose a walking or cycling outing

Walk the west-side coastal paths for mangroves and bay views, or use the 1.5-mile paved bike path. Choose an open beach access for a shore visit. Cyclists should wear helmets; the park states that Florida law requires them for riders age 16 and under. Leave lighthouse tours and pier fishing out of the plan while those areas remain closed.

Beach access and day-use facilities

Outdoor showers are near the restrooms in areas A, B and C and at beach accesses 4, 6 and 7. Beach and swimming wheelchairs are available without charge, first come, first served, at the bicycle-rental area. Access 6 has a Mobi-Mat. Confirm the particular route or equipment you need through the facility information, and retain the current lighthouse, pier, access-3 and PADL closures in your plan.

About Cape Florida

The park protects coastal habitat near Miami while preserving a site associated with maritime navigation and journeys to freedom. Florida State Parks manages the beach, nature trails and historic features together.

History and journeys to freedom

The lighthouse dates to 1825 and entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Before its construction, people escaping slavery used Cape Florida as a departure point for the British Bahamas. The park commemorates that history through the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

A stopover for migrating birds

Migrating songbirds use Key Biscayne as a stop before continuing over water. Restored native plants provide insects, fruit and shelter. Look along the nature trails and seawall without expecting the same birds in every season.

Contact

Call 786-582-2673 for access, closure and visitor-service questions. Confirm reopening directly before planning around the lighthouse or any other closed facility.