The Ultimate Guide to Biscayne National Park — Best Things To Do, See & Enjoy!

Biscayne National Park is mostly covered by water and is one of the largest marine parks in the nation. This national park brings in nearly 450,000 visitors each year who want to explore the mangrove forests, coral reefs, and stunning waters. Biscayne National Park is one of America’s treasures, and with an abundance of wildlife and shoreline, nature and outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting here.

How To Get to Biscayne National Park

Where Is Biscayne National Park?

Located in the Florida Keys, Biscayne National Park is only 30 miles from the lively city of Miami. This park comprises 172,924 acres, of which 95% are underwater. This marine park is accessed through the city of Homestead, Florida.

Nearest Airports to Biscayne National Park

Let’s take a look at the closest 2 airports to the park and see which one will work for your vacation needs. 

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 63 miles, a little over an hour, from Biscayne National Park. This airport isn’t the closest option, but it has several perks for those flying into the area.

FLL provides nonstop and connecting flights to and from dozens of locations around the world, servicing major airlines such as Air Canada, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, and United. 

Miami International Airport (MIA)

Miami International Airport is the most used airport for visitors to Biscayne National Park. This airport is 33 miles from the park, making it the closest and most convenient airport.

MIA offers nonstop and connecting flights to an endless list of destinations around the world. This airport services many well-known airlines, including American, Avianca Delta, Frontier, LATAM, and Southwest.

Bottom Line:

With its close proximity to Biscayne National Park and its long list of flight options, Miami International Airport makes an excellent choice when flying into the park area.

Driving to Biscayne National Park

Nothing says national park vacation like loading down the car with all your luggage and heading out for an epic road trip. For those wanting to set out for a trip to this national park by car, you are in for quite the experience.

Biscayne National Park is located in Homestead. This city is accessed from the Florida Turnpike or U.S. Highway 1. These routes will lead to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center where you can park and start your Biscayne National Park adventures.

Taking the Train to Biscayne National Park

A national park vacation by train is an exciting way to arrive. There is no direct train service to Biscayne National Park, but you can get very close when taking Amtrak to the Miami Amtrak Station or Brightline to the MiamiCentral Station. Both are around 36 miles from the park. Taking a train is an incredible way to enjoy the journey to the park and let someone else take over the stress of driving. 

Homestead National Parks Trolley

On the weekends from November through April, guests have the opportunity to utilize the Homestead National Parks Trolley. This trolley leaves from historic downtown Homestead and takes visitors to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and Homestead Bayfront Marina. This mode of transportation is a free service provided to both Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. 

Getting Around Biscayne National Park

The best way to get around Biscayne National Park is by boat. There are numerous guided boat tours available on a regular schedule at the park. Other ways to get around this marine park are by kayaking and canoeing. The National Park Service offers an interactive map on its website which will help you plan your outings at Biscayne National Park. 

What To See and Do in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park has a wide variety of activities to enjoy during your stay. From boat tours to island exploration, from hiking to fishing, there’s no shortage of activities at this national park.

Boat Activities

Boating is a popular activity at Biscayne National Park due to its 250 square miles of glistening waters. The park offers guided boat tours that teach about the park’s history, ecosystems, and wildlife and identifies major points of interest. Canoeing and kayaking are also available for adventure seekers who want to explore the park on the water. 

Boca Chita Key

Boca Chita Key is an island that is easily identified by the historic lighthouse that stands tall near the shore. This island is the most visited island in the park and is one of the 2 areas where camping is permitted. This island is excellent for exploring the iconic lighthouse, taking in the beautiful views, picnicking, and hiking. For the ultimate park experience, setting up camp for the night would be a magical way to enjoy the beauty of Biscayne National Park. 

Elliott Key

Elliott Key is the largest island in Biscayne National Park. This island is ideal for picnicking, viewing wildlife, and hiking. This is another island where camping is permitted. Elliott Key has a rich history of early pioneers that were pineapple farmers, wrecking, sponging, and other lifestyles. 

Fishing

Since Biscayne National Park is primarily an underwater park, this park is a fisherman’s paradise. An abundance of incredible fishing spots are located in the waters of Biscayne National Park.

Those who wish to participate in this activity must obtain a license and follow the park’s rules and regulations. One of the best fishing areas in Biscayne National Park is Blackpoint Marina. Some of the fish that can be caught in this park include barracuda, red drum, bonefish, and snook. 

