Information
Landmark: Long Key State ParkCity: Florida Keys
Country: USA Florida
Continent: North America
Long Key State Park, Florida Keys, USA Florida, North America
Overview
Tucked away in the Florida Keys, Long Key State Park invites you to wander sandy trails, paddle calm waters, and soak in its quiet, unspoiled beauty.Between Marathon and Islamorada, at Mile Marker 67.5 on U. S. Highway 1, this state park stretches across 984 acres of lush tropical forest and salt-scented shoreline.The park earns praise for protecting wildlife, giving endangered species a safe home among mangroves, and inviting visitors to enjoy activities that showcase the Florida Keys’ one‑of‑a‑kind beauty.Let’s take a closer look at Long Key State Park, where you’ll find mangroves shading the shoreline, tidal rock barrens baked under the sun, coastal berms alive with seabirds, and quiet tropical rockland hammocks tucked away from the breeze.The park’s habitats create a safe haven for wildlife and plants alike, especially those rare or endangered species that might cling to life in quiet corners under the shade of old trees.The park shelters nearly 39 threatened species, including the delicate Keys tree cactus, the graceful Buccaneer palm, and the Miami blue butterfly - among the rarest in the country.Keep your eyes open; you might catch sight of a West Indian rock iguana basking on a sun‑warmed rock or watch manatees and sea turtles drifting through the clear surrounding waters.Long Key State Park is a prime spot for birdwatching, especially when the migratory season brings flashes of color and quick wingbeats overhead.Herons, egrets, ibis, and other migratory and wading birds often pass through the park, their wings flashing white against the water.Migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway flock to the park’s mix of wetlands, forests, and open meadows, making it an essential stop on their journey.The park’s two main trails wind through diverse ecosystems, leading you to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the calm, blue expanse of Florida Bay.Golden Orb Trail is a 1.1-mile loop that winds through the park’s diverse plant habitats, from the shade of tropical rockland hammocks to the sun-bleached tidal rock barrens and the dense, salt-scented coastal thickets.The trail takes its name from the golden orb spider, a native that spins shimmering webs among the trees here.Walking along the path, you’ll spot bright wildflowers and darting shorebirds, all with the ocean and bay stretching wide before you.This trail invites a slow, easy walk, and it’s a treat for anyone who loves capturing sunlight through the trees.Layton Trail sits on the park’s bayside, a shorter path that’s easy to reach and walk, with salt air drifting in from the water.You’ll find several winding paths that link together, each offering a quiet spot where you can gaze out over the glittering waters of Florida Bay.The trail’s a peaceful spot where you might catch sight of a heron cutting across the sky, watch marine life ripple the water, and soak in the beauty all around.At Long Key State Park, you can paddle a kayak across calm blue shallows or dive in for a swim, making it a perfect spot for anyone who loves the water.Kayaking and canoeing are easy here-the park opens right onto calm, shallow water where paddles dip without a splash.You can launch your own kayak or canoe from the park’s marked spots along the shore, where the water laps softly at the edge.As you paddle through the park, you can slip into quiet backwaters, weave among tangled mangroves, and glide over waters where fish dart beneath the surface.Kayak and canoe rentals are on hold for now, but if you’ve got your own gear, you can slip into the water and enjoy the quiet ripple of the lake.Around Long Key, the water stays shallow and warm, rippling gently in the sun-perfect for swimming or drifting over the coral with a snorkel.There aren’t any official snorkeling tours, but you can slip into the glassy water just off the beach and explore at your own pace.Seagrass beds sway gently beneath the surface, and bright coral reefs rise nearby, offering shelter to countless fish and other marine creatures.While snorkeling, you might catch sight of a bright parrotfish gliding past, a snapper darting away, or a starfish resting on the sand.At Long Key State Park, anglers flock to the shore, casting lines into the bright, rolling waves.Shallow water teems with life-snapper dart past, grouper hover near coral, and silver tarpon glide just beneath the surface.You can fish right from the shore, or paddle out in a kayak or small boat to where the water turns a deep, cool blue.You might need a Florida fishing license, and you’ll have to follow every local rule-right down to limits on what you can catch.You can try your hand at fly fishing along the park’s quiet shoreline, where the water ripples under the breeze.If you’re planning to stay the night, Long Key State Park has primitive campsites you’ll reach by a quiet hike through sandy trails.The park offers a handful of tent-only spots, perfect for anyone wanting a rustic escape under the pines and open sky.Sixty primitive campsites sit right on the edge of the Atlantic, where you can hear waves thumping against the shore.You can only reach the campsites on foot, so be ready to hike from the parking lot, past the pine trees and gravel trail.Every site comes with a picnic table, a sturdy grill, and a hammock stand-perfect for stretching out in the shade and soaking up the breeze.The park offers outdoor cold-water showers that sting like a mountain stream, along with clean restrooms.Pets are welcome at the campsites, but you’ll need to keep them on a leash-picture the gentle tug as you stroll past the fire pit.You can’t bring pets onto the beaches or inside the park’s buildings, but they’re welcome to tag along on the trails and curl up by your campsite.On a clear night, Long Key State Park is one of the best spots in the Florida Keys to watch the stars spill across the sky.Because the park’s skies are free from most city glow, stars spill across the darkness in sharp detail, drawing astronomy lovers back again and again.From the park’s sandy beach or winding trails, visitors can take in the Milky Way, bright planets, and a scatter of glittering constellations overhead.Whether you’re charting constellations or simply soaking in the hush of a moonless night, the deep, unclouded sky offers a rare chance to watch the stars shimmer.Although it’s tucked away in a quieter spot, Long Key State Park still packs in comforts-from shaded picnic tables to clean restrooms-so visitors can relax and enjoy their day.You’ll find accessible restrooms scattered throughout the park, along with outdoor cold-water showers-perfect for rinsing off the sand after a swim or a long day in the sun.The park has picnic spots by the water, with sturdy tables and shady pavilions where you can hear the gentle splash of the waves.Visitors can sit down to a meal while soaking in the turquoise waters and swaying palms of the Florida Keys.You’ll also find grills ready to fire up, with the scent of charcoal still clinging to them.Accessibility: The park works hard to make sure every visitor can enjoy it-whether that’s a smooth path underfoot or clear signs at every turn.You can reach the beach easily, and there’s a beach wheelchair ready for you, its tires built to roll smooth over the sand.You can wander the park’s mangroves along a wooden boardwalk, an easy path where the air smells faintly of salt and leaves whisper overhead.Long Key State Park welcomes visitors daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, giving you plenty of time to stroll the sandy trails, paddle the calm waters, or simply relax under the swaying palms.Entrance fees: It’s $5 per vehicle, but if you’re driving in alone, it’s $4.50-just about the price of a cup of coffee.Monroe County tacks on a 50-cent surcharge, barely enough to cover a cup of coffee.If you’re staying the night, camping runs $22.50, and that covers one evening under the stars.Florida residents who are over 65, or hold a Social Security disability certificate or a full 100% disability cert, qualify for discounts-just show your ID at the counter.
