Visiting Biscayne National Park is a complex endeavor for those without a nice private watercraft waiting at a dock in Miami. The park is mostly water, and without a boat, an unprepared visit can be a real letdown.
Now don’t let that prevent you from visiting Biscayne, there are options for finding your way onto the tropical waters of south Florida. Here are some things you’ll want to know before heading to the beautiful waters of Biscayne National Park.
Guide to Biscayne
Location
Biscayne National Park is located in Homestead, Florida, just south of Miami. The park is comprised of over 170,000 acres of water, islands, and coral reefs, and is accessible by car, boat, or public transportation. The main entrance to the park is located on the Atlantic coast, at 9700 SW 328th Street in Homestead, Florida.
Visitor Center
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located in Homestead, Florida, and is the main entrance to Biscayne National Park. The visitor center offers a variety of exhibits and displays that provide visitors with information about the park’s history, ecosystems, and wildlife. Additionally, the visitor center offers a gift shop, a movie theater, and restrooms. Visitors can also take a ranger-led tour of the park from the visitor center.
Tours & Shuttles to Islands
Biscayne is all about the Bay. Once here, you’ll certainly want to find your way out to the sea for a little R&R, or a little fishing, sailing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, sun bathing or cannonballing. There’s plenty to do in Biscayne, and its all on the water.
Visitors who want to access the water, but don’t have a boat, will likely be seeking the services of the Biscayne National Park Institute. These folks run sailing tours, shuttles to the islands, snorkel trips, Stiltsville tours, paddleboard trips and kayak tours.
Seasonal Considerations
Biscayne National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit the park is during the winter months when temperatures are cooler and humidity levels are lower. Oh, and there are less of southern Florida’s signature bird, the lovely mosquito.
During the summer months, temperatures can be extremely hot and humid, and the park can experience afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season in Florida runs from June through November, so visitors should be aware of the potential for storms during this time.
Local Lodging
There are several lodging options located near Biscayne National Park. The closest city is Homestead, Florida, which is located approximately 10 miles from the park. Homestead offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Another nearby city is Miami, which is located approximately 30 miles from the park. Miami offers a wider range of lodging options, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and vacation rentals.
Camping Inside the Park
Biscayne National Park offers camping opportunities on two of its islands: Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key. Camping is available year-round, but reservations are required and can be made through the park’s website. Both islands offer primitive camping, with no electricity, running water, or showers. Visitors must bring their own camping gear, food, and water. The campsites on both islands are accessible by boat only.
Camping Outside the Park
There are only a couple of campgrounds located near Biscayne National Park. There have been a couple of smaller ones pop up from time to time, but the only two that appear to be in operation following the Covid days include the slightly swanky Miami Everglades RV Resort and the Southern Comfort RV Resort.
Dining Options
There are several dining options located near Biscayne National Park. The closest city, Homestead, offers a variety of restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining.
One place not to miss while in Homestead, is the Robert is Here Fruit Stand & Farm, which is a pretty big fruit stand, if you know what I mean… This place is always a treat, and is not far from Biscayne, but is technically on the way to the Everglades, as it lies west of Homestead on Hwy 9336. Grab a Key Lime pie for desert!
Some popular options include the Royal Palm Grill & Deli, the Whistle Stop, and the Redlander Winery & Restaurant. Miami also offers a wide range of dining options, including seafood, Cuban cuisine, and international cuisine, with the classic Cuban-centric Versailles on the city’s famous Calle Ocho. Grab yourself a proper mojito while you’re there.
Check out the Miami Eater dining guide for a list of more delicious options in the area.
Guide to Biscayne
Relevant Links
Biscayne National Park Institute
National Park Guides
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