Key West Parks

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a shady local hangout in the heart of Key West, Bayview Park is your go-to spot. It’s a neighborhood gem perfect for play, picnics, and community fun.

We Recommend This For:

Families, local sports enthusiasts, kids and teens, and visitors looking to unwind in a peaceful green space.

What we Love:

Tennis courts, big shady trees, and an easy-going vibe where locals come to relax or catch a game.

• Play on five well-maintained tennis courts, open to the public with a handy Pro Shop onsite.
• Let kids explore the large playground, filled with fun equipment and surrounded by shaded benches for caregivers.
• Join or watch co-ed softball games held Monday through Thursday at Pepe Hernandes Field—or plan your own game of kickball or ultimate Frisbee.
• Relax under shady trees with a picnic or take advantage of the pavilion for gatherings and events.

Cost:

Free entry; programming and rentals may have separate fees

Distance from Duval Street:

About a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk—centrally located on Truman Avenue.

How to Get to Bayview Park:

Head east on Truman Avenue from Duval Street. The park is located at the intersection of Truman Ave and Jose Marti Drive, with on-site parking available.

Address:

1320 Truman Ave, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-809-3700, Map

Highlights:

Looking for a quiet place with deep local roots? Bill Butler Park may be small, but it holds big cultural and historical significance in the heart of Key West.

We Recommend This For:

Local families, cultural heritage seekers, history enthusiasts, and those exploring Key West’s African American legacy.

What we Love:

Its humble charm, legacy as a former care home site, and its role in preserving African traditions through the annual Junkanoo Parade.

• Play on the modest but well-loved playground equipment—great for kids in the neighborhood.
• Relax in the open picnic area, often used by local families and kids after school or on weekends.
• Celebrate African culture each New Year’s Day during the vibrant Junkanoo Parade honoring the park’s namesake and local traditions.
• Reflect on the site’s past as the Monroe County Colored Folks Home and its transformation into a space of joy and cultural celebration.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

About a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk—located just off White Street.

How to Get to Bill Butler Park:

From Duval Street, head east on Truman Avenue, then turn onto White Street. Poor House Lane will be on your left—look for the small green space tucked into the neighborhood.

Address:

744 Poor House Ln, Key West, FL 33040, Map

Highlights:

If you're in New Town and looking for a fun, kid-friendly spot to cool off or shoot hoops, Cozumel Park is a local favorite. This revamped playground has heart, history, and lots of ways to play.

We Recommend This For:

Families with young kids, summer visitors, neighborhood gatherings, and anyone seeking a shady, splashy place to unwind.

What we Love:

The splash pad on hot days, the community story behind the Jonathan Wells Field, and how locals helped shape this space from the ground up.

• Cool off at the splash pad—an instant hit with kids during steamy summer afternoons.
• Play on new slides, swings, and playground structures that replaced the old lone tree kids used to climb.
• Shoot hoops on the smooth new basketball court or relax in the shaded pavilion nearby.
• Honor the memory of Jonathan Wells at the park’s open field, named after the local teen whose story touched the community.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

Roughly 3 miles northeast—about a 10-minute drive into New Town.

How to Get to Cozumel Park:

From Old Town, head northeast on North Roosevelt Blvd, then turn onto 19th Terrace in New Town. The park is easily visible and located at 1208 19th Terrace.

Address:

1208 19th Terrace, Key West, FL 33040, Map

Romantic Key West Parks

Highlights:

Want to combine a day at the beach with a step back into Civil War history? Fort Taylor is the perfect mix of turquoise waters, tropical trails, and towering cannons.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, beach lovers, snorkelers, families, and anyone who wants the best of Key West in one scenic spot.

What we Love:

Stunning beach views, fascinating guided fort tours, vibrant marine life, and peaceful nature trails teeming with local wildlife.

