Biscayne National Park, south of Miami, protects a landscape shaped by water, including Biscayne Bay and its mangrove shorelines. For a day trip, start at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point, then choose between a short visit to the grounds and a boat trip farther into the park.
- Location: Convoy Point, 9 miles east of Homestead, Florida.
- From Miami: destination research estimates about 36 miles and 60 minutes to the visitor center.
- Entry: no park entrance fee or pass is required.
- Typical hours: Convoy Point grounds are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM; the visitor center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What makes Biscayne National Park different
Biscayne National Park is defined by its waters and shoreline, making it different from a park visit focused mainly on inland trails. The visitor center offers a starting point on land, while boat trips and personal watercraft provide ways to experience the bay and more distant parts of the park.
At the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, the museum presents the park’s four ecosystems through dioramas, audio and video. You can also watch park films, see an art gallery featuring local artists, and attend “Connections,” a 20-minute feature presentation. Outside, Convoy Point has a picnic lawn and a jetty trail.
You can launch your own canoe or kayak from the ramp north of the Convoy Point parking lot. The launch is unpaved and has no hand railings, so consider its surface and access before planning to use it. Service animals are permitted on park grounds and in all facilities.
How do you get from Miami to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center?
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is at Convoy Point, 9 miles east of Homestead, Florida. Its address is 9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead, FL 33033. Destination research estimates the drive from Miami at about 60 minutes, covering 36 miles; travel time can depend on your starting point and route.
From the Florida Turnpike, take Exit 6 (Speedway Boulevard). Turn left from the exit ramp and continue south to SW 328th Street, also called North Canal Drive. Turn left and continue for four miles to the end of the road; the park entrance is on the left just before Homestead Bayfront Marina.
If you are planning this day trip while staying in Miami, Royal Budget Inn, a one-star motel in Miami, is in the city; check the specific route from your starting point to Convoy Point.
The Biscayne National Park Institute says parking is free at the visitor-center location, with a few spaces for RVs and trailers; overnight parking is not allowed.
If you plan to use a ride-share service, make sure your driver can reach Convoy Point before the grounds close at 5:30 PM. The Homestead Trolley serves the visitor center seasonally from downtown Homestead; check its website for reservations and available dates.
Miami’s public transport can help you get around the city before arranging the onward trip; the Miami public transport guide covers local options.
Boat tours and water-based activities
Boat tours are a way to reach parts of Biscayne National Park that are far from the mainland. The Biscayne National Park Institute offers trips for shipwreck and reef snorkeling, cruises to Boca Chita Key and its lighthouse, sailing on Biscayne Bay, and excursions to Jones Lagoon.
Advance reservations are advised; you can book online, call 786-335-3644, or arrange a trip at the park store.
Other authorized operators named by the National Park Service include Biscayne Adventures, LLC, for sightseeing boat tours and snorkeling charters, and Ace Diving for snorkeling and scuba-diving charters. Coral reefs are more than 10 miles from the mainland by boat, so consider the travel involved when choosing a trip.
You can also bring your own canoe or kayak to the Convoy Point launch, which is available daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The park prohibits personal watercraft, including jet skis and waverunners. Boaters should use caution because navigational markers may be missing or moved, and the park’s shallow waters make tide predictions important.
Fees, hours, and reservations
There is no entrance fee or pass requirement for Biscayne National Park. Convoy Point grounds are open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Park waters are open 24 hours a day, all year.
Free entry does not mean every activity or service is free: parking, shuttle or other transportation-related fees may apply. The National Park Service lists a $25 day-use docking fee at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys from Friday through Monday and on federal holidays.
That charge is separate from entry to the park. The National Park Service also publishes different figures for overnight camping and docking, so confirm current charges and arrangements directly before planning an overnight stay.
Hours, fees, operator trips and seasonal transport can change. Check the official site before you go, including the National Park Service’s pages for park conditions and the relevant tour or trolley operator.
Weather, safety, and a realistic day plan
Weather shapes the day at Biscayne National Park, especially if you plan to be on the water. The park describes winters as normally dry and mild, with occasional windy fronts.
Summers are hot and humid, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms, and June through November is hurricane season. Miami’s seasonal weather can also help you plan around the park’s conditions; the guide to Miami weather and seasonal planning covers the city’s patterns.
A practical sequence is to arrive at Convoy Point during the grounds’ opening hours, visit the museum and watch the 20-minute presentation, then use the picnic lawn or jetty trail if time allows.
If you have booked a boat trip, build the day around its departure and allow time to return before the grounds close. A longer outing to the keys or reef is a different kind of day from a visit focused on the visitor center.
For paddling and boating, account for shallow water and check tide predictions. The park also cautions that navigational markers can be missing or moved. If your plan depends on a tour, launch or seasonal trolley, confirm the arrangements before travelling.
FAQs
Is Biscayne National Park free to enter?
Yes. The park has no entrance fee and does not require an entrance pass. Some transportation, parking, tours or docking can have separate charges.
How far is Biscayne National Park from Miami?
The visitor center at Convoy Point is about 36 miles and an estimated 60 minutes from Miami, according to destination research.
Can you visit Biscayne National Park without a boat tour?
Yes. You can visit the visitor center, picnic lawn and jetty trail at Convoy Point. You can also launch a personal canoe or kayak from the ramp there.
Do you need reservations for Biscayne National Park boat tours?
Advance reservations are advised for trips with the Biscayne National Park Institute. Booking is available online, by phone at 786-335-3644, or at the park store.