Our 9 Favorite Things to Do in Biscayne National Park: Ultimate Travel Guide

Elliot, Ollie, and I have visited Biscayne National Park multiple times while living and traveling on our boat, and just recently in our converted Sprinter Van and each trip has left us even more obsessed than the last. Established in 1980, this South Florida gem is just a short drive from Miami and the Everglades—but once you’re here, it feels like a whole different world. With 173,000 acres of protected waters (yep, 95% of the park is water!), it’s a dream for anyone who loves snorkeling, diving, or kayaking. In this guide, we’re sharing the best things to do in Biscayne National Park, plus tips on when to visit, where to stay, and more!

1. Visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is the perfect starting point for exploring Biscayne National Park. Located right on the waterfront at Biscayne Bay, it has a small museum, a park store, and super knowledgeable rangers who can help plan your visit. Parking is free, but it fills up fast—we arrived at 7:30 AM, and by 10 AM on a holiday weekend in January, it was packed. Most tours leave in the morning anyway, so arriving early is a good move.

Before heading out, take a short walk to Convoy Point and the Jetty Trail for stunning views of Biscayne Bay. These are also amazing spots to watch the sunset at the end of the day! The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 AM – 5 PM.

2. Visit the Keys of Biscayne

The Keys in Biscayne are the main attraction in the park, only accessible by private boat or a guided boat tour. If you don’t have your own boat to take you to the Keys, the Heritage of Biscayne Cruise is a great option. This 3.5-hour guided boat tour takes you through the park’s crystal-clear waters, with a stop at either Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or Adams Key, depending on the day and conditions. Tickets are $83 a person. Here is a bit of information about each key!

Boca Chita Key

Boca Chita Key is the most-visited island in Biscayne National Park, and for good reason! Its crystal-clear waters, quiet beaches, and palm trees are absolutely gorgeous. We’ve visited twice aboard our own boat, and while it’s stunning any day, we noticed that the weekends got packed with Miami boaters. If you prefer a quieter experience, definitely go on a weekday.

Stroll the half-mile trail around the island, climb the historic lighthouse (ranger-led tours only), and check out the informational placards to learn about the island’s history. The lighthouse in particular has great views of Florida Bay and we could even see Miami in the distance. There’s also a picnic area, a small beach, and restrooms—but no fresh water, so bring plenty of your own.

Be prepared! The bugs and the sun can be brutal here, so bring bug spray, sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and fill up your reusable water bottle. A covered pavilion offers shade when the sun gets intense. If you’re arriving by boat, you can moor along the wall, just avoid the spots reserved for NPS boats near the info booth.

Elliott Key

Did you know that Biscayne National Park actually decided to name its biggest Key after Elliot? Once home to a community of pineapple farmers, Elliott Key is now a quiet retreat for boaters looking to explore, fish, or camp overnight. The island has a short hiking trail, picnic areas, and campgrounds, plus the luxury of running water and showers—a rarity in the park which we took advantage of!

Unlike Boca Chita, Elliott Key is much more secluded, and we had the island almost entirely to ourselves. We hiked the one-mile loop trail, which took us from Florida Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, and got a glimpse of the historic Spite Highway—a path left over from failed development plans in the 1960s. While it was peaceful, be prepared for no-see-ums—they were relentless and drove us (and our dog, Ollie) crazy!

Adams Key

Adams Key, once known as Cocolobo Key, has a fascinating history as a former retreat for U.S. presidents like Nixon, Johnson, and Hoover, who visited as guests of the exclusive Cocolobo Club. Legend even has it that the island once served as a hideout for the pirate Black Caesar! Today, it’s a small, quiet stop with a few picnic tables, restrooms, and a pier. Although we found a 1-mile loop trail around the island, we decided to stay on our boat and swim with friends in the surrounding waters instead.

3. Explore the Mangroves by Kayak or Paddleboard

One of the best ways to experience Biscayne National Park up close is by paddling through its peaceful mangrove forests and shallow lagoons. Jones Lagoon, tucked between Totten Key and Old Rhodes Key, is a prime spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, offering calm waters and plenty of wildlife.

If you don’t have your own gear or a boat to get there, don’t worry! The Biscayne National Park Institute offers a 1.5-hour guided kayak tour for just $39 per person, making it the most affordable tour they offer!

4. Snorkel through Biscayne’s Coral Reefs

Snorkeling is hands-down the best way to experience Biscayne’s incredible marine life up close and personal. The park’s crystal-clear waters are home to colorful coral reefs, sea squirts, crabs, anemones, and schools of tropical fish. Go with your own gear, or we found this 3.5-hour snorkeling tour that takes you to some of the best underwater spots in the park! The exact snorkeling site varies based on the day’s conditions, but you’ll see either coral reefs, colorful schools of fish, mangroves, or maybe even shipwrecks! Tickets are $115 per person, and all snorkeling equipment is provided.

