Beaches in Key Largo

Location:

Far Beach, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Mile Marker 120, Key Largo, Florida, USA

Recommended 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 we 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.

Location:

Cannon Beach, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo, Florida, USA

Recommended For:

History enthusiasts, beginner snorkelers, families, and travelers interested in calm waters, easy marine life viewing, and a hint of pirate-era history.

What we 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:

Location:

Harry Harris Park, Tavernier, Key Largo, Florida, USA

Recommended For:

Families, large groups, local picnickers, boaters, and anyone seeking a well-rounded beach and park experience with plenty of amenities.

What we 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:

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 we 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.

Location:

Indian Key Historic State Park, Offshore Island, Islamorada, Florida 33036, USA

Recommended For:

History buffs, kayakers, snorkelers, and adventurous travelers looking to combine maritime heritage with natural beauty in a secluded Florida Keys setting.

What we 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.