Cape Florida
 Photo: Stan Beckstrom |
Active: Yes
Website: www.FloridaStateParks.org/CapeFlorida/ |
Photo: Stan Beckstrom |
Active: Yes
Website: www.FloridaStateParks.org/CapeFlorida/ |
Cape Florida Lighthouse rises 95 feet above the beach at the end of Key Biscayne. Its simple white brick tower and black lantern overlook both the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, making it one of South Florida’s most scenic and accessible lighthouse settings.
The lighthouse was first lighted in 1825 to mark the northern end of the Florida reef. During the Second Seminole War in 1836, attackers set fire to the tower; assistant keeper John Thompson survived despite severe wounds. The damaged lighthouse was repaired and relighted in 1847, then heightened in 1855. It was discontinued in 1878 when Fowey Rocks Lighthouse took over the offshore role. After decades as a landmark rather than a working light, the tower was restored and relighted in 1978. A major restoration in the 1990s returned the station to its historic appearance.
The lighthouse is inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and can be reached by car, bicycle, or on foot. The grounds are open with the park, and free tower tours are commonly offered on a limited weekly schedule. Confirm current tour times with the park before visiting.
The State of Florida owns and manages the lighthouse as part of the state park. The tower is active with a modern beacon, and both the lighthouse and keeper’s cottage are open during scheduled tours.