• Tour the Civil War-era fort to see preserved cannons, learn about 19th-century military life, and explore this National Historic Landmark.
• Swim in crystal-clear waters or snorkel around the rocky shoreline where reef fish, coral, and lobster thrive.
• Fish off the jetty or enjoy a shaded picnic under native trees near the beach area.
• Walk the park’s scenic nature trails that wind through coastal hammocks and offer plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

Cost:

$6 per vehicle (2–8 people), $2 per pedestrian or cyclist

Distance from Duval Street:

About 1.5 miles west—roughly a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk.

How to Get to Fort Zachary Taylor:

From Duval Street, head south on Whitehead Street and follow signs to Truman Waterfront Park. The entrance to Fort Taylor is through a secure gate at the end of Howard England Way.

Address:

601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040, Map

Highlights:

Need a quiet nature escape in the middle of the city? Indigenous Park is a peaceful sanctuary full of shady trees, native wildlife, and the soothing sounds of birdsong near the Atlantic shore.

We Recommend This For:

Birdwatchers, families, nature lovers, walkers, and visitors looking to explore local wildlife or relax in a natural setting.

What we Love:

The freshwater pond teeming with wildlife, serene walking trails, and the up-close look at rescued birds at the Wildlife Center.

• Wander tree-lined trails through the 8-acre park and enjoy a peaceful escape among native vegetation and quiet paths.
• Watch turtles, iguanas, and native birds at the freshwater pond—an Audubon-designated bird sanctuary with a dedicated viewing deck.
• Visit the Key West Wildlife Center to see rescued birds and animals recovering in open-air rehabilitation enclosures.
• Relax on shaded benches and let the soft sounds of nature be your background soundtrack in this cityside oasis.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

About 2 miles southeast—roughly a 10-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride.

How to Get to Indigenous Park:

From Duval Street, head east on Truman Avenue, then south on White Street. The park entrance is just past the White Street Pier near Higgs Beach.

Address:

Indigenous Park, 1801 White St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-809-3700

Highlights:

Looking for a hidden slice of wild Key West? Little Hamaca Park is a peaceful preserve where mangroves, salt ponds, and wildlife meet in a quiet, off-the-beaten-path setting.

We Recommend This For:

Nature walkers, birdwatchers, photographers, kayakers, and anyone curious about Key West’s natural ecosystems.

What we Love:

Elevated boardwalks through lush mangroves, salt flat views, and a quiet hike to a historic canal once used for salt production.

• Walk along boardwalks and shaded trails that offer a close-up look at Key West’s mangrove forests and salt flats.
• Spot herons, egrets, crabs, and other wildlife thriving in the salt ponds and brackish marshes.
• Hike the short half-mile trail to a historic canal, once used in the area’s salt harvesting days.
• Kayak nearby salt ponds for a quiet, scenic paddle—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

About 3 miles northeast—approximately a 10-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride.

How to Get to Little Hamaca Park:

From Duval Street, head northeast via Flagler Avenue, then turn onto Government Road. Look for signage indicating the trailhead and preserve entrance.

Address:

Little Hamaca Park, Government Rd, Key West, FL 33040

Highlights:

Looking for an active hangout and a quiet retreat all in one block? Nelson English Park and nearby Willy Ward Park offer a perfect mix of play and peace right in Bahama Village.

We Recommend This For:

Local families, basketball players, community members, and anyone looking for a quiet outdoor nook or a lively neighborhood space.

What we Love:

The cultural history of Nelson English Park, the peaceful vibes at Willy Ward Park, and how the two spaces complement each other beautifully.

• Play at Nelson English Park’s basketball courts or well-equipped playground—popular with neighborhood families and kids.
• Relax at Willy Ward Park, just a few steps away, with shaded benches and a peaceful picnic gazebo—no playgrounds, just calm.
• Reflect on the park’s namesake, Nelson English, a local civic leader and Key West’s first African-American postmaster.
• Enjoy the blend of energy and serenity as the two parks offer something for every mood—without ever leaving the block.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

About half a mile—roughly a 5-minute drive or a 10-minute walk.

