Explore self-guided nature and wildlife trails through the Keys

Yes, Key West has it all. Watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, budget-friendly hotels, as well as upscale ocean resorts, historic sites, hidden gems for foodies, conch-style architecture, and city tours. But what if you don’t want to follow the crowd? Sometimes we need to disconnect and by doing so, how do you find real hidden nature spots in such a touristic place?  - In case you’re seeking to experience Key West like a local, take a look at our how NOT o be a tourist in Key West from our previous content. 

The dazzling colors of wildlife, beautiful seascapes, stretching to the sky, await. Lucky for us, our two by four-mile island features gorgeous, easy walks through some of the natural ecosystems of the Florida Keys, but where are they hidden? Here we share our 4 favorite trails in this island's pristine nature:

#1 Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor is all about picnic tables, grills, bikes, hiking trails, and a dip in the ocean. It’s perfect to spend a day or two exploring these 54 acres full of fun for the whole family. Not to mention that you can swim and snorkel a part of this beautiful underwater habitat. 

So what can you do there? How about a little bit of everything…

• Check out Park & Fort: For all you history buffs, how could you go wrong with combining a relaxing day in nature, with a self guided tour where you can go back in time to learn about the civil war, cannons, and infrastructure?

• Experience the most spectacular sunset: Picture a spot where you can see the Atlantic meet the Gulf of Mexico. Amazing, isn’t it? Besides, you can snorkel off the beach and discover unlimited rich tropical marine life such as parrotfish, schools of yellowtail snapper, lobster, and various types of corals. 

#2 Indigenous Park

Wow. A truly unexpected oasis. Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park is a rare patch of green space in Key West, surrounded by native trees and a natural freshwater pond that offers wildlife a protected habitat to roam, and visitors a quiet place to picnic, read, meditate and/or take peaceful hikes.

• Take a sneak peek at the bird sanctuary: is the home of hundreds of feathery fellas (especially the endangered white-crowned pigeon).

• If you love turtles and all things nature then you’ll love that you can go turtle and iguanas spotting on your leafy green journey through the park.

#3 Little Hamaca Park

If you google Little Hamaca park, you’ll probably find (and we quote) “an awesome place, perfect to put on your bucket list adventure on nature, mixed with the colorful backdrop of Key West, was everything and more than we ever expected”. The truth is that this preserve has breathtaking nature trails through native habitats, this is what you’ll call “the spot” to enjoy flora and fauna indigenous and endemic to Key West. 

• What to bring: Don’t forget your binoculars, sunscreen, and a willingness to explore! 

#4 The Key West Nature Preserve

We know what you may be thinking… does Key West have a Nature Preserve? Most visitors have no idea that there is a designated nature preserve located on the south side of this tightly-packed urban island. How to get there?

• #1 Take a trip down to the south end of White Street Pier and Higgs Beach area.

• #2 Then, go left along Atlantic Boulevard. (Just be careful, it's pretty easy to miss the entrance).

This mini-adventure for some peace and quiet is only a quarter-mile trail to the beach, on your way there you might even make some new friends. The area is home to plenty of birds, butterflies, lizards, snakes, and land crabs. 

Free travel plan through The Keys

If you’re planning your next vacation and feel overwhelmed about all the options available, remember that we provide planning services 100% free for you. Just bring your swimsuit, shorts, and T-shirts and we’ll do the rest.

If you’re trying to see what to do during your stay at The Keys, remember that you can balance out your time in town with one of these delightful Key West hikes, where you can expect to see interesting creatures and critters, relaxing beaches where you can enjoy your vacation while discovering the secret culinary delights that keep people coming back year after year. Not to mention the ghost city tours (take a sneak peek at the dark side of Key West and pick your fav ghost tour (discount included) here.)