20 Attractions to Explore Near Long Key State Park

Long Key is a man-made island spanning six miles of beachfront with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is mainly used as a vacation and recreational spot, but its calm bays, lush foliage and exotic wildlife also make it perfect for nature lovers. Exciting outdoor activities abound for visitors including kayaking, fishing, swimming and sunbathing by day and stargazing by night. there are various campsites and cabins available nearby there are museums, aquariums and fishing stores.

Conch Keys, is a great place to relax and soak up some sun. Located off the Overseas Highway amidst the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, It offers breathtaking views of its beaches and coral reefs. It is also the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, boating, or lounging by the sea. For those looking for adventure, plenty of diving spots can be found in the area for exploration. With its lush mangrove forests and delightful wildlife, Conch Keys provides a great escape from reality.

Anne's beach is a fantastic place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The sandy shoreline stretches for miles along a turquoise gulf, providing plenty of space for swimming, boating, picnicking and hiking. An abundance of sea life can be found just offshore where you can swim with colorful fish and explore the coral reef. The beaches offer breathtaking sunsets as well as spectacular star-gazing opportunities at night.

Lower Matecumbe Key is a small island town situated at the furthest south point of the Florida Keys and offers many unique activities for visitors to take part in. Enjoy swimming or sunbathing on its white sand beaches, take a guided tour of its lush tropical vegetation, or even go deep sea fishing - Lower Matecumbe Key has something for everyone! The city also boasts a variety of restaurants and local attractions such as museums, galleries and art centers that are all worth exploring.

Grassy Key is an idyllic paradise island situated between Key Largo and Marathon and is a perfect getaway for those looking for fun in the sun. The stunning turquoise waters of the nearby Atlantic ocean are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Nature trails provide miles of outdoor exploration full of local wildlife. Grassy Key is also famed for its seafood restaurants offering up the day's freshest catch!

Robbie's of Islamorada, located in the beautiful Florida Keys, is known for its welcoming nature and local charm. Not only is it a great place to enjoy fishing and other watersports, but visitors can also explore incredible sights like the colorful coral reefs and native wildlife. Visitors are also sure to love the spot's tasty, traditional seafood dishes that use fresh locally-caught fish. With access to bike trails, boat rentals, kayaking trips and so much more.

San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve is a fascinating spot perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Filled with beautiful coral reefs surrounding thirteen historic sites, it offers visitors glimpses of fascinating artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries while they explore the incredible sea life below. There are options to take a guided tour of the site with an educational ranger or you can rent your own boat or kayak and adventure through on your own schedule.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, is a stunning slice of paradise straight out of the tropics. Not only does the park provide visitors with beach access, fresh salt water fishing and unique coral formations, but also botanical attractions such as three species of native palms, Strangler Fig and Wild Olive Trees. One of the most breathtaking aspects of this tropical retreat are its lush mangrove swamps, full of wildlife both large and small.

Indian Key Historic State Park, is the perfect outdoor destination for history-lovers and beach-goers alike. This seven-acre island was once a bustling fishing village in the 19th century and a refuge for pirates and soldiers during the War of 1812. Visitors can explore ruins of homes, a courthouse, several shops, and wharves. Not only is it possible to take boat tours around the island, but there are plentiful opportunities for fishing or snorkeling near shore.

Curry Hammock State Park is a paradise for nature lovers and water enthusiasts. With over 1,500 acres of mangrove forests, tropical hammocks and beaches, Curry Hammock State Park offers the perfect backdrop for a day outdoors. Visitors can kayak or canoe along crystal clear waterways, take a dip in the lagoon or explore the shoreline full of starfish and crabs. The park's habitats are home to various wildlife including roseate spoonbills, pelicans, ospreys and painted buntings.

This is an educational and entertaining attraction that showcases the history of The Florida Keys. With interactive exhibits and displays of artifacts, visitors can experience the development of the island in a fun-friendly atmosphere. The Discovery Center also offers programs to explore local culture and its unique ecology, such as a mangrove boat tour for kids that highlights the area's marine life. Visitors can also take part in workshops on creative writing, painting and more.

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters offers unforgettable experiences with its diverse collection of marine life. It is the perfect place to go for a vacation. At this attraction, visitors have the chance to touch stingrays, observe unique animals from different ecosystems, and even go diving to explore the vibrant underwater world. Additionally, there are lectures held by knowledgeable staff that offer insight into marine biology and conservation efforts taking place throughout the Florida Keys.

The History of Diving Museum showcases the unique and exciting history of diving and how it has developed over the decades. The collection includes hundreds of artifacts telling stories full of danger and daring feats. From diving bells to helmets, military memorabilia and even a space-suited astronaut – no detail has been left uncovered in this amazing museum open to the public. Explore interactive exhibits complete with photographs, diagrams, media presentations and more!

Theater of the Sea is a unique, family-oriented marine attraction, first opened its doors to visitors in 1946 and has become an iconic destination. Visitors can choose from a wide range of activities including swimming with dolphins, fishing lagoon excursions, beach cabana rentals, glass bottom boat tours, and exploration of the local Gulf Marine life. It also houses nine different aviaries where over fifty species of birds such as parrots and macaws are on display.

This is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This wide-open area boasts stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Keys reef, and Caribbean vibes. Multi-colored reefs below the surface offer unbeatable visibility for snorkelers and divers to explore diverse marine life like barracuda and sea turtles. Above ground, the park serves as an archaeological gem, with walkways furnished with fossilized coral rocks that depict different stages in its 60 million year formation history.

Crane Point Hammock, offers visitors a unique combination of tropical plants, wildlife and recreation. Home to two museums and a butterfly sanctuary, Crane Point Hammock is anything but ordinary. Wander the trails or take a guided tour of the nature center to learn about the local ecology including wetlands and mangroves. Bring your own gear or rent their kayak or canoe for an afternoon out on the water. Don't miss a visit to the seaside aquarium.

Windley Key is a unique place located in Monroe County, Florida. This island community is characterized by its mix of tropical beauty and quirky charm - from iguanas scurrying along sandy pathways to old-time wooden fishing docks protruding over the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Windley Key provides its inhabitants with a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while offering exquisite views of nature at its finest.

Sombrero Beach is an iconic beachknown for its beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. Located near Marathon, this beautiful stretch of coastline is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing or kayaking. Visitors to the beach can also enjoy fishing off of one of the many jetties located along the shoreline. For animal lovers, there's a plethora of native wildlife that frequents the sands and shallows such as seabirds, dolphins and sea turtles.

Pigeon Key, is a 2.5-acre island in Monroe County boasting a rich and unique history. It originally served as the working headquarters for Flagler's Overseas Railroad project, a monumental undertaking that connected population centers on the mainland with those in the Florida Keys via a railway bridge. The island currently offers visitors an opportunity to explore its historic significance through guided tours, interactive museum displays and even overnight accommodations.

It connects Knight's Key (part of the city of Marathon, Florida) in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. There are two bridges in this location. The modern bridge is open to vehicular traffic; the older one only to pedestrians and cyclists. The total length of the bridge is 35,862 ft (10,931 m) or 6.79 miles (10.93 km). The bridge carries the Florida Keys aqueduct, supplying water to points west, as well as fiber optic cables, providing telecommunications to and from the lower K