3 Historic Lighthouses in Biscayne National Park
Three centuries of beacons marking Biscayne Bay's history, reefs, and architectural achievement.
Within sight of Miami, Biscayne National Park protects subtropical waters rimmed by mangrove islands and emerald keys. Among its maritime landmarks are three historic lighthouses—each a distinct chapter in South Florida's 200-year nautical story.
- No Entrance Fee Cost
- Year-Round Open Access
- 3 Historic Lighthouses Landmarks
- 10,000+ Years History Timeline
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse — Offshore Reef
Miami's most iconic offshore beacon marks dangerous reef 5 miles out with a towering 130-foot iron-pile structure.
- 130-foot iron-pile tower built 1875–1878, known as the 'Eye of Miami'
- Originally featured First-order Fresnel lens manufactured in Paris, 1876
- 17-mile light visibility across Biscayne Bay; replaced older Cape Florida Light
- Arratoon Apcar shipwreck occurred nearby during construction in 1878
THE BEACON
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse stands 130 feet tall on an iron-pile foundation 5 miles southeast of Cape Florida, marking the knife-edged reef that lurks just below the surface. Built between 1875 and 1878, it replaced the obsolete Cape Florida Light and earned the nickname 'Eye of Miami'—the city's most important maritime landmark. The Second Empire octagonal keeper's dwelling, painted white with green shutters, sits beneath the tower, with a 50-foot enclosed spiral staircase visible from the water.
The original First-order Fresnel lens, manufactured in Paris and shipped in 1876, cast a beam visible 17 miles across the bay. Today, a modern solar-powered light guides vessels into safe water, but the structure remains one of South Florida's most recognizable navigational aids.
VISITING
The lighthouse is not directly accessible to the public, but it's highly visible from the water and a prominent feature on reef-diving and boat-tour routes. Convoy Point offers land-based viewing of the bay where the lighthouse stands. Many charter captains include Fowey Rocks in snorkeling and diving itineraries, combining the historic structure with the coral gardens surrounding its base.
Cape Florida Lighthouse — Key Biscayne
South Florida's oldest lighthouse (1825) survived the Dade Massacre and stands as a frontier symbol.
- Built in 1825—one of South Florida's oldest structures
- Tower raised to 95 feet in 1855 to increase visibility
- Partially destroyed by Seminole warriors during Dade Massacre, 1835
- Marked the dangerous Florida Reef and guided mariners to safe anchorage
ORIGINS
Cape Florida Lighthouse was built in 1825 at the southeastern tip of Key Biscayne to guide mariners around the Florida Reef and into the safe anchorage of Biscayne Bay. The tower was raised to 95 feet in 1855 to increase light visibility across the shipping lanes. It stood as one of South Florida's oldest structures and a cornerstone of maritime commerce throughout the early 19th century.
THE ATTACK
During the Dade Massacre in 1835, Seminole warriors attacked and set fire to the lighthouse with the keeper inside. The structure was partially destroyed but survived this violent assault and was repaired to return to service. For nearly 200 years, the burned stones have recorded that dramatic moment in American frontier history.
Boca Chita Key Lighthouse — Boca Chita Key
An Art Deco gem from the 1930s with an accessible observation deck offering panoramic bay views.
- 65-foot limestone tower, Art Deco style, built 1937–1939 by architect August Geiger
- Constructed from Miami oolitic limestone as part of Mark Honeywell's vacation retreat complex
- 65-foot observation deck accessible when park rangers are present on the island
- 360-degree panoramic views of islands, bay, ocean, and Miami skyline from the top
ART DECO DESIGN
Boca Chita Key Lighthouse is a 65-foot Art Deco tower built between 1937 and 1939 by Mark Honeywell, a Miami businessman who developed the entire key as a private vacation retreat. Architect August Geiger designed the iconic structure using Miami oolitic limestone, giving it both ornamental elegance and functional durability. The lighthouse guides vessels into Boca Chita Harbor and remains fully operational as a navigational aid today.
OBSERVATION DECK
Unlike the inaccessible offshore lighthouses, Boca Chita's observation deck stands 65 feet high and is open to visitors when park rangers are present on the island. The 360-degree platform offers panoramic views of the park's island chain, the bay, the Atlantic, and on clear days, the Miami skyline to the west. It's the only lighthouse in Biscayne National Park where you can climb to experience the view keepers saw for nearly a century.
Common Questions
Can I visit all three lighthouses?
Yes, but access varies significantly. Boca Chita's observation deck is open when park rangers are present on the island. Fowey Rocks is visible from boat tours and diving charters but not directly accessible. Cape Florida Light can be viewed from Key Biscayne. Check the NPS website for current ranger schedules and ferry availability.
Which lighthouse is the tallest?
Fowey Rocks Lighthouse at 130 feet is the tallest, followed by Cape Florida at 95 feet (raised in 1855), and Boca Chita at 65 feet. The three represent different eras and architectural approaches to lighthouse design and function.
Do I need a boat to see these lighthouses?
You can see all three from the water or via boat tours. Boca Chita is accessible by ferry from Convoy Point. Cape Florida is on Key Biscayne. Fowey Rocks requires boat access but is featured on most reef-diving and snorkeling charters departing from the park.
Are the lighthouses still operational?
Yes—all three remain operational navigational aids maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. They guide modern vessels just as they did a century or more ago, though modern solar-powered lights have replaced the historic Fresnel lenses.
Sources & Further Reading
- Fowey Rocks Lighthouse - Biscayne National Park — National Park Service
- History & Culture - Biscayne National Park — National Park Service
- Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park — National Park Service
- Biscayne National Park Home — National Park Service
