Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area Location in Florida
Location	1200 South Crandon Boulevard Miami-Dade County, Florida, U.S.
Nearest city	Key Biscayne, Florida
Area	400 acres (160 ha)
Established	1967
Visitors	850,000 (in 2004)
Governing body	Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area is a wonderful park located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, an island near Miami. This special place is home to the Cape Florida Light, which is the oldest building still standing in the greater Miami area.

The park is named after Bill Baggs, who was an editor for The Miami News newspaper from 1957 until he passed away in 1969. He worked hard to protect this land. He wanted to keep it natural and stop it from being built on.

In 2005, the park's beach was named the 8th best in the whole country. In 2013, Forbes magazine even ranked it as the 7th best beach!

This park also has an important history. In 2004, a special marker was put up here. It shows that the park is part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Trail. This is because hundreds of Black Seminoles, many of whom were people escaping slavery, found freedom by leaving from here. They traveled across the sea to the Bahamas, mostly settling on Andros Island. In the early 1820s, about 300 people escaping slavery reached the Bahamas from this area.

Fun Things to Do at Bill Baggs Park

This park offers many exciting activities for visitors!

Enjoy the Beach and Water

The park has over a mile of beautiful sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. You can explore the clear waters and see what's under the surface.

Lighthouse Adventures

You can take tours of the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse. You can also visit the keeper's quarters, where the lighthouse keeper used to live. It's a cool way to learn about the past!

Boating and Fishing

If you love being on the water, you can go boating, canoeing, or kayaking. There's also a seawall along Biscayne Bay where you can enjoy fishing.

Explore on Land

The park is perfect for bicycling and hiking. You can ride bikes or walk along the trails. It's a great way to see the park's natural beauty and look for wildlife.

Relax and Learn

The park has nice picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. There are also youth camping spots if you want to stay overnight. You can visit the visitor center and a museum with interesting exhibits. There are even concessions if you need a snack or drink.

No Name Harbor

Inside the park, you'll find No Name Harbor. This is a natural harbor where boats can anchor safely.

Planning Your Visit

Florida state parks, including Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area, are open every day of the year. You can visit from 8 a.m. until sundown.

Gallery

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  Cape Florida Lighthouse

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  Sign commemorating Black Seminoles who escaped from Cape Florida in the early 1820s to the Bahamas.