Guided Tours

Participating in a guided tour at Biscayne National Park is an experience of a lifetime. The Biscayne National Park Institute works to provide eco-adventures like snorkeling to get a closer look at shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail. Other popular snorkeling adventures include exploring Anniversary Reef and the aquatic animals below the surface.

There are cruises to the island of Boca Chita Key, where visitors can learn and get a close view of the iconic lighthouse and discover the wonders of Jones Lagoon. There are several other companies that are authorized to operate in Biscayne National Park.

Hot Tip:

To learn more about the available tours and companies, you can visit the guided tour page provided by the National Park Service.

Hiking

Biscayne National Park has several trails for hiking enthusiasts to traverse. Most of the trails within the park are relatively easy and lead visitors through beautiful areas of the park, along the shore, and even to unique locations like the Colonial Bird Protection Area.

Nature Journaling Club

For creative guests who love nature, a special opportunity awaits you in Biscayne National Park. The Nature Journaling Club is a program led by a former Biscayne National Park Ranger and a current volunteer.

The Nature Journaling Club welcomes journalers of all levels to take part in this experience, and the park will provide materials if you decide to participate and don’t have supplies. Nature journaling is closely examining something and then sketching it, painting it, or writing about it.

The leader will teach about different aspects of Biscayne National Park on a short walk from Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Participants can set up near Convoy Point. The leader will show or teach about a specific plant, animal, or historic fact pertaining to Biscayne National Park, and then the journaling will begin.

Guests are encouraged to share their creations with the rest of the group and have a rich discussion about their products. This event is held 2 times a month, so if your visit coincides with the program, you should give it a go and get in touch with your creative side. You will leave with a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home to commemorate your adventures at Biscayne National Park.

Visitor Center

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is found on the mainland by the parking lot. The visitor center showcases interpretive and interactive displays that teach about the history and culture of the park. It features a 20-minute park video and is connected to the Biscayne National Park Institute. This center is a great starting point for your Biscayne National Park adventure. 

Tourists can also enjoy the Jetty Trail, which is a short walk along the shore lined with mangroves and ending at the Colonial Bird Protection Area. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center also has a magnificent gallery where park guests can view works of art by contemporary artists that have been inspired by Biscayne National Park. There are frequent shows where visitors can meet the artists who created these glorious masterpieces. 

Best Times To Visit Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is a wonderful park to visit no matter what time of year you plan to come. Below, you will find the best times to visit Biscayne National Park. Take a look and see if there is a particular time you’d like to plan your visit around. 

Best Time To Visit Biscayne National Park in Spring

The most popular time to visit Biscayne National Park is during the spring. The spring months have lovely temperatures, and the pesky insects haven’t arrived yet.

On top of having excellent weather and fewer insects, the lobstering season is still going on, and there is a higher chance of seeing wildlife at its peak. The best spring month to visit Biscayne National Park is in late March. A March trip is a chance to experience the park in its full glory. 

Best Time To Visit Biscayne National Park To Avoid the Crowds

A solitary national park trip is a wonderful experience. Visiting when the crowds have disappeared allows visitors to enjoy the park at their own pace and not have to worry about others interfering with the experience.

If you are hoping to visit Biscayne National Park when the crowds have dwindled down, you should plan to come during the month of November. This is when hurricane season begins, making the park a quiet place to retreat.

Bottom Line:

If you are up to the risk of experiencing some severe weather, a November trip will be worth your while to avoid the crowds.

Best Time To Visit Biscayne National Park for Lobstering

Lobstering is a popular activity in Biscayne National Park. The lobstering season is from August to March each year. Still, if you are looking for the best time to participate in this activity, the best time to visit is in September. The summer crowds dissipate in September, making the chance of bringing in an excellent lobster haul even better. 

Cheapest Time To Visit Biscayne National Park

The cheapest time to visit Biscayne National Park is in November. This is the time when flight and accommodation rates are low, making it an opportune time to visit and save money at the same time. Since this is when hurricane season begins, many guests are deterred from visiting the park.

Annual Events in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park offers an assortment of events and programs on a regular schedule throughout the year. Take a look at some of the popular events offered yearly at Biscayne National Park. 

Family Fun Fest

The Biscayne National Park Family Fun Fest kicks off each year in December. This event has been taking for over 20 years. This event aims to connect the local community to the park with family-friendly activities involving art, science, and games. There is even a Family Fest Junior geared toward toddlers so that they can also experience the fun. 

