Bill Baggs Beach, Florida

Bill Baggs beach in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a beautiful mile-long stretch of beach hugging the ocean coast of the most southerly Miami barrier island, Key Biscayne. At the far end of the beach, at the tip of the island, stands the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, a real landmark of the park, was originally rebuilt in 1825, then reconstructed in 1846. The lighthouse is the oldest building in Miami-Dade County, and has the distinction of being the only lighthouse ever attacked by Indians! You can join a free guided tour of the lighthouse at 10am or 1pm daily.

The beach is a magnificent stretch of sand, ideal for swimming as the water is rarely rough thanks to Florida's offshore reef. (Florida's ocean reef, which is the second longest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, extends all the way from Key West to Stuart). Beach sunbeds, umbrellas, bicycles and ocean kayaks can be hired from the park's concession.

If you fancy a meal, two restaurants, Lighthouse Café and Boater’s Grill, offer authentic Cuban cuisine. Alternatively bring a picnic, reserve a pavilion, and prepare yoursef a BBQ feast.

Off-the-beach activities at the park include angling, kayaking, camping, and hiking There's also a small playground for kids.

To reach Bill Bagss Cape Florida State Park, take I-95 from Miami, southwards, all the way to its end.