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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The Lower Keys

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Protected sanctuary in the Florida Keys for wading birds, sea turtles, and marine life.

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.

Key Largo

Rowell's Waterfront Park

Scenic waterfront park with swimming & kayak launch in Key Largo

Key Largo

REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation

Explore the REEF Ocean Exploration Center: inspiring ocean discovery and conservation!

The Lower Keys

Pine Channel Nature Park

Big Pine Key’s scenic park with boardwalks, kayak launch & picnic spots.

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.

Key West

Smathers Beach

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

Marathon

The Rhum Runner Aqua Park

Rhum Runner — scenic floating lounge and bar at The Lagoon on Grassy Key with waterside bites & cocktails.

Key Largo

Old Settlers Park

Old Settlers Park: pavilion, playground & pet-friendly green space in Tavernier.

Key West

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

Marine sanctuary protecting reefs, seagrass, mangroves & heritage in the Florida Keys.

Key West

Nelson English Park

Nelson English Park is a neighborhood green space in Key West with fields, shaded areas, and walking paths for casual outdoor fun.

The Lower Keys

Little Duck Key Veterans' Memorial Beach

Explore Little Duck Key Veterans Memorial Beach - history and views.

Key West

Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden

Elizabeth Bishop House — historic home of poet Elizabeth Bishop in Key West, where literary heritage meets island charm.

Key Largo

Key Largo Community Park and Pool

14-acre Key Largo park: courts, pool, fields & trails open daily.