Dante Fascell Visitor Center - Homestead, Florida

Asiri B.

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center serves as the primary gateway to Biscayne National Park, offering visitors a comprehensive introduction to the park’s unique ecosystems and rich history. Located near Homestead, Florida, the center features a museum with dioramas, audio and video presentations, and a 20-minute film titled “Connections” that delves into the park’s diverse environments. Additionally, the gallery showcases works from local artists inspired by the park’s natural beauty.

The building itself boasts a balcony overlooking the bay and a small marina, providing picturesque views of the surrounding waters.  For those looking to explore further, the visitor center is the starting point for various guided tours, including snorkeling and paddling adventures, allowing guests to experience the park’s underwater wonders firsthand.

David L.

We visited on a Sunday morning in late December 2024. We were probably the 3rd car in the parking lot when we arrived around 8:30AM. We wanted to do the Jetty Trail first before it got crowded and be ready when the visitor center opened. We already had our Biscayne Institute Excursion booked at least 6 months prior. We did the Sail, Paddle, Snorkel trip.

The Jetty Trail starts behind the visitor center. It's not super long but there are bathrooms under the visitor center which were open before the visitor center itself. Out back there is a small marina filled with boats mostly used by the Biscayne Institute for excursions. The trail itself starts off on a boardwalk which is pretty wheelchair/stroller friendly but turns into gravel when you reach the actual jetty. There is a sign that tells you to where the trail ends. It's a very short hike and well maintained. There were some folks fishing. Be aware that there are areas that don't allow fishing and others that do. It was a very nice trail early in the morning sunrise and as we were heading back more and more people had showed up. We were able to get a ton of nice pictures without other people in it.

At the visitor center itself, there is a area for just the merch store shared with check-in for the Biscayne Institute excursions/tours. The store was a medium size (see photos). If you walk out and directly next door is the actual National Park Visitor Center. They had a large rotunda like area with multiple rangers and volunteers ready to help. These rangers were very helpful and very willing to help with the junior ranger programs. They offered to let us take the badge and finish the junior ranger later as well which some places don't allow. It was a constant stream of kids turning in junior ranger booklets while we were visiting. There is a special patch for completing 3 of the South Florida National Parks, Biscayne, Everglades and Big Cypress. They also offer the Coral Reef Ranger patch here.

They also offer programing (not sure if it's year round) but they had a schedule posted on the counter. I wish they post it online. They have paddle and fishing clinics and also "ranger's choice". Not sure what that means. They happen at certain times of the day. I would suggest giving them a call and asking before you visit so you can time it out if you don't already have a excursion/tour planned with the Biscayne Institute.

The actual exhibits had directional arrows but no one was following them. It wasn't very crowded either at 9AM so I don't think it was much of an issue. The exhibits were very well done and looked rather new or at least very well maintained. (see photos). There is also a theater but nothing was playing at the time. I didn't know if it was just early and someone just needed to ask them to put on the short film.

The National Park Cancellation Stamps are available right by one of the rotunda doors. They had 4 stamps, Biscayne National Park, Boca Chita Lighthouse, Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, Cape Florida Lighthouse. (see photo)

Overall this was a nice visitor center but undersized for what I would expect would be a pretty busy one. I think we saw all we wanted to see in our hour we spent there. I don't think I would visit again unless we were in the area anyways or if we booked another Biscayne Institute Excursion. While not cheap, ours was an amazing experience. Shout out to Clayton our skipper.

Julie L.

Great boardwalk trail and accessible for wheelchairs. Great eco adventure close to Miami or Lauderdale and you cross a national park off your list. We visited in February, and it was super cold, rainy and windy. Tough to boat or snorkel and 90% of park is in the water. Definitely visit this park in warmer weather so you can enjoy water activities.

Ben S.

Awesome national Park. We walked in and were able to have the kids try fishing and they actually caught the stuff. They got badges. We got a stamp for the national park and the old girl had a great experience. Whatever you do don't try going to this national Park by going north in Key largo you have to get to it from this visitor center south of Miami.

Jacob K.

We didn’t have time to explore the whole visitor center, but what we saw was pretty nice. There are lots of boardwalks and hiking trails to explore. We took the Heritage of Biscayne cruise which was great, highly recommend.

Nash H.

This section of Biscayne National Park is free to enter! The visitor center and surrounding grounds are beautiful with a stunning view of the northern Keys and Biscayne Bay with a boardwalk trail over the water to allow visitors to see some of the local sea life

Douglas S.

Great visit on a beautiful sunny day. Use the many trips offered through the Biscayne Bay National Park Institute and really get the best experience. We had Capt Marty and he was just perfect. The right balance of humor and knowledge. Plus the scenery could t be beat.

Amber P.

Dogs are allowed in the water. But not in the kayaks. I think. The Rangers weren't really sure when I asked. Tour only, no fishing or independent exploring on the kayaks. They have canoes too but not for use i guessing, they also weren't sure when I asked. Great Views. But if you plan on doing anything besides sitting on the shore and walking on the board walk. I'd leave the dog. I couldn't in my situation which greatly limited the activities in the park.

Wish the bark ranger had more narrative, giving good dogs and dog owners the opportunity to enjoy the same amenities as long as they show a proficient amount of recall &understanding with their K9. Instead of just a pin.