There are plenty of spots for the little ones to splash about. The muck is deep and really sucks you in. The water is beautiful but very shallow so you can wade out far from the shore. To be honest, the beach could be somewhat cleaner. Local species include lizards, iguanas, sea birds, fish, and crabs. There are walking paths where you can see some wildlife. If you would like to have lunch in the fresh air, bring some delicious food and arrive earlier to occupy one of the shaded picnic tables near the water. There are public restrooms and showers to rinse the sand off. However, many people drop by for a short time so, with a little patience, you’ll get a parking space in any case. Parking is limited and you can’t park on the beach so arrive early on weekends and in high season. The beach has two parking lots about ¼ mile apart and connected with a nice boardwalk to stroll on. It’s about a half an hour car ride from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can reach Anne’s Beach by car at Mile Marker 73.5, Lower Matecumbe Key, Islamorada.

If you like cozy little beaches and don’t really need the “big beach” amenities, this place is for you. It’s popular with families and fishermen. This beautiful place suits people of all ages and swimming abilities and offers many secluded spots. It has two parking lots, a pretty boardwalk, cozy picnic tables, and a dedicated swimming area. Masks ($4), fins ($4), snorkels ($8.95 and $14.95).Dedicated to local environmentalist Anne Eaton and featuring mushy sand and calm shallow waters, Anne’s Beach is one of the prettiest swimming holes around Key Largo.

Glass bottom boat tours: adults, $32 (adult) and $19.00 (children 4-11, under 3, free). Kayaks, canoes and paddleboard rentals: $25-$50, depending on the size and duration. It’s appropriately named, since swimmers will discover an anchor and cannons from a Spanish shipwreck from 1715 just off the beach.Įntrance: $9.00 per vehicle based on two passengers $.50 for additional people. There are three swimming beaches in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, but Cannon Beach is a favorite. Whether you’re under the water or above it (on a glass bottom boat, kayak or paddleboard), you’ll need to dry off at some point. This was the first undersea park, established in 1963 to protect the only living coral reef in the continental United States, and scuba divers and snorkelers from around the world come here to come face to face with marine life along with the famed “Christ of the Deep” statue. John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo Stephen Frink/Getty John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Parkįor: A marine sanctuary and a Spanish shipwreck

Outdoor showers make it easy to rinse the salt off before heading into town to hit the bars and restaurants. Speaking of, when hunger strikes, there’s a café with hamburgers, wraps, and smoothies, as well as grills for those who prefer to DIY. It gets deep rather quickly here and with no lifeguards, it’s better suited for stronger swimmers, but venture in with a mask and snorkel and you just may spot a barracuda. (The Fort is a nice diversion to escape the scorching sun.) Rent a chair and umbrella, then stake your claim on the sand and don your water shoes for the rocky walk to the water’s edge. This natural beach feels like a hidden treasure, especially since you’ll need to snake your way along Key West’s narrow backstreets, then past Fort Zachary Taylor to get here. Entrance: $8.50 per vehicle for 2-8 people. Snorkeling tour to Looe Key Marine Sanctuary: $29.94 (adult) and $24.95 (child) with masks ($2), fins ($2), snorkels ($8.95 with tour) Fort Zachary Taylor

Beaches in key largo florida