The iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse, a historical gem at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, is temporarily closed for renovations starting September 3, 2024. Despite this, the park continues to offer numerous attractions and experiences for visitors seeking both leisure and learning opportunities.
Situated just minutes away from downtown Miami at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, especially from its historic lighthouse. Although the lighthouse is undergoing renovations, visitors can still enjoy the park’s other features.
The fishing piers at the park have also been closed for repairs since September 11, 2023. As the park experiences high visitor traffic on weekends and holidays, it is advisable for guests to arrive early, as the park’s capacity is limited. Once full, access is restricted for at least two hours, affecting vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park holds historical significance, marking a site of refuge and freedom for Seminole Indians, fugitive slaves, and Black Seminoles during its storied past. Today, visitors can explore the park by foot, bicycle, boat, or kayak, relishing the picturesque sunsets over Biscayne Bay.
The park offers guided tours of the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage, a rare opportunity to delve into the area’s deep history, although these are currently unavailable due to the closure. Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Lighthouse Café, known for its fresh meals and comfortable setting, making it ideal for a casual dining experience while in the park.
Among the various activities available are bicycling, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, rollerblading, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The park is equipped with amenities such as picnic pavilions, restrooms, shower stations, and water fountains to enhance the visitor experience.
Due to natural phenomena such as wind and waves, the park’s barrier islands act as significant natural forces, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The park also hosts a program for banding songbirds, providing data on over 29,000 birds migrating from the U.S. to Peru since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Recognized by the Florida Black Heritage Trail and the National Register of Historic Places, the park remains a preserved piece of the state’s rich heritage. The commitment to research and conservation is highlighted by individuals like Elizabeth Gold, honored for excellence in research, and the Greener Initiative volunteer group.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park continues to be a vibrant recreational and historical site, offering a blend of education, history, and nature for all visitors. Despite temporary closures, the park remains a key destination for those looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty and historical significance.
Source: FloridaStateParks
