Accessible Adventures in Biscayne National Park

Greater Miami and Miami Beach is home to an aquatic wonderland unlike any other in the U.S. National Park system. At 173,000 acres, Biscayne National Park is the country’s largest marine and aquatic national park, but it’s the turquoise waters, shipwrecks, wildlife and coral reefs spanning the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay that give this public gem its presence.

Visitors and locals flock here for the history and scenery, but you’ll find many fun things to do in Biscayne National Park, too. Fishing, boating, diving and snorkeling make it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park also accommodates adventurers of all abilities, so everyone has the chance to take in Miami’s great outdoors. Here’s your guide to accessible recreational opportunities and inclusive adventures in Biscayne National Park.

Start at Convoy Point

Convoy Point is the place to begin your accessible journey at Biscayne National Park. You’ll find designated handicap parking spaces, as well as wheelchair accessible picnic tables throughout the area.

Dante Fascell Visitor Center

Convoy Point is home to the Biscayne National Park Dante Fascell Visitor Center (9700 SW 328th St, Homestead) and should be your first stop to get a lay of the land. Open daily, it’s wheelchair accessible and has automatic doors, a ramp to enter and an elevator to access additional floors. ADA compliant restrooms are located in the building.

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is equipped with brochures in multiple languages and in braille. It also offers activities for those of all abilities, including:

1. Films: A theater with wheelchair seating shows a variety of films highlighting Biscayne National Park that are geared toward those who don’t have the time or ability to venture into every remote spot and habitat of the park. These films have captioning, and headphones are available for those who need them. Request details at the visitor center’s front desk.
2. Exhibits: Explore the biodiversity of Biscayne National Park. A touch table offers the option to interact with some of the organisms found in the park, while an aquarium gives a realistic look into the coral and marine life. You’ll also find local art within the exhibits, which offer another perspective of the park’s beauty.
3. Florida National Parks Association Bookstore: If you go up the ramp to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and take the elevator to the second floor of the main building, you’ll find the bookstore. This is where you check in for boat tours with Biscayne National Park Institute. There is also a gift shop and a snack bar in that building.

Accessible Activities Await

Beyond the visitor center in Convoy, you’ll also find several activities that allow you to observe and enjoy the things to do at Biscayne National Park. Many are set up for people of all abilities to enjoy. These include:

1. Jetty Walk: Take in scenic views of Biscayne Bay from the jetty walk. This boardwalk is accessible to mobility devices. It is mostly wooden but also has a compact natural surface at one point. This part of the trail may form puddles after rain, so proceed with caution. The jetty walk has benches throughout for rest stops as needed. Biscayne National Park Tours offers guided experiences, and you can learn more about them at the Visitor Center.
2. Boat Tours: The Biscayne National Park Institute operates boat tours throughout the park, giving you a chance to experience the beauty of the water while learning about the ecosystem and history of the area. Wheelchair accessible voyages are offered, and you can find out more information by calling (786) 465-4058. Keep in mind that tours can book up quickly, especially in the summer.
3. Fishing: Biscayne Bay is a popular fishing spot in Miami, and the park has a great fishing area in Convoy Point. Coral Reef Protection areas limit fishing and lobster and crab trapping in some other areas. All the rules and regulations of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission apply.

About the Keys

The islands of Biscayne National Park, known as keys, attract visitors with their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine systems. They also offer opportunities for bird watching and camping. The only way to reach the keys is by boat.

The Biscayne National Park Institute offers accessible boat rides to some of these locations; however, accessibility is limited once on the islands. Boca Chica, Adams and Elliott Keys have accessible restrooms, but they do not have sidewalks or flat paths throughout.

What Else You Should Know

1. Pets are allowed only at Convoy Point and Elliott Key. They must always be kept on a leash (under six feet long) and not left unattended. Service animals are permitted throughout the park, as long as they are within the definition of a service animal per the ADA.
2. When planning your visit to Biscayne National Park, it is good to know there are no entrance fees or parking charges (if you are in your personal vehicle). Most areas are open during daylight hours, seven days a week.
3. Consider taking the Homestead Trolley. This free trolley has various pickup locations and goes to Biscayne National Park. It is wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome.