People hiking through lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

Beaches, Parks & Gardens

Think “beach day,” Keys-style. Here, sandy stretches pop up in a few special spots, but most water access comes with a twist—limestone rocks, shady mangroves, and clear shallows that feel like your own natural swimming pool. Add in tropical gardens, local parks and playgrounds, and trails perfect for wandering, and you’ve got plenty of ways to play outside. From state parks to secret picnic spots, these listings prove you don’t need miles of sand to enjoy paradise—you just need a sunblock and a little curiosity.

Filters
Destination
Category
Key West

Truman Waterfront Park

Truman Waterfront Park — scenic public waterfront park in Key West offering picnic spots, a playground and stunning harbor views.

Key Largo

Friendship Park

Family-friendly Key Largo park with playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas.

Key West

Fort East Martello Museum

Explore Civil War history, unique art, and the eerie legend of Robert the Doll at Fort East Martello Museum.

Key Largo

Mike Forster Memorial Park

Mike Forster Memorial Park is a cozy, open 3-acre park in Key Largo (20 Sunset Road) with limited parking, open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset.

Islamorada

Founders Park

45-acre recreation park in Islamorada with beach, pool, sports & playgrounds.

The Lower Keys

Palm Villa Park

This small park has a picnic table overlooking Bogie Channel. No water access.

Marathon

Sombrero Beach

Sombrero Beach — Marathon’s palm-lined jewel for swimming, picnicking, and family beach days.

Marathon

Coco Plum Beach

This secluded beach on the Atlantic side of Marathon offers calm, shallow waters perfect for kayaking, with free parking, restrooms, and a shower.

Key West

Key West Aquarium

Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!

Key West

Pines Park

Shaded picnic spot under pines—great for plane-spotting in Key West

Key Largo

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Discover Pennekamp Park: Nature, adventure, and fun await you!

Key West

Gato Village Pocket Park

Historic Key West park celebrating the 1880s Gato Village and cigar-making heritage.

Islamorada

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park — a unique blend of geology, history and nature trails in Islamorada.

Key West

Key West Outdoor Movies

Key West Outdoor Movies — free community movie nights under the stars at Fort East Martello, Key West.

Marathon

Oceanfront Park

Oceanfront Park in Marathon offers ocean views, picnic spots, kayak launches, fitness stations, and a dog-friendly field for outdoor fun.