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13 Best Places

Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL

Published September 24, 2022

If you’ve always dreamed about paddling your Paddleboard but don’t have the time or resources to jump on an airplane, there are hundreds of places in the Florida Keys where you can find a few hours of solitude. But obviously, you are unaware of those places; we have created a list of the 13 best places to paddleboard in the Florida Keys.

So, let’s discuss those places.

Best Places to Paddleboard in Florida Keys, FL: Summary

1. Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park (1)

If you’re looking for a great place to paddleboard in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is perfect. Bahia Honda State Park is one of the best places to paddleboard in the Florida Keys. Located just outside Key West, this park has many beaches for you to choose from and offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Florida.

It is home to beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant wildlife. The park also has several different areas perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick dip in the ocean or an afternoon exploring the area’s abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda is the place to be.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is a picturesque watery paradise located on a peninsula between Key Largo and Islamorada. The park features acres of mangrove forests, coral reefs, freshwater creeks, and ponds. It also boasts miles of shoreline and is home to several rare wildlife species, including sea turtles and manatees!

The park has several sections where you can rent equipment from its concession stand. This includes kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), inner tubes, and even canoes! If you want to take it easy, you can rent a kayak or SUP, which will allow you to explore some of the many waterways that make up this beautiful park. There are also plenty of trails available if you’d rather stay on dry land while exploring this stunning area!

2. Stock Island

Stock Island

Stock Island is one of the best places to paddleboard in the Florida Keys. It’s located just offshore from Key West and can be accessed by boat only. The island features several different beaches perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, as well as a wildlife preserve where you can see manatees and sea turtles.

Stock Island has miles of shoreline and more than 20 public access points, making it easy to find a spot that suits your needs. This option is worth exploring if you want something a little calmer and less crowded than Miami Beach or Islamorada.

Stock Island 2

You must stop at Stock Island when looking for the best places to paddleboard in the Florida Keys. This small island is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and is home to all sorts of marine life, including manatees. You can also see these gentle giants in their natural habitats if you’re lucky enough to be there during mating season.

If there’s one thing about this place that makes it stand out from all the others, it’s its location. It’s just a few miles from Key West and is surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are ideal for fishing and scuba diving. So if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with plenty of excitement and adventure along with beautiful scenery, then this is the place for you!

3. Islamorada

Islamorada

Islamorada is a beautiful island in the Florida Keys and is the perfect place to go paddleboarding. There are many different coral reefs around Islamorada, and you can see them up close and personal while you’re out on the water. The water is warm and clear, making it the perfect place for snorkeling.

It is also home to some of the best restaurants in all of Florida Keys County, so you’ll have no problem finding delicious food to eat while you’re out on your paddleboard. There are also plenty of other activities that you can do while you’re there, such as renting bikes or kayaks from one of many local businesses located throughout the area.

4. Fort Taylor

Fort Taylor

If you’re looking for a paddleboarding adventure in the Florida Keys, look no further than Fort Taylor. This island is known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue water. You can enjoy the best of both worlds here—the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the warm shores of the Gulf Stream.

It also has a variety of different kinds of attractions that will make your trip memorable: from beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters (which are great for swimming), there are also plenty of hiking trails nearby that can take you deep into nature if that’s what brings out your inner explorer in you.

5. Sugarloaf Key

Sugarloaf Key

Sugarloaf Key is the perfect place to paddle board in the Florida Keys. The island offers beautiful reefs, shallow waters, and coral formations that are only visible when you’re in the water.

The island is known for its natural beauty and pristine waters, so it’s no wonder it has earned the title of “Most Beautiful Place in the Keys.” It is also home to one of the best beaches in the area—the aptly named “Sugarloaf Beach”—which allows easy access for those who want to get out on their boards without worrying about getting wet.

The island also boasts several other attractions, including hiking trails, a marina, restaurants and bars, shops, museums, and more!

Sugarloaf Key (1)

Sugarloaf Key is one of the best places to paddleboard in the Florida Keys. The island is home to a vibrant community with many amenities, from kayaking to snorkeling. It’s also a great place for bird-watching: the island has over 100 species of birds!

If you want to get on your feet on your paddleboard but still enjoy the water, Sugarloaf Key is the perfect spot. The island has plenty of beaches and swimming areas, and they’re all beautiful. There are also several restaurants nearby, so you can grab lunch or dinner while enjoying the view.

