Around Key Largo, there are many man-made beaches to visit, offering beautiful expanses of sand where you can unwind and take in the sunshine. While some beaches are completely open to the public, others are private and only accessible to visitors of specific hotels or resorts. Here is a list of the best beaches in Key Largo Florida.
The Best Beaches In Key Largo Florida
Below are the best beaches in Key Largo Florida
#1. Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is located inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The best Key Largo public beaches are right next to the park’s visitor center, and as a result, they provide a wide range of amenities. A food truck is close by, and there are vending machines nearby for all your food and beverage requirements. You can reserve snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips as well as arrange kayak rentals in the area. Additionally, shore snorkeling is reachable from Cannon Beach. You must pay the regular entrance fee to access the beach because it is located within the state park’s boundaries. The well-kept amenities, which include restrooms, showers, a laundry room, and a large picnic area, make the entrance fee worthwhile.
Again, species like tuna or barracuda are sometimes spotted too, even venturing close to the sand now and then. To spy bigger fish, venture toward the ship’s dock site and you could see tarpon, manatees, and more. Again, if you’re the sort that soon tires of lying on the beach, you can hire a kayak, go for a hike or take a glass-bottom boat trip from Cannon Beach. All equipment and tours can be booked locally, subject to availability.
Generally, you can camp overnight as long as you have the permit allowing you to do so. This seaside gem is a great beach for kids, with calm water and its amenities. The warm waters make Cannon Beach great for swimming no matter what time of year you’re visiting. With pure white sand and all the necessary amenities close by, it’s easy to see why Cannon Beach is one of the top-rated Key Largo attractions.
#2. Far Beach
Just a little further south of Cannon Beach, in John Pennekamp State Park, is Far Beach. There are typically fewer people because there are no amenities close to the beach. However, it can get crowded, especially in the summer, so get there early to secure a parking spot and a good spot on the sand. Since the beach is small, it can get crowded quickly.
Again, this is a great swimming area for people of all ages, though beach shoes are advised because the bottom can be rocky. Given that it’s a shallow area where the sun can heat it up quickly, the water tends to be warm. Beach chairs, if desired, as well as any additional supplies like snacks, beverages, and entertainment are additional items to pack. Far Beach has fewer amenities than Cannon Beach, so it’s best to bring your own picnic and a blanket to set it up on.
It can be enjoyable to look out for local species like lizards and local birds. After purchasing the required state park permit, you can camp at Far Beach if that’s what you want to do. Far Beach is the first beach you’ll arrive at when driving into the Florida Keys via Key Largo.
The shallow water and huge palm trees make it one of the top beaches for visitors who want to relax. It’s also a good base for exploring the nearby John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Outdoor activities at Far Beach include swimming, sunbathing, wildlife watching, and diving. Overnight camping is also allowed at no charge. It’s an amazing place to have an adventure with friends.
#3. Harry Harris Park
Visit Harry Harris Park for a beach that is more suitable for families and offers a ton of entertaining activities. One of the most well-liked beaches in Key Largo is Harry Harris Park, because of its simplicity and tranquil atmosphere. You have to pay a fee to enter this beach, in exchange for access to a sandy beach protected by a rock jetty, shaded picnic tables, BBQ grills, and showers. There is also a boat ramp here for those who want to explore the water from above rather than within or beneath the surface.
Furthermore, Harry Harris isn’t the most amazing beach in the world. But the fact that it can cost more than the state park to enter does put some people off. As a result, those who do spend time here often describe it as a relaxing, peaceful environment. There is everything you need for a day out here, including the BBQs, shaded picnic tables, showers, and toilets. The little lagoon is also nice to swim in and feels safe for kids as the rock jetty offers some protection from the waves.
Additionally, children can also find entertainment in play parks, where they might even see iguanas scurrying about on the grass. Jellyfish are another aquatic creature to keep an eye out for, as they occasionally visit Harry Harris beach. If you don’t mind paying an entrance fee in exchange for peace and quiet, this is a tidy and well-maintained beach, so it might be money well spent. If you go on a weekday, you may also have free access to the beach. Additionally, Key Largo’s dog-friendly beaches are popular with pet owners.
#4. Anne’s Beach
Anne’s Beach is one of the top beaches close to Key Largo. This charming coastline is a thing of natural beauty, with emerald marshes surrounding it, sugary white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise water. Bring your significant other, family, and friends to Anne’s Beach for a relaxing nature retreat. It is the ideal location if you are looking for a new coastline to visit with lots of fun opportunities after exploring and visiting the best beaches in Key Largo, Florida. Whoever you are traveling with doesn’t matter because this remote coastline is a great place to engage in a variety of enjoyable activities. Sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking, canoeing, wakeboarding, fishing, and many other exciting activities are available.
