July 5, 2009
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is strictly for day trippers who want to swim, sunbathe, bicycle, kayak, picnic or view the wildlife. There are no hotels, and only organized youth groups can camp in the park.

There are no lifeguards at the park.

Park fees: $5 per vehicle with up to eight visitors; $3 single-occupant vehicles and $1 for bicycles and walkers

The Lighthouse: Built in 1825, and nearly destroyed in 1836 during the Second Seminole War, the lighthouse is now included on the National Register of Historic Places. It was fully restored in 1996. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Monday; free tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Amenities: Beach chair ($7) and umbrella ($10) rentals are available near parking area C. Or rent two chairs and one umbrella for $20. Bicycles, tandems, tricycles and four-seater quad bike rentals start at $3 per half-hour. Kayak and hydro-bike rentals start at $10 per half-hour. Picnic pavilions, accommodating up to 80 people, are $100 to $150, depending on size.

Cold showers are located outside of most restrooms.

Eating: Two restaurants specialize in a mix of fresh seafood and Cuban fare. The more casual Lighthouse Cafe (9 a.m.-sunset, daily) is next to the beach and serves sandwiches, beer and wine. Boater's Grill (9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday) is slightly more expensive and overlooks No Name Harbor.

Info: 305-361-5811, floridastateparks.org/capeflorida