If your idea of a perfect beach involves a waiter to fetch your drinks and the amenities of a high-rise hotel, then the beach at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park may not be for you.

Because all you can see from this 1 1/4-mile-long pristine beach at the southern tip of Key Biscayne are a lighthouse and the clear, emerald expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. A reef line seven miles from shore acts as a natural break wall, making this a perfect swimming spot where there is never -- ever -- a rip current. Jutting as it does into the ocean, there's almost always a cooling breeze.

``It's a delightful place to visit,'' says Stephen Leatherman, who as Dr. Beach ranked it No. 8 on his annual top 10 list of American beaches. ``There are plenty of places to ride a bike or picnic. It's in the Miami area, but I like to say it's a world apart.''

Leatherman says a visit to Cape Florida is a rare opportunity to see what a native Florida coastal area is supposed to look like.

There's just one area of the beach, near parking area C, that will remind you of classic South Florida beaches. There are beach chair, umbrella and kayak rentals. Families, many with young kids, come fully equipped for the day with coolers and beach toys. You can walk to the nearby Lighthouse Cafe for soft drinks and sandwiches.

Back on the beach, the sandy ocean bottom gives way to sea grass beds that attract turtles and manatees. Because there are so few waves, the water is crystal clear. The sea grass acts as a natural water filter.

•  Park fees: $5 per vehicle with up to eight visitors; $3 single-occupant vehicles and $1 for bicycles and walkers

•  The Lighthouse: Built in 1825 and nearly destroyed in 1836 during the Second Seminole War, the lighthouse is now included on the National Register of Historic Places. It was fully restored in 1996. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Monday; free tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

•  Amenities: Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available near parking area C. Bicycles, tandems, tricycles and four-seater quad bike rentals start at $3 per half-hour. Kayak and hydro-bike rentals start at $10 per half-hour. Cold showers are located outside of most restrooms. There are no lifeguards at the park.

•  Eating: Two restaurants specialize in a mix of fresh seafood and Cuban fare. The more casual Lighthouse Cafe (9 a.m.-sunset, daily) is next to the beach and serves sandwiches, beer and wine. Boater's Grill (9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday) is slightly more expensive and overlooks No Name Harbor.

•  Info: 305-361-5811, floridastateparks.org/capeflorida

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