How to Get to Nelson English Park:

From Duval Street, head west on Angela Street and turn onto Catherine Street. The park sits at the corner of Catherine and Thomas Streets in Bahama Village.

Address:

Nelson English Park, 300 Catherine St, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-809-3700

Key West Parks for Families

Highlights:

Want a peaceful beach with epic ocean views and a touch of local history? Rest Beach is a serene shoreline escape with community spirit, stunning sunsets, and space to unwind or reflect.

We Recommend This For:

Sunset chasers, yogis, history buffs, couples, and anyone looking for a less crowded beachside spot to recharge.

What we Love:

The long pier, sunset yoga deck, nearby memorials, and the laid-back vibe just steps from White Street Pier.

• Stroll the sandy 300-yard beach or along the paved path that connects Rest Beach to surrounding coastal spots.
• Watch the sun dip below the Atlantic horizon—sunset views here are postcard-worthy and deeply peaceful.
• Practice yoga on the beachside deck, where locals host relaxing sunset sessions in view of the water.
• Visit the African-American Cemetery and AIDS Memorial, which add historical and cultural depth to this calm waterfront park.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

Approximately 2 miles east—about a 7-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride.

How to Get to Rest Beach:

From Duval Street, head east on Truman Avenue and turn onto White Street. Continue south until you reach the beach area at the intersection of White Street and Atlantic Blvd, just past the White Street Pier.

Address:

Rest Beach, White Street and Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-809-3700

Highlights:

Want a quiet local beach just steps from the buzz of Duval Street? Simonton Street Beach is a peaceful little hideaway where you can fish, launch a boat, or catch the sunset with your pup by your side.

We Recommend This For:

Locals, boaters, anglers, dog owners, and anyone craving a low-key spot near Old Town to relax by the water.

What we Love:

Calm harbor views, dog-friendly sand, easy boat launching, and its hidden-in-plain-sight vibe just blocks from the crowds.

• Relax on the sand or take in views of the harbor—especially beautiful at sunset.
• Fish from the small dock, a favorite hangout for local anglers looking for a quiet cast.
• Launch kayaks or small boats from the designated ramp and explore the nearby waters.
• Celebrate holidays here—the beach is a favorite 4th of July fireworks viewing spot for locals.

Cost:

Free entry

Distance from Duval Street:

Just one block away—less than a 5-minute walk from the northern end.

How to Get to Simonton Street Beach:

From anywhere on Duval Street, head north until you reach the corner of Simonton and Front Streets. The beach is located at the northernmost end of Simonton Street, overlooking the harbor.

Address:

Simonton Street Beach, North end of Simonton Street, Key West, FL

Highlights:

Looking for the biggest and liveliest beach in Key West? Smathers Beach has it all—sun, sand, palms, and nonstop oceanfront energy just minutes from downtown.

We Recommend This For:

Beachgoers, spring breakers, families, couples, and anyone who wants a classic, active beach day on the Atlantic.

What we Love:

Wide sandy shoreline, food trucks galore, shaded spots under swaying palms, and all the classic beach amenities in one place.

• Swim in calm Atlantic waters or relax on the beach with plenty of space to spread out and soak in the sun.
• Play beach volleyball or rent a jet ski for some high-speed coastal fun.
• Snack from one of the many food trucks lining the beach—tacos, smoothies, and more to fuel your day.
• Walk the palm-lined promenade that traces the beach, perfect for a scenic morning or evening stroll.

Cost:

Free entry; parking may be metered or limited during peak times

Distance from Duval Street:

About 1.5 miles east—approximately a 5 to 7-minute drive or a 10-minute bike ride along the coast.

How to Get to Smathers Beach:

From downtown Key West, follow South Roosevelt Boulevard east. The beach runs along the south shore of the island and marks the start of iconic State Road A1A.

Address:

Smathers Beach, 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
Phone: 305-809-3700