Biscayne National Park
- Wild Dirt
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Biscayne National Park Travel Guide
Imagine stepping into a tropical aquarium the size of a city. Biscayne National Park protects aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejeweled coral reefs along the coast of southeast Florida. With 95 percent of its area underwater, the park preserves mangrove shorelines, shallow seagrass beds, and the northernmost Florida Reef, attracting snorkelers, boaters, and anglers to a watery world steeped in over 10,000 years of human history.
“Most of Biscayne lives below the surface.”
How to Get There
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead is about 35 miles south of Miami. From the Florida Turnpike, take exit 6 (Speedway Boulevard) and drive south to SW 328th Street; continue four miles east to the park entrance. From U.S. 1, follow signs through Homestead. Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are the closest airports to the area. Once at the visitor center, you'll need a boat to explore Biscayne Bay; tour boats and kayak rentals depart from the marina. Many visitors stay in Miami and make day trips to the park.
Know Before You Go
There is no entrance fee to Biscayne, but campers must pay $35 per night plus a $25 docking fee at Boca Chita and Elliott Key campgrounds. The park is open year-round, yet services may be curtailed after hurricanes. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and plenty of water; summer humidity is intense. Watch for stingrays and barracudas while snorkeling, and avoid touching corals. Check for seasonal closures of key or reef areas due to restoration work.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from December through April offers mild temperatures, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. This is also high season, so book boats in advance. Summer (May–October) is hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms and the threat of hurricanes, but the waters are warm, and the winds are calmer; this shoulder season is ideal for underwater visibility. Fall (September–November) sees fewer visitors and is a peaceful time to paddle the mangroves.
Best Things to Do
Join a guided boat tour to Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key, where you can explore the historic lighthouse or hike nature trails. Snorkel or scuba dive above the coral reefs and shipwrecks, spotting tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and gentle nurse sharks. Paddle a kayak or canoe through mangrove-lined creeks to observe manatees and birds. Stroll the Jetty Trail near the visitor center for wildlife viewing and sunset vistas.
Best Hikes
Spite Trail (0.8 mile, easy): A mangrovelined boardwalk on Elliott Key exploring a tropical hardwood hammock.
Boca Chita Key Loop (0.5 mile, easy): Walk around the island to the lighthouse and picnic area.
Convoy Point Jetty Trail (0.5 mile, easy): Located at the visitor center, this paved path offers scenic views of Biscayne Bay and features interpretive signs.
Fishing Marker Kayak Route (variable, moderate): Paddle along marked channels through shallow seagrass flats; wildlife sightings abound.
Places to Stay
The park's two campgrounds are situated on islands accessible only by boat. Boca Chita Key offers basic sites with picnic tables and grills, but no drinking water or showers. Elliott Key's campground is larger, featuring restrooms, cold-water showers, and accessible drinking water. Both operate on a first-come, first-served basis; fees are payable via recreation.gov. Most visitors opt for hotels in Miami; The Elser Hotel Downtown Miami features modern rooms and a rooftop pool near the marina.
Places to Eat
There are no food services available in the park, so please bring your own snacks or meals. Nearby Homestead and Miami offer Cuban bakeries (try pastelitos and cafecito at Porto's), seafood restaurants (like La Camaronera), and upscale dining in Coral Gables. The Redland Market Village sells fresh produce perfect for picnic lunches.
Fast Facts
Location: Southern Florida, Biscayne Bay
Area: ~173,000 acres (95 % water)
Established: 1980
Visitors:~700,000 annually
Headquarters: Homestead, FL
Tags: Marine, Coral Reef, Island, Tropical