Lobster Mini-Season

Lobster Mini-Season is a 2-day event that takes place on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. This is a great event for visitors who are unable to visit the park during the regular lobster season.

Lobstering Mini-Season starts at midnight on Wednesday and ends at 11:59 pm on Thursday. If you want to try lobstering and can’t make it to Biscayne National Park, try to plan your trip around Lobster Mini-Season for an exciting adventure.

National Park Week

National Park Week is an event that all national parks celebrate each year in April. This is an extraordinary week at Biscayne National Park. This event takes place each year in mid-April.

Every year, the park has a different theme, so if you plan to participate in this exciting event, be sure to check the park’s website or social media pages to come prepared for the event. There are daily guided programs and special workshops, and guest speakers for you to enjoy and learn from during this week. 

Where To Stay In and Near Biscayne National Park

There is an abundance of places to stay in and near Biscayne National Park. Whether you prefer camping in the great outdoors or staying in a resort, you can find precisely what you are looking for in the park or in one of the nearby towns.

Inside the Park

For visitors who want to stay inside the park boundaries, the only option is to set up for a night of camping. There are 2 islands within the park where camping is permitted. These campgrounds are only accessible by boat, and there are no services available on them. Let’s take a look at each of these campgrounds to see if either would work for your Biscayne National Park vacation. 

Boca Chita Key

The most famous island in Biscayne National Park is Boca Chita Key. This island showcases some of the most beautiful waterfront views. This campground has a grassy area for camping, picnic tables, and grills. There are also toilets available, but there are no sinks, showers, or drinking water available. 

To camp in Boca Chita Key, there are camping fees as well as docking fees that must be paid prior to your visit. Camping on an island underneath a sky of twinkling stars is a magical experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. 

Elliott Key

The largest island in Biscayne National Park is Elliott Key. This island features a campground that makes a perfect home away from home while visiting the park.

The campground at Elliott Key features restrooms with sinks and showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and grills. Hiking trails and fishing spots are also a lovely feature of this island. For those wanting to stay on Elliott Key, camping and docking fees are required before setting up camp. 

Bottom Line:

Camping on Elliott Key is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Biscayne National Park. 

Towns Near Biscayne National Park

There are several towns close to Biscayne National Park. These towns make excellent locations for setting up a base camp near the park, and each has lots to offer when it comes to food, entertainment, and lodging. Let’s explore the 3 closest cities to Biscayne National Park.

Florida City, Florida

Florida City is less than 10 miles from Biscayne National Park. This city has an abundance of options for lodging, dining, and recreation.

Accommodations in Florida City include campgrounds, chain hotels, resorts, and private rentals. No matter what you are searching for, you can find it in Florida City, as hundreds of facilities are available. This city has a nice blend of chain and locally owned restaurants. There are authentic cultural restaurants, burger joints, and gourmet dining rooms everywhere you look. 

Recreation draws in many visitors to this city. Some of the top attractions include visiting Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, outlet shopping, and museums. With so much to see and do in Florida City, as well as its proximity to Biscayne National Park, setting up a base camp in this town makes perfect sense. 

Hot Tip:

Prefer to stay in the Florida Keys? Check out our recommendations for the best boutique hotels in the Florida Keys.

Homestead, Florida

Many visitors to Biscayne National Park stay in the city of Homestead. This town is one of the closest options to the park and is less than 10 miles away. Homestead has a small-town atmosphere with many amenities of a big city. 

This town has a wide variety of lodging options for guests who want to stay near the park. Some of these options include cabins, condos, private houses, and hotel rooms. There are many chain hotels in this city, which is where most people choose to lodge during their stay.

Food enthusiasts are in for a treat when staying in Homestead. This town has an outstanding mixture of restaurants serving cultural foods, classic American dishes, and local favorites. Many of the restaurants in Homestead serve unique specialties that can’t be found in ordinary restaurants. 

Homestead is in a great location for recreation and entertainment. It is very close to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. There is also a speedway for those who love racing, golf courses, and exciting tours of alligator farms.

Bottom Line:

There’s no shortage of options for lodging, dining, and activities in Homestead. This city is an ideal location for setting up a home away from home near Biscayne National Park.

Miami

Miami is a lively city that is 37 miles from Biscayne National Park. This city is great for setting up a home base near Biscayne National Park, especially if you enjoy culture, arts, and nightlife. Miami has hundreds of options for lodging, including party hotels, luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly motels (we even have a guide of Miami hotels to book with points). Whatever accommodation style you seek, you can find precisely what you are looking for in Miami.

