Why You Should Visit Biscayne National Park
Even though it’s right next to one of the biggest cities in the country, Biscayne National Park’s wild waters, islands, and mangroves stay surprisingly untouched. The park is thriving now, even though back in the 1960s, there were plans to turn it into a huge waterfront neighborhood.
Just a short distance from downtown Miami, the park safeguards the northern edge of the Florida Keys and the world’s third-longest coral reef system. When it comes to wildlife—both on land and in the water—it rivals and even beats every other national park in the U.S.
About 95% of Biscayne is water—a massive, lagoon-like bay stretching up to eight miles wide—and most of the mainland is dense, tangled mangrove forests. This unique landscape makes it completely different from its more famous neighbor, Everglades National Park.
“A lot of people think that because we’re so close, Biscayne is just like the Everglades,” says Elizabeth Strom, the ranger in charge of Biscayne’s volunteer program. “While we do share some similar ecosystems, the parks are very different.” The Everglades is mostly freshwater, while Biscayne is saltwater.
Biscayne’s warm subtropical waters are a paradise for all kinds of water adventures—canoeing, kayaking, motorboating, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and paddleboarding. But there’s more than just underwater fun. Since it’s a key stop on the Atlantic Flyway, it’s also one of the best spots for birdwatching.
Where to Find the Best Views in the Park
Built in 1938, the 65-foot-tall Boca Chita Lighthouse offers the park’s best view of the Miami skyline. Located on Boca Chita Key, it’s only reachable by boat. The Biscayne National Park Institute (BNPI) offers eco-friendly tours that include stops at the key and lighthouse, like a half-day heritage cruise (79perperson)orafull−daysailingandsnorkelingtrip(79perperson)orafull−daysailingandsnorkelingtrip(199 per person). Check the NPS website for other approved tour operators. Note: At the time of writing, the Boca Chita Key Historic District was under maintenance, so check for closures before booking.
Where to Find the Best Hikes and Water Trails
Hikes:
For fewer crowds and better wildlife sightings (especially birds), the Black Point Jetty Trail is the better of the park’s two mainland trails. It starts at the south end of SW 8th Avenue and takes about an hour round-trip from the parking lot. Afterward, you can grab lunch or sunset cocktails at the nearby Black Point Ocean Grill.
On Elliott Key, the Spite Highway Trail runs seven miles and is one of the best places to spot the rare Schaus swallowtail butterfly. The trail got its name in the 1960s when frustrated developers, protesting the park’s creation, bulldozed a path straight through the island. The trail starts near the Elliott Key Campground, about halfway down the island.
Water Trails:
With so much open water, the Elliott Key Paddling Trail is the most challenging of the park’s four official canoe/kayak routes. But the Crocodile Creek Paddling Trail gives you a closer look at Biscayne’s wildlife—a 3.75-mile round trip that winds through dark, narrow mangroves south of the visitor center. Both routes launch from the small beach near the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
For snorkelers and divers, the Biscayne Maritime Heritage Trail links six shipwrecks inside the park—from the steamship Arratoon Apcar (wrecked in 1878) to the schooner Mandalay (sunk in 1966). The trail stretches from just south of Key Biscayne to the bottom of Elliott Key.
Where to Find the Best Wildlife Spotting
Biscayne National Park is home to an incredible variety of animals—sea turtles, elusive American crocodiles, manatees, bottlenose dolphins, over 600 fish species, and hundreds of bird species.
The Biscayne Birding Trail includes 10 stops at islands, mangroves, jetties, and reef lights where paddlers can spot birds. BNPI also offers a Jones Lagoon trip, taking visitors to a remote part of the park known for nesting birds (like the roseate spoonbill), sea turtles, and baby sharks.
If you don’t have a boat, the best way to see staghorn coral, elkhorn coral, and tropical fish is through BNPI’s scuba and snorkel tours.
Best Things to Do for Families
The Convoy Point Jetty Trail, near the visitor center, is an easy 0.8-mile loop (mostly on a boardwalk), perfect for young kids or strollers.
Ranger Strom recommends the Junior Ranger and Reef Ranger programs. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center also has a “touch table” where kids can handle corals, animal bones, and sponges to learn about the park’s ecosystems.
BNPI offers guided activities for kids 8+, like small-group snorkeling and combo snorkel-sail-paddle trips. Some, like the snorkel and paddle eco-adventure, are for ages 12+.
Where to Stay in Biscayne National Park
Camping: The only overnight option is tent camping on Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key—both only reachable by private boat.
Elliott Key has 40 campsites, and Boca Chita has 21, all first-come, first-served (book through Recreation.gov). Both have docks, restrooms, and grills; Elliott Key also has showers, picnic tables, and drinking water. Fees are 25/nightforcamping∗∗or∗∗25/nightforcamping∗∗or∗∗35 for boat docking + camping.
Hotels: The closest indoor stays are in Homestead, where several hotels near Campbell Drive and the turnpike are just 15 minutes from the visitor center.
What Else You Should Know
Fishing: Anglers 16+ need a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) license. Some areas are closed to fishing—check the NPS website for details.
Boating: The park’s waters are open 24/7, but review the boating guidelines for marinas, safety, and tides before heading out.
Going Car-Free: The Homestead National Parks Trolley (weekends, late November–April) connects to Miami-Dade buses for visitors without a car.
Planning Ahead: Since most of the park is boat-access only, book tours or camping in advance. In summer, bring bug spray—Biscayne’s mosquitoes are relentless. Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is a must for swimmers.
Are Pets Allowed?
Service animals are welcome. Pets are only allowed at Convoy Point (not inside the visitor center) and on Elliott Key—never on Boca Chita Key, even on boats. They must be leashed (max 6 feet), and owners must clean up after them. Full pet policy here.
Accessibility
The Homestead National Parks Trolley is wheelchair-friendly and free. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center has ramps, elevators, ADA restrooms, Braille brochures, and wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. The Convoy Point Jetty Trail is also wheelchair-friendly, and some boat tours accommodate mobility devices.