Dreaming of turquoise waters, swaying palms, and snorkeling right from the shore? In this post, I’ll share the serene and scenic beaches I discovered in Key Largo—where the island life begins. These beautiful beaches in Key Largo offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and tropical island vibes in the Florida Keys!
Highlights:
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Key Largo
- December to April – Dry season with warm, sunny days perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
- January & February – Peak season with ideal weather and vibrant beach activity.
- May & November – Warm with fewer crowds, great for peaceful beach outings and underwater adventures.
- June to October – Hot and humid with higher rainfall, but great for diving and fewer tourists.
- Early December – A sweet spot for tropical weather before the winter crowds roll in.
Getting to Key Largo
- By Air
- The nearest major airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), about 1–1.5 hours away.
- Car rentals and shuttle services are available from both airports to Key Largo.
- By Car
- Driving from Miami is easy via the scenic Overseas Highway (US-1).
- The drive takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- By Bus
- Affordable bus services like Greyhound and Keys Shuttle connect Miami and Key Largo.
- Shuttle services also run from Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports.
- By Boat
- Private boats can dock at marinas such as Marina del Mar and Key Largo Harbor.
Unique Beaches in Key Largo:
1. Far Beach
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Location:
Far Beach, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Mile Marker 120, Key Largo, Florida, USARecommended For:
Families, snorkelers, divers, and travelers seeking a peaceful, sandy shore with access to one of the world’s most vibrant coral reef systems.What I Love: ♥
The warm, shallow waters ideal for kids, the soft sand lined with palm trees, and the easy access to world-class snorkeling and diving within a marine sanctuary.- Visit Far Beach, Key Largo’s most popular beach, located inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at Mile Marker 120.
- Relax on the soft, sun-warmed sands or find a spot under the shady palms that line the beach’s edge.
- Wade or swim in the warm, shallow waters, perfect for families with young children.
- Snorkel or dive just offshore—Far Beach is one of two beaches in the park and offers direct access to coral reef tours and underwater adventures.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere—Far Beach is known for being clean, quiet, and family-friendly, with scenic natural surroundings.
Cost:
Entry to the park is $8 per vehicle. Additional fees apply for snorkeling or diving excursions.Best time to visit:
Morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Spring through fall offers the warmest water and best snorkeling conditions.Local tips:
Bring water shoes for wading, as some areas may have coral or seagrass patches. Book snorkeling tours in advance during peak season.Distance:
Located just off the Overseas Highway (US-1), roughly 70 miles south of Miami—about a 1.5-hour drive.How to Get to Far Beach:
Enter John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at Mile Marker 120 in Key Largo. Follow signage within the park to Far Beach parking and trail access.2. Cannon Beach
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Location:
Cannon Beach, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida, USARecommended For:
History enthusiasts, beginner snorkelers, families, and travelers interested in calm waters, easy marine life viewing, and a hint of pirate-era history.What I Love: ♥
The real 17th-century cannons displayed on the sand, the gentle, clear water ideal for snorkeling and wading, and the easy access to a nearby Spanish shipwreck for more adventurous swimmers.- Visit Cannon Beach, the second public beach in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located just a short distance from Far Beach.
- Admire the historic 17th-century cannons that give this beach its name—perfect for beachside photos and a sense of local history.
- Wade into the shallow, warm waters, ideal for snorkeling, swimming, or simply walking along the shore to spot tropical fish.
- Explore further offshore to discover a submerged Spanish shipwreck, a favorite destination for confident swimmers and divers.
- Relax on the quiet sandy shoreline—Cannon Beach offers an equally beautiful but slightly more low-key experience compared to Far Beach.
Cost:
Park entry is $8 per vehicle. Additional fees apply for diving or guided reef tours.Best time to visit:
Early morning or midweek for fewer crowds and clearer snorkeling visibility. Spring and summer offer the best water temperatures.Local tips:
Bring snorkeling gear to see fish even close to shore. The shipwreck is accessible without a boat but requires strong swimming skills.Distance:
Located off Mile Marker 120 in Key Largo—about 70 miles south of Miami (1.5-hour drive).How to Get to Cannon Beach:
Enter John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and follow signs to Cannon Beach, located near the park's main visitor area with parking and facilities nearby.Romantic Key Largo Beaches:
3. Harry Harris Park - 15-minute drive south of central Key Largo
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Location:
Harry Harris Park, Tavernier, Key Largo, Florida, USARecommended For:
Families, large groups, local picnickers, boaters, and anyone seeking a well-rounded beach and park experience with plenty of amenities.What I Love: ♥
The wide array of recreational facilities, the calm tidal pool for kids, and the free weekday access to one of Key Largo’s most versatile outdoor spaces.- Visit Harry Harris Park in Tavernier, a family-friendly beach and recreation complex near the southern end of Key Largo.
