How to Get to Biscayne National Park:
Biscayne National Park is located 35 miles south of Miami and 21 miles east of Everglades National Park.By Car: The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point is located nine miles east of Homestead on S.W. 328th Street (North Canal Drive), adjacent to Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina.
From the North: Convoy Point can be reached from either the Florida Turnpike or from US-1. From the Florida Turnpike: Take the Florida Turnpike south, to Exit 6 (Speedway Blvd.). Turn left from exit ramp and continue south to S.W. 328th Street (North Canal Drive). Turn left and continue to the end of the road. It is approximately five miles, and the entrance is on the left. From US1: Drive south to Homestead. Turn left on SW 328th Street (North Canal Drive), and continue to the end of the road. It is approximately nine miles, and the entrance is on the left.
From the South: From US1 (Overseas Hwy), drive north to Homestead. Turn right on SW 328th Street (North Canal Drive--first light after Florida Turnpike entrance), and continue to the end of the road. It is approximately nine miles, and the entrance is on the left.
By Plane: The closest major airport is Miami International, approximately 35 miles from the park. Car rentals are available at the airport. There is no public transportation to the park.
Recommended Nearby Parks and Scenic Routes:
Big Cypress National PreserveArea protects the watershed for the threatened ecosystem of South Florida and includes abundant subtropical plant and animal life.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Park's cluster of seven islands includes Fort Jefferson, the largest all-masonry fortification in the Western Hemisphere, a bird refuge, and abundant marine life.
Everglades National Park
The largest subtropical wilderness in the continental U.S. includes extensive fresh- and saltwater areas, Everglades prairies, and mangrove forests.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
3,674-sq. mile sanctuary protects and preserves the diverse marine communities and cultural resources of the waters surrounding the archipelago formed by the Florida Keys.
Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway
Features 50 miles of scenic Florida landscapes with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, from alligators to birds. Tracts of public land along the trail include Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and the Fakahatchee and Collier-Seminole State Parks.
Things to Do at Biscayne National Park:
Biscayne National Park offers visitors a variety of opportunities for water-based recreation, as well as camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Since 95% of the park is covered by water, the best way to see Biscayne is by to get out on a boat. Within the park boundaries visitors will find the clear blue waters of Biscayne Bay, the northern islands of the Florida Keys, the northern end of the world's third-longest coral reef tract, and the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida's east coast.A good place to begin your visit is at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, the park's headquarters. Here you can participate in interpretive programs conducted regularly by rangers and view exhibits and films that provide an introduction to the park. A park concessionaire offers several opportunities for those without a boat of their own, including glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling trips, dive trips, island excursions, and canoe & kayak rentals. Call in advance of your visit for up-to-date information and schedules (305-230-1100).
Exploring the Park
Biscayne National Park consists of 44 islands, only a few of which are available for visitation. The most popular one is Elliott Key, which has campsites and a visitor center, as well as freshwater showers and restrooms. It's located about nine miles from Convoy Point. Visitors can enjoy the designated swim area located on the bay side of the island (just to the north of the harbor). A mile long hiking trail starts on the bay side of the island at the north end of the campground. The trail leads east across the island then south, joining a boardwalk along the eastern shore. Another trail of approximately six miles runs nearly the length of the island. Fishing is permitted from the maintenance dock located south of the harbor or from the shoreline outside of the buoyed swimming area and no-wake zone.
Boca Chita Key, the northernmost developed island in the park, provides visitors with a variety of facilities including a campground and a half-mile hiking trail. Visitors can tour the island's restored historic buildings, including the county's second-largest lighthouse and a tiny chapel. Facilities include showers, solar-powered restrooms, and drinking fountains, as well as barbecue grills, and picnic tables.
There is no trash pickup available on either Elliott Key or Boca Chita Key. Campers and visitors must pack out all of their trash. Adams Key is a day use area only. There is a pavilion with picnic tables and barbecue grills close by. There is a short hiking trail north of the open grass area. Bathrooms have saltwater toilets only. Fresh water is not available. Overnight docking is not permitted. Biscayne National Park is an outstanding bird sanctuary, with more than 170 species observed within the park. Canoeing or kayaking along the mainland mangrove shoreline is an excellent way to birdwatch.
