Wedged between Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, Homestead is a logical choice for outdoor lovers.
Also, it’s the last city before the Florida Keys with all its beaches and state parks, making it an ideal place for beachgoers.
Whether you’re into surfcasting, reef diving, or just want to relax on the warm sand and unwind, there is an option here for you.
Check out what Homestead has to offer!
Beaches near Homestead:
- Homestead Bayfront Park
- Biscayne National Park
- Gilbert’s Resort
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Rowell’s Waterfront Park
- Harry Harris Beach and Park
- Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
1. Homestead Bayfront Park
- Distance from Homestead: 10 miles (20 min)
- Activities: swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking
- Amenities: boat ramp, fishing spots, playground, grills, showers, restroom, lifeguard, umbrellas
Not far from Biscayne National Park, Homestead Bayfront Park is one of Homestead’s most glorious coastlines with an irresistible charm to it.
This palm-studded beach gives you access to some of the most amazing waterfront views.
From this coastline, you can opt to splash into the shallow atoll swimming pool, put your fishing skills to test, or launch a boat ride straight into the vast ocean.
Homestead Bayfront Park also has a marina where many of the boats come from the Biscayne National Park dock.
This beach has convenient amenities like barbecue grills, pavilions, a fishing pier, a restaurant, and of course, boat fuel and accessories shops. Put simply, this mellow joy land is a must-visit for anyone with a family.
2. Biscayne National Park
- Distance from Homestead: 9 miles (15 min)
- Activities: snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, camping, wildlife watching, paddle boarding
- Amenities: rental boats, museum, park rangers
Tucked a few miles away from Homestead Bayfront Park, Biscayne National Park is an awe-inspiring coastline ecosystem like no other. Its splendor and biodiversity can rival any of the world’s reefs.
This is a national park whose peripherals shake hands with the Atlantic Ocean. Boat rides from this region will take you as far as Adams Key, Elliot Key, or Boca Chita to see the historic lighthouse.
The ramp section is pretty extensive to accommodate many people, even during times of insane traffic.
Biscayne National Park doesn’t have sandy shores. Nevertheless, you can scuba dive, fish, or snorkel in its glittering blue waters. Plenty of palm trees, sea vegetation, and perfectly lawned grass make this place heavenly.
3. Gilbert’s Resort
- Distance from Homestead: 22 miles (30 min)
- Activities: boating, swimming, sand activities
- Amenities: marina, tiki bar, restrooms, changing rooms, swimming pool, sun loungers, restaurant
Beach bums who have been to sandy coastlines multiple times can agree that it tends to get humdrum after a while.
For that reason alone, hidden beaches like Gilbert’s Resort, which lies next to national parks, can be an invigoratingly fresh start.
Not only is Gilbert’s Resort’s limpid blue waters ideal for swimming, but boating, snorkeling, and other watersports as well.
The perfectly crafted marinas, tiki bars, and smoothly-paved pathways add to the gorgeous nature of this resort. Oh, and wait till you see the princely state of their hotel rooms… it’s something else really.
Gilbert’s Resort has a tropical rainforest appeal to it. This is courtesy of the neighboring John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Everglade National Park. As such, it offers an unprecedented selection of experiences.
4. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Distance from Homestead: 27 miles (35 min)
- Activities: boating, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming
- Amenities: boat ramp, camping zone, sun loungers, boardwalks, parking spot, resting points with chairs, gift shop, aquarium
When tackling the 113-mile Overseas Highway, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit place. The beach here may not be as sandy as at Clearwater or Boca Raton, but it’s teeming with life, making it ideal for snorkeling.
This is definitely a spot to be if you crave spellbinding views of the undersea while snorkeling, kayaking, or on a glass-bottom boat tour. And as its name suggests, there’s a wide stretch of colorful corals to behold.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has a camp section accessible through boardwalks and snaking pathways, making it an ideal overnight stop on the way to Key West.
The thick mangroves at the water shore give this beach a tropical vibe that will surely please nature lovers.
5. Rowell’s Waterfront Park
- Distance from Homestead: 25 miles (35 min)
- Activities: Kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming,
- Amenities: picnic tables, boat launch, benches, parking space
If you are a dog lover who doesn’t want to leave a friend behind while going to the beach, there’s an option for you – Rowell’s Waterfront Park.
It’s an 8-acre public park and one of the few in Key Largo that allows pets. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or just relax and work on your tan.
Being part of the vast Atlantic Ocean, you may encounter manatees and dolphins as they go about their ocean business.
Despite being a public waterfront, Rowell’s Waterfront Park is in decent condition with a boat launch, picnic tables, and natural pool areas. Parking is free, but you’ll need to arrive early to secure a good spot.
6. Harry Harris Beach and Park
- Distance from Homestead: 38 miles (45 min)
- Activities: swimming, boating, picnicking, sand games
- Amenities: boat ramp, barbecue grill, showers, restrooms, picnic area, playground
From sunrise to sunset, you can explore every nook and cranny at Harry Harris Beach and Park.
There is a picnic zone where your kids can play around, build sandmen and castles, and at the end, roast some barbecues at the various grill zones.
Despite being a little smaller in size, this beach has a boat ramp from where you can launch rides into the expansive azure ocean waters. The park rents out most of the watersport equipment.
Truthfully, Harry Harris Beach and Park may lack the splendor like that of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park below. However, it is a practical choice for anyone who just wants a good “Vitamin Sea” time without spending huge racks.
7. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
- Distance from Homestead: 43 miles (1 h)
- Activities: fishing, swimming, cycling
- Amenities: volleyball court, parking lot, birding trail, café, grill, fishing pier, picnic areas, rental sunbeds and umbrellas, showers, restrooms
Tropical ecosystems have something arresting about them. It’s a mixture of fear and reverence. If you’ve watched Anaconda (1997) then you know how epic tropic zones are. A shoreline that can give you such an experience is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
In this tiny mangroves-forested portion of the world, there’s plenty to see – loggerhead turtles, birds, iguanas, butterflies, and other wildlife. There are countless snaking natural trails to explore as well.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is an impeccable swimming sport. There is a volleyball court, a fishing pier, and even picnic zones.
Put simply, you will not lack something to do. Plus, this place is grooved in history – from the 19th-century lighthouse to the name of the park itself. You should check it out.
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