Florida Keys Wilderness Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Florida Keys Wilderness Area is a protected area in the state of Florida consisting of 6,581 acres of pristine mangrove swamps, tropical hardwood hammocks, and sandy beaches.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is located in the lower Florida Keys and can only be accessed by boat or kayak. The area is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and snorkeling.

One of the major attractions of the Florida Keys Wilderness Area is the diverse range of wildlife that can be found here. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including osprey, herons, egrets, and pelicans, as well as marine life such as sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. The area is also home to the endangered Key deer, which can be seen roaming around the islands.

Another popular activity in the Florida Keys Wilderness Area is kayaking through the mangroves. The calm, shallow waters provide an ideal habitat for these unique trees, which grow in a complex system of roots that form a dense maze of tunnels and channels. Kayakers can explore this labyrinthine environment and spot a variety of marine life that live in and around the mangroves.

The best time to visit the Florida Keys Wilderness Area is from November to April, when the weather is mild and the water is clear. During this time, visitors can also participate in the annual bird watching festival, which takes place in January and attracts bird enthusiasts from around the world.

In summary, the Florida Keys Wilderness Area is a beautiful and unique natural treasure in the state of Florida that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Whether you're a nature lover, an avid kayaker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this area is definitely worth a visit.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks