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.

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Marathon

Marathon Wild Bird Center

Rescue, rehab, and release wild birds in the Florida Keys—join the mission!

Marathon

Sombrero Beach

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

Key West

Mallory Square

Mallory Square is Key West’s iconic waterfront plaza where nightly sunset celebrations come alive with street performers, food, and local artisans.

Key West

Indigenous Park

Quiet native-tree and bird sanctuary in Key West.

The Lower Keys

Big Pine Key Park

Big Pine Community Park is a vibrant, waterfront recreation hub on Big Pine Key, offering tennis, basketball, bocce, a skate park, playgrounds, a fitness trail, and a spacious community center.

Key West

Blake Fernandez Skate Park

Blake Fernandez Skate Park is a modern 7,500-square-foot facility in Key West, featuring half and quarter pipes, grind rails, jump boxes, ramps, and open spaces for skateboards and inline skates.

Key West

Cozumel Park

Cozumel Park in Key West features a playground, picnic areas, sports field, and the city’s only public splash pad for kids.

Key West

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters

Climb 88 steps for sweeping views, explore historic keeper’s family quarters, and learn about maritime heritage at the Key West Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters Museum.

The Lower Keys

Blue Hole Observation Platform

Visit the trail and observation deck at Blue Hole, a cenote-like pond that is the largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys.

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

The Banyan Tree Garden Boutique

The Banyan Tree Garden & Boutique — a hidden oasis in Islamorada showcasing tropical gardens, artisan gifts & women’s fashion.

Key West

Gato Village Pocket Park

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

Key West

Bayview Park

Bayview Park in the center of Key West and has the following amenities: Basketball courts Five public tennis courts and a Pro Shop Open area for picnics and family gatherings Pavilion Pepe Hernandez softball field Playground equipment area Six restrooms