Stretched across two tropical islands in the heart of the Florida Keys, Long Key State Park offers 965 acres of mangrove-lined shores, tidal flats, and some of the clearest shallow water you’ll find anywhere in the state. Established in 1969, this park sits in Layton, Monroe County, along the Overseas Highway — making it an easy stop between Key Largo and Marathon.

What sets Long Key apart is its access to world-class flats fishing and paddling without the crowds of the more commercialized Keys. The Golden Orb Trail winds through tropical hardwood hammock, offering a quiet 1.1-mile walk where you’ll spot wading birds, mangrove cuckoos, and white-crowned pigeons. The park’s two canoe trails — one through a tidal lagoon, the other along the open Atlantic — rank among the best paddling experiences in the Keys.

Snorkeling off the shoreline reveals seagrass beds teeming with juvenile fish, starfish, and the occasional nurse shark. Anglers wade the flats for bonefish and permit, particularly during incoming tides.

The campground places you steps from the water, with sites tucked among buttonwood and mangrove. Reservations fill quickly during peak season, so book well in advance for winter stays.

The best time to visit is November through April, when temperatures hover in the mid-70s and humidity drops. Summer brings heat, mosquitoes, and afternoon thunderstorms — but also fewer visitors and better fishing.

With a 4.3-star rating across more than 1,400 reviews, Long Key delivers an authentic Keys experience without the tourist-town noise.

Explore Nearby

• Tennessee Reef Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Alligator Reef Light — Lighthouse in Florida
• Florida Keys Scenic Highway — Scenic Byway in Florida
• Big Cypress National Preserve — Dark Sky Site in Florida