5. Visit Stiltsville

Stiltsville is one of the most unique sights in Biscayne National Park—a collection of historic wooden houses perched on stilts above the water, about a mile offshore from Miami. Once a hotspot for social clubs and parties, these homes are now protected by the National Park Service, and visitors can only enter them with special permits.

We visited Stiltsville aboard our dinghy while living on our boat for three years and loved cruising around the houses, checking out the marine life below, and even jumping in for a snorkel (Elliot can’t resist the water!). The Biscayne National Park Institute even offers tours here! We found this Guided Tour of Stiltsville from Coconut Grove for $70/person, departing from Dinner Key Marina. Full list of experiences departing from the Coconut Grove area of Miami here.

6. Go Hiking in Biscayne

While Biscayne National Park is mainly known for its incredible water activities, the area also offers several hiking trails! We’ll admit, we do prefer Biscayne’s water activities, but if you’ve got some extra time or just want to stretch your legs, these short hikes are a great way to explore a different side of the park.

1. Boca Chita Trail

The Boca Chita Trail is a quick walk that loops around the island, passing through mangrove shorelines with beautiful waterfront views. It’s an easy trail, but the mosquitos here are brutal—we definitely recommend wearing long sleeves and pants to protect from bites (and the sun).

Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
Time: 12 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

2. Jetty Trail (By the Visitor Center)

We hiked the Jetty Trail just after sunrise, and it was the perfect way to start the morning. The sky lit up in shades of pink and orange, reflecting over Florida Bay as we walked along the boardwalk through the mangroves. We even spotted an egret! The trail is easy and mostly flat, though the last section gets a bit rocky. Since Biscayne is all about the water, this is one of the best ways to take in the views from land.

Distance: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

3. Interpretive Loop Trail (Elliott Key)

This short and easy trail took us from the Elliott Key harbor on the Florida Bay side over to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s wide, flat, and easy to follow, making it a great spot for a quick nature walk. There’s even a picnic table at the halfway point, perfect for a snack break. We didn’t stay too long, though—the no-see-ums were relentless, so we hiked fast and hurried back to the boat!

Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km)
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

7. Camp on Elliott or Boca Chita Key

If you’re up for camping in Biscayne, both Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key are awesome spots to get out on the water and spend the night. Elliott Key is more chill and secluded, while Boca Chita Key can get pretty packed with Miami boaters, especially on weekends. Also, Elliott has running water and showers (a rare treat in Biscayne), while Boca Chita is a bit more basic ammenities-wise. We stayed overnight at Boca Chita aboard our boat and absolutely loved it! Read more about how to reserve your spot in our Camping in Biscayne section.

8. Go Wildlife Watching

Wildlife spotting is one of our favorite things to do in Biscayne National Park, and we love the idea of turning it into a game! Whether you’re cruising the waters or wandering the islands, you’ll likely come across some pretty incredible creatures such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, herons, pelicans, egrets, stingrays, colorful schools of fish, and more! Elliot and I love looking through our wildlife photos at the end of each trip to see which animals we were able to capture!

9. Stay for the Sunset

After a day of boating or kayaking, don’t rush off—stick around for the sunset! The views here are unreal, with the sky lighting up in colors that you’ll want to just sit and take in. Whether you’re on Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or back on the mainland at Convoy Point, it’s a perfect way to cap off your day!

🗺️ Map of Biscayne National Park

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

🗓️ When to Visit Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is open year-round, but the experience can vary quite a bit depending on when you go. There are two seasons in this area of Florida, the dry season and the wet season. Here’s what you can expect from each:

• Dry Season (November – April) → Cooler temps, lower humidity, and fewer bugs make this the best time for hiking, boating, and general exploring. However, weekends get busy with Miami locals heading out on their boats.
• Wet Season (May – October) → Hotter, more humid, and a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Mosquitos and no-see-ums are at their worst, but the water is even warmer—making the earlier months of the wet season ideal for swimming and snorkeling!

We visited in January 2022, February 2023, and May 2023, and by May, we really felt the jump in temperature. Winter and early spring had much milder weather, but if you’re looking to spend most of your time in the water, spring is ideal.

