Cape Florida Lighthouse

The oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade, an 1825 lighthouse you can climb at the tip of Key Biscayne.

Revisado octubre de 2026

Cape Florida Lighthouse is for people who like a bit of history with their beach day and do not mind a narrow spiral climb; the trade-off is limited tour slots and a drive over the causeway plus a state park entry fee.

Why you go

You come to climb a lighthouse first built in 1825 and rebuilt after it was burned in 1836 during the Second Seminole War. From the top you look over the Atlantic, Stiltsville and the Key Biscayne shoreline. There is also a replica keeper's cottage at the base. It rates 4.8 from 4,749 Google reviews. The climb and the view take under an hour, and most people pair it with the beach around it.

When to go

Google lists the lighthouse open Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 12 pm, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Climbs run as ranger-led tours with a small group cap, so arrive early and put your name down at least 30 minutes ahead; the park has also listed a 1 pm tour, so ask at the gate. Mornings are cooler for the 109 steps. In rain or lightning the tower stays shut, so check the sky before you drive out.

Know before you go

The lighthouse sits inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, so you pay the park's per-vehicle entry fee; check current prices on the Florida State Parks site. The tour itself is included. You need to handle 109 spiral steps, tight spaces and heights, and children must be at least 42 inches tall and climb on their own. Bring water and leave big bags in the car. Spend the rest of the day on the beach or at No Name Harbor on the bay side.

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