Best Beaches Near Key Largo

What are the best beaches near Key Largo, FL? Check out the best beaches to go to in and around Key Largo!

Are you a new resident or just visiting Key Largo and on the hunt for the best relaxation spot? Well, you are in the right place because Key Largo has some fantastic beaches and is located in the Florida Keys, where many options will surround you.

Key Largo has it all, whether it is finding the perfect spot to swim or even seeing the breathtaking views. This area is perfect for settling down in if you are looking for waterfront homes or a perfect place for relaxation. Keep reading more to check out some of the best beaches to visit in Key Largo, Florida.

Here are the best beaches near and around Key Largo.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a Florida State Park that includes about 70 nautical square miles of adjacent Atlantic Ocean waters. This park is about 25 miles in length and extends 3 miles into the ocean. This park is one-of-a-kind that offers a fantastic glimpse into the underwater world.

Renowned for being the country's first undersea park, it offers views of the park's colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life on a glass-bottom boat tour or even a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Other activities around the park include canoeing and kayaking, fishing in permitted areas and also walking on trials, picnicking, or evens swimming on the beach. This park has it all and is a destination that you need to visit at least one time! On the other hand, it is located around many things to do in Key Largo!

Hours: 8 AM until sunset

Fees: $8 per vehicle, plus 50 cents per person

Location: Mile Marker 102.5, Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, 33037

Cannon Beach

Location: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo FL 33037

Cannon Beach is one of the most popular beach destinations in Key Largo. It got its name from the 17th-century cannons that sit on the sand near the shore. This place is a perfect location for families and kids to enjoy the calm waters while there are also many fun activities. The water here is usually warm year-round so you can visit this white sandy beach whenever. 

This is a public beach, but you have to pay to park at the state park, which is $9 per two people, and also you can pay $43 to camp overnight. There is a roped-off swimming area to make sure you are able to swim safely, while also there is snorkeling and viewing so you can experience the underwater marine life. With much to do, this is a beach gem you should definitely check out.

Far Beach

Location: Mile Marker 120 in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo FL 33037

Far Beach is one of the easiest accessible beaches when driving into Key Largo. This beach has shallow waters and large beautiful palm trees and is a perfect location if you are looking for a place for relaxation or views. Overnight camping is also allowed with no charge. Other activities here include swimming, tanning, diving, snorkeling, and viewing the beautiful wildlife around. 

However, keep in mind that this is a very popular beach, so it does get busy. So make sure you get there to find a parking spot at a good tie so you can enjoy the views here. Also, keep in mind that the ocean bed of this beach is rockier than other locations, so if you do go into the water, be aware or even wear water shoes.

Harry Harris Beach

Harry Harris Beach is a sheltered beach and swimming area with showers, boat ramps, barbecue areas, and a sports facility. There are about 12 pavilions and barbecue areas, 35 picnic tables, a basketball court, 2 baseball fields, playgrounds, and much more. Dogs are allowed, excluding the beach area. Local residents are free; fees are charged on holidays and weekends for non-residents. The boat ramp is a deep-water, easy-access boat ramp that has 20 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers for day parking only. 

This is a perfect destination for locals and tourists, and it offers a range of amenities and activities for all to enjoy. This park is also located near many of the best neighborhoods in Key Largo. It is a serene and family-friendly environment where you can enjoy the calm, shallow waters, sandy shores, and the sun with everyone. If you are a nature enthusiast, then this is also a perfect place for you to enjoy all of the natural surroundings like the mangroves, palm trees, marine life, and much more all around the park.

Location: 50 E Beach Rd, Tavernier FL, 33070

Phone: 305-852-7161

Hours: 7:30 AM - 8 PM every day

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park

Location: 77200 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park is a 280-acre Florida State Park that is one mile west of U.S. 1 at mile marker 78.5 and can only be reached by private boat or boat tour. This park is a tropical island hideaway covered in hardwood hammocks and surrounded by clear waters. It is a $2.50 per person visitor fee or $2 per person tour fee.

There are ferry services, boat rentals for driving or watersports, Island boat tours, and also kayak renters. This park offers beautiful views of the water, but also you are able to experience the Island living 1930s style and take a self-guided tour of the historic Matheson house and hardwood hammock. This gem should be next on your places to visit list.

