Biscayne National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Florida’s tropical wilderness. This park has something for everyone, from vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to lush mangrove forests and pristine islands. Join me as we dive into the enchanting world of Biscayne National Park and uncover its many treasures.
Overview of Biscayne National Park
Discover the wonders of nature at Biscayne National Park, where you can explore a vast array of native fish species in one of the world’s largest coral reefs. Located near downtown Miami, this park offers activities such as boating, snorkeling, camping, and wildlife watching.
Biscayne National Park is home to Biscayne Bay, known as a premier scuba diving destination in the U.S. The park covers more than 90% water area and features a rich mangrove forest, a section of the third longest living coral reef in the world, and the northernmost Florida Keys.
While the main focus of Biscayne National Park is its natural beauty, it also preserves the history of human habitation spanning over 10,000 years. Evidence of native peoples’ use can be found on almost every island within the park, while underwater lie the remnants of numerous shipwrecks. The Maritime Heritage Trail in the park allows visitors to explore six shipwrecks from different eras and vessel types, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Things to do in Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park offers many opportunities and exciting activities for visitors to experience the park to its fullest.
Snorkeling and Diving
Dive into the turquoise waters of Biscayne National Park and discover a world of underwater wonders. From vibrant coral reefs to sunken shipwrecks, the park’s pristine waters offer some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the United States. Swim alongside tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the elusive manatee as you explore this underwater paradise.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Explore the park’s mangrove forests and shallow bays by kayak or paddleboard and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Paddle through winding waterways lined with mangrove trees, spotting native wildlife such as birds, dolphins, and stingrays. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice, Biscayne National Park offers endless opportunities for adventure on the water.
Outdoor Activities
Biscayne National Park offers various recreational activities such as fishing, diving, snorkeling, wildlife watching, and boating. Visitors can explore coral reefs and undeveloped Florida keys, join island tours, camp, or hike on Elliott Key. For a more relaxing time, visitors can take a stroll on the jetty trail, have a picnic by the water, or relax on the visitor center porch.
Since most of the park is underwater with limited paved roads, a watercraft is necessary to access many areas.
Indoor Activities
The park provides a range of free programs and activities that typically start at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, which includes a gallery and museum. The museum showcases the park’s four ecosystems through exhibits, sound, and video presentations. Various films are shown to showcase different aspects of the park and introduce its marvels. Children of all ages will have many things to explore and can begin working towards earning a junior ranger badge.
Artists have been essential in raising awareness and promoting the protection of national parks. The visitor center gallery serves as a platform for contemporary artists who draw inspiration from the park’s beauty to exhibit their artwork.
Places to Stay in Biscayne National Park
When planning your visit to Biscayne National Park, consider staying at one of the nearby accommodations to make the most of your experience. From cozy campgrounds to luxury resorts, there are options to suit every budget and preference. Wake up to breathtaking views of the sunrise over the bay and spend your days exploring the wonders of the park before retiring to your comfortable accommodations for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Camping
The park has two campgrounds on islands, Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key. Access to these islands is only possible by boat and there are no services available on the islands.
Boca Chita Key is the more popular island in the park, offering beautiful waterfront views, a grassy camping area, picnic tables, and grills. There are toilets but no showers, sinks, or drinking water. The harbor entrance at low tide is about four feet deep.
Elliott Key is the largest island in the park, providing restrooms with sinks and cold water showers, picnic tables, and grills. Drinking water is available, but it’s recommended to bring your own as a precaution in case the system fails. The harbor at Elliott Key is around 2 ½ feet deep at low tide, and there are 33 boat slips in the marina.
Hotels and Resorts
Discover a range of hotels and resorts located in the vibrant communities surrounding Biscayne National Park. Choose from waterfront properties offering stunning views of the bay, upscale amenities, and convenient access to local attractions.
Fairway Inn Florida City (2.5-star)
The Fairway Inn offers 160 rooms with amenities such as air conditioning, cable TV, microwave, refrigerator, iron/ironing board, laptop safe, and toiletries. Guests can also enjoy a lovely outdoor pool with a waterfall and access to a free business center equipped with a PC and printer. With its welcoming staff, tidy accommodations, convenient location, and affordable rates, the Fairway Inn is the ideal place to stay in sunny South Florida.
- Address: 100 SE 1st Ave, Florida City, FL 33034-5004
- Price Range: From $63/night depending on the season and demand
Best Western Gateway To The Keys (3-star)
Situated in Florida City, the Best Western Gateway To The Keys offers a tranquil and cozy environment for all travelers. Each Best Western hotel offers complimentary internet access, allowing guests to browse the web and check emails conveniently from their room or the business center. Emphasizing cleanliness and affordability, the hotel guarantees a comfortable and efficient stay. Additionally, the superior customer service at Best Western Gateway To The Keys ensures that all your needs are met and exceeded to provide a satisfying experience.
