RECREATION

National and State Parks

Enjoy All the Popular National & State Parks In The Florida Keys

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

This is the first underwater park in the continental U.S., a favorite snorkeling and diving site for pleasure-seekers and professionals alike. For those visitors who do not dive, the park offers glass-bottom boat trips to the reef for observing the beautiful tropical fish and coral formations. pennekamppark.com

Everglades National Park

This 1.3 million-acre natural preserve is 90 minutes from Cheeca Lodge by car or boat. Alligator, deer, the rare Florida panther, raccoon, fox, snowy egret, ibis, cormorant, and an immense variety of other birds and wildlife make their homes here. Walking and canoe trails, boat rentals, campsites, and houseboat rentals are available to visitors wishing to explore this fascinating area. everglades.national-park.com

Indian Key Historical State Park

Indian Key is located about three-fourths of a mile southeast of the north shore of Lower Matecumbe Key. Only slightly larger than 10 acres in size, and separate from the Overseas Highway by open water, it hardly looks like a place of historic significance. However, his small island has been inhabited since prehistory by natives and, in the 1830s, was the seat of newly created Dade County. Foundations of buildings and cisterns on the island date back to this prosperous time.
floridastateparks.org/indiankey/default.cfm

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Enjoy nature rails, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and the Visitor Center.