From the uniqueness and bar scene in Key West, to the restaurants throughout the keys, to the State…read moreParks like John Pennekamp and Bahia Honda, to the unmatched diving/snorkeling and laid-back style of the keys lifestyle... But at the end of the day, this is one of my favorite places to spend time. Some people just don't get how special these protected areas are... or just how vast it is. The area is encompasses an area that is over 8 miles long on Sugarloaf Key (accessed from mile marker 17 and partially from mile marker 20) and includes a lot of spots that locals visit often including Burn Out Bridge (aka End Of The Road), Loop Road Trail, Sammy Creek Landing, Old Overseas Nature Trail (west end of Old State Road 4A), Jumping Bridge, and the Secret Beach Old State Road 4A passes through most of it and there are a few residences as well but majority of the area is mangroves and open water. There is plenty of area to support incredible wildlife; you may not see much of it visiting but after years of bicycling and walking all the trails and focal points I've been lucky enough to see plenty; come common and some rare to see... in addition to the common sightings like raccoons, snapper, tarpon and crabs, we've seen key deer, spoonbills, horseshoe crabs, bonnet head sharks, bald eagles and other birds of prey. Park at the corner of Old State Road 4A and Sugarloaf Boulevard and walk east past the vehicle barriers to walk to Jumping Bridge (its just what is sounds like) and if feeling adventurous then continue onto Loop Road Trail (stop at the open water areas for a dip in the water), find the Secret Beach and walk the nature trail to Burn-Out Bridge (and watch the boats travel between Sugarloaf and the Atlantic) ... Or drive past the intersection to the west and stop by Sammy Creek Landing... it's a park with a boat launch, decent fishing and a good spot to bring lunch/picnic.... Or go onto my favorite and drive (or bike) all the way to the west end of Old State Road 4A, park the car and continue onto the Old Overseas Nature Trail. It's a very long hike to the end but it is gorgeous with some areas in the shade (tree canopy over the trail creating a tunnel like experience) and a lot in the sun too; great views of the water and mangroves. For those that have sweet blood... bring insect repellent/lotion

Pretty place and private. Can be very hot though (of course) so bringing water is important. I was…read moretold there are sometimes dangerous snakes but I didn't see any.

The old highway trail on Sugarloaf Key is a peaceful slice of paradise--until the bugs show up. The…read moreviews of the mangroves and water are stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset, but you'll want to bring bug spray and maybe a small fan to fend off the relentless flies. The trail is flat and easy to navigate, though a bit overgrown in places, which just adds to the whole "nature adventure" vibe. If you're not afraid to swat and walk, this spot is a quirky little gem. Bonus points if you can hike the whole thing without swearing at the mosquitos or getting attacked by the ubiquitous spider webs.

Great walking/biking trail. There's a few sunken cars in a lagoon near the end of the trail. Lots…read moreof flies so I would suggest traveling by bike.

This is an old quarry from the time when the railroad was built. It takes about 30 minutes to see…read moreit all. There are a few alligators living there. Lots of fish to see. There were some park employees on site who were a wealth of information. And it's free.

We didn't see any wildlife but enjoyed stretching our legs and that the trees were marked with the…read morenames of the trees.

Enjoyed an afternoon ebike ride along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail…read more The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a 106-mile, multi-use path for biking, hiking, and skating that parallels the Overseas Highway, incorporating parts of the original Flagler Railroad and historic bridges. It offers scenic views, access to natural areas like parks and wildlife refuges, and is a linear state park with various services. While much of the trail is paved and safe, some sections require users to walk alongside the highway shoulder, especially on busier bridges like the Seven Mile Bridge. Highly recommended.

The Henry Flagler's East Coast Railways have been converted to be part of the trail. This trail…read morethat is parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge is partially complete with a new concrete sidewalk. Lots of people were fishing off of it today. There's a good sized parking lot too.

We would go here while in Key West to get away from the crowds, and get some all over sun. Like…read moreRon M. said, If you do not like unmaintained beaches or unclothed people, go to some public beaches like Higgs beach and take your trash with you.

Been coming to this beach for about a decade. The hurricanes have really done a number on this…read morebeach. The Navy has added more signage about no trespassing, but the trails are still there. Red's Resting Place is also still there, but Mother Nature is working on reclaiming it.

This trail is kinda short but worth visiting…read more The trail is within a larger area that is home to a few trails and this is one of them. It's well maintained (which is nice since a lot of Keys trails and parks sometimes look messy and overgrown). The trail is rock and some parts with boardwalk (for the overlooks) and you oversee a lot of how the keys were back in its natural state. There are signs to read that give useful educational information and for animals that you may see. Of the few times we've hiked the trails around here, we haven't seen much in the way of wildlife but we have seen a rabbit once and a couple of key deer (which are the cutest deers ever).

Free Florida fun. It's a nice 2/3 mile walk in a loop of fairly manicured gravel trails through the…read morehammock. There's also a shorter leg that goes to a viewing deck. Pretty cool. No deer today but that's not always the case. And do be mindful of the poisonwood!

