Biscayne National Park near Miami, Florida, is a park that may have escaped your radar. I know that we hadn’t seriously considered visiting until we began planning a trip to Florida, and I’m sure we’re not the only family to consider trips to parks like Rocky Mountain NP and the Grand Canyon ahead of Biscayne.
We should’ve known better.
If there’s anything we’ve learned in our recent visits to America’s National Parks, it’s that each one of the 59 parks have their own surprises, and whatever expectations you may have going in will likely be pushed aside as soon as you step foot in the park. Biscayne is no different.
While it may not be the largest, or most popular, its beauty and uniqueness might have you a little awe-struck, and just like the rest of America’s National Parks, you’ll have a lot of fun exploring it. Absolutely put it on your list to visit this year!
What to do at Biscayne National Park
Amazing water activities at Biscayne National Park
Exploring Biscayne National Park by land
Where is Biscayne National Park located?
Biscayne National Park Hours
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What to see and things to do in Biscayne National Park
Get out on the water!
This park is all about water. In fact, 95% of the park is water and 90% of visitors enter the park by boat according to their website. With only one mile of road in the park itself, you’ll want to plan for some time either out on or below the water. Here are some activities that you can enjoy during your visit.
Boating
Boating is the best way to get around Biscayne National Park. Boats can be chartered, or, if you have your own, go for it!
In addition to exploring Biscayne Bay, plan some time to get out and explore some of the small islands in the park. Boca Chita Key is the most popular, and is where you’ll find the historic 1930’s lighthouse that offers up fantastic views of the area. You can also take a hike around the island on the hiking trail, and even stay overnight at the campground if you choose.
Elliott Key is the largest of the park’s islands and offers up hiking, overnight camping, picnicking, and swimming. Finally, Adams Key is open for day use, and was once a retreat for several U.S. Presidents. All three can be reached by boat, and experienced kayakers may enjoy paddling over to the islands as well.
Looking for a little more inspiration?
Check out National Parks of America by Lonely Planet. It’s one of our very favorite coffee table books on the parks. It hits the highlights of each park and has great photography throughout to get you inspired.
Biscayne National Park Kayaking and Paddling
Exploring the park by canoe or kayak is an excellent way to explore Biscayne National Park. The park’s shallows don’t allow for larger boats to get around, so paddlers are free to enjoy these parts of the park at their leisure. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available to rent at the visitor center.
To reserve a kayak, canoe, or guided tour, visit the Biscayne National Park Institute site here.
Paddling guides and trail maps for Biscayne National Park
Check here for tips and guides to paddling around Biscayne National Park including detailed trail maps for several areas.
Biscayne National Park Fishing and Lobstering
With so much water, saltwater fishing is clearly a top activity for visitors to do while visiting Biscayne National Park. What you may not know is that Biscayne is home to the Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary. Even though you can’t take lobsters from the sanctuary, spiny lobster can be fished in other areas around Biscayne. For another unique experience, consider a bow or spear fishing excursion which can be booked through local tour operators.
If you don’t have time to get out on the water, families can fish right off the shoreline near the visitor center. We saw plenty of fish swimming around while we were there, so give it a shot!
Click here for more information on fishing and lobstering in and around Biscayne National Park.
Snorkeling in Biscayne National Park
Snorkeling is available throughout the park, but the most unique and interesting place to do it might be the Maritime Heritage Trail, an underwater trail of shipwrecks and sea life running through the park. The trail is accessible by boat, so plan on a guided tour to visit the trail. Those who are SCUBA-certified and wanting to take a closer look can do so.
Click here for more information on the Maritime Heritage Trail.
Don’t forget plenty of sunscreen!
Sun Bum is our favorite. It works great, has a nice scent, and is hypoallergenic and paraben free. Most importantly, it’s made with reef-safe ingredients which is now more important that ever – especially if you’re going to be snorkeling around coral.
