If you're looking for real hidden treasure when visiting Florida's Keys, don't miss the numerous state parks offering shipwrecks, coral reefs, and fun in the sun.

Thinking of driving through the Keys as part of your Florida vacation? Then don't miss the chance to visit some of the most diverse state parks you'll find anywhere in the country. The many state parks in the Keys offer hiking, wildlife watching, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and much more. Here are five spots to consider adding to your itinerary.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo)
The first underwater park in the United States, John Pennekamp encompasses 70 nautical square miles as well as inland mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. The park is best known for its breathtaking coral reefs and their associated marine life. You can tour the coral reefs in a glass bottom boat tour or by scuba diving or snorkeling through the reefs. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are also popular activities, and fishing is permitted in several areas.

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park (Windley Key)
The limestone was used in the construction of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s and quarried as valuable "Keystone" until the 1960s. Today the quarry stands as a preserved geological treasure, since the clean cuts of the quarry machinery revealed the perfectly preserved fossilized specimens of a variety of ancient coral animals. The park offers a rare opportunity to compare the living corals of today with their fossilized ancestors. The limestone cuts also reveal the thin layer of soil that supports the abundant variety of botanical life that thrives in the subtropical environment of the Keys.

San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park (off Indian Key)
This underwater archaeological preserve features a submerged shipwreck that is available for diving and snorkeling. Part of a Spanish flotilla, the San Pedro was a 287-ton, Dutch-built ship that sank in a hurricane on July 13, 1733. Her remains were discovered in 1960 in Hawk Channel near Indian Key. Even if the conditions are not quite favorable for diving or snorkeling, it's a great place to tie up and enjoy the beautiful blue water and soak up the great Florida sunshine.

Bahia Honda State Park (Bahia Honda Key)
Henry Flagler's railroad to Key West turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. Today, the island is home to one of Florida's southernmost state parks, known for beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets, and excellent snorkeling. Bahia Honda has some of the best nearshore snorkeling in the Florida Keys. You can see a variety of sea life just a few hundred feet from the shore. The snorkeling is good for beginners because it is shallow (only four to six feet deep). You may see soft corals, small coral heads, tropical fish, Queen Conchs and spiny lobsters.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Key West)
Besides an opportunity to learn about American history and the Spanish-American War, the park boasts one of the best beaches in Key West. Unless there is unfavorable weather, you can snorkel off the beach and see tropical fish and live corals. There are picnic tables, grills, a short nature trail, snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing. In the evening, Fort Taylor offers one-of-a-kind view of the Keys' dramatic sunsets.

 

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