Bill Baggs Cape

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park HISTORY 1200 South Crandon Blvd. Key Biscayne, FL 33149 305-361-5811 Ponce de Leon named this area “Cape of Florida” when he led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513. The Cape Florida lighthouse, the park’s bestknown feature, was completed in 1825 but was damaged during the Second Seminole War. The repaired tower, completed in 1846, remains the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Tours of the 95-foot lighthouse and the keeper’s house museum are available. The island served as a secret meeting place and port for runaway slaves and Black Seminoles waiting to rendezvous with sea captains or board dugouts for a passage to safety in the British Bahamas. Although the lighthouse was built to save lives and ships, its unflinching light brought an end to this avenue of escape. In September 2004, Cape Florida was designated a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Site. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew uprooted a forest of non-native Australian-pine trees that dominated the landscape and left the park nearly treeless. The storm provided land managers the opportunity to restore the park’s native plant communities. Today, a variety of natural habitats, from mangrove forest to maritime hammock, can be seen at Cape Florida. Depending upon the season, more than 50 butterfly species and 170 bird species may be seen at the park. The peregrine falcon, piping plover and American crocodile regularly take refuge here. Loggerhead sea turtles nest along the beach each summer. Green sea turtles and Florida manatees often graze in the seagrass beds offshore. PARK GUIDELINES Please remember these tips and guidelines, and enjoy your visit: • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. • Pets are not allowed on the beach. Where allowed, pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet and well-behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designate areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. • Become a volunteer, visit FloridaStateParks.org to learn more. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing all visitors equal access to facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the administrative office at any ranger station or call 850-245-3076 (Voice) or 711 (Florida Relay Service). FloridaStateParks.org Visit us online at Follow us on social media FloridaStateParks.org #FLStateParks BILL BAGGS CAPE FLORIDA STATE PARK Minutes from Miami with stunning views atop a historic lighthouse Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES nal Pines Ca Just 15 minutes from downtown Miami and voted “One of the Top Ten Beaches in the U.S.,” Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers visitors recreational opportunities in a tropical paradise. With more than 1.2 miles of Atlantic shoreline and 1.4 miles fronting Biscayne Bay, it is one of the most popular state parks in Florida. Boardwalk No Name Harbor Directions The park is located on the southern end of Key Biscayne, south of downtown Miami. ea g Ar Sea Biscayne Bay Park Office wa Picnicking & Rentals Four picnic areas offer tables, barbecue grills and 18 covered shelters. There are excellent open-air restaurants, The Lighthouse Café near the beach and Boater’s Grill at No Name Harbor. The park’s concession offers a variety of rentals, including bicycles, kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas. Sw im Ar min ea g ll Camping No typical camping is available, but overnight boat anchoring is allowed in the harbor. min Biking & Hiking In the middle of the park, a paved pedestrian/ bike path allows cyclists and skaters to enjoy the native plant communities restored to their former glory. Nature trails entice people to observe the diversity of plants and wildlife at a slower pace. Entrance Station Mangrove Wetlands Swim Swimming & Fishing Cape Florida’s Atlantic shoreline attracts swimmers and sunbathers from around the world. The historic Cape Florida lighthouse overlooks the park and is open for tours. The scenic Biscayne Bay side of the park draws visitors to the sea wall, where fishing is a popular pastime. Atlantic Ocean Boardwalk Bicycling Picnicking Concession Playground Fishing Restrooms Hiking Sunbathing Parking Wildlife Viewing Lighthouse Historic Site P00211_Rev_02.19