{"ok":true,"data":{"id":2342,"slug":"cape-florida-beach-key-biscayne","name":"Cape Florida Beach","country":"USA","state":"Florida","city":"Key Biscayne","coords":{"lat":25.6742,"lng":-80.1581},"beachType":null,"tags":["hidden","scenic","sunset"],"article":{"hero":"Cape Florida Beach curves along the southern tip of Key Biscayne inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, but calling it simply \"the park beach\" erases what makes this shore distinct. You'll find two faces here: the Atlantic side where waves comb over tan sand ribbed with coquina shells, and the bay side where shallow flats glow green and still. The 1825 lighthouse—scarred by Seminole gunfire and hurricane winds—anchors the point, its white column visible from both shorelines.\n\nMost visitors spread towels on the ocean strand, where Australian pines lean at angles sculpted by prevailing easterlies. The sand underfoot is coarser than Miami Beach, flecked with shell fragments that click when waves retreat. Wading birds work the wrack line at dawn; by afternoon, families cluster near the concession building while kiteboarders rig sails in the shallows a quarter-mile north.\n\nSunset pulls everyone to the western beach. The bay catches rose and tangerine light, and the downtown Miami skyline etches itself in silhouette across eight miles of water. You'll hear Spanish and Portuguese as much as English, smell grilling fish from the Boater's Grill deck, and feel the temperature drop five degrees as the sun slips behind Coconut Grove. The lighthouse keeper's cottage museum closes at five, but the beach stays open until dusk, and that last hour—when the day-trippers leave and the light goes amber—belongs to those who know to linger.","teaser":"You'll walk past buttonwood trees and century-old brick to reach this slender crescent where Biscayne Bay's glassy turquoise collides with ocean rollers. The lighthouse casts long shadows across tide pools at four o'clock, and pelicans dive into surf that stays warm even in January.","uniqueAngle":"Two distinct beaches—wild Atlantic surf and glassy bay shallows—frame Florida's oldest standing lighthouse on a single walkable point.","accessType":"Drive-up with park entry fee","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"camera","title":"Climb the Lighthouse","subtitle":"Guided tours Thursday through Monday"},{"icon":"kayak","title":"Paddle Mangrove Edges","subtitle":"Rentals at bay-side concession"},{"icon":"swim","title":"Wade Two Beaches","subtitle":"Atlantic surf, bay calm"},{"icon":"food","title":"Boater's Grill Deck","subtitle":"Conch fritters, cold draft beer"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Cape Florida catches southeast swells that wrap around the point, offering waist- to chest-high peaks on good days, though it's rarely consistent enough to plan a trip around. The break works best during autumn nor'easters or hurricane swells, with a sandy bottom and manageable crowd. Paddle out near the lifeguard tower; locals respect the lineup but won't hold your hand. Bring tropical wax—the water stays above seventy-two degrees year-round. Check the buoy at Fowey Rocks before you drive; flat days outnumber rideable ones three to one.","couples":"Arrive an hour before sunset and walk the boardwalk to the bay beach, where you'll claim a weathered picnic table beneath the pines. The lighthouse glows pink in late-afternoon light—bring a blanket and a bottle from the cooler. Boater's Grill serves grouper sandwiches and key lime pie on the deck until seven, or pack cheese and Spanish olives from La Mía Market in the Village. The Ritz-Carlton sits ten minutes north on Crandon, but Silver Sands Beach Villas offers studios with kitchenettes and screened porches where iguanas sun themselves at breakfast. Stay through twilight when the city lights blink on across Biscayne Bay.","backpacker":"Park entry runs eight dollars per vehicle, but cyclists and pedestrians enter free—rent a beach cruiser at Mangrove Cycles near the causeway toll for twenty bucks a day. No camping allowed, so bunk at the HI Miami Beach hostel in South Beach and ride the free trolley to Key Biscayne, then bike the six miles south. Fill your water bottle at the bathhouse, pack a cooler with Cuban sandwiches from Doce Provisions (seven dollars), and claim a pine-shaded table. The 102 bus connects to Metrorail if you're carless; budget three hours round-trip from downtown.","local":"Skip weekends entirely—arrive Tuesday or Wednesday before nine when the lot's still empty and the beach belongs to the birders and sunrise swimmers. The bay side at low tide exposes sandbars where you can walk a hundred yards offshore, warm water ankle-deep, herons hunting in the shallows beside you. Locals know the back tables at Boater's Grill catch the breeze and serve the same fried snapper as Stiltsville joints charged twice the price for. Hurricane season brings the best shelling; arrive the morning after a storm passes to find lightning whelks and sand dollars the tourists never see.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Cape Florida Beach generally offers calm, clear waters suitable for swimming, especially on the Atlantic-facing shoreline. The beach has lifeguards on duty during daylight hours, and the waters are typically gentle with minimal rip currents. However, always check daily conditions and heed any posted warnings. Jellyfish can occasionally be present during certain seasons. The beach's location within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park means facilities are well-maintained, and rangers patrol regularly, making it one of Key Biscayne's safer swimming spots for families.","q":"Is Cape Florida Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"Cape Florida Beach is enjoyable year-round thanks to South Florida's subtropical climate, with water temperatures rarely dropping below 70°F. December through April offers the most comfortable weather with lower humidity and fewer afternoon thunderstorms, though it's the busiest season. Summer months (June-September) bring heat, humidity, and occasional rain, but fewer crowds. The beach is particularly famous for spectacular sunsets year-round. Arrive early on weekends and holidays, as the state park reaches capacity and closes gates when full.","q":"When is the best time to visit Cape Florida Beach?"},{"a":"Cape Florida Beach is located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. From Miami, take the Rickenbacker Causeway (toll road) to Key Biscayne, then follow Crandon Boulevard south to the park entrance. There's an entrance fee of $8 per vehicle (2-8 people). The park has ample paved parking lots near the beach and lighthouse. Arrive before 10am on weekends to guarantee entry, as the park closes when capacity is reached. Biking is also popular via the dedicated paths.","q":"How do I get to Cape Florida Beach and where can I park?"},{"a":"The Lighthouse Café inside Bill Baggs State Park serves casual American fare including sandwiches, burgers, and seafood with waterfront views. The park offers restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic pavilions, and kayak rentals. For more dining options, head north into Key Biscayne village (about 10 minutes) where you'll find numerous restaurants and cafes. There's no lodging within the park itself, but Key Biscayne has several hotels and resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton. Most visitors come for day trips from Miami Beach or downtown Miami.","q":"Are there restaurants or amenities at Cape Florida Beach?"},{"a":"Yes, the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse is a major attraction within the park and accessible from the beach area. Built in 1825, it's the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. You can tour the lighthouse and climb its 95 steps for panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Tours are offered Thursday through Monday (schedule varies seasonally), led by park rangers who share the lighthouse's fascinating history, including an 1836 Seminole attack. The surrounding grounds and keeper's cottage are free to explore anytime during park hours.","q":"Can I visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse from the beach?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Cape Florida Beach: Key Biscayne's Lighthouse Shoreline","description":"Powdery sand meets coral-blue shallows beneath a historic lighthouse. This quiet curve of Key Biscayne delivers uncrowded shores and flame-painted sunsets.","ogImage":"https://live.staticflickr.com/2872/32948311780_b3e06d92be_b.jpg"},"images":[{"id":"517084","url":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3673/32939982120_51831098fb_b.jpg","thumbnail":"https://live.staticflickr.com/3673/32939982120_51831098fb.jpg","alt":"Seashells are love letters in the sand... 🐚❤️🐚"}]}}