30 Jul The Best Parks in Islamorada
Founders Park
Location for festivals and more, Founders Park is your answer for family fun. Founders has lots of amenities, including a beach, olympic size pool, splash pad for kids, dockage and more. Great for picnics and spending the day. The holiday festival, nautical flea market, and multiple music and artist shows will happen here. And if you are staying with Island Villa, ask us how to get a free pass during your stay for the park. Otherwise $8adult entry fees and $5 for youth/seniors.
All day fun, picnic, tennis, dockage, pool, splash pad, festivals
9/10 MM 87
Library Beach
Most tourists gloss right over this hidden gem. Great, convenient spot in the heart of Islamorada. You can find this spot just behind the library on the bay side. The water is always very clear and you’ll see many tropical fish if you’re observant. This park is great for picnics, as it has grassy soft areas to for laying out a cloth. Stop by the Trading Post first and grab some dips or sandwiches to snack on. There are also swings and a small playground. Stand up paddle boarders and kayaks love to use this as a launching pad.
Beach: Medium sun, small hard sand beach. Bathrooms and showers
Overall: 8/10 MM: 81.8
Indian Key State Park
A state park that is a little different. This one isn�t accessible by car, so a boat is needed! Paddle or ride to the South side of the island and beach on the only non-rocky side or pier. Here you can pick up a pamphlet and give yourself a tour of the island that was one of the first settlements around 1836. There is a fun observing tower but most of the town has been washed away leaving old ruins. You will learn a lot through the informational plaques on the island, but please remember the honor box entrance fee of $2.50 a person. Most visitors arrive by Kayak rented at Robbie’s Marina.
Hike, Sunbathe, swim. No bathrooms or showers on island. 1-3 hours to see everything on the island.
Overall 9/10 MM: 77.5
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
The park is only accessible by private boat or the Robbie’s shuttle during select days. With proper planning, you’ll love this ranger guided tour of the virgin tropical hardwood hammock. Double check the park is open and a ranger will be present before you paddle over. Remember the $2.50 per person entrance fee! Tour the historic caretakers house or picnic on the life sized cannons on the lovely green.
2-4 hours Hike, learn, tour Bathrooms
Overall 7/10 MM: 77.5
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
In the mood for a peaceful, educational park? Windley Key is your answer! Stroll through the 5 self-guided trails and see the lime stone quarry that was used to build the Flagler railroad. You’ll see preserved quarry equipment, 8 foot quarry walls, and ancient fossilized coral. Pack a picnic and bring plenty of bug spray for mosquitos during summer months. Park is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. $2.50 entry fee per person
Hike, picnic, learn Bathrooms 2-4 hours
Overall 8/10 MM: 77.5
Anne’s Beach – Natural Sand Beach
One of the most popular free beaches in the area. Anne’s beach is an awesome little adventure every time. Parking can be a pain on busy days, but there is overflow on bayside near the bridge. This park has several small more private beaches. Mangroves and trails separate most areas, with a few hidden pavilions. Get there early if you have an eye on a spot, most people stay for the duration. Fishing is not allowed at Anne’s beach park, but usually you will see some wind sports or stand up paddle boards.
Beach: Several small private beaches, hard and soft sand, shaded by hammocks Bathrooms and showers
Overall 9/10 MM: 73.5