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A Family Day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Lighthouse, Beach, and Bikes

Key Biscayne's southern tip holds one of Florida's most complete family parks: a historic lighthouse, a mile of Atlantic beach, and bikes to ride between them.

By Nanci Gilbert, PA September 28, 2026
Header image for "A Family Day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Lighthouse, Beach, and Bikes"

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, at 1200 South Crandon Boulevard, covers the southern tip of Key Biscayne and packs an unusual amount of variety into one outing. A historic lighthouse, a mile of Atlantic beach, picnic pavilions, bike rentals, and two restaurants make it an easy full-day destination for South Florida families.

The lighthouse is the landmark

The Cape Florida Light, built in 1825, is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, and its grounds and tours are among the park's biggest draws. Tours are free with park entry on most days of the week, though the schedule has been adjusted at times for repairs and king tides. Check the official park page before planning a climb, and arrive early in the day to avoid the heat at the top.

A mile of Atlantic beach, no lifeguards

Roughly a mile and a quarter of Atlantic beach runs along the park, with restrooms, showers, and drinking fountains nearby. There are no lifeguards, so families swim at their own risk; mornings tend to be calmer than afternoons. The park also keeps beach wheelchairs available at no charge on a first-come basis, making the shore accessible to more families.

Bikes, quads, and a flat path

The concession rents single bikes for about $10 an hour and quad bikes that can carry two adults plus small children in a basket, along with kayaks, paddleboards, and beach chairs. A smooth, mostly flat 1.5-mile path connects the parking areas, the beach, and the lighthouse grounds, which makes it one of the easiest rides in the county for young cyclists.

Picnic pavilions, a playground, and two restaurants

Coral-rock picnic pavilions with grills and tables sit under the trees, a playground keeps younger children busy, and two on-site restaurants cover food: the Lighthouse Café near the beach and Boater's Grill at No Name Harbor. Many families pack a cooler, claim a shaded table, and let the bikes and the water set the pace for the day.

Know before you go

The park opens daily at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown, 365 days a year. Entrance fees are $8 per vehicle with two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, and $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. On weekends and holidays the park can fill and close temporarily, so arriving before 10 a.m. is the surest way in. Dogs on a leash are welcome in most areas, and the park's phone number, (786) 582-2673, is the quickest way to check current conditions.

Nanci Gilbert, PA is a South Florida realtor who guides buyers and sellers across Miami-Dade and Broward. Questions about this topic? She answers every message within one business day.