Florida State Parks of the Keys: Where to Snorkel, Wander, and Wonder

From Pennekamp’s living reef to the rocky shoreline at Fort Zachary Taylor, three state parks make the case for a slower, saltier Florida Keys itinerary.

Rental cars packed with beach chairs stream down the Overseas Highway every day of the year, and many are headed somewhere with a gate, an entrance fee and a ranger booth. That is because some of the best parts of the Florida Keys are not found on a hotel pool deck. They are protected, public and located just off US-1.

These three state parks are worth building a day—or an entire trip—around, especially for travelers hoping to snorkel. Since Seven Keys Vacations manages homes from Key Largo to Key West, there is also a good chance one of our rentals can put you close to whichever park makes your list.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo

Start at the top of the island chain, because John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is where Florida Keys snorkeling begins. Established as the country’s first undersea park, Pennekamp encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles of protected waters.

Popular offshore sites include Molasses Reef, Grecian Rocks and the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue. Because the major reefs sit several miles offshore, exploring them requires a boat trip rather than a swim from the beach.

The park concession offers guided snorkel excursions that last approximately two and a half hours, along with glass-bottom boat tours for visitors who would rather see the reef without getting into the water. Private snorkel and dive charters are also available throughout Key Largo for travelers who prefer a smaller group or a more flexible schedule.

Good to Know

• Reef access: The major coral reefs are reached by boat. They are too far offshore to access safely by swimming or paddling from the park.
• On land: Visitors can explore mangrove waterways, rent canoes or kayaks and visit the park’s aquarium and nature exhibits.
• Current facility notice: As of July 2026, one of the park’s two boat ramps, its boat sewage pump-out station and boat-trailer parking are closed for improvements. Check the park’s current alerts before bringing your own boat.
• Best for: Guests staying in Key Largo or Islamorada and anyone planning an Upper Keys snorkeling day.

Check current John Pennekamp park information

Bahia Honda State Park near Big Pine Key

Located near Big Pine Key and roughly an hour from Key West, depending on traffic, Bahia Honda State Park is home to one of the most recognizable beach settings in the Florida Keys.

The historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge stretches across the channel behind clear turquoise water and pale sand, creating the kind of view that tends to become everyone’s phone wallpaper.

Swimming near the beach is generally easy and shallow, making Bahia Honda a favorite for families. Visitors can also snorkel from shore, although the experience is more about calm water, seagrass and passing marine life than towering coral formations.

For a true reef excursion, the park concession operates snorkeling trips to Looe Key, one of the Lower Keys’ best-known reef systems. Trips and schedules can vary with weather, season and minimum passenger requirements, so reservations are recommended.

Good to Know

• Reef access: Shore snorkeling is available, but the park’s major reef experience is the boat trip to Looe Key.
• Amenities: Snorkel equipment, kayaks, beach chairs and umbrellas may be rented through the park concession.
• Swimming conditions: Much of the nearshore water is shallow, but swimmers should avoid the Bahia Honda Channel, where currents may be strong.
• Capacity: The park can reach capacity during busy weekends and holidays. Arrive early and check park alerts before leaving your rental.
• Best for: A classic Florida Keys beach day with optional reef snorkeling added to the itinerary.

Check current Bahia Honda park information

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West

This is the park that does not require a drive up the Keys. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park sits at the southwestern edge of Key West, combining a Civil War-era fort with a popular public beach.

Locals often recommend Fort Zachary Taylor for some of the best swimming and shore-entry snorkeling in Key West. The beach is rocky rather than powdery, so water shoes are strongly recommended. Visitors may bring their own snorkel equipment or check on rentals at the park’s chickee hut.

Snorkelers can encounter reef fish, snapper, sponges, coral and other marine life without boarding a boat. It also works well as an easy half-day outing: explore the fort in the cooler morning hours, spend the afternoon at the beach and return to Old Town in time for dinner or sunset.

Good to Know

• Reef access: Enter directly from the beach. No boat trip is required.
• Hours: The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown. The historic fort closes at 5 p.m.
• Amenities: The park offers shaded picnic areas, grills, food service and rentals that may include chairs, umbrellas and snorkel equipment.
• What to bring: Water shoes are highly recommended because of the rocky shoreline.
• Best for: Key West guests who want genuine snorkeling without devoting most of the day to a boat excursion.

Check current Fort Zachary Taylor park information

Planning Your Florida Keys State Park Trip

These three parks create a natural progression along the island chain: Pennekamp for an offshore reef adventure, Bahia Honda for a scenic beach day and Fort Zachary Taylor for convenient snorkeling from shore.

You also do not have to choose a single home base for every kind of trip. Seven Keys Vacations offers vacation rentals throughout Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, the Lower Keys and Key West, making it easier to stay close to the park—or parks—that anchor your itinerary.

Places to Stay Near the Parks

Choose a home base near the reef, the beach or the heart of Key West.

KL60 – Kawama Yacht Club A4 is a two-bedroom Key Largo townhome in the gated Kawama community. Its Upper Keys location makes it a convenient home base for exploring Pennekamp, local marinas, restaurants and surrounding waters.

MA127 – Marathon Majesty is a canal-front Marathon home with a private dock and plenty of room to unwind after a beach or snorkeling day.

Many vacation homes in Big Pine Key and other areas of the Lower Keys require a 28-night minimum stay. For a traditional weeklong vacation, Marathon may provide a more flexible base for visiting Bahia Honda.

KW48 – Hemingway’s View is a three-bedroom Old Town home near the Hemingway Home and many of Key West’s best-known attractions. Its central location makes it easy to explore Old Town and reach Fort Zachary Taylor without planning a full driving day.

Ready to trade the hotel pool for reefs, beaches and protected shoreline?

Find your Seven Keys vacation rental and start planning your Florida Keys escape.