Life's an Ease With an Ocean Breeze!

The sea shines brilliantly under the blazing sun. Driving down the Rickenbacker causeway with the windows rolled down and the roof top opened. Not a cloud in the sky. It's the perfect day to be outdoors.

The Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Park is one of the oldest structures in South Florida. It was built in 1825. In 1971, The Cape Florida Beach was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse beach is located in Miami- Dade County.(United States) According to Wikipedia, the park is named in honor of Bill Baggs, editor & chief activist who sought to protect the land from its development and to preserve its natural beauty.

The lighthouse was restored twice already: (1967-1970) and again from (1992-1996) after Hurricane Andrew. According to research, the Indians attacked Cape Florida Beach. In order to protect the land and sea from further attacks, a U.S Navy was built. There are 101 steps to the top of the lighthouse. Amazing! I've been going to this beach since I was a kid but I haven't been inside of the tower. Tours of the lighthouse are offered at designated times..

Cape Florida Beach has been ranked as one of the top ten beaches in the United States #7 in 2014 according to Dr. Stephen Leatherman(Dr. Beach) of Florida International University. The Cape Florida Beach is known for its pristine beaches and white powder sand. The water is usually clear and tranquil with hardly any waves. There are white seagulls roaming along the shore hunting for anything they could find. I advise you to bring an umbrella and a lounge chair otherwise; you will fry in the sun. Bring a bottle of SPF 50. There are beach rental chairs and umbrellas for $20.00. These umbrellas are sturdy and can sustain high winds.

Bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, hydro-bikes, fishing, boat camping, hiking and nature trails, snorkeling, birdwatching and other water sports are among the activities that the beach has to offer.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply grilling a barbecue with the family, there are a number of picnic areas surrounded by shady branches where you can cook a barbecue and listen to music. Alcohol is permitted in this area, but not on the beach. Be on the lookout for raccoons. They love to hang out in trashcans and around wooded areas near picnic tables.

There are two restaurants. The one closest to the beach is Lighthouse Café which overlooks Biscayne Bay. They serve burgers,french fries, Cuban and midnight sandwiches and mostly fish and other seafood. You can dine at the restaurant and enjoy the beautiful scenery or take out. There's another restaurant on the other side of the beach which serves Cuban cuisine.

By: Marlene

Last updated: February 3, 2017

Sources

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park-activities/Cape-Florida#Historic-Site