Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park – What to See and Do

Many people flock to Florida each year to escape the cold weather, but only about 650,000 visitors make their way to beautiful Biscayne National Park.  Since the park is over 95% water, it’s not surprising to know that more than half of all visitors come in by boat (source) rather than by automobile.

If you don’t happen to own a watercraft (or have it with you when visiting Florida), don’t worry!  There are a few things to near the visitor center without leaving land, or you can join the other 22,000 visitors per year that take one of the guided tours offered in the park.

While the park has seen solid attendance levels hovering near the half-million mark since 2001, many stay on the water.  In fact, only about 50,000 visitors per year end up entering the visitor center. This makes the park not seem overly crowded when visiting.

Biscayne National Park mangroves

If you are a National Park fan and plan on heading to Florida, it’s likely you have Everglades National Park or perhaps even Dry Tortugas National Park on your itinerary, but make sure you visit Biscayne.  Even if you only have a half-day, it’s more than worth the time and effort and if you take the time to learn about the park and the habitat, we’re certain that you won’t be disappointed!

 

Biscayne National Park itinerary

 

There are a lot of options and things to do in Biscayne, so before your trip make sure you download our Biscayne National Park itinerary.  We cover what to see and do on land and on the water.  We also cover where to stay, what to pack and what to do in the area!

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK HISTORY

Biscayne National Park has an interesting past.  It was originally supposed to be part of Everglades National Park.  Those plans were scrapped as it put the establishment of Everglades National Park at risk.

In 1968 it became Biscayne National Monument, amidst nearby development and nearly being swallowed into a massive city-like atmosphere, similar to Miami.  Some of the scars on the land from that effort exist today (see below). In 1980, it received designation as Biscayne National Park.

HOW TO GET BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Located on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, Biscayne National Park is quite easy to get to and can also be easily coupled with other popular vacation destinations.

The visitor center is located in Homestead, FL, though it is 10 miles east of the main part of the city at the end of SW 328th St. 

If you are coming into the area by airplane, then there are several major airports nearby, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale.  If you are in for a bit of a longer drive, then Tampa, FL, Fort Myers and Orlando are also viable options, but the drives will be over 3 hours long from each of those airports.

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK: MAINLAND AREA

Biscayne National Park Map

Mainland and Visitor Center map, courtesy of the National Park Service

While most of the park is located away from the mainland, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and surrounding area is still the heart of the park.  Visitors come here to check out the visitor center, take a short walk or begin a guided tour.

When visiting the main park entrance area, our recommendations include:

  • Dante Fascell Visitor Center.  The visitor center is relatively small, but there are some great exhibits about the area covering the geography, local animals and history of the park.  There is a short film as well as a small art gallery. We found the rangers here to be extremely helpful when we visited, and the fact that the park is not crowded allowed us plenty of time to ask questions without feeling rushed.

Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Biscayne National Park

  • Hiking.  Believe it or not, even though the park is 95% water, there is are several options for hiking in the park, including some that are right from the mainland.  Options include:
    • The Jetty Trail leaves right from the visitor center.  This flat trail is a 1.3-mile (round-trip) walk over bridges, through a mangrove lined shore out to the jetty.  The trail is half-boardwalk and half packed gravel. It is a great way to start or finish the day!

Jetty Trail in Biscayne National Park

Jetty Trail in Biscayne National Park

    • The Black Creek Canal Trail starts at the end of SW 87th Ave on the north side of the Black Creek Canal in Black Point Park.  This is about 20 minutes north of the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. The paved, out-and-back trail is an extension of a longer biking and walking trail.  After walking through a mangrove shoreline, the view at the end of the jetty is incredible! The total distance is about 1.7 miles.

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK: GUIDED TOURS AND SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES

There are a number of activities or tours that are managed by the National Park Institute.  You can of course do many of these activities on your own, including boating, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing.  If you are looking for a guided activity, the Biscayne National Park Institute does an outstanding job of managing and delivering these experiences.  Some options include:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing (self-guided).  Kayaking or canoeing are great ways of getting out on the water without much cost at all (that is, if you have your own watercraft).  You can put in at several spots in the park, including right near the visitor center. If you want to paddle and camp on the islands overnight, you can get a free overnight parking permit at the visitor center.  Paddling guides and maps are available on the NPS website.  Be sure to check the weather conditions ahead of venturing out, as weather around here can be harsh if you aren’t prepared.
  • Paddling Tours.  We loved getting out on the water with two of the naturalists at the Biscayne National Park Institute.  They were extremely knowledgeable, friendly and answered a ton of questions from both the adults and kids alike.  Adventures include snorkeling, paddling and even stand up paddle boarding.  We went on the Jones Lagoon Eco Adventure and absolutely loved it.  Only small groups are allowed, making this a very special experience.  For more information on what is offered, check out the paddling adventures offered by the Institute.  If you plan on taking a tour, make sure you book well ahead of your travel, as spots can fill up fast and well in advance.  Don’t expect to stroll up to the counter and have availability (though this can happen).

Boating in Biscayne National Park

  • Boating.  Boating is one of the most popular activities, and many enter the park on boat.  Be respectful of speed limits and areas where you are not allowed to be (they are well marked).

Boating in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park

  • Island Visits. There are several islands off the coast that are able to be accessed via private watercraft of by tour.  The Biscayne National Park Institute offers island tours of Boca Chita Island or a lighthouse tour. Check out more information on the Biscayne National Park Institute page on boating.

