Nestled in a mangrove preserve directly on Biscayne Bay, Black Point Park & Marina in Homestead is your gateway into the watery world of Biscayne National Park. Sands Key and Elliott Key are just across the bay, marking the uppermost islands and sandbars of the Florida Keys.

There is plenty to do at Black Point Park & Marina both on and off the water, from traversing the nature trail that transforms into a jetty jutting into the sea, to outdoor dining, fishing charters, canoeing and sandbar hopping. Slather on some sunscreen, grab your water sports enthusiast friends and head south to Black Point for a day of fun in the sun.

Boating

With multiple boat ramps, wet slips and a fuel dock, Black Point is a popular marina for locals to bring their boats on trailers and put them into the bay. With its proximity to Biscayne National Park, Sandy Key and Elliott Key, the area is ripe for fishing, diving and pleasure cruising along the bay, which is teeming with marine life. You may even spot a gator or saltwater crocodile in the channel. Manatees are also a common sighting along the docks and in the shallow waters surrounding the marina.

There are boat rentals onsite or you can arrange a charter in advance. Another exciting way to explore the area’s unique ecosystem is by canoe or kayak. There are a few different canoe routes along the mangrove shoreline where you’re sure to see wading birds and tropical fish in the calm, crystal clear waters. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the marina.

Explore the Park

The park itself makes for a fun and unique outdoor activity in South Dade. Biscayne Trail is an excellent walking, jogging and biking path that loops around the marina. On the other side of the cut, which opens up to Biscayne Bay, Black Creek Trail transforms from paved pathway to dirt road and then into a sandy jetty that extends a mile and a half into the bay. There are benches, picnic tables and grills along the way to relax and take in the views or cook up a meal for your family. Once you reach the end of the jetty, it’s a surreal sight to take in the aquamarine water all around you.

Black Point Ocean Grill

For a true Miami fish house experience, enjoy a meal at the open-air Black Point Ocean Grill with outdoor seating overlooking the marina. The tiki-bar style restaurant often hosts live music on the weekends and the menu features fresh seafood. Don’t skip the smoked fish dip, a local delicacy served with crackers, banana peppers and diced onions. For dishes inspired by the Bahamas, order the conch fritters, flash-fried cracked conch or conch chowder. The “dolphin” Reuben made with mahi-mahi is a favorite local item, so be sure to try it here. You can also choose from the market fresh fish, or reel in your own and they’ll cook it up to order.

For boaters and anyone who simply loves the sights and action along a marina, Black Point Park & Marina is a slice of paradise with a myriad of outdoor activities.