Picturesque Bill Baggs Cape State Park lies along Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic coastline only 15 minutes from downtown Miami. This popular resort area was long ago given the name ‘Cape of Florida’ by Ponce de Leon.
Today visitors enjoy kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and climbing to the top of the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.
Visitors also are interested in learning about how this Florida state park came to be an important stop along the US National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
Activities
Plan your escape to this paradise: swim, fish, kayak along the Bay; take a stroll through the park’s nature trails; learn some interesting history about this area and climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the Bay; and then stop into one of the park’s restaurants for a bite to eat.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Bill Baggs Cape State Park:
Boating at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Kayak, canoe or paddle board in the beautiful calm waters along the Atlantic Ocean. A designated area on the beach allows guests to safely launch and land. Guests are also allowed to launch from No Name Harbor by lowering their canoe or kayak over the sea wall.
Swimming at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Swim, sunbathe, search for shells and relax along the 1.25 miles of gorgeous sandy beach inside Bill Baggs Cape State Park. There are no lifeguards inside the park so please be aware of the warning flag system that tells of unsafe swimming conditions. Umbrella and beach chair rentals are available at the concession inside the park.
Hiking at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Nature trails along the west side of the park take hikers through mangroves, wildflowers and along Biscayne Bay.
Here are a couple of the trails at Bill Baggs Cape State Park:
- Robin’s Birding Trail & Bill Baggs Lighthouse Loop -This easy 3 mile loop flows through mangrove wetlands and out to the 1825 lighthouse. Excellent views of Biscayne Bay may be seen from the top of this historic lighthouse.
- Mangrove Wetlands Trail – A short easy path (1.5 miles) through mangroves with picturesque views of wildflowers and wildlife.
Biking at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Bring your own bike or rent one from the park’s concessionaire located near the Lighthouse Cafe inside the park.
Several paths, including a 1.5 mile paved bike path, are available for all riders. Most are flat as they loop throughout the park and past Biscayne Bay. All riders under the age of 16 are required by law to wear a helmet.
Fishing at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Catch snook, snapper, grouper, bonefish, tarpon, permit, shark and more along Biscayne Bay. The park features 8 fishing platforms and a section along the sea wall. Fishing is not allowed along the mangroves or in the beach area.
Remember to pick up a Florida fishing license ahead of time.
Birding at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Bill Baggs Cape State Park may very well be one of the best places to bird watch in the entire state of Florida. The park boasts a checklist of over 260 species. For bird lovers that’s a lot of birds to keep an eye out for! Don’t forget your binoculars and pick up a bird list at the rangers station.
During your visit here you may see Peregrine Falcon, Piping Plover, Bahama Mockingbird, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Blackpoll and Bay-breasted wood warblers, Gray Kingbirds and Western Spindalis.
Nature and Wildlife at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
See birds, turtles, butterflies, American crocodiles and more inside this picturesque state park. A quiet walk through the mangrove forest, maritime hammock and along the beach will offer glimpses of many species.
Pets at Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Well behaved pets are welcome at Bill Baggs Cape State Park but must be supervised and kept on a hand held leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed inside any park buildings or beach areas.
Camping Near Bill Baggs Cape State Park
Bill Baggs Cape State Park allows guests to anchor overnight in their No Name Harbor. Space is limited and there is a small fee involved. For more information contact the park office.
Nearby Larry and Penny Thompson Campground has a large family campground and is located at 12451 SW 184th St in Miami, adjacent to the famous zoo Miami. This campground has 240 sites with electric, water and sewer hookups and access to large bath houses that include laundry facilities. The park also features hiking and biking trails and a freshwater lake. At 270 acres, it’s the largest park/campground in Miami-Dade County.
Park Location
Bill Baggs Cape State Park
1200 Crandon Blvd
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Phone: 786.582.2673
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video with some aerial footage of Bill Baggs Cape State Park:
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