🚗 How to Get to Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is just a short drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, making it an easy day trip from either city. Here’s how to get there:

• By Car → The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is the main entry point and has free parking. It’s about 45 minutes from Miami and 1 hour from Fort Lauderdale.
• By Plane → The closest airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). From there, you’ll need to rent a car or use public transportation.
• By Train → The Tri-Rail connects Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami. You’ll still need a bus or a rental car to reach the park.
• By Bus → Public transportation options are limited, but the Homestead National Parks Trolley runs from late November through April, offering a free ride from Homestead to Biscayne National Park.
• By Boat → Since 95% of the park is water, a boat is the best way to explore. If you have your own, you can access Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key, or Adams Key via the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway—just check navigation charts for depths. Try to visit on a weekday, specifically Tuesday through Thursday, if possible to avoid Miami boaters—more detailed boating info on Biscayne National Park’s boating page and in our Boater’s Guide to Biscayne.

⛺ Where to Stay in Biscayne National Park

Camping

There are 2 campsites in the entire park, with a maximum of 6 people and 2 tents per site. Campsites and docking slips are first-come, first-serve and must be paid for through the recreation.gov app, so make sure to download it before you arrive! There are no reservations, and no backcountry camping allowed.

1. Elliott Key Campground
   • $35/night
   • $25/day docking
   • Pets are allowed on a leash in designated areas
   • More secluded
2. Boca Chita Key Campground
   • $35/night
   • $25/day docking
   • Pets are not allowed on Boca Chita Key, unless service animals
   • More popular

We stayed overnight at Boca Chita aboard our boat and absolutely loved it! It was definitely one of our favorite nights in the Florida Keys.

Hotels

If camping isn’t your style, consider staying in Homestead, the closest town to the park, or Miami if you’re looking for more options and a bigger city vibe. Here are 3 hotels we found at various price points:

1. $ Insta Worthy Oasis – 16-minute drive from Dante Fascell Visitor Center
2. $$ Hilton Garden Inn Homestead – 16-minute drive from Dante Fascell Visitor Center
3. $$$ TownePlace Suites by Marriott – 13-minute drive from Dante Fascell Visitor Center

💵 Biscayne National Park Budget

Biscayne National Park has no entrance fee! However, because the park is mostly water, exploring often requires a boat, kayak, or guided tour, which can add to the cost. To keep costs down, we recommend bringing your own kayak or paddleboard, packing food, and camping at night. If you want to see the park without spending much, a half-day visit to the visitor center, Jetty Trail, and a paddle around the mangroves is a great budget-friendly option! Here is a breakdown of the main expenses in Biscayne:

⏰ How Much Time Do You Need in Biscayne?

Since Biscayne is mostly water, exploring takes extra time, especially if you’re boating, kayaking, or snorkeling. If you’re anything like Elliot and love the water, two days would be ideal, but here’s a quick breakdown:

• Half-Day → Visit the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, walk the Jetty Trail, and maybe squeeze in a kayak or paddleboard tour.
• Full Day → Take a boat tour to Boca Chita, Elliott Key, or Adams Key, go snorkeling, or explore the mangroves by kayak.
• 2+ Days → Camp on Elliott Key, take multiple tours, or go scuba diving at offshore shipwrecks.

With no roads through the park, a boat tour is the best way to maximize your time, especially if you only have one day!

📃 1-Day Itinerary in Biscayne National Park

• Start the morning at Convoy Point, watching the sunrise over Biscayne Bay before the crowds roll in. It’s peaceful, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife waking up with you.
• Walk the Jetty Trail, a super easy boardwalk that takes you through mangroves and out to the bay. It’s a quick stroll but gives you some great views.
• Stop by the Dante Fascell Visitor Center to check out the small museum, chat with the rangers (they’re super knowledgeable!), and get a feel for the park’s history.
• Grab lunch at one of the picnic tables or bring your own cooler if you’re heading out on the water. There aren’t any restaurants in the park, so planning ahead is key!
• Hop on a boat or kayak tour in the afternoon—whether you’re cruising to Boca Chita Key, paddling through the mangroves, or snorkeling the reefs, this is the best way to experience Biscayne.
• End the day at Convoy Point or on your boat, watching the sunset turn the sky all shades of pink and orange over Florida Bay. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a day on the water.

🧴 7 Biscayne Packing Essentials

1. Strong bug spray – The no-see-ums and mosquitoes are relentless, even in the dry season. Definitely pack some heavy-duty repellent!
2. Reef-Friendly Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat– Sun protection is key in Biscayne and a little extra sun protection with a hat goes a long way!
3. Refillable water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially since there’s no running water on Boca Chita or Adams Key. We love this one with stickers to check off your National Park visits!
4. First Aid Kit – A must-have, even though we hope we never need it!
5. Snacks and Lunch – Pack some snacks for the day, especially if you’re hiking or on a boat tour.
6. Water clothes – If you plan on scuba diving, snorkeling, or any other water activity, don’t forget your gear!
7. Snorkeling Gear – If you’re planning on snorkeling, bring your own gear (unless you’re taking a guided tour).

