This Dazzling Florida Park Has A Pretty, Man-Made Beach With White Sand And Gorgeous Water

It's almost impossible to find a stretch of sand that's not chaotic and overcrowded in Florida. There is a quiet sandy spot that is beaming with peace if you know where to look, though. Tucked away from the usual tourist destinations in the Sunshine State, this hidden gem offers all the relaxation, fun, and tranquility of popular Florida beaches but without the crowds. The most interesting part? It's man-made! The beach's designers managed to pristinely replicate the serene qualities of most natural coastlines, inviting visitors to a remote gateway where peace takes over and time slows down. Welcome to Harry Harris Park Beach, one of Florida's best beaches that is fun for the whole family.

Whether it's a picnic, taking a dip, having an adventure, or if you are after a peaceful retreat, the park won't let you down. It is located about three miles northeast of Tavernier, part of the Upper Florida Keys in Monroe County. If you are flying in, the closest major airport is the Miami International Airport (MIA), which is about 70 miles north. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi and head south to the park via the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1). Originally developed as a community park for locals, Harry Harris Park is a beloved retreat with small-town charm. The park was designed for families and named after Harry Harris, a community leader in the Keys. Over time, a protective coral rock barrier was added to shield the swimming areas from waves.

Want a peaceful seaside getaway in an underrated Florida vacation spot with fewer tourists and white sands? Harry Harris Park Beach provides a beautiful atmosphere with fun activities to make your day enjoyable. The protected swimming area has a man-made rock barrier that creates a lagoon where the water is calm and shallow for swimming, for both kids and adults. The fine white sands add a coastal feel to the beach. Do not forget to bring a cooler for a beachside lunch break before going back to swim or lounge on the sand.

Aside from swimming, you can snorkel at the beach. In the lagoon, you can spot small fish in the crystal-clear shallow waters. If you love fishing, you can cast a line from the fishing jetty at the edge of the park, with catches like mangrove snapper and white grunt. If you plan to spend the whole day at Harry Harris Park Beach, the park has picnic spots with BBQ grills, shaded areas, and a playground a few steps from the water. To make your stay more enjoyable, the space features various amenities, including restrooms, outdoor showers, and easy beach access points. A few steps from the beach is a basketball court and a baseball field for sports aficionados. In the evening, slow down and enjoy the beautiful views of the Florida Keys.

While Harry Harris Park Beach is a lovely vacation destination, there are many fun things to do in Tavernier and the Upper Florida Keys. If you love spending time at the ocean, visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, just 20 minutes from the beach. Here, you can go on boat tours, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The marine life here is amazing, with colourful fish and sea turtles.

If you are a history and marine science enthusiast, the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada is a fascinating stop. Located about 10 miles from Harry Harris Beach Park, the museum provides an extensive collection of diving gear and exhibits about underwater exploration. You will learn about things from early sponge diving to modern diving technology. Do you enjoy birdwatching? Then, Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, four miles from the park, is a must-visit. This sanctuary, which also doubles up as a rescue center for injured birds, is one of the best birdwatching destinations to visit in America. Some of the birds you can spot here include pelicans, owls, and hawks.