The Florida Keys is a chain of barrier islands dangling off the southern tip of Florida
in warm, tropical waters. Small sandy beaches shaded by palms dot the islands, and scuba
diving and snorkeling are popular acitivites.
Biscayne National Park
This park is best known for scuba diving and snorkeling because of the park's
180,000 plus acres, more than 95% of is underwater. If getting wet isn't your style,
explore the turquoise waters from above on a glass bottom boat tour. Mangrove forests line
the park islands where camping is permitted overlooking the clear shallow waters of
Biscayne Bay. The park is accessed by ferry via Key Largo.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has two manmade beaches: Cannon Beach is the
primary snorkeling beach, where the remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck are found about
100 feet offshore; Far Beach is the place to relax beneath palm trees and swim in calm
waters.
Harry Harris Park
Harry Harris features a man-made lagoon with clear ocean water for swimming, a
well-maintained beach, playground, restrooms, picnic tables and barbecue grills. Located
on Key Largo in the town of Tavernier, the park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Indian Key Historical State Park
Located off the north shore of Lower Matecumbe Key, this tiny islet is just over
10 acres, but presents a wealth of history: It was the first home of Dade County
government and foundations of buildings can be found here. Also on site are archeological
mounds, and canoeing and scuba diving are popular offshore activities.
Anne's Beach
Anne's Beach is set at the southern tip of Lower Matecumbe Key. It is dedicated
to local environmentalist Anne Eaton and features a shallow swimming area, covered picnic
tables, a boardwalk and bathroom facilities. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can
enjoy the clear and warm waters year 'round.
Long Key State Park
Long Key is a park known for a variety of activities, including diving to
offshore shipwrecks, fantastic fishing and overnight camping. It also contains the remains
of ancient coral reefs that were formed 100,000 years ago when the sea level was 20 to 30
feet higher.
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach actually benefited from Hurricane Georges with increased sand
deposits and a facelift courtesy of the Monroe County Tourist Development Council,
featuring planting of coastal native foliage to prevent future erosion. Visitors to
Sombrero Beach can enjoy a fine-grain sand beach sloping gradually into the Atlantic
Ocean.
Little Duck Key and Beach
Found just over the Seven Mile Bridge, this 1,400-foot spit of sand is perfect
for those who want to visit an undeveloped beach. Picnic shelters and restrooms are on
site.
Bahia Honda State Park
Frequently lauded by a university study as one of America's top ten beaches, Bahia Honda
has extensive sandy beaches and deep waters close to shore to provide exceptional swimming
and snorkeling without a lot of waves. The crystal clear water and coconut palms make this
a true island escape.
Smathers Beach
One of Key West's longest beaches, Smathers Beach offers a variety of water
sports rentals providing all the necessary amenities for a fun day under the sun. Early
risers can view sunrises as spectacular as Key West's famed sunset. Directions: Off
Highway U.S. 1, turn left onto South Roosevelt Blvd. Follow South Roosevelt past airport
to beach.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historical State Park
Beaches, concessions, fishing, guided tours, picnicking, showers, scuba diving
and swimming. The 87-acre park is a national landmark that played a significant role in
Florida's early development. Fishing, picnicking swimming and scuba diving are favorite
activities.
South Beach
Located east of the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States, this beach
features 200 feet of white sand and sparkling blue water fronting Hawk Channel at the
south end of Duval Street.
Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach
This Key West beach is set between White Street and Reynolds piers. It's a busy
area with 300 feet of beach lining the Atlantic Ocean.
Key West National Wildlife Refuge
This area lies 30 miles off the coast of Key West and is accessible only by boat.
The refuge is mostly mangrove islands, however a few small beaches can be found. Nature
photography, swimming, snorkeling and hiking are popular activities.
Dry Tortugas National Park
This park is a cluster of seven islands set about 70 miles west of Key West. Fort
Jefferson National Monument is a historic U.S military fort set on one of the islands.
Nearby coral reefs have made the park a top scuba and snorkeling site.