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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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
The Key West Nature Preserve
The Key West Nature Preserve – a hidden coastal oasis of mangroves, native wildlife, and quiet beachfront tucked behind bustling Key West.
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.
Marathon
Oceanfront Park
Oceanfront Park in Marathon offers ocean views, picnic spots, kayak launches, fitness stations, and a dog-friendly field for outdoor fun.
The Lower Keys
Bernstein Park
Bernstein Park on Stock Island is a vibrant community recreation area featuring baseball, soccer, and basketball fields, playgrounds, a fitness court, and a community center—all open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Key Largo
Friendship Park
Family-friendly Key Largo park with playgrounds, sports courts, and picnic areas.
Key West
Wilhelmina Harvey Park
Wilhelmina Harvey Park — a neighborhood rec park with playground, picnic area and walking trail 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.
Key Largo
JD's Bait & Tackle, Marina and Beach Park
A bait shop with a private beach attached, at mile marker 104 bayside right next door to the Caribbean Club. Wet slips, dry storage, beach day passes, and the doors open at 5:30 on weekend mornings.
The Lower Keys
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Protected sanctuary in the Florida Keys for wading birds, sea turtles, and marine life.
Marathon
Dolphin Research Center
Non-profit marine center offering dolphin, sea lion, and educational experiences in the Florida Keys.
Weddings Max
140
Meetings Max
140
The Lower Keys
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park – Florida Keys gem with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear snorkeling zones, historic bridge views, and lush nature
Key Largo
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
The park is home to 84 protected species, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe, and the American crocodile, with accessible trails perfect for exploring nature and wildlife.
