Written by RuinMyTrip Editorial from published research and official sources, not from a personal trip. It is not a traveler review and is never counted in the community rating. How we research.
What it is
A Florida State Park on the southern tip of Key Biscayne, with about a mile of Atlantic beach, coastal hammock, and the 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse.
Why travelers go
For the only Miami beach day with no commercial strip behind it, and for genuine shade, which matters more here than anywhere else in the city.
What is genuinely good
Quiet water, tree cover, picnic facilities, a historic lighthouse, and an entrance fee that is trivial next to a day of South Beach loungers.
Downsides and tourist traps
A tolled causeway, an awkward trip without a car, thin concessions, and lighthouse access on a limited schedule.
Best for
Families, anybody who has had enough of South Beach, and travelers in summer who need shade to make a beach day work.
Consider skipping if
You have one beach day and want the Miami you have seen in photographs, which is South Beach rather than this.
Practical advice
Bring food and water. Allow for the causeway toll on top of the park entrance fee. Check lighthouse climb times before you plan around them. Pair with Crandon Park if you want more beach on the same key.
Tickets and reservations
A Florida State Park per vehicle entrance fee is charged at the gate. The lighthouse itself runs guided climbs on a limited schedule.
Getting there
Southern tip of Key Biscayne, reached over the Rickenbacker Causeway, which is tolled. Straightforward by car or rideshare, awkward by bus.
Where it sits
A barrier island south east of the mainland, residential and low key, with Crandon Park at the northern end and the Miami Seaquarium on the causeway.
How long to allow
Half a day minimum. A full day if you are swimming and picnicking.
Accessibility
The park publishes accessibility information and has paved paths near the main facilities. The lighthouse climb is stairs only.
The RuinMyTrip verdict
The best beach day in Miami for anybody who wants a beach rather than a scene, and the only one with real shade. Worth the causeway.
Sources
Every figure above was checked against these before publication. If one has since changed, tell us and we will correct it.
The Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park dates from 1825 and is the oldest standing structure in Miami Dade County. source
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a Florida State Park on the southern end of Key Biscayne and charges a per vehicle entrance fee at the gate. source
From the RuinMyTrip team
Written by RuinMyTrip Editorial from published research and official sources, not from a personal trip. It is not a traveler review and is never counted in the community rating. How we research.
Bill Baggs occupies the southern tip of Key Biscayne, and it is the answer to a question a lot of visitors ask on day three, which is whether there is a beach in Miami that is not a scene. There is, and this is it: about a mile of Atlantic sand backed by Australian pine and sea grape, calm water, picnic tables, and an absence of anybody trying to sell you a lounger. The Cape Florida Lighthouse at the point dates…
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