Discover Adventure and Romance at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, romance, and adventure? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore nature's wonders, capture stunning engagement photos, or plan an unforgettable destination wedding, this park is a hidden gem worth uncovering. In this blog we will share some of our engaged couples and wedding guests favorite things to do in Key Largo: Jonh Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

At Dream Bay Resort, we have a range of packages to make your wedding or special event unforgettable! Whether you’re planning a cozy elopement or microwedding (up to 50 guests) or a bigger celebration with up to 200 loved ones, we’re here to make your dreams a reality. Our 3-acre waterfront venue on the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most stunning spots in the Florida Keys, with breathtaking open water views and sunsets you’ll never forget!

things to do in Key Largo: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Before we begin, we hope to share a little information about what makes Dream Bay Resort the perfect choice for your wedding and elopement. If you’re searching for the ideal Key Largo resort experience and Dream Bay seems like the perfect fit, we’d be delighted to assist you. Feel free to contact us to arrange a virtual or in-person tour. Explore our wedding packages, cozy cottages, and availability calendar for all the details you need to begin planning your wedding or elopement. We look forward to welcoming you and your wedding guests.

From stunning sunsets over crystal-clear waters to exclusive packages designed to elevate your weekend, here are 20 reasons why Dream Bay Resort is the ultimate choice for your Key Largo Resort wedding.

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20 Things to Do at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Snorkeling the Coral Reef: Discover the colorful undersea world teeming with fish and marine life.
Scuba Diving Adventures: Explore the famous Christ of the Abyss statue and vibrant coral formations up close.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without getting wet.
Swimming at Cannon Beach: Relax or swim near the historic Spanish shipwreck cannon replicas.
Kayaking Through Mangroves: Paddle through serene waters and take in the park's wildlife.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Test your balance and explore the clear waters.
Wildlife Watching: Spot manatees, dolphins, stingrays, and various bird species.
Exploring Hiking Trails: Walk the Mangrove Trail to experience Florida's natural beauty.
Picnicking by the Water: Enjoy a meal with an ocean view at one of the park’s picnic areas.
Visiting the Visitors Center Aquarium: Learn about the marine ecosystem and get up close with sea creatures.
Fishing from the Shore: Cast a line and try your luck at catching dinner.
Camping Overnight: Fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean in one of the park’s campgrounds.
Photography: From mangroves to reefs, the park is an Instagram-worthy paradise.
Kayak Eco Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the area's unique ecosystem.
Educational Programs: Attend nature talks and workshops offered by the park staff.
Discovering Historic Artifacts: Scout for the park's underwater shipwreck replicas.
Beachcombing: Wander the shoreline collecting seashells.
Sunset Viewing: Watch a romantic Florida Keys sunset.
Underwater Photography: Perfect spot for divers to capture incredible underwater moments.
Gift Shopping: Take home a piece of the park with souvenirs from the Visitors Center.

10 Things You Need to Know About Snorkeling and Diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Prime Location: It’s part of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
Gear Rentals Available: No need to bring your own; the park rents snorkeling and scuba gear.
Tours for All Levels: Options include beginner-friendly snorkeling tours and advanced dives.
Famous Sites: Don’t miss Christ of the Abyss or Grecian Rocks.
Best Time to Go: Early morning trips often have the clearest visibility.
Marine Protection Rules: Touching or standing on coral is prohibited to protect the ecosystem.
Dive Certification: Non-certified divers can schedule a Discover Scuba Diving course.
Water Clarity: Conditions can vary, so check weather reports for the best visibility.
Sea Life Encounters: Expect to see everything from sea turtles to angelfish.
Safety Briefings: Guided tours include safety instructions to maximize your experience.

10 Tips for Taking Engagement Photos at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Golden Hour Magic: Schedule your shoot during sunrise or sunset for that golden light.
Waterfront Backdrops: Use the clear turquoise waters to create breathtaking shots.
Beach Props: Bring a picnic basket or blanket for cozy beach vignettes.
Snorkeling Gear: Incorporate snorkeling gear for playful underwater shots.
Mangrove Trails: Utilize the lush greenery of mangroves for romantic framing.
Christ of the Abyss: Capture one-of-a-kind underwater engagement photos.
Casual Nautical Vibes: Choose coordinated outfits with a casual, ocean-inspired palette.
Professional Photographer: Work with a local photographer familiar with the park.
Natural Light: Rely on minimal artificial lighting to enhance the location's beauty.
Candid Moments: Capture intimate, unposed moments to showcase your love naturally.

10 Reasons to Choose Dream Bay Resort for Your Wedding

While enjoying the natural charm of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, consider tying the knot at Dream Bay Resort in Key Largo. Reasons to fall in love with this venue include:

Picture-Perfect Location: Stunning beachside setting with lush landscaping.
Intimate Atmosphere: Ideal for small to medium-sized weddings, ensuring an exclusive feel.
Scenic Sunsets: Your wedding photos will feature breathtaking Key Largo sunsets.
Modern Amenities: Equipped with everything you need, from catering spaces to top-notch decor options.
Flexible Packages: Customizable wedding packages to match your style and budget.
Proximity to Adventure: Located just minutes from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, guests can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
Eco-Conscious Options: Support sustainable practices that align with the laid-back island vibe.
Convenient Lodging: On-site accommodations mean no stress about transportation for out-of-town guests.
Local Vendors: Partnerships with trusted local vendors simplify wedding planning.
Unforgettable Memories: A dreamy venue that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Plan Your Perfect Adventure or Romantic Getaway

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park perfectly blends natural adventure and romance, making it the ideal destination for couples and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're snorkeling vibrant reefs, capturing beautiful engagement photos, or hosting a beachfront wedding, this iconic Key Largo location has it all.

Don’t forget, Dream Bay Resort offers a magical venue for couples looking to celebrate their big day against a backdrop of ocean waves and golden sunsets.

Get started planning your adventure, photoshoot, or dream wedding today!

As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

things to do in Key Largo: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - have you visited this state park? If so, share your favorite reasons to visit this beautiful location near our Key Largo Resort!

As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours! Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

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