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

Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails

Crane Point Museum & Nature Center in Marathon is a 63-acre nature preserve featuring tropical hardwood hammock trails, a natural history museum, wildlife exhibits, and kayak rentals.

Weddings Max
120
Meetings Max
120

The Lower Keys

Watson Field Park & Big Pine Key Dog Park

Watson Field Park & Big Pine Key Dog Park — multi-use recreation park with athletic courts and a fenced off-leash dog area on Big Pine Key.

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.

Marathon

Sunset Bay Park on Grassy Key

Sunset Bay Park (Grassy Key) — serene waterfront park on Grassy Key ideal for sunset viewing and island relaxation.

Key West

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — a tropical glass-domed haven where hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and flamingos enchant visitors in the heart of Key West.

The Lower Keys

Big Coppitt Volunteer Fire Department Park

The park includes a basketball court, roller hockey rink, and a handball court. There are six tables and benches available for use.

Key West

Astro City Playground

Astro Park Playground is a family-friendly outdoor recreation area in Key West featuring a playground, beach access, barbecues, and beach wheelchairs, open daily from 7:30 AM to sunset.

Key Largo

Friendship Park

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

Key West

Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Garden

Discover the Little White House’s butterfly garden, dedicated to First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

Marathon

Marathon's Dog Park

Marathon’s Dog Park offers a safe, off-leash space with separate areas for large and small dogs to play, run, and socialize from dawn to dusk.

Key West

Wilhelmina Harvey Park

Wilhelmina Harvey Park — a neighborhood rec park with playground, picnic area and walking trail on Big Pine Key.

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 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

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach — Key West’s scenic oceanfront escape for sun, swim, and seaside strolls.

Key Largo

JD Butterfly Garden and Nursery

JD Butterfly Garden & Nursery — butterfly garden, plant nursery & bistro in Key Largo, where you’ll stroll tropical gardens, shop native plants and relax at a charming café.