When most people hear the phrase “barrier reef” they tend to picture the more well-known one off the coast of northeastern Australia that just so happens to be the largest living thing on this planet. However, what many visitors to Florida do not know is that there is a coral barrier reef right along the coast of Florida that is just as fascinating. This may be, in fact, one of the coolest and most unique things to do for free in Florida for those who have the means to do some deep-sea diving toward natural beauty.

The Florida Reef, also nicknamed the Great Florida Reef or the Florida Reef Tract, is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
Flickr / Brandon Reed
As the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world, this reef is just a handful of miles seaward of the Florida Keys.
Flickr / Giggs Huang
Nearly 4 miles wide and extending in an arc along the Florida Keys, there are more than 6,000 individual reefs in the entire system — reefs that are nearly 5,000 to 7,000 years old.
Flickr / FWC Fish and Wildlife Research
For those looking to explore the reefs themselves, some of the densest and most spectacular of the reefs are growing near Key Largo, near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Flickr / Matt Kieffer

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While you usually will need to pay a fee to access the state park itself, exploring the coral reefs along the Keys are free and available for experienced divers and snorkelers.
Facebook / NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
As you can see from the map, the land mass is showcased in green with the water in blue, but the actual Florida reef is highlighted in red.
Wikipedia - NOAA National Marine Fisheries Services
There are more than 1,400 different species of marine plants and animals within the reef, plus 40 different species of stony corals and 500 species of fish.
Flickr / Lee
Just remember when exploring the reefs either diving or snorkeling, do not disturb it — these are fragile ecosystems that can be damaged by even the simplest of movements.
Flickr / FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy a little slice of this rare natural wonder just off the coast of The Sunshine State.
Facebook / NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Have you ever explored the Florida Reef before? If you’ve ever been snorkeling on the east coast of the Sunshine State, then you probably have without even knowing it! Share with us your experience in the comments section! We would love to hear from you.

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Things To Do In Florida

Katie Feldkamp | January 09, 2023

What are some of the best things to do for free in Florida?

While Florida is filled with plenty of visitors annually who come willing to pay for the beaches and activities the Sunshine State is so well known for, it’s good to remember that there are plenty of things to do for free in Florida that anyone can enjoy. A few activities for this list include:

  • Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West
  • Spook Hill in Lake Wales
  • Wakadohatchee Wetlands in Delray Beach
  • Ideal Classic Cars Museum and Showroom in Venice
  • Key West Garden Club, at West Martello Tower in Key West
  • Wynwood Walls in Miami
  • National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola
  • And of course, don’t forget Florida’s beaches!

 

What are some things to do in Florida for $20 or less?

Still staying budget conscious, let’s expand the list of fun things to do in Florida that now include activities that should only cost $20 or less:

  • Flagler College in St. Augustine
  • Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
  • Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens in Jacksonville
  • The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota
  • San Sebastian Winery in St. Augustine

 

What are some fun things to do in Florida?

If you’re feeling up for an adventure, you’ve come to the right state. The list can feel endless when coming up with fun things to do in Florida. For those feeling adventurous, consider some of the following:

  • Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park in Gainesville
  • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne
  • Devil’s Den in Williston
  • Falling Waters State Park in Chipley
  • Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park in Wakulla Springs
  • Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna

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