As the name suggests, all of this park's tours/attractions are based in or near the ocean. Pennekamp provides a great glass bottom boat tour of the miles-long barrier reef around Key Largo. This tour, which cost around $25 per person, lasts approximately 2 hours and takes you on an extensive tour of the coral reef and surrounding marine life. For just a little bit more money, the park also offers a snorkelling tour of the same coral reef - and, unless you are unable to get in the water, the snorkelling tour is probably the more desirable option; not only does it take you on a more "up close" tour of the reef, it also stops by the famous underwater statue "Christ of the Abyss," for a one-of-a-kind experience. (The glass bottom boat does not venture near the statue, we were told, because the tide is too low in that area).

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at the Chesapeak Inn. The waitress was healpful and friendly and the food was very tasty and worth every dime of the pricey menu. The Chesapeake Inn sits right along the Chesapeake Bay so it makes for a very peaceful and realaxing view for dinner. However, parking is limited so you may have to find parking elsewhere and walk a short distance.

I've been going to Elk Neck State Park since childhood and it has never gotten old. There are camping sites, both for campers and tents (cabins are available), picnic area, swimming area, boat launch, and about 14 miles of trails. The famous trail leads down to a lighthouse overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. The roughly one mile walk to the lighthouse winds along the coast, passes a field for birdwatching, and goes through a lightly wooded area. At the end of the trail the peaceful lighthouse and bay are completely worth the walk. During set times the lighthouse is actually available for touring. It makes a great family trip!

Longwood Gardens is a beautiful horticultural masterpiece that was begun by the DuPont Family. Other area attractions that may be of interest are Winterthur and The Hagley Museum, both begun the the DuPonts as well. Longwood Gardens not only has beautiful gardens but also have dates for children's activities and music festivals. The garden changes with the season but just because it's winter doesn't mean you won't see flowers. Longwood Gardens has a giant greenhouse that contains every flower imaginable and brings a little cheer to the normal winter gloom. Definitely a must see!

This is a nice museum/nature tour that takes about 2 hours to complete. Located right off of the Overseas Highway, Crane Point is easy to locate and access. The museum portion has a large gift shop, and you can also purchase tickets for the outdoor portion there. The nature trails include two nature centers (Creature Feature and the Butterfly Garden) as well as 2 historic homes - one belonging to George Adderley (which is the oldest surviving house on the Keys), and one belonging to the famous architect, Francis Crane. There is also a nice shoreline boardwalk that dead ends at The Point, a lookout that provides a scenic view of Florida Bay. The nature centers are somewhat "small," but the nature trails are definitely interesting and peaceful - and seeing the Adderley and Crane homes are definitely worth the money spent on the tour.