6. Fort Zachary Taylor

Fort Zachary Taylor

The Fort Zachary Taylor National Historic Site is a gorgeous place to visit. It’s located in Key West, FL, one of the oldest standing military forts in the United States.

This gorgeous park is a great place to taste Florida Keys’ life. The water is beautiful, and there are plenty of opportunities for exploring. It’s also an excellent spot for beginners who want to try their hand at paddleboarding before venturing out into deeper waters.

The park has various visitor activities, including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more. You can even bring your boat or jet ski and rent them at the park!

7. Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key

If you’re looking for something more private, look no further than Big Pine Key.

Big Pine Key is a popular vacation spot for locals and visitors alike. The island has miles of pristine beaches and gorgeous white-sand shores, making it a perfect destination for those who want to spend some time on the water without worrying about getting wet. And with so much to see and do, Big Pine Key is the perfect destination for those who want to spend some time away from it all!

Besides, if you’re looking for a place to paddleboard in the Florida Keys that is less crowded than other popular destinations, Big Pine Key might be just what you’re looking for!

8. Seven Mile Bridge

Seven Mile Bridge

Seven Mile Bridge is the only bridge that spans the Seven Mile Bridge and connects the Florida Keys to Key Largo. The bridge is a beautiful place to paddleboard, with its clear waters and beautiful views of Key Largo. It’s also a great place to explore the surrounding area as you cross the water on your board!

It is a great spot to go if you want to experience some of the best waves in the area. It’s not too crowded, and plenty of spots to set up your board and get ready for some fun!

9. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is a great place to paddleboard. You can find blue-green waters, beautiful coral reefs, and a few different types of fish. The beach is also known for its white sand, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying the view.

Beach is one of the best places to go paddleboarding because it has various colors and temperatures. The water is usually calm, but sometimes waves come from the southeast or southwest.

There are also many different kinds of fish that live in this area, including flounder and snapper. So, you can enjoy the beautiful view while you paddleboard. The water is also clear so you can see everything under the surface.

10. Higgs Beach

Higgs Beach

Higgs Beach is a warm, white sand beach known for its beautiful blue and clear turquoise water. It’s also a great place to go paddleboarding because of its shallow waters and calm water.

It’s just a short walk from the parking lot, so you can easily get there if you’re looking for some fun in the sun! You’ll find many restaurants nearby, too, so you can grab lunch before heading out on your paddleboard. It’s a popular spot for paddling and snorkeling, but you’ll also find many locals who surf here. Higgs Beach is the place to go if you’re looking for a unique way to spend your vacation.

11. Simonton Street Beach

Simonton Street Beach

Simonton Street Beach is the perfect place to paddleboard if you’re looking for an easygoing, tropical beach experience.

The beach is located right on the shore of a beautiful lagoon, protected from all types of weather, including hurricanes and high winds. The water is so clear that you can see from here to Cuba!

This area also has plenty of amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills available for your use. There are also plenty of places to rent equipment if you’re looking for something different than what’s available at many other beaches.

12. Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most beautiful spots in the Florida Keys. It’s located near Key West and has many natural amenities, making it a perfect place to enjoy nature. You can go snorkeling in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or even swim with dolphins! There are also numerous hiking trails available throughout this area and kayaks and boats you can rent at all of the various marinas nearby.

This park has the most beautiful spots for paddleboarders as well as boaters. The park also has several artificial attractions, such as Fort Jefferson, a Civil War fort. It’s located on Garden Key and is worth a visit if you’re visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park.

13. Key Largo

Key Largo

Key Largo is another best place in the Florida Keys to paddleboard. You’ll find a wide range of activities, from snorkeling to fishing and diving, so you can ensure that your vacation includes some time on the water.

There are lots of beautiful places to explore for paddleboarders as well. You’ll find a wide range of activities, from snorkeling to fishing and diving, so you can ensure that your vacation includes some time on the water.

The island offers beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, a tendency of wildlife to see. You’ll see manatees swimming by during your paddleboard excursions, and if you’re lucky enough to spot some dolphins or whales swimming alongside you, it’s an experience unlike any other.

Conclusion

So these are the top 13 best Paddleboardsrd in Florida Keys, FL. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the water, the Florida Keys is the perfect vacation destination. You can spend your day paddleboarding and exploring the beautiful beaches or take advantage of all the other available activities.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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