Key Largo is a top destination for snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving as well as just getting away from it all to enjoy the beach and spectacular sunsets.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the nation's first undersea park, and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offer nearly 178 nautical acres of aquatic wonderland, and the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors a unique experience. The park is famous for the coral reefs and their related marine life. Visitors can enjoy the view of the reef from a glass-bottom boat tour, or get a closer look by scuba diving or snorkeling. Canoeing and kayaking through the park's waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas.  The Visitor Center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and nature videos are shown in its theater. 

For those who want to stay dry, check out the miles of trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.

Movie buffs can check out the African Queen, the boat featured in the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.

Options for overnight stays range from camping in a state park, to a variety of motels and hotels including the world’s only underwater hotel, Jules’ Undersea Lodge, where guests scuba live to their rooms.

For more information on Florida State Parks, go online to www.floridastateparks.org.