Biscayne National Park

Biscayne protects the northernmost Florida Keys, part of the world’s third-largest coral reef tract, and the clear shallows of Biscayne Bay. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point is free to visit, with a museum, a waterfront picnic area, and a short jetty walk that’s lovely around sunset.

To really see the park you get on the water: guided boat, snorkel, and paddle trips depart from the visitor center (book ahead — they fill up), covering the bay, Boca Chita Key’s iconic lighthouse, and the Maritime Heritage Trail’s snorkelable shipwrecks.

Tips from our front desk

• Book water excursions in advance — walk-ups are often out of luck, especially in winter.
• No boat trip? Pair the visitor center with the Everglades for a two-park day: they’re both about 20 minutes from the hotel in different directions.
• The picnic area at Convoy Point is a great cheap evening out — pick up food in Homestead and watch the boats come in.
• Snorkelers: John Pennekamp in Key Largo is the easier walk-up alternative if Biscayne trips are booked out.

Getting there from Travelog Inn

We're at 409 SE 1st Ave in Florida City — about 20 minutes from Biscayne NP by car, with free parking in front of your room when you get back. Open directions in Google Maps. For hours and tickets, check the official site.

Common questions

How far is Biscayne National Park from Travelog Inn?

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center at Convoy Point is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, east of Homestead.

Can you visit Biscayne National Park without a boat?

Yes — the visitor center, museum, jetty walk, and picnic grounds are all on shore and free. But the reef, the keys, and the shipwrecks need a boat trip, so book one ahead if you can.

Which is better with kids, Biscayne or the Everglades?

For a guaranteed payoff, the Everglades’ Anhinga Trail wins — kids see alligators within the first ten minutes. Biscayne is wonderful if you’ve booked a boat or snorkel trip.