The best road cycling routes around Tavernier

A small historical place. It's also interesting that there's still forest to be seen there.

Free parking and toilets available.

Anne's Beach is a fantastic park and a popular destination for kiteboarders, especially for beginners. Even though the beach is oceanside, there is minimal wave action due to the large area of shallow water, characteristic of beaches in the Florida Keys. The beach features a designated shallow swimming area, picnic tables with covers, restrooms, and access to drinking water. There is also a lovely boardwalk that meanders through the mangroves. This spot is a perfect place to take a break for lunch while enjoying the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Islamorada is a small village comprised of five islands in the heart of the Florida Keys, with some areas just one mile wide and five feet above sea level. Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” it features many professional charter boats and excellent fishing opportunities. There are many parks, open spaces, and several village beaches with tropical-themed bars, for plenty of options to enjoy the fresh, local seafood the town is famous for. While you're here, be sure to explore the Morada Way Art and Cultural District for a taste of local culture.

This 7-acre sanctuary is home to a wide variety of injured birds that need care. There is a nice boardwalk that takes you through different enclosures where you can learn about the permanent residents—birds that can't return to the wild. Some bird species here include double-crested cormorants, green herons, great horned owls, masked boobies, and brown pelicans. If you keep walking along the path, you'll be treated to a stunning view of Florida Bay and a peaceful pond filled with wading birds. Admission is free, but they do ask for a $10 donation per person to support the refuge.

Small and quite cozy pub for a stopover. Water view - rear access. theocean-view.com.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, a former quarry, offers a glimpse into the Florida Keys' history. Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad, built in the early 1900s, relied on its limestone. Later, the quarry yielded polished “keystone,” a decorative limestone unique to this area until the 1960s. The Hurricane Monument in Islamorada, at Mile Marker 82, is constructed from keystone extracted here. The park features several short loop trails throughout the grounds, where you can view the exposed fossilized coral reefs and remnants of the original quarry equipment. There is a drinking fountain, restrooms, and a lovely bench, perfect for a place to take a break under a canopy of hammock trees. The park is open daily from 8 am until sundown, with a $2.50 entrance fee. The visitor center operates Thursday–Monday, 8 am to 5 pm.

Key Largo is a laid-back community known as the “Diving Capital of the World.” The dive sites here are among the bucket lists of many, like Molasses Reef and the iconic underwater Christ of the Abyss statue in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This charming town features beautiful parks, countless delightful restaurants tucked away among the marinas and neighborhoods, and plenty of places to stay, from cozy hotels to beautiful resorts and vacation rentals. It’s the perfect blend of great food and a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal place to spend time in the Upper Keys of Florida.