Biscayne National Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and covers over 172,000 acres.


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Summary

The park is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. It is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

One of the main attractions of Biscayne National Park is the coral reefs, which are home to over 500 species of fish and other marine animals. Visitors can explore the reefs through guided tours or by renting their own boats. The park also has several shipwrecks that are popular among divers.

Another point of interest is the mangrove forests, which provide a habitat for many species of animals including manatees, sea turtles, and crocodiles. Visitors can explore the mangroves via kayak or paddleboard.

In addition to its natural beauty, Biscayne National Park also has a rich cultural history. The park includes several historic structures, including the Boca Chita Lighthouse, which was built in the 1930s, and the Stiltsville houses, which were built in the 1930s and 1940s.

The best time to visit Biscayne National Park is in the winter months, between December and April, when the weather is mild and dry. However, visitors should be aware that hurricane season runs from June to November, and storms can impact the park.

Overall, Biscayne National Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Florida's marine ecosystems. With its coral reefs, mangrove forests, and historic structures, the park has something for everyone to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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