Biscayne National Park
Visitor Services
General Information
Convoy Point is where most people begin their visit to Biscayne National Park. The park is open daily, 24 hours, but without a boat there is little access outside the hours of 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Park personnel are available to answer questions and help you to plan your trip. A ranger station is located on Elliott Key. For more information, contact Biscayne National Park, 9700 Southwest 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033-5634; (305) 230-PARK (7275); or visit www.nps.gov/bisc.
Fees
No entrance fee is charged at Biscayne National Park. There is a $15 per-night docking fee at Boca Chita Key and Elliott Key.
Entrances
From the west, Park Headquarters and the Dante Fascell Visitor Center are located south of Miami, nine miles east of the city of Homestead on North Canal Drive (SW 328th Street), adjacent to Homestead Bayfront Park.
From other directions, access to the islands and to most of Biscayne is by boat only.
Visitor Center
The Dante Fascell Visitor Center offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. From the turnpike, take exit 6 and follow the signs. The center is nine miles east of U.S. Route 1 on North Canal Drive (SW 328th Street). Exhibits cover the park's cultural and natural histories; rotating exhibits highlight contemporary artists' interpretations of the park. Videos on the park are available upon request.
Boat Tours
Please see pages 42—44 for additional information regarding boat tours.
Food Services
There are no dining facilities in Biscayne National Park. Vending machines, picnic tables and grills are available at Dante Fascell Visitor -Center. Picnic tables and grills are also available on Boca Chita, Elliott and Adams Keys.
Emergencies
In case of an emergency, call 911. First aid is available from park rangers at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. The nearest hospital is in Homestead, 10 miles from the main entrance.
Gas and Service Stations
Gasoline is not available in the park, but may be purchased in nearby Homestead or Florida City.
Laundry and Showers
Cold showers are available at Elliott Key Campground, but there are no laundry facilities.
Lodging
Lodging is available in nearby Homestead, Florida City and in the greater Miami area. Contact the Tropical Everglades Visitor Assocation at (800) 388-9669 or the Homestead & Florida City Chamber of Commerce at (305) 247-2332 for more information.
Lost and Found
To report a lost or found item, go to a park visitor center or please call (305) 230-7275.
Marinas and Boat Ramps
The park maintains harbors at Elliott and Boca Chita keys, where boaters may spend the day or night. Docking is on a first-come, first-served basis and there is a $15-per-night fee.
Ramps are available at Homestead Bayfront Park, Black Point Marina, Matheson Hammock Park, Dinner Key and at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.
Postal Services
Post offices are located in Florida City and Homestead.
Religious Services
Churches of several denominations are located in nearby Florida City and Homestead.
Supplies and Souvenirs
Disposable underwater cameras are available at Convoy Point. Film processing is not available in the park.
Gifts and curios are available from the Biscayne National Underwater Park, Inc. Gift Shop in the Fascell -Visitor Center.
Snacks, juice and soft drinks are available in the park, but groceries and supplies are not. They can be purchased in nearby Homestead or Florida City.
Biscayne In Depth
News from the Parks
Civil Rights Leaders Declare Fundraising Success for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
Wildlife Biologist Cites Reasons Behind Bear Attacks
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
Park Develops Plan to Preserve Outcrops
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
White House Christmas Tree Lighting Closes Streets, Limits Parking
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
Officials Prepare for Chronic Wasting in Deer
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
