In addition to serving as the unofficial kick-off of summer, Memorial Day Weekend also brings Dr. Beach's announcement of his picks for the top 10 beaches in the nation.

For 2009, two Florida beaches are in coastal geologist Stephen Leatherman's list. In the number 8 position on the list is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park beach.

Cape Florida State Park is located on the south end of Key Biscayne, south of downtown Miami, and has more than a mile of sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.

Nature activities are the focus of this wonderful beach park. Windsurfing, kayaking, bike riding and hiking on nature trails are popular park activities. The park also features a historic lighthouse, built in 1846, and restored in 1996. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available. Florida doesn't have mountains with scenic overlooks, so a lighthouse offers one of the best opportunities to get a bird's eye view of the area.

Location: 1200 South Crandon Park Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL (links to Google map)

Activities and features:

• Windsurfing
• Bike riding (rentals available)
• Canoeing and kayaking (kayak rentals available)
• Beach chair / umbrella rentals
• Fishing
• Lighthouse tours
• Covered picnic pavilions
• Children's playground
• Restrooms and showers
• Pets allowed in the park, but not on the beach.
• Eat in the park at the Lighthouse Cafe or Boater's Grill.

Tropical Key Biscayne has a lot to offer. To learn more about what to see and do in the area, read Trisha Posner's excellent article: Discover Key Biscayne right here on VISITFLORIDA.com.