Attractions and Places To See around Duck Key - Top 7
Best attractions and places to see around Duck Key include its tranquil canals, picturesque ocean views, and natural beauty. This island community in the Florida Keys is composed of five islands connected by Venetian-style bridges, offering a unique setting. The area provides numerous opportunities for water-based activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. Nearby state parks and beaches further enhance the outdoor recreational options available to visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Duck Key
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park
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Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
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Golden Orb Trail
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Long Key Bridge
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Curry Hammond State Park Campground
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Curry Hammock State Park Campground offers 28 campsites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Each campsite includes a tent pad, electricity, water, a picnic table, a charcoal grill, and hammock posts. Some sites offer a beautiful ocean view, with beach access between sites 13 and 15. The campground is well maintained and includes a dump station and a bathhouse with hot showers. There is a fire pit on the west end of the beach—open flames are not allowed at the campsites. The site fee per night is $36 by reservation only and can be made here: reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling the reservation line at 1-800-326-6521.
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The Long Key Bridge, officially the Dante B. Fascell Bridge, connects Long Key and Conch Key. Stretching nearly two and a half miles, it is the second longest bridge on the Overseas Highway, following the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge opened in 1982, replacing the original Long Key Viaduct, which was in use by the Overseas Railroad from 1907 to 1935 before being repurposed for highway traffic. As you walk along, you’ll notice the original viaduct adjacent to this bridge, featuring a design of 186 concrete arches. This style has been commonly used in many railroad bridges throughout the Keys.
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Long Key State Park spans 965 acres, and is a beautiful location with a fascinating history. In the early 1900s, it was a luxurious getaway along Henry Flagler’s railroad to Key West, housing the Long Key Fishing Camp. This camp attracted many notable figures, including celebrities and well-known saltwater anglers like author Zane Grey and several U.S. presidents. Sadly, the facility was destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 and was never rebuilt. Today, Long Key State Park is a popular destination for a wide range of recreational activities, including kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, flats fishing, and snorkeling. There are two fantastic hiking trails to explore, and visitors can rent kayaks from the ranger station to paddle along the scenic shoreline to get a closer look at the diverse wildlife in the mangroves in the clear, shallow waters. The park also offers oceanfront, hike-in, tent-only campsites that include a picnic table, grill, hammock stand, and restrooms with cold outdoor showers. The site fee per night is $22 by reservation only and can be made here: reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling the reservation line at 1-800-326-6521.
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Beautiful circular route of around 1.5 kilometers, suitable for all fitness levels. Depending on the weather, you can expect wet feet. If you're attentive, you'll also spot crabs disappearing into holes in the ground. The route can be extended to the nearby beach.
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Long Key State Park is a state park in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The 390-hectare state park is located on the Overseas Highway at Mile Marker 67.5 on Long Key, an island in the Florida Keys.
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The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail runs for 106 miles through the Florida Keys and crosses over 37 bridges. Along the way you'll pass by many State Parks, beaches, bars, restaurants, and marinas; and all of them will be beckoning you to stop and stay a while. On the right day this is one of the best places to ride in the world.
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Varied, very natural circuit that can be walked differently depending on the amount of water. Maybe you have to take your shoes off 😉
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Duck Key?
Duck Key and its surroundings offer a wealth of outdoor activities, primarily water-based. You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving in the tranquil canals and surrounding Atlantic Ocean. Nearby state parks like Curry Hammock State Park and Long Key State Park provide opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and camping. For cycling enthusiasts, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail offers a scenic 106-mile route across 37 bridges.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities near Duck Key?
Yes, Duck Key and the surrounding areas are very family-friendly. The Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park and the Golden Orb Trail are both marked as family-friendly and offer easy walks with opportunities to spot wildlife. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is also suitable for families to cycle. For a unique experience, the Dolphin Connection in Duck Key offers interactive programs where visitors can swim with dolphins. Many nearby beaches like Sombrero Beach are perfect for family outings.
Where can I go hiking or walking near Duck Key?
For hiking and walking, consider visiting nearby state parks. Long Key State Park features two fantastic hiking trails, including the Golden Orb Nature Trail, where you can explore diverse wildlife in the mangroves. The Golden Orb Trail is another natural circuit right at the shore, offering a varied walk. Curry Hammock State Park also provides pristine natural environments ideal for leisurely walks and bird-watching.
What natural features or wildlife can I expect to see around Duck Key?
Duck Key is rich in natural beauty, characterized by its tranquil canals, ocean views, and lush mangroves. You can spot diverse marine life while snorkeling or diving in the clear waters. The Golden Orb Nature Trail, Long Key State Park is excellent for birdwatching and observing wildlife within the mangroves. Coco Plum Beach is known for turtle spotting, and the area is a prime nesting location for many bird species.
Are there any historical landmarks or significant bridges to see?
While Duck Key itself is more focused on natural beauty and resort living, the surrounding Florida Keys boast significant infrastructure. The Long Key Bridge, officially the Dante B. Fascell Bridge, is the second longest on the Overseas Highway and features the original 1907 viaduct with its 186 concrete arches running alongside it. The iconic Seven Mile Bridge is also a famous landmark nearby, offering scenic ocean views.
What is the best time of year to visit Duck Key for outdoor activities?
The Florida Keys generally enjoy pleasant weather for outdoor activities from late fall through spring (roughly November to May). During these months, temperatures are milder, and humidity is lower, making it ideal for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and enjoying the beaches. Summer months can be very hot and humid, with a higher chance of rain and tropical storms.
Can I go camping near Duck Key?
Yes, camping is available nearby. Curry Hammock State Park Campground offers 28 campsites for both tents and RVs, many with ocean views and beach access. Long Key State Park also provides oceanfront, hike-in, tent-only campsites, perfect for a more rustic experience.
What are some unique water-based experiences available?
Beyond standard swimming and snorkeling, you can enjoy interactive experiences at the Dolphin Connection in Duck Key, where you can swim with dolphins. Robbie's of Islamorada, a short drive away, offers unique opportunities like feeding massive tarpon, along with snorkeling tours and sunset cruises. Kayaking or paddleboarding through the mangrove tunnels is also an immersive way to experience the local ecosystem.
Are there any dog-friendly attractions around Duck Key?
The Long Key Bridge is noted as dog-friendly, offering a scenic walk with your pet. Many outdoor areas and trails in the Florida Keys are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before visiting, especially regarding leash laws and restricted areas.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Duck Key?
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities. The scenic cycling along the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is a highlight, as are the tranquil walks and wildlife spotting opportunities on trails like the Golden Orb Trail. The clear, shallow waters for kayaking and the chance to observe marine life are also highly valued experiences.
Where can I find beaches near Duck Key?
While Duck Key itself is known for resort amenities, several beautiful beaches are a short drive away. Sombrero Beach in Marathon is highly rated for swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. Coco Plum Beach is another free beach known for its natural setting and opportunities to spot sea turtles. Curry Hammock State Park also features pristine, undeveloped beaches perfect for lounging.
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