Florida Keys Beaches and Parks

A Day at the Beach!


For more than 500 years the beaches in the Florida Keys have held an alluring attraction. Prior to the early 1500's, Indians made their home on the unexplored white, sandy shoreline. The Spanish came in the early 1500s and began to establish settlements from Key Largo on the North to Key West on the south. Some 300 years later, Americans began to discover the beaches of the Florida Keys. And today, these Americans have been joined by visitors from throughout the world.

Crystal clear blue waters with the magnificent natural offshore coral reefs are world renowned for their beauty. Fishing and diving, as well as miles of unspoiled beaches, are the key attractions.

But with the coming of more people, the chance for harm to the delicate ecosystem has increased. Visitors are encouraged to protect what nature has provided. The careless dropping of an anchor can destroy thousands of years of coral growth in seconds. Fishing line wrapped around delicate coral can wreck them. Even the slightest touch by snorkelers or divers can kill sensitive coral growth. As you enjoy the beaches and waters of the Florida Keys, you are reminded to leave them like you found them so generations to come may enjoy them also.

Some of the more popular beaches in the Florida Keys are:

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
KEY LARGO
ISLAMORADA
MARATHON
LOWER KEYS
KEY WEST