Free or Almost Free* things to do in the Middle Florida Keys
The Florida Keys can be an expensive place to live and visit. This page will try to bring you some of the best, less expensive (* Free or $10 or less for a family of 4), things to do. There are always cheap or free things to do such as window shopping, walking around the block, singing in the shower. That is not what this page will bring you. These Things To Do will have you telling everybody what a good time you had and many of you will never reveal the costs.
Middle Keys
Long Key State Park MM 67
Fees: Admission Fees: $5.00* per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $2.00* Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. $4.00* Single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle. * Plus $.50 per person Monroe County Surcharge.
Canoeing
One of three nature trails in the park, the Long Key Lakes Canoe Trail provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely “paddle” through the park’s shallow water lagoon. Canoe rentals and a self-guided brochure are available for this hour-long journey.
Fishing
The flats just off the oceanside camping area are some of the top Bonefish flats in the Florida Keys. they are easily accessible by canoe, kayak and wading. Saltwater fishing licenses are required in Florida.
Interpretive Programs
Long Key State Park offers a wealth of natural resources that park rangers interpret for visitors. From guided walks along the Golden Orb Trail to tidal flats exploration and self-guided canoe tours, park visitors are able to experience nature at its best. Park rangers are always available to answer questions or to help identify birds, plants and sea life.
Nature Trails
The park offers two land-based nature trails for visitors to explore. The “Golden Orb Trail,” named after a native spider, is a leisurely 1.1-mile walk through various plant communities. The “Layton Trail” is located on the bayside of the park with short interconnecting trails with overlooks to the Florida Bay.
Picnicking
Picnic areas are available with a scenic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Old 7 Mile Bridge Marathon MM 47-40
Fees: Free
On the East end MM 47 there is a limited amount of parking available. This parking lot provides direct access to the old Seven Mile Bridge. Near this parking lot are picnic tables and public restrooms. If this parking lot is full, there is additional parking nearby at the Pigeon Key Visitor’s Center.
The old Seven Mile Bridge makes a great recreation trail for biking, running, hiking and fishing as well as watching sunrises and sunsets. With over 2 miles of straight, level roadway with no auto traffic (except for the tourist tram to Pigeon Key).
Stay off the “new” Seven Mile Bridge except to cross from Marathon to the Lower Keys.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen what ever your choice for recreation.
See Free or Almost Free* things to do in the Florida Keys main page for more information on Bridge Fishing.