picnic tables

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is located on Windley Key near Islamorada. This land once belonged to the Florida East Coast Railroad and was used to quarry the rock for Flagler's Overseas Railroad back in the early 1900s. Today, visitors to the park can take short self-guided walks through 5 different interpretive trails. Learn about the ancient coral reef (known as Key Largo Limestone) that was quarried or about the beautiful natural diversity of this area.

Big Pine Key Community Park is a Monroe county park located on Big Pine Key north of the Overseas Highway on the water.  The park sits on the eastern shore of Big Pine Key near the Spanish Harbor.  This beautifully maintained park has recreation for everyone from a skate park to shuffleboard courts!  This park was truly designed for optimal use and with families in mind.  The playground is completely fenced with benches around the perimeter for supervising adults to relax.

Bayview Park is located in a residential Key West neighborhood in the center of town. The park features 5 tennis courts, a large open field, basketball courts, playground and the Pepe Hernandez softball field.  Ample parking is located on the perimeter of the park that is both pull in and streetside parallel spots. There are plenty of shady areas to enjoy a picnic as well as a pavilion for use. Restrooms are located within the park.

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.

Key Largo Community Park in Monroe County is a great place to come to spend the day.  It is located on the same block as Jacob's Aquatic Center an affordable local water park. This park has a beautiful new skate park managed by the YMCA. They frequently sponsor skate camps for the local kids as well as lots of other programming.  If you want to get your heart pumping, try out the fitness trail or a round of tennis at one of the six tennis courts.

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.