- Enjoy a full-service park with playgrounds, picnic pavilions, bike trails, public showers, restrooms, and a boat ramp.
- Let the little ones play in the tidal pool, a safe and shallow area perfect for splashing and first-time beachgoers.
- Relax on the beach or bring your gear for a bike ride and BBQ in the shaded picnic areas.
- Extend your day with nearby basketball courts, a skate park, and a swimming pool at Founders Park—just a short drive away.
Cost:
Free on weekdays. Weekend and holiday fees may apply for non-residents.Best time to visit:
Weekdays for peaceful access and no fees. Arrive early on weekends or holidays for parking and picnic pavilion availability.Local tips:
Great for boat launches and large family gatherings—call ahead if you plan to reserve a pavilion. Tidal pool is ideal for young swimmers.Distance:
Located in Tavernier, about 10 miles south of central Key Largo—roughly a 15-minute drive via Overseas Highway (US-1).How to Get to Harry Harris Park:
From US-1, turn east onto Burton Drive in Tavernier and follow signs to Harry Harris Park. Parking is available onsite.If you are traveling with kids:
4. Anne's Beach - 40-minute drive south of Key Largo
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Location:
Anne's Beach, Islamorada, Florida Keys, USA (Just south of Key Largo)Recommended For:
Families, picnickers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic beach stop along the Overseas Highway.What I Love: ♥
The calm, shallow waters perfect for all ages, the boardwalk with shaded picnic spots, and the eco-legacy of Anne Eaton honored in a truly serene setting.- Visit Anne’s Beach, a picturesque shoreline retreat located in Islamorada, just a short drive south of Key Largo.
- Relax at one of the cozy picnic tables tucked along the boardwalk, which meanders through mangroves and opens to the oceanfront.
- Swim or wade in the designated beach area, where shallow, gentle waters make this spot perfect for young children and cautious swimmers.
- Honor the beach’s namesake—Anne Eaton, a dedicated eco-activist—by appreciating the area’s natural preservation and quiet beauty.
- Enjoy a laid-back stopover along US-1 with scenic views, soft breezes, and an uncrowded atmosphere rarely found at more developed beaches.
Cost:
Free public access. Limited parking available onsite.Best time to visit:
Mornings or weekdays for the quietest experience. Sunset visits offer breathtaking views over the Atlantic.Local tips:
Bring water shoes for the sandy but occasionally seaweed-lined shore. A great stop for a quick swim or picnic while road-tripping the Florida Keys.Distance:
About 30 miles south of Key Largo—roughly a 40-minute drive via the Overseas Highway.How to Get to Anne's Beach:
Located off Mile Marker 73 on US-1 in Lower Matecumbe Key (Islamorada). Watch for signs and parking lots at the north and south boardwalk entrances.5. Indian Key Historic State Park - Boat from Islamorada’s Lower Matecumbe Key
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Location:
Indian Key Historic State Park, Offshore Island, Islamorada, Florida 33036, USARecommended For:
History buffs, kayakers, snorkelers, and adventurous travelers looking to combine maritime heritage with natural beauty in a secluded Florida Keys setting.What I Love: ♥
The ghost-town ruins of a 19th-century salvage village, the boat-only access that keeps crowds away, and the opportunity to snorkel, hike, and uncover Florida’s hidden maritime past.- Visit Indian Key Historic State Park, a boat-access-only island just offshore from Islamorada, rich with ruins and coastal trails.
- Discover the island’s past as a salvage outpost where pioneers profited from shipwrecks and maritime cargo recovery.
- Explore interpretive exhibits and join ranger-led walking tours to learn about the island’s forgotten role in 1800s Florida Keys commerce and conflict.
- Enjoy the nature trail, snorkeling, and kayaking opportunities along the island’s rocky shoreline and turquoise waters.
- Launch a kayak from Islamorada (near Mile Marker 78.5) for an easy paddle to the island—a popular route for active travelers and tour groups alike.
Cost:
$2.50 per person park entrance fee (via honor system). Additional fees for boat or kayak rentals from Islamorada providers.Best time to visit:
Late fall through spring for calm waters and cooler hiking weather. Morning paddles offer the best wildlife sightings and privacy.Local tips:
Bring your own water, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear—there are no facilities on the island. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the rocky terrain and exploring historic ruins.Distance:
About 1 mile offshore from Islamorada (near Robbie's Marina at Mile Marker 77.5)—accessible by kayak, canoe, or small boat.How to Get to Indian Key:
Paddle or boat from Islamorada’s Lower Matecumbe Key. Guided tours and kayak rentals are available from outfitters like Robbie's Marina and others along US-1.Plan Your Trip