The original lighthouse was built in 1825 and later destroyed during the Second Seminole War in 1836.
The current lighthouse tower was rebuilt in 1846 and functioned until its decommissioning in 1878.
The park was named after Bill Baggs, a former editor of The Miami News who campaigned for the land's preservation as a public park rather than private development.
The site served as a vital departure point for freedom-seeking enslaved people escaping to the Bahamas via the Underground Railroad in the 19th century.
The park's seawall is a popular destination for catching snapper and grouper.
The park grounds contain a re-created historic lightkeeper’s dwelling reflecting the 19th-century aesthetic.
The beach is one of the few locations in Miami where the natural dune system remains relatively intact.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne and features the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, the Cape Florida Lighthouse. The park offers over one mile of natural Atlantic beachfront, consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States. Visitors can access the lighthouse via guided tours, which provide views across the Florida Keys and the Atlantic Ocean. The park's ecosystem includes native tropical vegetation, dunes, and coastal scrub that support diverse bird species. Fishing is permitted in designated areas along the seawall, which offers deep-water access without the need for a boat. Facilities include multiple picnic pavilions, bicycle rentals, and two oceanfront restaurants. The park is a major stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Unlike many Miami beaches, this park preserves a largely undeveloped shoreline, limiting high-rise visual impact.
The base of the lighthouse looking upward, or the view from the lighthouse gallery deck.
Rent a bicycle at the park entrance to traverse the paved paths and reach the lighthouse and remote beach areas faster.
Bring a polarized lens for your camera or sunglasses to better view the marine life often visible near the seawall.
Arrive early on weekends, as the park reaches capacity and closes to incoming traffic once parking lots are full.
Do not swim outside of the designated lifeguard-protected zones, as currents near the southern tip can be unpredictable.
Lighthouse tours are offered only on specific days of the week, typically excluding Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Do not climb on the dunes, as they are protected to prevent erosion; stay on designated paths and boardwalks.
