BILL BAGGS RECREATION AREA

1200 South Crandon Blvd.
Key Biscayne, Fla. 33149

Named in honor of the late Miami News editor who championed the park’s cause, the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area has something to offer every visitor.

Located at the tip of Key Biscayne on the terminal end of the barrier islands that line the southeastern coast of Florida, the park took the best that Hurricane Andrew could dish out back in 1992, but things have recovered nicely.

Lighthouse lovers can visit the historic beacon, originally constructed in 1825. In 1836, during the Second Seminole War, the lighthouse was attacked and severely damaged by fire. The lighthouse keeper escaped, but his assistant was slain. The lighthouse was not pressed back into service until after the conclusion of the war.

In 1836, funds were appropriated for renovation and reconstruction of the lighthouse and work was completed in 1847. In 1855, the lighthouse’s height was extended from 65 to 95 feet and a stronger lens was added to the beacon.

In 1861 during the Civil War, Confederate sympathizers (including the assistant lighthouse keeper from the Jupiter Inlet lighthouse) disabled the beacon so Union forces could not use it as a navigational aid. The light was pressed back into service in 1866. The Fowey Rocks Light, located offshore, was placed into service in 1878 and at that time, the Cape Florida lighthouse’s lens and operational system were dismantled and shipped to Staten Island, N.Y. In 1978, the Fowey Rocks Light’s centennial year, the Cape Florida lighthouse was again pressed into service as a coastal navigational aid and it continues to serve until today.

The park offers an excellent opportunity for saltwater anglers along the seawall area. Cyclists enjoy on and off-road pedaling around the park and nature hikers will find plenty of room to roam and examine indigenous and imported plants including buttonwood, palmetto, gumbo limbo, cocoplum and others.

The park also offers a mile and a quarter of gorgeous beach dotted with picnic tables and grills and a variety of water-sports aids, beach chairs, umbrellas and other needs are available for rental. If you’re hungry and didn’t pack a picnic, the Boater’s Café and the Lighthouse Café offer waterfront dining.

Hint: If you plan to drop a line and test the outstanding fishing at the park, remember to purchase a Florida saltwater fishing license.