Bill Baggs Cape Florida: Lighthouse, Beach, Done

Southern tip of Key Biscayne. Beach faces the open Atlantic — coarser sand than Miami Beach, honest Florida coastline. The Cape Florida Lighthouse at the tip is 95 feet of whitewashed brick from 1825, oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County.

Guided tour climbs the spiral stairs (Thursday through Monday). The view from the top puts the bay in your hand — Stiltsville shimmering in the haze, downtown skyline to the northwest, Biscayne Bay in every shade of green the tropics allow.

The mangrove boardwalk on the bay side is the part most people skip. Their loss. Red mangrove roots over still water, herons fishing, raccoons patrolling with employee-level entitlement.

$8 per vehicle. Lifeguards on the beach. Boater's Grill at the south end does grouper sandwiches and cold beer with a Stiltsville view.