This park has to be one of the best that the Florida Keys has to offer. I have always wanted to…read morestop here while visiting our friends that live in Key West and we finally had the opportunity. Bahia Honda means "Deep Bay" and refers to the deep bays of Bahia Honda Key. It is pronounced Bah -EE-ah Own da. It is 30 feet deep which makes it the deepest natural harbors in the Keys. It was established in 1961and is known for its history as part of Henry Flagler's "Overseas Railroad" and is now known as the Overseas Highway. In 1935 there was a huge hurricane that destroyed the railroad. What makes this park so unique is that it is encompasses an offshore island and it sits between Ohio Key and Spanish Harbor Key close to the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge. The park has 524 acres of lush beauty. It is open everyday of the year from 8am - sundown and the fee is $8 per vehicle. Clean restrooms and outdoor showers available. There is so many things to do such as snorkeling, swimming in the gin clear crystal waters, hiking out to the Old Bahia Bridge, birding, camping, boat rentals, a concession stand, rent a cabin, kayak, fishing or visit the nature center. We found parking easily and made our way out on the trail to the Old Bridge. The views from up here are panoramic. After viewing the bridge and the views, we really could not resist taking a dip at one of the beaches. The water was still warm enough to swim in November and it felt fantastic. What I love most about the state park beaches along the Keys are all the marine life you can view while swimming or just walking on the beach. No place like it! If I could give this park 10 stars I would, it is that incredible. Cannot wait to come back again.

A sweet spot to stop and enjoy a dip in the cool, clear waters…read more As it's a state park, there is a small fee associated with entrance to utilize the beach, sandbars, walking paths, facilities and snack bar/gift shop. Plenty of parking. Beaches are beautiful and the water refreshingly cold. Marine life can also be seen, but please avoid touching or catching the sea creatures; and parents, tell your kids/teens to respect the wildlife.

Little Hamaca Park is a quiet, tucked-away spot in Key West, perfect for those who enjoy nature and…read moresolitude. The trails go through the mangroves and offer a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the island. It's a great place for birdwatching (there were people all over the place doing this) or simply taking a quiet walk near the salt pond. However, parking is limited, so plan accordingly. There are no public restrooms, which is inconvenient for longer visits. The trails can also get muddy after rain, so it's best to go during dry weather or earlier in the day when it's cooler. If you go towards dusk or dawn you absolutely 100% will need bug spray.

A drive through the Florida Keys will bring you to find/see plenty of nature... obvious ones like a…read morebunch of state parks (Bahia Honda State Park, Curry Hammock State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical State Park); and there are a rather large number of natural places to go for hikes, bike rides, fishing... many that are unknown to visitors (you need a local to share the secrets); but a handful of hidden gems are right here in Key West.... Little Hamaca is a great one. Most locals (and some tourists) know there are protected, native habitats made up of salt flats and mangroves around three sides of the airport but it's surprising how many don't know there is a section on the north side of the airport that is a tropical hammock (an area that is an important part of an ecosystem that is an elevated area slightly above the wetlands that support trees and wildlife that may not survive otherwise). It can be challenging to locate.... do not attempt to visit directly from South Roosevelt; you must access the area from Flagler and definitely follow a GPS. It's an interesting drive and don't stop, thinking you arrived, at the first paved parking stall and what appears to be a nature walk with a covered canopy providing nature information (that's Fran Ford White Crowned Pigeon Park). Go well beyond Fran Ford and once you take the bend in the road, there is a hard to notice, dirt/rock parking lot... Once you park, there is a raised, wood boardwalk; and ironically the parking lot has a solid, concrete handicap parking stall and access to the boardwalk (so the park/trail are handicap accessible... thumbs up to the City of Key West for this). Roughly the first half of the trail is wood planks with metal rails; but at some point the trail continues through the dirt/rock/natural growth. The trail remains clear but no wheelchair accessible at this point. It's really a lovely area... home to numerous wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, crabs, snails, butterflies, reptiles, spiders and a variety of birds (including the endangered white-crowned pigeon, the namesake of the park/trail down the road from Little Hamaca Park. There may also be crocodiles as the warning signage at the trailhead states... If you travel far enough along the dirt trail, then another boardwalk begins and it eventually ends at the Riveria Canal... it's like a slight reward for your hard work (not really that hard though). If you're not familiar with Riveria Canal, it's a canal that is lined with residential properties on the far side from the hammock and salt flats.

We were staying about 1/2 mile down the road and wanted to take a couple mile walk. Our hotel…read moresuggested Long Key State Park. We started on the bike trail along the busy highway, then turned into the park. At the guard house, the nicest ranger asked us to come in while he waited on a car driving through. He was so pleasant and caring about having water, giving us directions, etc. I am so sorry I didn't get his name. if you are walking or cycling, it is $2.50 per person. We met another ranger who was maintaining the restroom down by the shore and he was friendly, too! Walking down, there are mangroves on each side. Then you see the shore. They have done such a great job carving out little areas for people to sit or eat, etc. We were very impressed with that. There was no litter and the restroom was also very clean. Highly recommend if you need a break going to or coming from Key West. It is also great if you are staying nearby.

This review is specifically about the PRICING policy for campgrounds in Florida State Parks…read more Camping in the Keys is a popular activity, and it's difficult to find availability. We were thrilled to find that Long Key had a site available for the March date that we needed. Our preference would have been for a site for a Class B RV, but we were willing to accept the only site available, a tent-only site. Our reservation for the site was quite expensive ($34.51) for a tent-only site in a public park, without hookups. The fees in Florida state parks really add up. The site itself was "only" $22.50, but there's also a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee and an assortment of taxes that totaled $5.31. Unfortunately, due to wildfires near Homestead, FL, we needed to reschedule our trip into the Keys, which also involved cancelling our reservation at Long Key. Of our initial outlay of $34.51, our refund was only for $10 and some change. There was a $17-something cancellation fee, and the initial reservation fee was non-refundable. Of the $10+ returned, over $5 of this was the sales taxes.

Fishing, lobstering, sandbar, snorkeling. Offering a variety of trips daily. Offshore, inshore,…read morebackcountry. Mahi, tarpon, grouper, sharks, sailfish.