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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Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Protected sanctuary in the Florida Keys for wading birds, sea turtles, and marine life.
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.
Edward B. Knight Pier
Popular with residents and tourists alike, the Edward B. Knight Pier is dog-friendly!
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach — Key West’s scenic oceanfront escape for sun, swim, and seaside strolls.
Friendship Park
Family-friendly Key Largo park with playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas.
REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation
Explore the REEF Ocean Exploration Center: inspiring ocean discovery and conservation!
Tennessee Williams Museum
Tennessee Williams Museum — dedicated to the life and works of the famed playwright in Key West’s Little White House complex.
Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden is a parrot sanctuary and environmental art garden in Key West that rescues, rehabs, and educates about parrots, especially macaws.
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.
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.
William Bill Butler Park
Bill Butler Park — neighborhood playground and picnic spot in Key West, Florida.
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.
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.
Cow Key Marina
Cow Key Marina is a full-service waterfront hub in Key West offering boat and jetski rentals, watersport tours, a waterfront restaurant, and even daily manatee sightings.