Harry Harris Park
Tavernier, FL
Harry Harris Park's beach is a manmade lagoon behind a coral rock barrier, protected from the open ocean and calm enough that it's become one of the safer swimming spots in the Upper Keys for small children. A boat ramp, playgrounds, and hike and bike trails round out a park that serves locals as much as visitors.
The protected, coral-ringed tidal pool is a genuinely safer option for young kids than open Keys water, though the no pets rule at the pool itself and the weekend fee for non-residents are real considerations.
How we score beachesWeekday visits are free for everyone, while non-Monroe County residents pay 5 dollars on weekends and holidays, worth timing around if the fee matters. Dogs can join for the walk and the trails, but they aren't allowed in the tidal pool itself.
Free on weekdays; 5 dollars per person for non-Monroe County residents on weekends and holidays.
The tidal pool beach is a short, flat walk from the lot, protected and shallow enough for young children.
Dogs are welcome in the park itself but not on the beach or in the tidal pool swimming area.
Winter through spring is the Keys' driest, most popular stretch. Summer brings warmer water and hurricane season, June through November, with fewer crowds on weekdays.
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