LONG KEY STATE PARK

By  Mike Miller December 9, 2025

Long Key State Park in the Florida Keys is a 965-acre natural sanctuary at mile marker 67.5 on the Overseas Highway at Long Key, Florida.

This scenic park stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, showing visitors a blend of coastal hammocks, mangrove shorelines, and sandy beaches.

It’s a prime destination for kayaking, snorkeling, camping, and birdwatching. The park lies within the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Long Key was originally inhabited by the Calusa people and later named “Cayo Vivora” (Viper Key) by Spanish explorers due to its serpentine shape.

It gained prominence in the early 20th century as a luxury fishing destination.

Henry Flagler, the railroad magnate, developed the upscale Long Key Fishing Camp in 1908 as a resort for elite anglers, accessible via his Florida East Coast Railway.

For 17 years it remained open, hosting guests like famous Western novelist Zane Grey, and future presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The camp was destroyed in the devastating 1935 Labor Day Hurricane, which also ended the railroad’s Key West extension. It was never rebuilt.

The land was gradually acquired by the state between 1961 and 1973, and the park officially opened in 1969. The State of Florida owns and operates the park.

It is home to several threatened or endangered species like the Key Largo woodrat, white-crowned pigeon, Florida Keys Mole Skink, and Miami blue butterfly.

Long Key State Park is located at 67400 Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), Long Key, FL 33001. The park is open daily from 8 AM until sunset.

The waterside picnic area has covered pavilions with tables. You can hike on the 1.5-mile loop of the Golden Orb Trail or take a 15-20 minute walk on the shorter Layton Trail.

Kayak on a marked 1.5-mile paddling trail suitable for novices and up. The park is also part of the larger Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (Segment 14) for more advanced, long-distance paddling.

You can swim in designated areas, and camp at waterfront sites. The hike-in tent campsites are accessible via boardwalk. 

They include picnic tables, grills, and hammock stands, though there are no electrical or water hookups. Restrooms with outdoor showers are available.

You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or rent one at the ranger station. There are no boat ramps.

Bring snorkeling gear to fully enjoy the park’s rich marine life and clear shallows.

The park has low light pollution and is a great spot for stargazing as well. Check their website for events like guided hikes.

LONG KEY STATE PARK WEBSITE

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