⚓ Boater’s Guide to Biscayne

As Biscayne National Park is over 90% underwater, it’s one of the best national parks for boaters in the United States! Fortunately, Jennifer and I had our boat, a 34-foot trawler with a 3.5 foot draft, in Biscayne National Park on four different occasions! Here’s what we learned along the way.

How to Approach Biscayne

There are a few ways to get into Biscayne Bay: you can launch from a boat ramp on Florida’s east coast, enter via Miami (north), Key Largo (south), or even come in from the ocean outside Key Biscayne (not to be confused with the national park).

Most boaters enter from Miami, and there are two great spots to stage before heading in:

• No Name Harbor – Part of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (entry fee required), this is a well-protected anchorage, a perfect place to wait for good weather, and our recommendation.
• Marine Stadium – A spacious anchorage with epic Miami skyline views, offering some protection while you plan your route into the park.

Channel and Depth Level

Stick to the channel when you can—it helps protect the seagrass and marine ecosystems. Biscayne is shallow but consistent, so as long as you stay aware, you’ll be fine. Our best advice? Go the speed you’d like to hit something. Crab and lobster pots love hanging out in the channel, so take it slow.

If you venture outside the channel, keep an eye on your charts. Some areas are really shallow, and with our trawler’s 3.5’ draft, there were spots we couldn’t navigate. The good news? The bottom is mostly sand and coral, so you’ll usually get a heads-up on your depth finder before things get dicey. Plan ahead and you’ll have no problem exploring!

Where to Dock

If you need a marina, here are your best options:

• Herbert Hoover Marina – Closest to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center.
• Black Point – Centrally located on the mainland.
• Matheson Hammock – Northernmost option, good for accessing Miami.
• Crandon – On Key Biscayne, near Stiltsville.

Where to Anchor (and Moor)

One of the best parts about Biscayne is that you can pick your spot to anchor, or grab a mooring ball by the reefs to experience the underwater beauty up close. When choosing an anchorage, keep an eye on the wind forecast. There aren’t many protected spots, so you’ll want light winds for smooth sailing and less bug activity (which can be a bit much at times). If it gets too hot, just jump in the water to cool off—it’s a great way to beat the heat and check out the local ecosystems, especially around the mangrove roots!

If you prefer not to anchor, you can pick up a free mooring ball (they help protect the reefs). This is a great way to visit the Florida Reef but check the weather first. Please keep in mind that the reef is in the open ocean. Be safe, and only choose comfortable conditions. For us, that was light winds the day before and the day of, along with no predicted swell. We recommend planning for good conditions, and if the weather’s not ideal, just wait a few days until it’s perfect. If you don’t want to wait, you can always book a tour with a local company to visit the reef!

Wifi

You’ll have some cell service the closer you are to Miami, but in the center and near the Keys, you’ll find it more sparse. We recommend Starlink when cruising.

Provisioning, Hardware + Marine Supplies

If you’re provisioning around Key Biscayne, your best bet is No Name Harbor. Once you’re docked, call up a Freebie (local shuttle) to get a ride to the nearby Winn-Dixie grocery store. It’s super convenient, and we usually tip around $1 per person for the ride both ways.

If you need anything on the Key itself, Freebie can also take you around. But since you’re not too far from Miami, No Name is a great spot to stock up before heading into the city!

🪧 Learn More: How to Help Biscayne

Biscayne National Park is a unique and fragile ecosystem, and there are plenty of ways you can help protect it while you visit and even after you leave.

1. Respect Wildlife – Keep your distance from animals, especially marine life like dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Never feed wildlife, as it disrupts their natural behaviors and diets. Avoid disturbing sensitive areas like mangroves or coral reefs.
2. Pack Out Everything – Biscayne National Park is remote, and facilities are limited. Always pack out your trash, including biodegradable items like food scraps, to keep the park pristine for future visitors.
3. Use reef-safe sunscreen – Chemicals in non-reef-safe sunscreens can bleach corals and disrupt vital ecosystems, even if you’re not near the ocean! This applies to ecosystems in rivers and lakes too. Look for sunscreens that contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (nothing else) and go for a lotion over a spray for better coverage.

For more information on conservation efforts in Biscayne, head over to NPCA’s Biscayne Page. There, you can read articles about the latest developments by the NPCA in Biscayne, learn about the park’s biggest climate change threats, consider donating to preserve our parks, and more.

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