Tavernier

The town of Tavernier takes its name from a small nearby island that lies about a mile offshore in the waters of the Florida Straits.

Today the unincorporated village occupies the southwestern section of the island of Key Largo starting at MM 94 and going south to MM 90.6. The name-sake island and creek separating it from Plantation Key have both carried the name of Tavernier for over two centuries.

This small village is also home to the only movie theater in the Upper Keys area located in a small mall adjacent to the hospital. The mall is also home to our local grocery store and a couple restaurants.

The Overseas Highway, better known today as US1, that runs through town hosts a variety of businesses including two local newspaper offices. Some of them domicile in fully restored buildings with original construction dates going back to the early 1900s.

The entrance to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is located on the bayside at MM 93.6. It sits on a section of bay front land comprised of wetlands and hardwood hammock. The Center provides rehabilitation and refuge to injured birds. Visitors will find many local bird species here for viewing and photography. Admission is free.

Harry Harris Park is a county park named after long-time resident and county commissioner Harry Harris. It’s located ocean side and can be reached by car from US1 by turning onto Burton Drive (MM 92.3) and following the winding road and signs 1.1 miles until you see the park entrance gate.

The park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. It has a man-made beach area for swimming and picnicking. This is one of the few beaches you’ll find in the Upper Keys.

You'll also find one of the best boat ramps in the Upper Keys here. It has a pair of concrete ramps capable of handling up to about a 30-foot boat. A hefty wooden pier separates the twin ramps and can be used short-term for loading and unloading your boat.

Boat trailer parking is limited 20 spaces and combined vehicle/trailer length is restricted to 55 feet. Non-residents will be charged a fee or $5 person and $10 per trailered boat to enter the park on weekends and holidays.