Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Florida

Miami-Dade County

Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Florida

Miami-Dade County

Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop

Easy

4.9

(7887)

7,888

hikers

Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop

Q: Where can I park for the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop?

The trail is located within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. Parking is available inside the park. You will need to pay the park entrance fee upon arrival.

Q: Are there any entrance fees or permits required for Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which covers parking and access to the trails, including the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop. No additional permits are typically required for hiking.

Q: Is the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop dog-friendly?

Dogs are generally allowed in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please check the park's official website for any specific restrictions regarding pets on trails or in certain areas.

Q: When is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The best time to hike this trail is typically during the cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (November to April). This avoids the intense heat and humidity of summer, as well as the peak of hurricane season. It's also an excellent time for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through.

Q: How long does it typically take to hike the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop?

This approximately 4.4 km (2.7 mile) loop typically takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete, though your pace may vary depending on stops for birdwatching, photography, or exploring the lighthouse.

Q: Is the trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop is considered an easy hike with a 'green difficulty' rating. The terrain is largely flat, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of most skill levels, including beginners and families.

Q: What kind of wildlife and scenery can I expect to see?

You'll experience diverse scenery, including old Florida forests, mangrove wetlands, and coastal views of Biscayne Bay and No Name Harbor. The park is a renowned birdwatching spot, home to over 260 species. Keep an eye out for turtles, butterflies, American crocodiles, and marine life like fish, rays, and dolphins in the surrounding waters. You might even spot iguanas, especially near the Iguanas Everywhere highlight.

Q: What are the main points of interest along the route?

Key highlights include the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse , the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, which you can often climb for panoramic views. You'll also pass No Name Harbor , various viewpoints like Biscayne Bay Viewpoint , and the Beach at Key Biscayne . Don't miss the Crocodilian Warning Sign at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park .

Q: Does this route follow any named trails?

Yes, approximately 75% of this route follows the official Robin's Birding Trail, offering a dedicated path through the park's natural habitats.

Q: Are there amenities or places to eat near the trail?

Yes, within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, you can find amenities. The Boater's Grill is a restaurant located near the trail, offering a convenient spot for a meal or refreshments after your hike.

01:06

4.41km

Hiking

The Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop offers a delightful escape into Florida's natural beauty, combining lush old-growth forests with stunning coastal vistas. You'll wander through shaded canopies, spot diverse birdlife, and eventually emerge to the iconic Cape Florida Lighthouse, all while enjoying the gentle sea breeze. The path is mostly flat, making it an easy 2.7-mile (4.4 km) hike that takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes, perfect for a relaxed outing.

Located within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the trailhead is easily accessible by car, though an entrance fee applies. Parking is available, but consider arriving earlier in the morning to beat the heat and potential crowds, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. This easy route with minimal 10 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain is ideal for families and casual walkers looking for a scenic stroll.

Beyond the lighthouse, the trail provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, with over 260 species recorded in the park, and you might even spot iguanas or other local wildlife. The route also offers glimpses of No Name Harbor and the distant Stiltsville, adding a unique historical and ecological dimension to your visit. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural side of Key Biscayne.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Get Directions

372 m

Crocodilian Warning Sign at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Highlight • Structure

Here you can go hiking with a scary factor: according to the warning sign, there are alligators. We didn't see any, but we did see lots of iguanas, lizards and a small snake

Translated by Google •

Tip by

817 m

No Name Harbor

Highlight • Structure

A small harbor where a few boats are located. At the entrance of the location is still a small restaurant from the terrace you have a great view over the harbor.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

884 m

Iguanas Everywhere

Highlight • Natural

Lots of iguanas of all kinds spread across the island. Very impressive!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

942 m

Boater's Grill

Highlight • Restaurant

1.56 km

Biscayne Bay Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Along Bill Baggs State Park, you can find boardwalks that offer views of Biscayne Bay. It’s a great place to spot birds or simply watch the fishermen.

Tip by

2.03 km

Beach at Key Biscayne

Highlight • Beach

2.07 km

Boat Traffic Near Cape Florida State Park

Highlight • Natural

many small ship movements past the island

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.31 km

South End of Key Biscayne

Highlight • Beach

unpaved riverside path, quite unusual for American standards in a tourist hotspot

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.57 km

Cape Florida Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

The lighthouse stands on the southern tip of Key Biscane. If you have been here, definitely plan to spend an hour relaxing ... A truly worth seeing place.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.75 km

Southern tip of Key Biscayne

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Cape Florida Light is a lighthouse on Cape Florida at the southern end of Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Built in 1825, it took sailors off the Florida Reef, which begins near Key Biscayne and extends south a few miles off the Florida Keys. It was operated by employees intermittently until 1878, when it was replaced by Fowey Rocks Lighthouse. The lighthouse was put back into use by the USA in 1978.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.41 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.56 km

766 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

1.73 km

1.08 km

821 m

775 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Sunday 5 July

31°C

27°C

93 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park for the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop?

The trail is located within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne. Parking is available inside the park. You will need to pay the park entrance fee upon arrival.

Are there any entrance fees or permits required for Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, which covers parking and access to the trails, including the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop. No additional permits are typically required for hiking.

Is the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop dog-friendly?

Dogs are generally allowed in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please check the park's official website for any specific restrictions regarding pets on trails or in certain areas.

When is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The best time to hike this trail is typically during the cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (November to April). This avoids the intense heat and humidity of summer, as well as the peak of hurricane season. It's also an excellent time for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through.

How long does it typically take to hike the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop?

This approximately 4.4 km (2.7 mile) loop typically takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete, though your pace may vary depending on stops for birdwatching, photography, or exploring the lighthouse.

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Robin's Birding Trail and Lighthouse Loop is considered an easy hike with a 'green difficulty' rating. The terrain is largely flat, with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for hikers of most skill levels, including beginners and families.

What kind of wildlife and scenery can I expect to see?

You'll experience diverse scenery, including old Florida forests, mangrove wetlands, and coastal views of Biscayne Bay and No Name Harbor. The park is a renowned birdwatching spot, home to over 260 species. Keep an eye out for turtles, butterflies, American crocodiles, and marine life like fish, rays, and dolphins in the surrounding waters. You might even spot iguanas, especially near the Iguanas Everywhere highlight.

What are the main points of interest along the route?

Key highlights include the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, which you can often climb for panoramic views. You'll also pass No Name Harbor, various viewpoints like Biscayne Bay Viewpoint, and the Beach at Key Biscayne. Don't miss the Crocodilian Warning Sign at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

Does this route follow any named trails?

Yes, approximately 75% of this route follows the official Robin's Birding Trail, offering a dedicated path through the park's natural habitats.

Are there amenities or places to eat near the trail?

Yes, within Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, you can find amenities. The Boater's Grill is a restaurant located near the trail, offering a convenient spot for a meal or refreshments after your hike.

What should I bring for a hike on this trail?

Given the Florida climate, it's essential to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Binoculars are a great idea for birdwatching, and don't forget your camera for the scenic views and wildlife.