Biscayne National Park

The final stop on this trip is yet another park located primarily in and under the water.  After flying back to Miami from St. Thomas late last night, we were up and packed early, heading from our hotel near the airport to Biscayne National Park some 30 miles to the south.

Like Buck Island Reef and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monuments, this park protects the coral reef located in and around Biscayne Bay. But it also protects the waters of the bay and the outer islands – a northern extension of the Florida Keys.  These lands and waters are home to a variety of wildlife and vegetation.

The park – originally designated as a National Monument – was born in response to an absolutely idiotic idea.  In the 1960s, developers wanted to dredge up the bay, expand an island, build an airport and hotels and houses, and more.  The area would have been irreparably damaged, as so many developments had already done.

Fortunately, some people stepped up, forming an opposition to the development. Aided by newspaper coverage and the support of conservation groups, the National Monument was established in 1968. In 1980, it was upgraded to National Park status.

Though there isn’t too much to do on land, we did stop by the Visitor Center and watched the park video, which as usual, was quite interesting and well-presented. From the Visitor Center, it is a short walk along the bay shoreline to a jetty that heads due east into the bay. The entire boardwalk runs maybe 1,000 feet but makes for a nice, informative walk as it has information displays along the way.

The waters of the bay are clear, and we could see fish swimming around. A few local land creatures also entertained us.  As it had been for the entire 13-day trip, the weather was perfect – sunny and comfortable.

I would have liked to stay longer, but unfortunately, a nearly six-hour road trip awaited us as this trip reached its end.  Only seven weeks until Trip 8 starts!

Steve