Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, FL 33149

In addition to a great family beach, the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park recreation area is is home to the Cape Florida Lighthouse, originally built shortly after Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821. Located at the end of the Atlantic facing beach portion of the park, the lighthouse survived the Second Seminole War and the Civil War. Lighthouse tours are conducted Thu-Mon at 10am and 1pm.

Also situated on the Atlantic side are bike rentals (regular, recumbent, tandem, and quadricycle bikes), to enjoy on the bike trails that wind throughout the park. Group discounts are available for 3 or more rentals.

Boats can also be rented here. Available are kayaks, hydro-bikes, pedal boats, and sail boats. For more detailed rental information call 305.365.0309.

Chairs and umbrellas can be rented on the beach. Pavilions accommodating approximately 50 people can be rented for parties or gatherings. Reservations need to be made in person at the entry toll booth and can be made in advance.

The Lighthouse Cafe (open daily 9am-sunset) offers some traditional fare, such as chicken fingers and hamburgers, but also offers seafood soup, dolphin sandwich, stone crab (in season), grilled shrimp, or seafood pasta. It also offers daily specials that often include some traditional Latin favorites. Ice cream, Key lime pie and flan are available for dessert. Prices are reasonable, high chairs are available, you can choose between cafeteria and table service. A picnic lunch is a great option for the beach, but this restaurant is a terrific alternative and eliminates the need to trudge to the beach with a cooler! Adjacent to the Lighthouse Cafe is a small gift shop offering souvenirs, film, and beach sundries.

The Biscayne Bay side of the park (drive past the beach entrance and loop around to the right) offers seawall fishing (bait available at restaurant) and "No Name Harbor" (requires a right turn prior to reaching the beach-watch for signs). Here you'll find many boats (overnight mooring is available), and the Boaters' Grill (same menu as Lighthouse Cafe, open 9am until 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday). Many like to rent bikes on the beach, then ride to this area as they explore the park.