Indian Key Historic State Park

Location:  Indian Key State Historic Site Outstanding Florida Water, Overseas Hwy, Islamorada FL 33036

Indian Key Historic State Park is one of the most visited state parks in the Florida Keys. It is not in Key Largo but is close to the area and is a tiny Island that is only accessible by boat. There are not many activities to do at this gem, but it is a perfect place if you are looking for a more private beach with clear waters to relax at. You can swim in the clear waters, sunbathe in the Florida sun, kayak and snorkel around the marine life, and even walk around the trails of the Island to enjoy the beauty.

This Island is located just a few hundred yards southeast of U.S. 1 within the Florida Keys. It is an 11-acre Island that tourists frequently visit mainly to view the historic foundations this Island holds. Indian Key once was a thriving town, but now it is a deserted tropical Island that does still hold the historic roads and ruins from the past. This small gem is definitely something to check out!

Anne's Beach

Location: 73000 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada FL 33036

Anne's Beach is located at the Lower Matecumbe Key and is dedicated to local environmentalist Anne Eaton. There are two parking lots that are accessible from this beach. This beach features a shallow swimming area, covered picnic tables, a boardwalk, and also bathroom facilities for the public. 

Located at mile marker 73.5 at the southern end of the keys, you will see the natural sandy beach, and it is also free. The waters, however, here, are very shallow, so swimming is not ideal here. Dogs are also allowed but must be on a leash. Parking may be hard to find, but there are many other lots nearby that you can use and still be able to access the beach.

Sombrero Beach

Location: Sombrero Beach Rd, Marathon FL 33050

Sombrero Beach is a beautiful sandy beach and park. This area is framed by a shady park that offers picnic pavilions, recreational courts, showers, restrooms, and much more. This is also a turtle nesting beach, and there are many activities that the city puts together during the nesting season. You are also to walk the beach during this time, and it has been considered a fantastic one-in-a-lifetime experience. 

This beach has some of the most transparent waters around Key Largo and is also located in an area where you are able to visit many stores and restaurants. There is a large parking lot near, so many visitors are able to spend the day at this fantastic beach. The beach is open from Monday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to dusk. Looking to find it, turn South on Sombrero Beach Road and drive to the end of the road; you will not miss it!

Calusa Beach

Location: Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Calusa Beach is located between Marathon and Key West and is a small strip of sand. This may not be the best beach for relaxing and tanning, but it is a perfect spot for beachgoers and activities. There are rental booths where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and snorkeling gear or even swim in the clear waters. 

Calusa Beach lies at the southernmost point of one of the eys and has various palm trees and blue waters around. In the location it is near, its waters are on the calmer side and are perfect to enjoy if you are looking for a relaxing spot in the waters. 

This beach is in the Bahia Honda State Park, and you are able to overnight camp in the large campgrounds. There are also other amenities to enjoy, like restrooms, showers, grills,  and picnic pavilions. This is a perfect spot if you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoor waters and wildlife around. 

Rowell's Waterfront Park

Location: 104550 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Rowell's Waterfront Park is a dog-friendly, 8-acre park that includes picnic tables, benches, a swimming area, a boat launch, and more. This park was a traditional swimming hole that locals used and soon enough has been added to. This park is located right off the only road down the Keys and is a perfect stop as you enter the Keys to view the breathtaking views of the bay.

This park is considered to be on the smaller side, but it does have a place for you to enjoy the blue waters and Florida sun, so you should check it out, even if it is just stopping by on your drive. While there is not much to this park, it is also located near many popular stores and restaurants. 

FAQs - Best Beaches in and around Key Largo

Does Key Largo have sandy beaches?

Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys and is a fantastic place to hit the beach, with plenty of pretty-man-made beaches with long stretches of sand.

Is the water pretty in Key Largo?

Yes, Key Largo has pristine sands, crystal clear waters, and many water activities to do within the clear ocean water.

Does Key West or Key Largo have better beaches?

Key Largo beaches provide access to great offshore snorkeling, while Key West beaches provide more facilities and beachside bars. The Florida Keys overall is not mainly known for its beaches but for the things to do.

What Florida Key has the prettiest beach?

Sombrero Beach in Marathon, Florida, ranks at the top of the list of the best beaches in the Florida Keys.

Best Beaches in Key Largo - The Bottom Line

Key Largo is home to many various beaches that are worth visiting. Whether you are looking for a place to swim, relax, or enjoy the marine life around you, they have it. Even if moving is not in your plans, you should consider taking a trip to these beach gems down in the Florida Keys.

If you are interested in moving to Key Largo, then please get in touch with us here so we can connect you with one of our Realty Specialists to help make your transition for you go smoothly. We are here to help you find the perfect home for you. 

Contact us here today for any questions or help.