Biscayne Beaches
Swimming beaches exist all around the park, including at the marinas listed above. We actually explored the park on foot where you can find places to swim and take in the incredible scenery at your leisure. We saw several families kayaking around the visitor center and swimming in the shallow water just off the boardwalk. There are plenty of sandy spots and rocky shallows to explore and get your feet wet, so kick off your shoes and enjoy!
Love National Parks? Read more about all of Florida's National Parks here.
Biscayne National Park camping
There are two campgrounds at Biscayne. One is on Elliott Key and the other is on Boca Chita Key. Cost is $25 per night.
Remember, you can only arrive to these campgrounds by boat, so plan accordingly. Also, there is no trash collection, so you must pack out all trash, and Elliott Key is the only campground that allows ground fires. Elliott Key is the ‘nicer’ of the two with bathrooms, sinks, and cold water showers. Boca Chita Key has toilets, but no sinks or showers.
Interested in another nearby National Park?
Biscayne National Park to Everglades National Park is less than and hour’s drive from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, so if you’re here already and have the time, we highly recommend a visit. It’s a fascinating park, and you can explore it on bicycle, tram, or even air boat!
Check out our post on visiting Everglades National Park for more details!
P.S. Book an air boat tour. It’s the best!
Exploring Biscayne National Park by land
If you’re just swinging through the park and don’t want to spend a day out on the water, there is still plenty to do for casual visitors. In fact, that’s how we explored Biscayne. We were visiting Biscayne and Everglades National Park in the same day, and we found a visit of just a few hours was fun and interesting.
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center
If you’re unlucky like us (or waited too long to book), the boat tours may be full during your visit. If that’s the case, there is plenty to experience around the park on foot. Start your visit in the Dante Fascell Visitor Center for passport stamps, information about the park, maps, and other information.
Be sure to take a look around as they have some nice exhibits and galleries. As always, the staff if helpful and willing to answer all your questions!
Dante Fascell Visitor Center Hours
The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5. p.m. and closed on Christmas Day.
Hiking around the boardwalks and trails
Set off from the visitor center and walk the trails and boardwalks for great views of Biscayne Bay and Miami off in the distance. We had a great morning (albeit hot and muggy) exploring the beaches and hiking around the mangroves.
Obviously being out on the water would be a better bet, but it was holiday weekend, and we just waited too long to book anything.
Don’t make the same mistake!
Make sure you book any boat tours early. Check here for availability.
Important information about Biscayne National Park
Where is Biscayne National Park located?
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located 9 miles east of Homestead Florida and about 1.5 hours’ drive from Miami. Check out our Google map for directions on how to get to Biscayne National Park. Homestead, Florida to Biscayne National Park is about a 30 minute drive.
Why not add on a weekend in Miami?
We stayed in Miami as part of our trip to Biscayne National Park because we had never visited, and had a great time! It makes a great home base for exploring the park and also everything Miami has to offer families!
Hotels near Biscayne National Park
We stayed at the Hilton Cabana Bay which is a fairly new hotel right on Miami Beach. With pools and beach access, you can’t go wrong! For other hotels close to Biscayne National Park, take a look at nearby Homestead Florida. The options arent’ as nice, but you’ll be close to the park if that’s what you’re looking for.
Check here for the latest prices.
Biscayne National Park Hours
Dante Fascell Visitor Center – Open every day all year except Christmas Day 9-5
Convoy Point Grounds (around the visitor center) – open daily from 7-5
Park Waters – open year round 24 hours a day.
Adams Key – open for day use only.
Entry is free to the park!
Do you have a 4th grader in your family?
If you have a 4th grader in your family, sign up for the Every Kid In A Park pass from the National Park Service. It allows free admssion to many of America’s parks, monuments, and recreational ares fro free.
To find out more about this awesome program, see our post – Every Kid In A Park.
Biscayne National Park was a nice surprise in a trip filled with other great parks. Have you been? What did you enjoy about it?
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Visiting Florida soon? Check out our other posts on this great family destination!
– Visiting Key West with Kids
– Dry Tortugas National Park
– Everglades National Park
– Our Best Universal Orlando Tips
– Kennedy Space Center and Florida’s Space Coast
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