{"id":746,"date":"2022-04-27T11:34:35","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T11:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/usa\/?p=746"},"modified":"2025-04-04T15:11:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T15:11:46","slug":"biscayne-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mapsofworld.com\/usa\/national-parks\/biscayne-national-park.html","title":{"rendered":"Biscayne National Park Map"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Yes, there are activities galore, but the park is much more than simply a sunny, fun weekend playground. Visitors who explore Biscayne\u2019s diverse attractions discover a watery world encompassing wildlife, historic shipwrecks, and peaceful lagoons where the loudest sound is the splash of kayak paddles.<\/p>\n

The park\u2019s colorful human history begins with the Native American Glades Culture, which left shell mounds in the area that date back more than 2,500 years. In the 19th century, farmers grew pineapples and limes on the Florida Keys; later, Adams Key was home to the Cocolobo Club, a private getaway that hosted several U.S. presidents.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a colorful story behind the establishment of the national park. Conservationists and developers were locked in a bitter, yearslong battle in the 1960s (see p. 30).<\/p>\n

Ninety-five percent of the park area is made up of the waters of Biscayne Bay and the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The park encompasses four ecosystems:<\/p>\n

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  1. A narrow strip of mangrove forest bordering the shore of Biscayne Bay<\/li>\n
  2. A large part of the bay itself<\/li>\n
  3. The northernmost islands of the Florida Keys<\/li>\n
  4. The northernmost section of the world\u2019s third largest coral reef, in the Atlantic, just beyond the Keys<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Of the park\u2019s lures, what\u2019s most fascinating to many visitors is the array of colorful fish and other animal life that populates the coral reef, from sharks to sea turtles to the coral itself.<\/p>\n

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    How to Visit<\/h2>\n

    At Biscayne National Park, exploration focuses on the water. Take in the exhibits at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center<\/strong> on the mainland and check the schedule for naturalist-led paddling trips (786-335-3612) along the longest mangrove forest on Florida\u2019s east coast. A snorkeling trip to the reef\u2014another water-based activity\u2014 is a truly memorable experience.<\/p>\n

    The park has authorized several concessionaires to operate boat and other tours in the park, making it easy for most visitors to access the bay, the Keys, and the reef. Biscayne National Park Institute (biscayne nationalparkinstitute.org<\/a>) focuses on ecotours that include paddling, snorkeling, and sailing. A list of other tour operators, available on the park website (nps.gov\/bisc\/planyourvisit\/guidedtours.htm<\/a>), includes fishing, kiteboarding, and more.<\/p>\n

    Also consider discovering the park\u2019s watery world on your own. Rent a kayak from an outfitter outside the park and paddle around the quiet mangrove shoreline of the mainland, right near the visitor center. Beginners welcome.<\/p>\n

    Visitors who take private boats into the park should be aware of regulations applying to both personal safety and protection of the environment. It\u2019s imperative to have nautical charts and to know tide schedules to avoid running aground in shallow water. Coral reefs and other areas of the seafloor are easily damaged by anchors and boat hulls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    Useful Information<\/h2>\n

    How to get there<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    From Miami, FL (about 35 miles north), take Fla. 821 (Florida\u2019s turnpike) south to Homestead and go east on SW 328 Street to Convoy Point.<\/p>\n

    When to go<\/h3>\n

    Dec. through April is the most popular season, with moderate temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Water is calmer and clearer for snorkeling in summer, however.<\/p>\n

    Visitor Center<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The Dante Fascell Visitor Center<\/strong> at Convoy Point is open year-round. Visitors should contact the visitor center before arrival for the latest information on available tours and operators.<\/p>\n

    Headquarters<\/h3>\n

    9700 SW 328 Street Sir Lancelot Jones Way Homestead, FL 33033 nps.gov\/bisc<\/a> 305-230-1144<\/p>\n

    Camping<\/h3>\n

    The park\u2019s two campgrounds, on Elliott Key<\/strong> and Boca Chita Key,<\/strong> are accessible only by boat. Elliott has toilets, showers, and drinking water; Boca Chita has only toilets<\/p>\n

    Lodging<\/h3>\n

    Lodging is available in the towns of Homestead<\/strong> and Florida City,<\/strong> both 9 miles west. For more information, contact the Tropical Everglades Visitor Association (tropicaleverglades.com<\/a>; 305-245-9180).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

    US National Parks Map<\/a><\/h2>\n

    About the Guide<\/h2>\n
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    Bask in the spectacular beauty, thrilling terrain, and quiet peacefulness of the country’s finest state parks, hand- picked by park directors and National Geographic editors. This fully updated fifth edition includes 750 additional off- the-beaten track destinations. Beautifully written descriptions tell the stories of the parks, from their wildlife, natural features, and history to their most popular current activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, water sports, and rock climbing. Vivid images inspire your next getaway, while detailed information–including 32 detailed maps highlighting sites, trails, campgrounds, and more– helps you plan your next excursion. From free to low-cost, from Florida to Alaska, from the six-acre lao Valley to the 204,000-acre Baxter, use this essential guide to plan a day visit or a weekend escape.<\/div>\n
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    You will be taken to our map shop \u2013 MapTrove.com<\/a> to customize this map. Options for customizing include centering the map on the location of your preference, zooming to different scales, selecting paper orientation, and adding a title to the map. Your custom map can be ordered as paper, plastic or lamination in one of three different sizes.<\/div>\n