Parks & Beaches
🏖️ Parks & Beaches – Upper Florida Keys
While the Florida Keys aren’t known for sprawling sandy beaches due to their protective coral reefs, they offer plenty of natural parks, quiet swimming areas, and hidden coves perfect for relaxing, snorkeling, or exploring on foot.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Key Largo
The first undersea park in the U.S., covering 70 nautical square miles. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, or glass-bottom boat tours over vibrant coral reefs.
📍 Mile Marker 102.5, Key Largo, FL
📞 (305) 676-3777
🔗 pennekamppark.com
Bahia Honda State Park – Big Pine Key
Famous for its award-winning beach, this 500-acre park features snorkeling, beachcombing, and a historic railway bridge. One of the best natural beaches in the Florida Keys.
📍 Mile Marker 37, Big Pine Key, FL
📞 (305) 872-2353
🔗 bahiahondapark.com
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park – Key Largo
A peaceful preserve known for its tropical hardwood hammocks and native wildlife. Great for walking, birdwatching, and learning about rare and endangered plant species.
📍 County Rd 905, Key Largo, FL 33037
📞 (305) 676-3777
🔗 floridastateparks.org
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park – Islamorada
Explore quarry walls made of ancient fossilized coral, originally used to build the Overseas Railroad. A great educational stop with walking trails and interpretive signs.
📍 84900 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
📞 (305) 664-2540
Anne's Beach – Islamorada
This oceanside beach offers shallow water for wading, a 300-ft boardwalk, six shaded picnic pavilions, and a peaceful atmosphere. No waves or fishing allowed.
📍 Mile Marker 73.5, Oceanside, Islamorada, FL
🕐 Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Harry Harris Beach and Park – Tavernier
Family-friendly park with a small beach, sheltered swim area, playground, BBQ pits, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Ideal for picnics and young children.
📍 50 E Beach Rd, Tavernier, FL 33070
📞 (305) 852-7161
🕐 Open daily, 7:00 a.m. to sunset
Founders Park & Beach – Islamorada
Scenic bayside park with a sandy beach, marina, picnic areas, playground, and an Olympic-size pool (fee required). Tranquil and well-kept, perfect for families.
📍 87000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
📞 (305) 853-1685
🕐 Open daily, sunrise to sunset
