The Florida Keys aren’t known for having the most amazing beaches, but mostly fun activities, amazing snorkeling and great fishing. The beaches of Key Largo are few and far between, but you can enjoy some beach time if that’s what you’re hoping for. With so many other great things to do on Key Largo, you may not have time for a beach day though. We’ll still help you get the beaches of Key Largo added to your plan.
When you’re planning your trip through the Florida Keys, you’ll see that Key Largo is the first one you’ll come to. I always tell people that even with so many more islands to explore and epic sights ahead, you should always stay at least one night on Key Largo to start your trip off right, and if you want beaches or snorkeling, you can begin that that here! If you have questions about the beach access, sandbars or things to do on KL, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you explore the Keys!
Beaches of Key Largo
When you’re planning to visit beaches on Key Largo, keep in mind that they are not the expansive soft sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast or the Atlantic. The sand on beaches in the Florida Keys is chunkier than sand up in Maimi, Riviera Beach or St Augustine. Whether it’s the beaches of Key Largo or down in Key West, a lot of sand has been brought in over the years to either build up existing beach spots or to create new ones. We’ve included some beaches in Tavernier and the start of Islamorada for some additional options to consider depending on how busy the beaches are or where you’re staying.
Top Pick: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
I love spending time at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, whether it’s at the beach with my kids, in the nature center learning about marine life, or on the water kayaking. Most people visit for the famous Pennekamp Glass Bottom Boat tour, but there are lots of things to do here. Two of the best beaches of Key Largo are found here in the state park.
Cannon Beach
No, we’re not talking about Cannon Beach, Oregon where the Goonies was filmed, but the beach in Pennekamp State Park with the actual cannons nearby. I like Cannon Beach because it’s an easy place to enjoy with kids. Being in a very sheltered cove, the water doesn’t rush in and out with the tide, but stays mellow and warm. There is a very large swimming area, picnic shelters, and nearby restrooms and shower facilities. Cannon Beach is the easiest of the beaches in Pennekamp State Park to access, with parking right next to it.
Far Beach
When hurricanes roll through the Florida Keys, the boardwalks to Far Beach tend to be impacted, but the State Park crew does a great job at keeping them open as best they can. From time to time the boardwalk to far beach may close for maintanence and repairs, but when it’s open, it’s wonderful. Parking in the main area near the nature center, bring all your beach stuff and cross the bridge to begin the short trek to Far Beach. This isn’t a very broad beach, so the sand is limited, but it’s a nice place to relax where it’s more quiet and peaceful.
Rowell’s Waterfront Park: water access, not too beachy
The Florida Keys exist because of the ancient reef so their formation is a bit unusual, which is why there aren’t a lot of naturally sandy beaches in Key Largo and other keys. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t parks with places to lay out, water access for swimming and snorkeling, and ways to have a beach experience. Rowell’s Waterfront Park on Key Largo is one of those spots. While you may not have the sandy shore to enjoy, it’s got the Florida Keys vibe and access to a calm cove.
There is ladder access to the water and when it’s not windy, you can snorkel here with relatively good clarity. There are not rocks at the shore, but there are easy access points too. It’s not the greatest beach hangout in the Florida Keys, but it’s pleasant and usually not too crowded.
Harry Harris Beach Park
Much larger than Rowell’s Waterfront Park, Harry Harris Beach Park in Tavernier has lots of amenities and space to enjoy the water. There is a beach here on a manmade lagoon and water access on the other side of the rock wall. You can also wade in or jump off the dock. When there’s not much seaweed or sargassum, there is actually okay snorkeling at Harry Harris Beach Park.
There are lots of picnic shelters and shade areas all around the park, with several directly next to the beach / lagoon. While Harry Harris Beach Park is managed by Monroe County, like many other parks, there is a fee to access this park. Pay your $15 (as of March 2026) for parking and beach access and then spend all day here. There’s a playground and grassy space in addition to the beach areas, so you’ll have plenty of room to relax. It’s one of the best beaches on Key Largo because of this.
Nearby Islamorada Beaches to Visit
Since there aren’t a lot of beaches on Key Largo, if you want to go a few minutes further south you’ll come to Islamorada where there are a few other beach areas to enjoy. Again, we’re not talking long stretches of white sugar sand beaches, but pleasant beach access points that allow you the chance to swim, snorkel and relax.
Founders Park Beach
I like Founders Park Beach. There’s a whole park with a playground and picnic shelters and such, and then the beach access is actually pretty good. When you enter the water there is a lot of seagrass in spots, but there are clear areas as well. What I thin makes having a beach day at Founders Park really fun is actually the snorkeling near the mangroves. Mangrove roots are amazing habitats for all kinds of sea creatures and you’ll likely find some cool fish and maybe even a nurse shark.
Note: it’s not so bad here, but there are some places where you can snorkel with mangroves that also have patches of fire sponge. You can’t miss it as you snorkel, as it’s bright orangish-red. If you touch it, similar to fire coral, you’ll get a bad irritation or chemical burn.
Library Beach Park
A smaller beach access spot than Founders Park Beach, the Library Beach Park is a quiet spot to relax and get in the water. There is easy water entry and a calm place for swimming. Library Beach Park also has some potential for mangrove snorkeling. And yes, it’s called Library Beach because it’s located behind Islamorada’s Monroe County Public Library.
Key Largo Resorts with Beaches
Many of the hotels and resorts in Key Largo have their own beaches and swimming areas. Not all, but many. We’ve gotten to stay at quiet a few, and I really like having the beach access and then being able to either be back at the pool or head back to the room to shower off the salt water. As you’re booking your hotel or resort on Key Largo, look at pictures of their beach access and determine if it’s good for swimming, snorkeling, paddling on, or just laying beside. Not all beaches are created equal.
My favorite resort beach on Key Largo is at Baker’s Cay Resort. It’s one of the largest beach areas on the island and is beautifully maintained. There is a very open sandy area that’s very swimmable as well as forested beach areas with hammocks to enjoy. It’s my top pick for where to stay on Key Largo with a beach. The dining and swimming pools at Baker’s Cay are also lovely, so all together it’s my favorite here.
The Bayside Inn Key Largo is a great budget option with a good, small beach. There is nice sand, plenty of shade, and then the swimming pool is just off the beach. You can paddle right from here and explore and then come back and enjoy a nice Key Largo beach day. Another great spot, especially if you want a condo style stay on Key Largo is the Ocean Pointe Suites. There is a nice beach that’s well maintained, a pier, walking trails and it’s very quiet. Finding a resort with a beach is a good approach to adding beach time when you visit Key Largo.
Planning for a Key Largo Beach Day
As you head out to enjoy the beaches of Key Largo, be sure that you have packed everything you need for the day so you don’t have to leave the beach or lose your parking spot. On a really nice day, particularly a weekend or spring break, beach parking can be busy and parking is dear. Here’s a suggested packing list for a beach day in the Florida Keys:
- beach chairs
- umbrella
- reef-safe sunblock
- water and NA beverages
- snacks and lunch (we always have a soft cooler with us)
- beach towels
- book or simple games
Keep it simple and you’ll have a stress free beach day. I know you’ll have fun.
I hope you’re excited to have a great visit and enjoy the beaches of Key Largo. While there may not be many, they’re an important part of a fun Florida Keys trip. If you have any questions or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great Keys vacation.