- Address: 411 S Krome Ave, Florida City, FL 33034-4913
- Price Range: From $81/night depending on the season and demand
Hampton Inn & Suites Homestead Miami South (3-star)
The Hampton Inn & Suites Miami South Homestead provides easy access to the best of South Florida’s attractions, beauty, and activities. Situated just 20 minutes from lively Miami Beach and 15 minutes from the peaceful Florida Keys, this hotel is an ideal choice for those looking to experience the sun and fun lifestyle of Florida. Guests can enjoy nearby recreational activities, entertainment, dining options, and shopping opportunities during their stay at this convenient location.
- Address: 2855 N.E. 9th Street, Homestead, FL 33033-5502
- Price Range: From $100/night depending on the season and demand
Dining
After a day of adventure, satisfy your hunger with a delicious meal inspired by the flavors of the tropics. Biscayne National Park offers a variety of dining options to suit every palate.
Shiver’s BBQ
Shiver’s BBQ, located in Homestead, FL, is a family-run restaurant that has been serving genuine hickory smoked barbecue for more than six decades. Specializing in slow-smoked meats like baby back ribs, pork spare ribs, beef ribs, chicken, beef brisket, and pork, Shiver’s takes pride in their traditional cooking methods. Some dishes, like pulled pork, are smoked for over 12 hours to guarantee a flavorful and tender dining experience with every bite.
- Address: 28001 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033-1308
- Open time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Prices range: $7 – $22
LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn in Homestead is a top choice for many visitors when it comes to dining out. Their steaks are consistently delicious, and the rest of the menu is just as impressive. Don’t forget to add the mushrooms to your steak order – they’re a must-try!
- Address: 2531 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33033
- Open time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Prices range: $5 – $20
Casavana Cuban Cuisine
Step into Casavana Cuban Cuisine and immerse yourself in the inviting ambiance that welcomes you with the delightful aromas and sounds of homestyle Cuban dishes. Whether you’re craving traditional Cuban favorites or looking to explore new flavors, Casavana is the perfect spot to savor some of the best cuisine Cuba has to offer.
- Address: 2814 NE 8th St, Homestead, FL 33033-5695
- Open time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Prices range: $9 – $15
Planning your Trip to Biscayne National Park
Before you embark on your journey to Biscayne National Park, it’s important to plan to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Visiting Time
Biscayne National Park is the 39th most visited national park out of 61, attracting over 446,961 visitors in 2017. The prime time to visit is from January to April when the weather is pleasant.
However, summer can get pretty sticky with high humidity, lots of mosquitoes, and frequent thunderstorms. Fall brings hurricane season, which can be intense and unpredictable.
Despite the weather challenges, Biscayne National Park is famous for its fantastic snorkeling, scuba diving, paddling, and sailing opportunities.
Transportation
Visiting Biscayne National Park is a must for any nature enthusiast. With its stunning marine life, beautiful islands, and rich history, it’s a paradise waiting to be explored. However, getting to this national park, which is mostly water, requires a bit of planning.
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to reach Biscayne National Park. The park’s main entrance is at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, located at Convoy Point.
While driving is the easiest way to reach the park, there are public transportation options available. Take the Metrorail to the Dadeland South station. From there, transfer to Bus Route 38 (West Kendall Transitway) which will take you to Homestead. Once in Homestead, you can use a taxi or ride-sharing service to reach the park entrance.
Biscayne National Park is unique because most of it is water, so arriving by boat is also a fantastic option.
Congaree National Park Map
Conclusion
In conclusion, Biscayne National Park is a true gem of the Florida Keys, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature and explore the wonders of the tropics. Whether you’re snorkeling through vibrant coral reefs, paddling through mangrove forests, or simply soaking in the sunshine on a pristine beach, this park has something for everyone to enjoy.
FAQs of Biscayne National Park
Yes, Biscayne National Park offers activities for visitors of all ages, making it the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy outdoor adventures together.
Yes, the park offers a variety of guided tours led by knowledgeable rangers, including snorkeling excursions, kayak tours, and nature walks.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own snorkeling and diving gear or rent equipment from authorized vendors near the park.
While there are no accommodations within the park itself, there are plenty of options for lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hotels, and vacation rentals.
The winter months are typically the best time to visit Biscayne National Park, as the weather is mild and the waters are calm, making it ideal for snorkeling, diving, and other outdoor activities.
Pets are welcome in certain areas of the park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times and not be allowed on beaches or in the water for their safety and the protection of wildlife.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Biscayne National Park, which helps support conservation efforts and maintenance of park facilities.