Key Biscayne · Florida · USA
Cape Florida Beach
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.
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Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Cape Florida Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
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- Conditions
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- Crowd
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- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
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.
Photos
8 captures from Cape Florida Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Cape Florida Beach
Key Biscayne, Florida, USA
25.6742°, -80.1581°
Top things to do
At Cape Florida Beach
Climb the Lighthouse
Guided tours Thursday through Monday
Paddle Mangrove Edges
Rentals at bay-side concession
Wade Two Beaches
Atlantic surf, bay calm
Boater's Grill Deck
Conch fritters, cold draft beer
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Cape Florida Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Cape Florida Beach.
Is Cape Florida Beach safe for swimming?
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.
When is the best time to visit Cape Florida Beach?
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.
