A lighthouse on the shore of Biscayne, one of the US national parks
Unsplash Photo

Biscayne National Park is one of the most unique parks in the country. This is mainly due to what it protects.

Unlike other national parks with a plethora of hiking trails and mountains to climb, Biscayne is 95% water.

Activities here include paddling, boating, diving, and snorkeling.

The park protects the northern Florida Reef, one of the largest in the world.

All of this is within sight of the sprawling metropolis of Miami.

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Land Acknowledgment: This post promotes travel to native lands. We honor all Indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before, the Indigenous today, and the generations to come.
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Biscayne National Park Information

Park Size: 172,000 acres

Established: October 18, 1968 (as Biscayne National Monument)

Entrance Fee: None

Nearby Communities: Homestead, Miami

Visitor Centers: The only visitor center, Dante Fascell, is located on the mainland. There is a small, seasonally staffed ranger station on Elliot Key.

Campgrounds: Boca Chita Key, Elliot Key

How to Get There: The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at the end of  SW 328th Street in Homestead.

Best Time to Visit: Due to the summer heat and hurricane season, it’s best to visit in spring or fall. Spring is best for snorkeling. Winter is also a great time to visit.

Unique Things to Do: Boat tours through Stiltsville are offered through various park concessionaires. Stiltsville is a small community of houses built on stilts in Biscayne Bay.