For your convenience, there are numerous on-site amenities at this beach. Like a boardwalk, it provides breathtaking views of the surroundings, covered picnic tables so you can eat your prepared meals in comfort, clean bathrooms, and roomy parking lots so you can find a place to leave your car with ease. Finding it difficult to find someone to take care of your pets at home? Then go to Anne’s Beach, which has a pet-friendly section of the sand where you can spend the day splashing around with your furry family members. Always make sure to clean up after your pets.
#5. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
The name of this state park clearly identifies its main draw: coral reefs. Snorkelers frequently depart from this small beach to explore the underwater realm. A Spanish shipwreck that is close to the beach has attracted a lot of marine life. The old anchors and cannons have been encrusted for a very long time. If you’re fortunate, you might even run into a barracuda. Though its size means that there is nowhere to be completely alone, the beach is rarely too crowded.
#6. Long Key State Park
Fishing is excellent at Long Key State Park, where you can spend the night in one of the campsites with all the amenities. They offer numerous activities such as kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. While hikers will enjoy hiking and exploring the park, the birdlife is diverse. Near the shore, there are excellent amenities like picnic tables and BBQs. Children can play in the shallow water because it is safe, but they must be careful not to step on any sharp rocks. You can rent kayaks to explore some of the lagoons up close. Unfortunately, Hurricane Irma, last year left some damage in its wake.
#7. Coco Plum Beach– Best Beaches Key Largo Florida
The Atlantic Ocean is where Coco Plum Beach in Marathon is situated. In contrast to some of the Keys’ other beaches, this one is natural. Due to nesting endangered turtles, access to the shoreline next to a wetland area may be restricted at specific times of the year. A covered pavilion and restrooms are available as amenities. You don’t need to worry about crowds on the beach because it is quite large, and your dog is welcome there. Coco Plum Beach is open early and closes at sunset.
Can You Swim in Key Largo?
No matter what time of year you visit, Cannon Beach is a great place to go swimming because of its warm waters. It’s simple to understand why Cannon Beach is one of the most popular Key Largo attractions with its flawless white sand and proximity to all amenities.
Is It Better to Stay in Key West or Key Largo?
Key West is the best option if you’re looking for a ton of things to do, things to do, and places to go. However, Key Largo is the place to go if you’re looking for a more leisurely vacation with outdoor activities.
Does Key Cargo Have Clean Water?
Key Largo is a well-liked location for diving and snorkeling. Clearwater is present. But keep in mind that seagrass, which is essential to the ecosystem and gives the water its brown color, is present everywhere. When an underwater desert exists, the water turns blue.
Where Is the Clearest Water in Key Largo?
The water at Sombrero Beach, which is conveniently situated in Marathon, Florida, is some of the clearest in the Key Largo area. You can go fishing, surf in the gentle waves, or work on your summer tan on the small sandy strip.
Does Key Largo Have Clear Water?
Key Largo is a well-liked location for diving and snorkeling. Clearwater is present. But keep in mind that seagrass, which is essential to the ecosystem and gives the water its brown color, is present everywhere. When there is an underwater desert (no vegetation), the water is blue.
Does Key Largo Have Sandy Beaches?
The entrance to the Florida Keys is at Key Largo. Given that the reef here is shallow, it’s an excellent location for snorkeling (five to 15 feet deep). It’s also a great place to go swimming because there are so many lovely artificial beaches with expansive stretches of sand.
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FAQs on Best Beaches in Key Largo
Is the water blue in Key Largo?
Strips of sandy beach offer locations to relax, soak up the sun, go swimming, or simply put your toes into the warm, clear, turquoise waters from Key Largo to Key West.
What is Key Largo known for?
The first of the magnificent Florida Keys, Key Largo, calls itself the Dive Capital of the World. The 510-foot USS Spiegel Grove, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the African Queen, and the largest artificial reef in the world are all located there. Key Largo is not far from the Everglades National Park.
Is Key Largo worth visiting?
Key Largo provides guests with a calming experience that is unsurpassed by other beach towns because of its family-oriented atmosphere and small-town charm. This is the area’s top attraction, atmosphere, and peacefulness at its best, from its dog parks and natural beauties to the peaceful beaches and views.