Florida: Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is the largest reef in the continental USA. As with Biscayne National Park, the real draw at this state park isn’t the land (170 dry acres): it’s the water (48,000 wet acres). But there is plenty to do in the “dry” section of the park, including a mangrove trail and a visitor center with a small aquarium.

Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular around Key Largo, which, like the other Florida Keys, is a coral cay cut through with countless channels. If you want to get under the water, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park does not disappoint. There are tons of snorkeling and scuba diving adventures to be had, as well as a glass-bottom boat tour. Contact the state park for information about local tour operators, which can easily be found in Key Largo proper.