Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - Miami

This weekend, myself and a few friends visited Bill Baggs State Park for the first time. In the 30+ years I've lived in South Florida, not only have I passed up this amazing beach, I've never even heard of it before. I need to get out more I guess. Oh, right - That's why I write this blog.

First impressions - this beach has everything but crowds. I started my visit early, as I always do, but this time left very late. Even with 3 coats of SPF 50, I know I enjoyed this visit a little too long. The plan was to hit the beach first. I didn't think to bring my bike and that was a mistake. Not a problem if you forget yours. They have 2 wheeled and 4 wheeled varieties to rent. Also kayaks if you are interested. I hate to rent things I own and a return trip will be soon. The bike trails tend to be off road, crushed coral so a mountain bike or combo would be advised.

As with any beach in Miami, don't expect English to be the dominant language. On my visit, there was not only Spanish, but plenty of French, German, and others mixed in. I don't know how I missed this beach as the entire world and a woman from Iowa found their way to it. (I like to ask people where they are from).

It was nearly impossible to believe hurricane Irene had just passed by and was terrorizing our neighbors to the North. The ocean was flat as glass. I tried to catch one wave from a passing boat to add interest to my beach shots, but missed it. There were a large amount of jelly fish who managed to make it to shore but they were not the kind to leave huge welts with their stings. I left the beach after a good long while just as it was starting to get busy. Just a few steps away were a couple of dozen picnic tables, a few pavilions, and plenty of shade. Just the place to enjoy the lunch I brought.

Next stop was to tackle the lighthouse. Not very intimidating. I was surprised to see how many people I passed on the way up either out of breath or paralyzed by fear. When I got to the walkway at the top, it was another story. There was not more than two feet from the wall to the rail. If you are not a fan of heights, you may want to consider passing this one by. Great view though. Here is a shot of the beach about noon. The blue umbrellas are rentals and not many were rented.

To round off the day, I cast a line at the fishing pier. It was not my line. I was just helping out. Right at the moment a cloudburst approached us, we caught a fish. Nothing like fishing in a thunderstorm in Florida.

A check of the time and it was mid afternoon. Way more than I expected out of the day. Nothing can ruin a perfect day at the beach like Miami traffic but even that turned out to be not so bad. Bill Baggs State Park is definitely on my do again list for the near future.