Biscayne National Park
Trip Assistant
How Much Time?
Trips here are usually quick, unless you bring a boat. Boatless guests should check out the tour offerings from Biscayne National Park Institute. If you’re boating or even paddling, it is possible to camp on Boca Chita or Elliott keys. Just know it’s a nine mile paddle across open water to reach them from the mainland. While it is possible to tour Stiltsville from the water, viewing it from Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is pretty good too.
Need to Know
- It’s a good idea to reserve boat/snorkel/paddle tours in advance.
- With a group of 5 or 6, you should think about chartering a boat, which will give you much more freedom in exploring Biscayne Bay.
Highlights
- Stiltsville
- Boca Chita Key
- Jones Lagoon
- Shipwrecks
Activities
- Hiking
- SCUBA
- Snorkeling
- Paddling
- Fishing
- Birdwatching
Favorite Trails
There are short trails on Boca Chita and Adams Keys, as well as a trail (Spite Highway) running the length of Elliott Key
When To Go?
Weather
Visitation
Visitation is pretty steady throughout the year. Summer is the best time to enjoy the water.
Park Map Downloads
Road Trips
Helpful Tools
Below you'll see a Google Map to help plan road trips from the north (Congaree), Gulf, and south (Dry Tortugas). It’s a good start, but I’d highly recommend making your own. Google My Maps, Wanderlog, and TripIt are incredibly useful trip planning tools. Find what works best for you!
There’s much more to our country. Here’s another Google Map with points of interest across all types of public land.
For campers, here’s a Google Map with National Forest campgrounds. National Park campgrounds are difficult to reserve (there are about 200!). With nearly 5,000 national forest campgrounds, you can usually pull in and find a spot.
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