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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Key West

Key West Aquarium

Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!

Weddings Max
150
Meetings Max
150

Key West

Tennessee Williams Museum

Tennessee Williams Museum — dedicated to the life and works of the famed playwright in Key West’s Little White House complex.

Key West

Key West Outdoor Movies

Key West Outdoor Movies — free community movie nights under the stars at Fort East Martello, Key West.

Key Largo

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1980, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects tropical hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and salt marsh habitats as part of the Florida Keys NWRs complex.

Key West

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach

History and beach at Key West’s iconic Fort Zachary Taylor — snorkel, stroll, sunset.

Key Largo

Peace Park At Nelson Government Center

Bayfront park with pavilions & scenic picnic views in Key Largo

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

Truman Waterfront Park

Truman Waterfront Park — scenic public waterfront park in Key West offering picnic spots, a playground and stunning harbor views.

The Lower Keys

Blue Heron Park

Blue Heron Park — a scenic County-run public park in Big Pine Key featuring pickleball courts and waterfront surroundings.

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.

Islamorada

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Lignumvitae Key: boat-access tropical hammock and historic Matheson home.

Key West

Rest Beach

Quiet oceanfront escape & picnic spot in Key West’s C.B. Harvey Park

Key Largo

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Discover Pennekamp Park: Nature, adventure, and fun await you!

Key West

Higgs Beach & Reynolds Street Pier

Beach & pier park in Key West with courts & sunset views.

Key West

Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach Park

Higgs Beach Park in Key West features sandy beaches, turquoise waters, historic sites like Fort West Martello, a beachside café, a children’s playground, and recreational amenities including snorkeling, kayaking, and tennis.