Water Play

Long Key State Park can be found at mile marker  67.5 on the Overseas Highway on Long Key.  This wonderful state park allows visitors to engage with nature either on foot along it's 2 paved trails, by kayak, or at your own campsite overnight.  This is a great park for kayaking and canoeing because of it's chain of lagoons filled with plant and animal life.

MLK Community Pool & Community Center was named in honor of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.  This wonderfully well-maintained pool is FREE for use by all visitors to Key West and residents. Cool off  or swim laps as you take in the gorgeous ocean views.  The park is located at the intersection of Thomas and Catherine Streets.  There is ample streetside parking on both streets.  Get off the beaten path and enjoy Key West like a local.

Sombrero Beach Park is located a few blocks south of US1 in Marathon.  This well-maintained sandy beach front offers plenty of space to pick in the shade, let the kids run about on the playground, or take a dip in the water.  Although Sombrero Beach Park is located in a residential neighborhood, it does have ample parking. You won't have to carry your beach gear far to get to the shore and the paths are partly shaded.  Bring your snacks and picnic or plan to grill at the covered pavilions.

Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson consists of seven small islands full of natural splendor and historical significance. Located about 70 miles off the coast of Key West these secluded and pristine islands are home to gorgeous sandy beaches, a historic fort, and spectacular native birds and fish. Spend a day excursion from Key West lapping up the sun as you lay on the sandy beaches, exploring the coral reef or by taking in an informative historical tour of Fort Jefferson.

Islamorada Founders Park is a very large community park operated by the village of Islamorada. The park is located on the Gulf of Mexico side of Islamorada just off mile marker 87 on the Overseas Highway. The park is a large well-manicured recreational facility primarily for use by local residents. Guests staying in nearby hotels can also use the facilities for free. All other guests must pay a per person fee for access to the park.

Harry Harris County Park is located in the town of Tavernier in the Florida Keys. This park is a quiet place good for families with small children since there is a small man-made lagoon type beach to enjoy.  It does not open to the ocean and it is protected from waves. Children can play at the playground and there are plenty of spots for a picnic available. Restrooms and showers are on location. Baseball and softball fields are located at this park and it is a popular spot for local teams to play.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida state park located between 2 bodies of water: Largo Sound and Tarpon Basin on the Atlantic Ocean side of Key Largo. The park consists of about 70 nautical miles and encompasses several types of habitats.  The mangrove swamps, upland areas, and hammocks offer some interesting land exploration opportunities on well-maintained trails. The main draw for the park are its spectacular coral reefs which can be viewed by glass bottom boat or on snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions.

Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach is an over 16 acre beach park located in Monroe County at the end of the Florida Overseas Heritage Trail.  It is just west of Smathers Beach and adjacent to the Key West Wildlife Center in downtown Key West. This beach is more than just a gorgeous place to spend the day under the South Florida sun, it is also a historical site with significant features that date back to the post-Civil War era.

Bahia Honda State Park is located on Bahia Honda Key in the city of Big Pine Key found in central Monroe county. Bahia Honda is renowned for its picturesque beaches with clear water and soft sands. Lay on the shore and watch the spectacular sunsets that frame the old railroad bridge. The shallow waters (4-6 feet) make it a nice place to snorkel or for beginner scuba divers. Snorkel gear can be rented from the park's concession as well as kayaks.

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary NOAA is impossible to miss if you've ever gone into the water in the Keys.