🌿 Hidden Trails, Hammocks & History: Explore the State Parks of the Keys

Hey Road Trippers! 👋

You’ve done the beach bars, the resort lounging, and maybe even waved at Fred the Tree 🌳… but have you truly explored the wild, untouched beauty of the Florida Keys?

This week, let’s take the scenic route—literally. 🚗💨 We’re slowing it down, rolling the windows down, and pulling into the most beautiful, historic, and photo-worthy state parks from Key Largo to Key West.

Whether you're into snorkeling 🐠, hiking 🥾, birdwatching 🦅, or just soaking up untouched Florida wilderness, this guide is your new favorite co-pilot.

🌿 1. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

📍 MM 106, Key Largo
🕒 Sunrise to sunset
💰 $2.50/person
🌐 Official Website

Once destined to be condos (yikes!), this park is now a tropical hammock paradise with 84 protected species including the elusive American crocodile 🐊 and mahogany mistletoe. The paved trails are wheelchair- and bike-friendly, making this a relaxing intro to the Keys’ wild side.

🐠 2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

📍 MM 102.5, Key Largo
🕗 8 a.m. to sunset
💰 $8/vehicle + 50¢/person
🌐 Official Website

Welcome to the nation’s first undersea park! Dive in—literally—by taking a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkeling, or scuba diving among vibrant coral reefs. Or stay above water with a kayak paddle, picnic, or a visit to the aquarium-filled visitor center. 🐚

🪨 3. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

📍 84900 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada
🕗 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (Thurs–Mon)
💰 $2.50/person
🌐 Official Website

Fossilized coral? Yep. This park used to be a Keystone quarry for the Overseas Railroad 🚂. Walk the ancient coral walls, check out the preserved machinery, and get a crash course in Florida Keys geology.

⛵ 4. Indian Key Historic State Park

📍 Offshore of Islamorada (kayak access only)
🕗 8 a.m. to sundown
💰 $2.50/person
🌐 Official Website

Once a wrecking and salvage hotspot in the 1800s, Indian Key is now a ghost town surrounded by turquoise water. Accessible only by kayak, it's a peaceful, historic hideaway with trails, ruins, and unbeatable paddling views. 🚣

🏖️ 5. Long Key State Park

📍 67400 Overseas Hwy, Long Key
🕗 8 a.m. to sunset
💰 $4.50 solo, $6 for 2+ people
🌐 Official Website

A favorite of early-1900s elites (thanks, Flagler!), this park now offers some of the quietest beaches and trails in the Keys. Perfect for birders 🦜, paddlers, and anyone craving serene ocean views with their picnic lunch.

🪁 6. Curry Hammock State Park

📍 56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon
🕗 8 a.m. to sunset
💰 $4.50 solo, $5.50 for 2+
🌐 Official Website

Want the largest untouched land in the Middle Keys? This is it. Ideal for kiteboarding on windy days or kayak bliss on calm mornings. Plus, it’s home to record-breaking peregrine falcons during migration! 🦅

🐚 7. Bahia Honda State Park

📍 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key
🕗 8 a.m. to sunset
💰 $8/vehicle
🌐 Official Website

This is Florida Keys postcard material: gin-clear water, sandy beaches, and a view of Flagler’s old railway bridge. Arrive early—this park hits capacity often. 🐦 Pro tip: Bring binoculars for some incredible birding.

🏰 8. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

📍 601 Howard England Way, Key West
🕗 8 a.m. to sunset (Fort closes at 5 p.m.)
💰 $6/vehicle
🌐 Official Website

Part beach. Part fort. ALL awesome. Explore Civil War-era history, massive cannons, and red-brick corridors before heading to one of the best snorkeling beaches in Key West. Note: the beach is currently undergoing renourishment, so check before you go!

⚠️Temporary Beach Closure

Effective April 7, 2025: The beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park will be temporarily closed for a renourishment project. Sections of beach and picnic areas will reopen as work progresses. Parking may be limited at times, and entry may be delayed while equipment is in transit.

🗺️ Plan Your Route: Explore the Parks on the Map

Want to see all the state parks from Key Largo to Key West mapped out and ready to explore?

👉 Check out the Interactive Florida Keys State Parks Map

Zoom in, get directions, and build your ideal road trip itinerary—all in one place!

🗺️ The Ultimate Road Trip Plan

🛣️ Distance: ~113 miles
📍 Route: Start in Key Largo, end in Key West
🧭 Navigation: The Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) connects all these parks

🎒 What to Pack:
✔️ Sunblock
✔️ Reusable water bottle
✔️ Insect repellent
✔️ Snorkel gear & water shoes
✔️ Waterproof phone pouch
✔️ Camera (or just your phone—these views are 📸 GOLD)

📌 Planning Tips

• 🎟️ Book early during peak season (Nov–April)

• 🚗 Allow extra travel time—traffic can be wild

• 🕗 Arrive early at popular parks, especially on weekends

• 🌤️ Check park websites for closures or capacity alerts

• 🛶 Plan ahead for kayak-access parks like Indian Key

• 📱 Download offline maps—service can be spotty in the Lower Keys!

🌞 One Last Thing…

There’s something magical about this string of islands. When you’re standing on a trail in the middle of a hardwood hammock or floating above coral reefs... you realize you’re part of something timeless. ✨

Reply and tell us—what’s YOUR favorite state park in the Florida Keys?

We might just feature it in an upcoming edition. 😉

Until next time, keep your flip-flops sandy and your cooler full,
Brian

Florida Keys Road Trip Team