Hiking in the Biscayne Bay area

Resources

Resources for exploring the area

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Exploring Biscayne Bay

A playground for paddlers, boaters, divers, snorkelers, and anglers in Miami, Biscayne Bay is a shallow estuary bounded by barrier islands and coral reefs, stretching from the Oleta River to Key Largo.

Protected by both federal status (in Biscayne National Park) and state status as the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, it formed between ridges as sea levels rose, and now covers more than 63,000 acres.

More than 50 islands in the bay are a part of Biscayne National Park, while the larger islands – like Key Biscayne and Star Island – are heavily populated areas in the Miami metro.

Best Trails and Parks on Biscayne Bay

Biscayne National Park Florida's largest offshore park, Biscayne National Park protects living coral reefs and islands that are the northernmost part of the Florida Keys

View from lighthouse of beachgoers with Miami skyline in background

Cape Florida State Park A popular destination for sun worshipers, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has a long strand of beachfront complimenting trails along Biscayne Bay and a historic lighthouse at the point.

Crandon Park With two miles of oceanfront on Biscayne Bay, Crandon Park melds a classic Miami beach experience with an immersion in nature.

The Deering Estate The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-Dade county park, preserves both the historic buildings and a remnant of the Addison Hammock, a pine rockland along the old road following Cutler Ridge.

Matheson Hammock Park A tropical retreat along the coast of Coral Gables, Matheson Hammock Park has two distinct sides: a wild slice of the ancient Miami Hammock and a waterfront with a man-made atoll on Biscayne Bay.

View between trees of aquamarine water at beach

Oleta River State Park Camping cabins and mountain biking in Miami? You'll find them along with the expected beautiful beaches and paddle launches along the north shore of Biscayne Bay.

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