The culinary scene is fantastic in Miami. There is an impressive number of locally-owned restaurants that serve one-of-a-kind culinary creations. From fresh seafood to authentic Latin and Caribbean-style foods, your taste buds will be in paradise when dining in Miami.

Miami is known for being a central hub for art, music, and culture. There is a never-ending list of places to explore, including museums, art galleries, zoos, sports arenas, botanical gardens, and more. Along with this long list of places, there are also beaches and parks where visitors enjoy a day in the sun. When the day turns to night, the nightclubs are incredible for visiting with friends, dancing, and relaxing with a drink.

Even though Miami is one of the further towns from Biscayne National Park, it is still an excellent choice for those wanting to stay near the park. With so many dining, lodging, and entertainment options, it is well worth the drive to have the opportunities for incredible experiences.

Where To Eat Near Biscayne National Park

There are no restaurants located in Biscayne National Park, but there are many options in the nearby towns. No matter what you find yourself craving during your national park adventure, you can rest assured that you will find just what you need near the park.

La Playa Grill Seafood and Bar

La Playa Grill Seafood and Bar is one of the closest restaurants to Biscayne National Park. It is located in Homestead and is less than half a mile from the main visitor center. This restaurant is located right on the beach, with spectacular views of the ocean.

The menu features freshly-caught seafood creations that will leave you wanting to come back for more. Customers rave about the margaritas, frituras de cobo, mahi mahi sandwich, and coconut shrimp. The menu includes chef specials like surf and turf, seafood pasta, alfredo shrimp pasta, and fried plantains. 

There is live music every weekend featuring famous artists, a spectacular band, a DJ, and karaoke for those who want to put on a show for the other diners. Happy Hour specials are offered daily with half-priced drinks and discounted appetizers, making this a great place to sit back, relax, and enjoy time with friends. 

Mario’s Family Restaurant

Mario’s Family Restaurant is located in Homestead is an authentic Cuban restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. This restaurant is only 8 miles from the park.

The menu at Mario’s Family Restaurant features favorites like breakfast burritos, Cuban sandwiches, and seafood specialties. Mario’s is known for having the best churrasco in town, so be sure to give that a try when visiting.

Bottom Line:

If you find yourself with a hankering for authentic Cuban cuisine when visiting Biscayne National Park, you will want to venture over to Mario’s Family Restaurant for a meal you won’t easily forget. 

Shiver’s BBQ

Shiver’s BBQ is located 7 miles from the Biscayne National Park in the town of Homestead. This top-rated restaurant is family owned and has been serving hickory-smoked barbecue and homemade sides for over 60 years. Shiver’s BBQ is open daily for lunch and dinner. 

This BBQ joint has classic smoked meats and homemade sides, but there are also several menu items that have a unique twist. Some of the favorite side items include fried mac-n-cheese wedges, fried green tomatoes, and BBQ potato skins. Be sure to top off your lunch with one of the fantastic desserts, such as peach cobbler with ice cream, old-fashioned banana pudding, or a slice of caramel fudge pie. 

Shiver’s BBQ is an amazing place to stop for a meal or to grab an order to go. Its smoked meats, homemade sides, and delicious desserts may tempt you to visit more than once during your vacation to Biscayne National Park. 

Son of a Pizza Pub

Son of a Pizza Pub is 8 miles from Biscayne National Park. This restaurant is open 5 days a week for lunch and dinner. This restaurant has an extensive menu featuring made-to-order pizzas, specialty pizzas, appetizers, sides, pasta dishes, and sub sandwiches. Customers can’t stop talking about the chicken wings, the pizza-style sausage sub, and the deluxe pizzas.

This restaurant is loved by locals and tourists alike. Not only does Son of a Pizza Pub have incredible menu items, but its customer service and hospitality also set the bar high. Once you try Son of a Pizza Pub, you’ll want to come back again and again.

The Tea Room at Cauley Square

Stop by The Tea Room at Cauley Square for a fancy lunch or dinner. This restaurant is 7 miles from Biscayne National Park and is a wonderful experience to enjoy. 

The Tea Room at Cauley Square offers American and English classics in a gorgeous tea room. There are traditional tea services and daily specials created by the chef. Enjoying high tea or a delicious meal is a lovely way to experience something a little different during a national park vacation.

