There are many great thingsto discover on vacation in Key Largo, including great restaurants and multiple man-made beaches, offering stunning stretches of sand on which to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Some are private and only available to guests of certain hotels or resorts, while others are fully open to the public.
Far Beach
Arguably the most popular beach in Key Largo, Far Beach is situated by Mile Marker 120 in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Two public beaches can be found in this park, with Far Beach being the better-known option. Guests' feet will sink into the soft, warm sands of this beach as they walk along and the surrounding palm trees offer nice little spots of shade.
The water at this Key Largo beach is particularly warm and shallow, perfect for paddling or swimming with youngsters. Since this beach is part of the Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkeling and diving are very popular on Far Beach too, so this is a prime spot for any Key Largo visitors looking to do some underwater exploration.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is the second of the two beaches in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and is another super beach to visit in Key Largo. Visitors to this beach will immediately understand how it earned its name: real, 17th century cannons can be found sitting along the sand and offering a unique historical edge to this Florida Key beach.
Like Far Beach, Cannon Beach has warm, shallow waters that are very calm and perfect for casual swimming or snorkeling.
Even non-swimmers will be able to appreciate these waters and simply walk along the edge of the beach, admiring tropical fish and other exciting marine life. Experienced divers, meanwhile, can swim a little ways out to sea to find an old Spanish shipwreck beneath the surface.
Harry Harris Park
Located in Tavernier, Harry Harris Park is a really great spot for families and groups of friends to spend some time in Key Largo.
This location isn't just a beach, it's a full park complete with play areas for children, bike trails, pavilions, toilets, public showers, a boat ramp, a picnic area, and even a tidal pool for younger visitors to enjoy.
Harry Harris Park is fully free to enter if you visit during the week and open all day long.
A skate park, basketball fields, and swimming pool can also be found not too far away in Founders Park, making Harry Harris one of the top spots to visit if you're looking for a full day of fun in Key Largo.
Anne's Beach
If you're looking for a great beach right by Key Largo but not actually on the key itself, Anne's Beach is one of the prettiest spots in the area. Named in honor of eco-warrior Anne Eaton, this beach is fitted out with a beautiful boardwalk, a cozy set of picnic tables, a designated swimming area, and some very calm, shallow water that is perfectly suitable for people of all ages and swimming abilities to enjoy.
Indian Key Historic State Park
Located on a tiny piece of paradise, the Indian Key Historic State Park is your gateway to magnificent forgotten shorelines and beautiful ancient artifacts that tell the interesting story of the Indian Key. This state park was once the home base of a lucrative industry that would find shipwrecks in the Florida Keys and salvage what cargo they could.
As such, visitors to the Indian Key Historic State Park can learn all about the island’s history via interpretive exhibits or ranger-led walking tours. The island, which is accessible only by boat, is also home to a nature trail, a canoe and kayak launch, and great wildlife viewing. The usual water activities like snorkeling and swimming are also allowed at the Indian Key Historic State Park.
Offshore Island, Islamorada, Florida 33036