Long Key State Park is an easy one to overlook on your road trip through the Florida Keys. It’s not famous and many people don’t know what to expect here. I can tell you though, Long Key State Park is a wonderful one for enjoying nature and avoiding the crowds. With lots of picnic areas, long stretches of beach and some fun trails, you can easily make a day of Long Key State Park.
Have you gotten to spend any time at Long Key State Park? I think it’s a fun area that’s perfect for having a quiet day away from the busy areas or Islamorada or Marathon. We’ve got lots of ideas for how you can enjoy a visit here and tips for including Long Key State Park in your Florida Keys road trip. If you have any questions about the park or planning your time, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you put together a great vacation itinerary.
Highlights of Long Key State Park
Wildlife That’s my favorite park of visiting Long Key State Park. Birdwatching in the Florida Keys is always a favorite activity for me,, so I really enjoy the beaches and trails here in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for all kinds of herons, egrets, ospreys and even roseate spoonbills. My favorite trail for wildlife watching is the Golden Ord Trail. I know, it’s a trail names after a spider, but don’t worry, it’s not covered in spider webs. As you navigate the Golden Orb Trail you’ll get to see the salty swamp and lots of little coves along the route. Watch for birds, horseshoe crabs, sponges that have washed ashore and more. I think this is a really fun trail with kids.
Another great activity here in Long Key State Park is kayaking. There used to be kayak rentals here, but they’ve been suspended for a while (Nov 2025). Hopefully they’ll become available again in the future, but until then you’re welcome to bring your own gear and launch from the beach. You can paddle south and just enjoy the birding and the beach sights, or you can paddle north past the little coves and around the peninsula into Long Key Bight. It’s not a difficult paddle, but it’ll take some time. You’ll want to kayak at Long Key State Park during high tide, as low tide means launching into the grassy flats, which is never fun to get stuck in. It’s really pretty here though and you’ll enjoy the kayaking experience.
Tips for Visiting Long Key State Park
Because Long Key State Park is still recovering from a hurricane, it’s not got all of the amenities you might expect in a state park. It’s very minimal here with just some picnic shelters and restrooms, and then maintained beaches and trails. You’ll find historic exhibits about the railroad just off the road, but not many other significant developments.
Plan for your trip to Long Key State Park to consist of picnicking, maybe a little beach time time, and enjoying the Golden Orb Nature Trail. It’s a great place for photography in the early morning or sunset hour too, so depending on when you’re here, have your camera ready. Florida State Parks has also built a nice photo op for visitors with a giant Adirondack chair, so don’t forget to snap a group photo before you leave.
While I love spending time at Long Key State Park, unless you’re into birds and kayaking, it’s not the most exciting state park to visit. I mean, it’s pretty and I think it’s interesting, but it’s not a beachy place and it’s not chalked full of amenities that make it a destination. Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West and Curry Hamock State Park in Marathon are both more interesting for longer visits and for people with a variety of activity levels. Long Key is still a nice stop, but not an amazing place.
Being Prepared for Long Key SP
Think of your day at Long Key State Park as a picnic extravaganza! There are picnic shelters and tables in a few different places, so arrive early to enjoy the park and then have a wonderful outdoor party. If you’re here for the beach, bring your beach towels, reef safe sunblock and sunglasses. If you’re here for the kayaking, remember that it’ll e all up to you to supply your paddling gear, from the actual watercraft to the paddles and life jackets. There are not built kayak launches, so you’ll need to go across the rocks or sand to launch. It’s not difficult though.
For the people who are here to enjoy the birdwatching and wildlife, bring your big camera! The Golden Orb Trail has several great spots to have a good view, elevated above some of the swamp areas and hammock. It’s not a big trail with a long way to walk, so bring your big lenses!
Parking for Long Key State Park
Since Long Key State Park is kind of overlooked by most visitors, it doesn’t usually get too busy. That’s not to say that it CAN’T get busy, but it’s normally pretty chill. There is very limited parking at the beach areas by the picnic shelters, but there is a good deal more over at the Golden Orb Trail, so park wherever you find it and enjoy a quiet walk to wherever you need to go.
Ideas for Enjoying the Middle Keys
Whenever I get to talk about my favorite places for history or snorkeling in the Keys, I always try to mention a few places in the Middle Keys that have been wonderful. I love the railroad history and the vintage imagery of the Middle Keys. The old Seven Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park…
And then the snorkeling and swimming in the Middle Keys is wonderful too. When it comes to planning a trip through the Keys, I think setting aside time right here in the Middle is a great way to mix quiet downtime with the fun of Key West and the adventures of Key Largo.
Where to Stay in the Middle Keys
Whether you’re working your way all the way to Key West or you just want to try out a new destination within the Keys, staying in the Middle Keys is really nice. It’s more quiet than Key West and much less busy than Key Largo. I like the resort hotels in the Middle Keys because so many of them have leaned into this mindset: quiet relaxation. Yes, there are lots of fun things to do and adventures to have, but the lodging options in this area really are the places where I get the best mental reset and fully sink into vacation mode.
Check out Middle Keys lodging options on the map below.
Here are some of our reviews of the many resorts and accommodations we’ve enjoyed in the Middle Keys, primarily Marathon and up into Islamorada (which is more of the Upper Keys). If you have questions about any of our recommendations, reach out!
I hope you’ll consider spending some time exploring Long Key State Park. It’s not the most exciting park for many, but it’s pretty and so very peaceful. If you have any questions about visiting the Middle Keys or need additional recommendations, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan awesome Florida Keys trips!
