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Cape Florida Lighthouse Viewing
Cruise to Key Biscayne’s iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse for a classic on-the-water photo stop, then go ashore at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park for beach time and (during tour hours) a tower climb.
Cape Florida Lighthouse sits at the far southeast tip of Key Biscayne inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park—one of the most recognizable landmarks for a Biscayne Bay boating day trip. It’s an easy, rewarding stop: snap skyline-and-shoreline views from the water, then head in for a relaxed park visit.
Boaters commonly access the park via No Name Harbor, a protected landing area that’s convenient for walking or biking to the lighthouse area, enjoying the beach, and grabbing lunch nearby. If you want to go beyond “viewing,” plan around the lighthouse tour window—tower and cottage access are only available during scheduled tour hours.
About This Experience
Cape Florida Lighthouse (originally built in 1825 and later reconstructed) is widely cited as the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County and a signature navigation landmark near the Florida Reef. Today, it’s a standout “view from the boat + go ashore” destination: approach the cape for classic photos, then land at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to explore paved paths, nature trails, and the beachfront.
If you want to climb the lighthouse, note that interior access is limited to posted tour hours (Thursday–Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), and climbers must be at least 42 inches tall. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, so you can still enjoy the park even outside tour times.
Popular Boat-Day Itineraries (Within ~20 Miles)
Quick Photo Stop + No Name Harbor Shore Visit
Cruise to the cape for lighthouse photos from the water, then head into No Name Harbor to go ashore. Walk or bike toward the lighthouse area, enjoy the beach, and return to the boat before afternoon crowds build.
Biscayne Bay Scenic Loop (Miami Views + Cape Florida)
Start with a relaxed Biscayne Bay cruise for skyline views, then run down to Key Biscayne for Cape Florida Lighthouse Viewing and a park stop. Great for guests who want a mix of cruising and a simple landing.
Cape Florida + Nixon Sandbar Day
Begin with the lighthouse/park stop, then head north toward the popular sandbar hangout near Key Biscayne. Time it with tides and weekend traffic on the water for the smoothest experience.
Cape Florida to Biscayne National Park (Experienced Boaters)
Use Cape Florida as a scenic waypoint, then continue south toward Biscayne National Park for clear shallows and island scenery. Plan carefully for conditions, regulations, and daylight—this is best as an early start, full-day run.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Molto Piaciuto at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Pelican IV
Bramante
Don't Tell Mom
Por Que Knot
Robalo Crandon
Donzi Dream
Balboa at Key Biscayne
Shining Force at Key Biscayne
Molto Piaciuto at Key Biscayne
Bubble at Key Biscayne
Le Grand Bleu at Key Biscayne
Blue
Pelican IV
Bramante
Don't Tell Mom
Por Que Knot
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Practical Tips for Visiting by Boat
Use this GPS pin for the lighthouse tower area: 25.6666, -80.1560 (some maps show a nearby building footprint, but it’s essentially the same site).
Plan for No Name Harbor as your primary boat access into the park; it’s a common landing/anchorage option for boaters.
Arrive early on weekends and holidays—Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park may restrict entry when it reaches capacity.
If you want to climb, plan around lighthouse tour hours: Thursday–Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (tower/cottage access only during tours).
Minimum height to climb the lighthouse stairs is 42 inches.
No Name Harbor fees: $8 per boat for day-use entrance; overnight anchoring is $20 per boat per night (pay at honor stations; credit card at ranger station during hours).
Overnight rules: seawall mooring not permitted 11 p.m.–8 a.m., and no more than two boats moored together.
Free pump-out is available for boats in No Name Harbor.
Swimming is at your own risk (no lifeguards).
If you’re leaving a vehicle overnight, confirm the required overnight parking permit at the ranger station during park hours.
Best Time to Go
For the calmest experience, target weekday mornings or arrive early on weekends. If your priority is climbing the tower, plan to be on land during the 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. tour window (Thu–Mon). Golden hour near sundown can be excellent for photos, but remember the park closes at sundown.
Visit Cape Florida with BoatPass
BoatPass makes Key Biscayne lighthouse days simple—book a boat for Biscayne Bay cruising, a No Name Harbor landing, and a relaxing run to the cape. Your BoatPass membership covers captain, fuel, and docking on all trips, with no initiation fees, no contracts, and the flexibility to cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cape Florida Lighthouse is at the far southeast tip of Key Biscayne inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. For an exact lighthouse pin, use 25.6666, -80.1560.
Lighthouse tours run Thursday–Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Access to the tower/cottage is only during tour times, and climbers must be at least 42 inches tall.
Yes. Boaters commonly use No Name Harbor inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park as a protected access point, then go ashore to explore the park and lighthouse area.
Day-use entry to No Name Harbor is $8 per boat. Overnight anchoring in the harbor is $20 per boat per night (pay at honor stations; credit card at the ranger station during hours).
The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, year-round.
Popular add-ons include a Biscayne Bay cruise for Miami/Coconut Grove views, a stop at Nixon Sandbar near Key Biscayne, or (for experienced boaters) continuing south toward Biscayne National Park—plan for conditions and regulations.
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