Biscayne National Park

Known for its fabulous coral reefs but still a hidden jewel in plain sight, Biscayne National Park encompasses the islands and waters of Biscayne Bay, edged by Key Biscayne and the coastline from downtown Miami to Key Largo. Most of the activities available to visitors can only be enjoyed by boat or on an organized tour with an adventure outfitter. The park’s official gateway is the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, 9 miles east of Homestead, and is a good starting point for an overview of its activities. Guided boat tours take you to several islands, including Adams Key, Elliott Key – which offers a 6-mile hike for campers on ...

Known for its fabulous coral reefs but still a hidden jewel in plain sight, Biscayne National Park encompasses the islands and waters of Biscayne Bay, edged by Key Biscayne and the coastline from downtown Miami to Key Largo. Most of the activities available to visitors can only be enjoyed by boat or on an organized tour with an adventure outfitter. The park’s official gateway is the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, 9 miles east of Homestead, and is a good starting point for an overview of its activities. Guided boat tours take you to several islands, including Adams Key, Elliott Key – which offers a 6-mile hike for campers on the Spite Highway, a crumbling road built by developers before these islands were fully protected – and Boca Chita Key. Stiltsville, a bizarre collection of fishing shacks dating back to the 1930s, shows up in South Florida-based mystery novels and can be seen from the shores of Key Biscayne. Due to its unusual, mostly underwater nature, this is a park that requires some careful logistical planning before you visit.

About the Expert

Sandra Friend has written 12 books about Florida, including the Explorer's Guide (Countryman Press) series to Florida.