Florida is chock-full of things to do from invigorating theme parks to quaint little beach towns. But, did you know there are also 11 National Park Sites to explore in the Sunshine State? One of the most unique of these parks is Biscayne National Park.
Biscayne National Park protects one of the largest reef systems in the world making 95% of this park underwater! Naturally, one of the best ways to experience the park is by boat. If you enjoy swimming, snorkeling, boating, scuba diving, and the Salt Life, then you absolutely must visit this park!
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All About Biscayne National Park
As I mentioned, 95% of Biscayne National Park is underwater. The park protects Biscayne Bay, the barrier reefs, and the northernmost section of the Florida Keys. The park is over 250 square miles and protects 4,825 acres of largely undeveloped mangrove shoreline and 42 keys.
Within the park, you can spot manatees, sea turtles, iguanas, and countless species of birds and fish.
Is Biscayne National Park Worth Visiting?
I have a feeling you’re going to love Biscayne National Park. The key to getting the most out of the park is getting in the water! Sure, you could just get your toes wet on the shores near the visitor’s center, but we suggest getting out on the water to snorkel, dive, see the lighthouses, and explore the keys.
Countless tours help you maximize your time and enhance your experience at the park.
Top 10 Things to Do at Biscayne National Park
#1 Check out the Visitor Center
Our first stop in national parks is always the Visitor Center. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the park, the reef, and Hurricane Andrew (a Category 5 hurricane that struck the park in 1992).
There are 3D displays that show visitors some of the animals that call the park and the reef their home.
There is a 20-minute park video and touch displays that give you a great intro to the park.
Be sure to step out on the observation deck for sweeping views of the bay.
#2 Stroll Along the Convoy Point Jetty Trail
Just beyond the visitor center, you’ll find an easy walking 0.8-mile out-and-back hiking trail that takes you out to the jetty. The jetty is home to the Colonial Bird Protection Area. Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the bay.
#3 Take a Swim!
While you won’t find any traditional beaches near the visitor’s center, you can definitely still swim! Adjacent to the parking lot, you’ll find a shallow part of the bay where you can swim among the mangroves.
Pro-Tip: If you to enjoy a larger swimming area (without getting a boat), check out the nearby Homestead Bayfront Park.
#4 Visit Boca Chita Key
Boca Chita Key is the most visited key in the park. The only way to access the island is by boat.
The island is home to an iconic lighthouse that was built by Mark Honeywell in the 1930s. If you visit the key on a tour, you’ll be able to climb to the top of the lighthouse.
While you’re on the island, be sure to take the 1/2 mile loop trail that grants you views of the nearby islands.
What is a key? The term "key" comes from the Spanish word "cayo" which means small island. Keys are formed on the surface of a coral reef. The Florida Keys encompasses over 800 keys spanning 180 miles.
#5 Retrace the Footsteps of Past Presidents at Adams Key
Adams Key was once home to an exclusive club known as Cocolobo Club. It was a popular getaway spot for Presidents Nixon, Johnson, and Hoover.
#6 Go Fishing
Fishing is one of the absolute best things to do in Biscayne National Park. In fact, one of the big reasons this park was created was to protect the marine life. In order to fish at the park, you’ll need a Florida fishing license. Make sure you follow all of the rules and regulations of what you can fish for and where you can cast a line.
#7 Paddle in the Park
While you can certainly paddle the bay near the visitor center, one of the most popular places to paddle is Jones Lagoon. The lagoon is made up of Totten Key, Porgy Key, and the waterways between them. Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles, fish, and sharks.
You can do this with a tour that leaves out of the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
#8 Visit Elliott Key
Elliott Key is the largest island within the park and is located at the very northern tip of the Florida Keys. Here you’ll find campgrounds, a short hiking trail, and excellent fishing.
#9 Explore Shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail
There are numerous shipwrecks within the boundaries of Biscayne National Park. The Maritime Heritage Trail is a snorkel/scuba trail that visits 6 of these shipwrecks.
#10 Visit Stiltsville
Back in the dark times when drinking and gambling were illegal, some brilliant minds got together and built a little colony known as “Stiltsville” off the shores of Miami. Stiltsville was home to clubs, bars, gambling houses, and all of the partying and drunken debauchery you can imagine. Sounds like a damn good time, if you ask me.
There were once 27 buildings in Stiltsville, but Hurricane Andrew wiped out 20 of them.
Where is Biscayne National Park Located?
Biscayne National Park is tucked away in southern Florida, about 15 miles away from Miami.
9700 SW 328th Street
Sir Lancelot Jones Way
Homestead, FL 33033
Things to Know Before Visiting Biscayne National Park
The Best time to Visit Biscayne National Park
No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll encounter mosquitos. Mosquitos LOVE water hence they are hardcore obsessed with Florida.
With bug spray, the park is enjoyable year-round…but the summers are HOT. Pack plenty of sunscreen and water.
Summer is also the wet season here in Florida. We often have afternoon thunderstorms.
Spring and winter are the best times to visit if you want to escape the Florida heat.
Entrance Fees
There is no entrance fee to visit this park!
Cell Service
We had great cell service during our visit to the park.
Parking
There is plenty of parking surrounding the visitor center. There are also designated spots for RVs and campers.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed within Biscayne National Park. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long.
Pets on a leash are permitted within developed areas of Elliott Key. Pets are not allowed in buildings.
Parks Near Biscayne National Park
Distance from Major Cities
- Miami, FL- 36 miles
- Tampa, FL – 295 miles
- Jacksonville, FL – 389 miles
- Orlando, FL – 426 miles
- Atlanta, GA – 693 miles
- Birmingham, AL – 843 miles
- New Orleans, LA – 900 miles
- Nashville, TN – 945 miles
- Charlotte, NC – 772 miles
- Memphis, TN – 1,085 miles
Distance from Nearby National Parks
- Everglades National Park- 19 miles
- Dry Tortugas National Park- 137 miles
National Park Sites in Florida
- Big Cypress National Park
- Biscayne National Park
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
- Desoto National Memorial
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Fort Caroline National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure!
For future reference, be sure to save our post “Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site: America’s First Black Top 10 Things to do at Biscayne National Park”! Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!
Browse the Ulitmate National Park Bucket List. Plan your trip around Free National Park Days and learn about The National Park’s Awesome Junior Ranger Program.
While we were in the area, we also visited Key Largo, John Pennekamp State Park, and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.
