Route #16 Key Biscayne

This route travels across the island of Key Biscayne, located off the coast of Miami and separated from the mainland by Biscayne Bay. Despite its relatively small size, the island has played a strategic role in the history of South Florida, both because of its geographic position and its connection to navigation and coastal defense.

Before modern urbanization, Key Biscayne was inhabited by Indigenous peoples and used as a reference point by European explorers. Features such as the Cape Florida Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the state, recall the island’s historical importance and the episodes of conflict that took place there during the nineteenth century.

The route highlights the contrast between protected natural areas, such as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, and densely developed residential zones. Beaches, mangroves, and former defensive structures coexist with urban growth, reflecting the ongoing tension between conservation and development along South Florida’s coastline.

The complete route and its historical context are included in Discovering Florida – Volume 1.