Biscayne National Park is located in the northern part of the Florida Keys. It covers 270 square miles, and 95% of the park is underwater. It is part of the third largest coral barrier reef in the world, and is home to over 600 species of fish. We visited Boca Chita Key, which is a small island within the national park. The Boca Chita Key was once privately held by Mark Honeywell, the late President and CEO of Honeywell, Inc. The island was primarily used for entertaining. It was preserved into a National Monument in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and the whole area was re-classified by congress as a National park in 1980. It's one of the few parks for which a pass is not required, but you will need a boat to visit it! Boca Chita is about a 40 minute boat ride from Homestead, Florida. Nice views can be seen from the walk up the spiral staircase to the top of Boca Chita Lighthouse. There were several amazing boats tied up. It was a festive atmosphere and an interesting place to visit!
- dougschnabel