Biscayne National Park Facts

1. A New National Park

Biscayne National Park became an official U.S. national park in 1980. This area was declared a national monument before becoming a national park.

2. Original Inhabitants

The first people that lived in the Biscayne National Park area were the Paleo Indians. This group is believed to have lived in this area over 10,000 years ago. Artifacts from this people group have been collected in different areas of the park. 

3. Diverse Ecosystems

Biscayne National Park has 4 different ecosystems within the park. These ecosystems include the Coral Limestone Keys, the offshore Florida reef, the Shallow Waters of Biscayne Bay, and the Shoreline Mangrove Swamp. 

4. Major Landforms

There are several types of major landforms found at Biscayne National Park. These landforms include the shoreline that is covered in mangrove trees, the Biscayne Bay, approximately 33 islands formed from North to South that separate from the Atlantic Ocean, and the submerged coral reefs.

5. Early Explorers

Juan Ponce de Leon was one of the first European explorers to discover America and the first explorer to find Florida. His expedition in 1513 landed in the Biscayne Bay area. 

6. A Scuba Diver’s Paradise

One of the main reasons Biscayne National Park is famous is that it is one of the top scuba diving areas in the U.S. Over 170,000 acres of water can be explored by diving and snorkeling. Serious divers can participate in guided tours and view the marine life, shipwrecks, and more that lies under the water at Biscayne National Park.

7. Graveyard for Ships

There are many remains of shipwrecks throughout the park. Snorkeling is one incredible way to get an up-close view of these historic remnants of ships. The Biscayne National Park Maritime Heritage Trail allows visitors to explore the remains of these shipwrecks. 

8. An Extensive Coral Reef

The reefs of Biscayne National Park are part of the 150-mile-long chain of coral reefs. These coral reefs provide homes for various types of fish, jellyfish, snails, crabs, sea turtles, dolphins, and many other marine animals.

9. Record-winning Reef

Biscayne National Park showcases the same reef that is currently the only living coral reef in the U.S. It is now the third-largest coral barrier reef in the whole world.

10. Endangered Animals

Biscayne National Park is home to some of the world’s most endangered animal species. These species include the American crocodile, the West Indian manatee, 5 types of sea turtles, and the eastern indigo snake. When visiting this national park, be on the lookout for these animals that find refuge within the park’s boundaries. 

11. National Register of Historic Places

Biscayne National Park has several districts and sites featured on the National Register of Historic Places. This prestigious honor means that the park service will work diligently to protect and preserve the historic and archeological resources within its boundaries.

Some of the places listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Biscayne National Park include the Sweeting Homestead, the Offshore Reefs Archeological District, the Jones Family Historic District, and the Boca Chita Key Historic District. There are abundant opportunities to explore these areas of the park, whether by guided tour or as an individual. 

12. An Abundance of Animals

A wide variety of animals make their home in Biscayne National Park. This park houses over 500 hundred reef fish species, an endless list of neo-tropical water and migratory birds, and 20 animals that are federally listed as threatened or endangered.

When visiting Biscayne National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to view these animals in their habitats. Some of the animals you will see include manatees, brown pelicans, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and upside-down jellyfish.

Whether you snorkel to discover the vibrant fish in the reef or walk along Biscayne Birding Trail, you won’t be disappointed with the views of the wildlife available at Biscayne National Park.

13. Clean-up Efforts

Clean-up efforts must be made in order to protect the nesting sea turtles and other kinds of wildlife that make their home in the waters and shores of the park. Many times a year, volunteers gather to remove pollution that washes up on the shores of Biscayne National Park. In a 4-month span, volunteers have collected over 40,000 pounds of trash.

When visiting Biscayne National Park, you are welcome to collect litter and trash from the shore and dispose of them in the correct location. Working together to protect this national park will keep it a safe haven for animals and plants for generations to come. 

14. B.A.R.K. Ranger

Biscayne National Park has a unique opportunity for man’s best friend. B.A.R.K. stands for Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, and Know where you go. The park offers a free program where dogs can earn a badge by completing a short workbook of activities. The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a wonderful opportunity to experience Biscayne National Park with your 4-legged friend. 

Final Thoughts

Biscayne National Park is an adventure just waiting for you to experience. From beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife to fascinating historical sites, this national park has it all. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking to get away from it all, Biscayne National Park is the perfect vacation destination. Book your trip to Biscayne National Park and discover what brings nearly 450,000 tourists to this Florida park each year.