Cape Florida Lighthouse

Cape Florida Lighthouse is a stunning piece of Florida history that brings the past to life for curious young minds. Kids will love climbing the 109 steps to the top of this 1825 lighthouse, where they're rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and Miami skyline. The guided tours share captivating stories of lighthouse keepers, shipwrecks, and even a Seminole War attack that makes history feel like an adventure.

• ✓Climbing 109 steps up the spiral staircase inside the historic 1825 lighthouse tower
• ✓Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and Miami from the observation deck
• ✓Exploring the restored lighthouse keeper's cottage with authentic period furnishings
• ✓Learning about the dramatic 1836 Seminole attack and hearing stories of shipwrecks and rescues
• ✓Beautiful white sand beach and nature trails surrounding the lighthouse

1. 1.Book your tour in advance as they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Tours are offered hourly and limited to 15 people.
2. 2.Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the lighthouse keeper's cottage museum and let kids burn energy on the beach before the tour starts.
3. 3.Wear closed-toe shoes for the climb and bring water bottles,the spiral staircase gets warm and the climb is a workout.
4. 4.Combine your lighthouse visit with beach time at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, where the lighthouse is located. Pack beach toys and swimsuits for after your tour.
5. 5.The best photo op is from the keeper's cottage lawn where you can capture the whole lighthouse with kids in the frame,perfect for that Florida vacation memory.

Visit on a weekday morning (Monday, Thursday, or Friday) at 10:00 AM for smaller crowds and cooler climbing conditions. Winter months (November through March) offer the most comfortable weather for climbing the tower and the clearest views from the top. Avoid summer afternoons when heat and humidity make the enclosed staircase quite warm.

The lighthouse is located within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which charges a $8 per vehicle entrance fee. Lighthouse tours are free once you're in the park. The climb is not wheelchair accessible, but the grounds and keeper's cottage are. There's a casual beachside restaurant and picnic areas in the park.

The lighthouse is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays year-round. Hurricane season (June-November) may occasionally affect tour schedules. Winter offers the most pleasant weather and best visibility from the top. The park can get crowded on holiday weekends and spring break, so book tours well in advance during these periods.

The Boater's Grill inside Bill Baggs State Park offers casual waterfront dining with kid-friendly options like fish tacos, burgers, and grilled cheese. For more variety, head back to the Village of Key Biscayne (10 minutes away) where you'll find Donut Gallery Diner, a local favorite with breakfast all day and a menu that pleases picky eaters.