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Boca Chita Key, Biscayne National Park

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

Homestead      ( 25.464522, -80.335498 )      

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Protecting the fragile coral reefs and islands of the northernmost of the Upper Keys, Biscayne National Park encompasses more than 270 square miles between Miami and Key Largo.

More than 95% of the park protects the shallows of Biscayne Bay. With a mangrove coastline, small islands rising from the shallows, and coral reefs between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a fascinating destination for anyone who loves the water.

You can paddle into the park from a variety of launch points stretching from Cape Florida State Park at Key Biscayne to Convoy Point in Homestead, but to visit the islands themselves – which are geologically part of the Florida Keys – you’ll need to hop on a boat.

Tours offered by the Biscayne National Park Institute are the best way to visit the park. There are guided snorkeling and paddling tours.

There is also a historic tour of Stiltsville and a daily boat cruise to Boca Chita Key direct from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Tour prices start at $44 and advance reservations are necessary.


Resources

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover The Hiking Trails of Floridas National Forests Parks Preserves book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.


Location


Planning Your Trip

Located in Homestead, near the south end of the park, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is your starting point for both learning about the park’s ecosystems and looking into ways to explore the park.

Extensive exhibits explain the habitats of Biscayne Bay, from the sea grass beds and coral reefs to the tropical hammocks and mangrove shorelines, while the visitor center and its nearby nature trail offer views across the open waters.

No entrance fees are charged for Biscayne National Park. Campgrounds are available on Boca Chica Key and Elliott Key. Both can only be reached by boat.

Restrooms are available but it’s recommend you bring your own drinking water, and a method of protecting your food from thieving raccoons.

$25 per night camping fee includes boat docking and tent site for a maximum of six people, two tents. Exact change required, payable at kiosk at boat dock. No reservations are taken.

Camping and docking fees are waived between May 1-September 30. Note that during these months, mosquitoes are extremely intense on the islands. Pets are only permitted at the Elliott Key campground.


Inside the Park

North Elliott Key and Biscayne Bay

Elliott Key

In the northernmost of the Florida Keys, Elliott Key is the most remote place in Florida where you can take a hike in the shadow of a major city.


Articles

toxic trees florida

Florida’s Toxic Trees

June 22, 2019

Southeast Florida is home to two poisonous trees, the poisonwood and the manchineel. Learn how to recognize them so you don’t get too close, and find out how truly dangerous they are.

Playalinda Beach

Celebrate National Park Week

April 20, 2019

April 21 kicks off a week-long nationwide celebration of America’s National Parks, starting with fee-free admission on Saturday April 21. Get outdoors and explore Florida’s National Parks, your public lands!

 
ALL Articles


Preserves along Biscayne Bay

Cape Florida State Park

Cape Florida State Park

A popular destination for sun worshipers, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is an easy getaway for most folks in the Miami area, with a long strand of beachfront complimenting trails along Biscayne Bay and a historic lighthouse at the point.

Crandon Park

Crandon Park

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

Deering Estate homes

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.

Palms along an atoll

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.

 
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NEARBY: Coral Gables, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Key Biscayne, Key Largo, Florida Keys, Miami | PART OF: Southeast Florida

Category: Access by water, Camping, Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Day Hikes, Destinations, Hikes, Launch Points, National Parks, Nature Centers, Nature Trails, Paddling, Parks, Southeast FloridaTag: Biscayne Bay, Biscayne National Park, Boating, Fishing, Florida Keys, Homestead, Key Largo, Lighthouses, Locations, Miami, National Parks, Primitive Camping, Scuba, Snorkeling

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Our recent park & trail updates in this region

Broad sand road through sandhill habitat

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park

Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park
Well worn path through a wet pine flatwoods landscape

DuPuis Loop Trail

DuPuis Loop Trail
Bike along bike path in greenway

East Coast Greenway Stuart

East Coast Greenway Stuart
Nature trail in pine-palm forest

Gomez Preserve

Gomez Preserve

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