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK: BOCA CHITA KEY

Boca Chita map in Biscayne National Park

Boca Chita Key map, courtesy of the National Park Service

The most popular of the islands to visit in Biscayne National Park is Boca Chita Key.  The island is extremely picturesque. The main attraction is the lighthouse, although the island in general is very relaxing and a great place to spend the day.  There is also an open-air picnic area in this island. Boca Chita Key is about 11 miles one-way from Convoy Point (which is near the visitor center).

Our recommendations for Boca Chita Key (and the surrounding area) include:

  • Boca Chita Lighthouse.  The Boca Chita Lighthouse is 65 feet tall with an observation deck.  For the top of the lighthouse there are great views of Miami and the surrounding landscape.  The deck may be open (if it is staffed by park employees). This is usually the case between September and May.

Boca Chita Lighthouse in Biscayne National Park

Boca Chita Lighthouse, courtesy of the National Park Service

  • Stiltsville.  Stiltsville is a set of small shacks built on stanchions in the water.  It is about 10 miles north of Boca Chita Key. Only a few of the original 27 structures remain after multiple large storms came through and left quite a bit of destruction behind.  

Stiltsville in Biscayne National Park

Stiltsville, photo courtesy of Pallowick

  • Hiking.  The Boca Chita Trail is the only hike on this island.  It is slightly less than a mile loop and provides access to the entire island.

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK: ELLIOTT KEY

Elliot Key map

Eliott Key map, courtesy of the National Park Service

Elliott Key is the largest of the islands in Biscayne National Park.  It is located about 9 miles from the visitor center. Elliott Key is not as crowded as Boca Chita Key, and it is a bit more family-friendly as Boca Chita Key is a popular place to for adults to hang out on weekends and holidays

  • Hiking.  The trails on Elliott Key are worth going on if you are in the area, but they are not the main reason for visiting the island.  If you have the time, here are the two trails worth considering:
    • The Elliott Key Loop Trail is a short, 1.1-mile loop that starts just past the ranger station near Elliott Key Harbor right in the middle of the island.  This flat trail travels across the island before reaching a boardwalk on the opposite side of the island and returning back to the harbor. 
elliot key loop trail map
    • The Spite Trail travels the entire length of Elliott Key, though most begin the trail from Elliott Key Harbor.  The trail is what is left from the six-land swath of trees cut out on the island in an attempt to prevent the land from being preserved before it was set aside as protected land.  
Spite Trail map, 220920

    BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK: ADAMS KEY

    Adams Key Map in Biscayne National Park

    Adams Key map, courtesy of the National Park Service

    Adams Key is on the southern side of Elliott Key, located about 8 miles from Convoy Point.  This small island is best for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors, but since the island is small there isn’t a ton to explore.  The island is only open during the daylight hours. If you are planning on kayaking, this makes a great home base. One nice thing in particular about Adams Key is how quiet it is compared to the other islands, particularly Boca Chita Key.

  • Jones Lagoon.  Jones Lagoon has very calm and clear waters, making it an ideal place for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.  We really enjoyed our time in this remote part of the park!
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    paddle boarding in Jones Lagoon in Biscayne National Park

    Paddle boarding in Jones Lagoon in Biscayne National Park


  • Hiking.  The Adams Key Loop Trail is a short trail that travels through the woods around the island.  It starts from the two dwellings used by the National Park Service Rangers.  The 0.5-mile loop is easy, but unless you have extra time, we recommend skipping it.
  • Adams Key trail map

     

    WHERE TO STAY IN BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

    Biscayne National Park Lodging: There is no lodging inside of the park.  There are plenty of options in nearby Homestead, FL to the west or in Miami, FL to the north.  Reservations are typically not too hard to find, but we still recommend booking a place in advance.

    Camping in Biscayne National Park: There are two campgrounds inside of Biscayne National Park: one on Elliott Key and the other on Boca Chita Key.  They are on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also see more information on camping in Biscayne National Park here.

    BEST TIME TO VISIT BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK 

    Biscayne National Park is good to visit at all times of year, though you need to be careful of potential hurricanes in the fall and also extreme heat in the summertime.  If we had to pick, we’d recommend visiting between January and April. The crowds do pick up in March, but this allows the best balance of quiet and the best weather.  

    Biscayne National Park

    WHAT TO BRING TO BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

    • Since there is little protection from the sun, you need to make sure you bring sunblock.  Since there are coral reefs off the coat, we really recommend something that is reef-friendly like Sun Bum Reef Safe sunblock.  It works great and you’ll feel good about using it as well.
    • Sunglasses and a hat!
    • You absolutely need to bring a good bug spray to this park.  They really can be harsh, so be prepared!
    • We don’t like to pack large towels, so these small microfiber towels worked out really well. 
    • If you are on the water, make sure you bring protection for your phone!

    OTHER INFORMATION ON BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA

    RELATED INFORMATION ON BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK AND THE SURROUNDING AREA FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS

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    • After your trip, let us take one of your photos and turn them into a custom, vintage travel poster.  We love creating these lasting memories for you!

     

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    About Just Go Travel Studios

    We are Amy & Pete Brahan. Very simply, we are passionate about our National Parks and Public Lands and explore them with our three kids whenever we can.

    As much as we enjoy traveling, we also love sharing our knowledge and helping others create everlasting memories through our custom-made travel posters, downloadable travel itineraries and detailed blog articles.

    10% of all after-tax profits are donated to the National Park Foundation.

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