An superior tropical trip vacation spot proper right here in the USA is the Florida Keys. It has such a Caribbean really feel with the conveniences of being within the US. Under is our advocate Florida Keys Highway Journey that you are able to do by itself or as a part of a Florida Road Trip or an East Coast Road Trip!
The very first thing to appreciate is that after you enter the Keys you could have over 100 miles from the very higher Keys right down to Key West. That’s plenty of floor to cowl. It’s superb to assume that you may be driving to every of those islands through 42 bridges!
The opposite factor to know is that instructions within the Keys are given by saying what Mile Marker, or MM, they’re at. Key Largo, which is the primary island, begins at Mile Marker 107 and Key West is at Mile Marker 0.
If you’re in search of an extended journey you might need to think about doing a Miami to Florida Keys highway journey. There are plenty of superior issues to do in Miami too!
Map of the Florida Keys Highway Journey:
Alright, on with the present. We are going to begin with the Higher Keys then go to the Center Keys after which the Decrease Keys.
Higher Keys
Map of the Higher Keys space:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The primary cease on the journey isJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park positioned at Mile Marker 102.5 in Key Largo. This is without doubt one of the finest snorkel and diving areas within the nation. The state park is just about all on the coral reef, so that you don’t must go removed from shore to see some cool colours and marine life.
There’s lots to do at Pennekamp. Sufficient to spend a complete day there. There’s a good seaside to loosen up at they usually have kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards for hire. You may take them by way of mangrove trails that are neat.
They provide boat excursions, one in all which is the glass backside boat. This tour will take you out to the coral reef the place you may see tons of fish.
In addition they have a small cafe, present store, and aquarium.
Snorkeling Excursions
If you wish to give snorkeling a do this space is a good place! There are a few completely different snorkeling journeys you are able to do:
Half Day Snorkel Trip – Go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary and discover the third largest dwelling reef system on the planet!
Snorkel 2 Coral Reefs – Go to Christ of the Abyss, Grecian Rocks, John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park and the Elbow Reef and extra on this tour!
Boat Excursions
Getting out on the water within the Keys is a should! Within the Higher Keys space listed here are a couple of nice choices:
Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Take a glass backside boat tour the place you may see fish and also you don’t must get moist.
Sunset Eco Cruise – Small group cruise to see the superb sundown on the water.
When you’ve got scuba gear you might need to look right into a scuba journey as John Pennekamp is listed as one of many high websites within the Keys. There are additionally locations you may hire gear. If you wish to purchase your personal earlier than coming heck out this nice publish on high quality scuba gear.
Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Manufacturing unit
A bit down the highway on the Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Manufacturing unit at Mile Marker 92 in Tavernier. The Keys is probably not identified for its seashores, however it’s identified for a couple of different issues, Key Lime Pie is one in all them.
It says it proper within the title! Cease right here for a slice or an entire pie. It’s scrumptious!
Marker 88
After you had dessert, how about some actual meals? The following cease on the journey is Marker 88 positioned at, you guessed it, Mile Marker 88 in Islamorada. We preferred this restaurant for its exterior arrange. Don’t get me fallacious, just about each restaurant within the Keys has out of doors seating as a consequence of its lovely views and comparatively good temperature, however Marker 88’s setup was good.
Theatre Of The Sea
At Theatre Of The Sea, we had been in a position to watch a parrot present – the birds had been lovely! In addition they have a spot the place you may go within the water and feed the fish, gigantic tortoises, and alternatives to have a hen sit in your shoulder.
After we had been right here we had been additionally in a position to swim with the dolphins. This was an unbelievable expertise!
Halfway Cafe
When you’re in search of a cup of espresso or a baked good fairly than a hearty meal, try Halfway Cafe. You’ll discover Halfway Cafe at Mile Marker 80.5 nonetheless in Islamorada. This quirky little cafe has some nice espresso and occasional drinks. The completely different flavors and drinks rival that of your native Starbucks.
Robbie’s of Islamorada
The following cease on the journey is without doubt one of the cooler, and extra horrifying, experiences we’ve completed. There’s a one-stop-shop for fishing, boat leases, snorkeling, and extra at Robbie’s of Islamorada positioned at Mile Marker 77.5. There’s a restaurant/bar at Robbie’s in addition to a number of out of doors retailers to flick thru.
The can’t-miss expertise, nonetheless, is feeding the tarpons. You buy a bucket of fish for $3 to feed to those large tarpon fish (which appear to be upwards of 4 ft lengthy) by hand. It’s an adrenaline rush to see these monsters lurch out of the water proper at your hand, however it’s an expertise you will need to attempt! Simply be careful for the pelicans as they’re simply as aggressive and hungry because the tarpons.
Lengthy Key State Park
The Keys are residence to a number of nice state parks (one in all which we already talked about) and they’re all stop-worthy on this epic highway journey. Most of them supply tenting, so for those who’re trying to keep in a single day within the Keys, this can be your most economical means to take action. The caveat being it’s very troublesome to discover a campsite accessible, particularly within the winter months.
On Lengthy Key, you should definitely cease at Lengthy Key State Park. Right here you may bike, hike, and splash round in a shallow seaside space. This could even be an excellent pit cease for a picnic in your highway journey.
Lengthy Key State Park is positioned at Mile Marker 67.5.
Dolphin Analysis Middle
The Dolphin Research Center does an incredible job offering a spot the place you may come and be taught all about these superb creatures. The employees know the entire dolphins by title and the story behind how they got here to be there. You may watch the reveals they do with the Dolphins and if you want you are able to do some issues within the water with them too.
Curry Hammock State Park
A bit up the highway from Lengthy Key State Park is one other nice park referred to as Curry Hammock State Park. We camped right here for a couple of nights and we loved it. The campsite is clear and pleasant, even to large RV’s.
There’s a small playground and several other coated picnic areas proper on the seaside at Curry Hammock. In addition they have a pleasant sandy seaside space for those who’re trying to sit back and loosen up.
Curry Hammock is at Mile Marker 54 in Marathon.
The place To Keep
VRBO:
Fun in the Sun – try this home with entry to a personal seaside!
Lodge:
RV Park:
Fiesta Key RV resort – an excellent campground with full hookups, websites on the water (if you may get one), a big pool, and an onsite restaurant overlooking the ocean!
Riptide RV Resort & Marina – positioned in Key Largo, smaller campground with solely about 35 full hookup websites.
When you don’t have one you may Rent An RV. Try our publish for tips about Planning Your RV Trip.
Try extra Florida Keys campgrounds right here.
Campground:
John Pennekamp State Park has full hookup websites however they’re tight and the noseeums will be actually dangerous.
Curry Hammock State Park is the one we might advocate. Massive websites and a really peaceable vibe.
Center Keys
Map of the Center Keys:
Now that you’re in Marathon, which is taken into account the Center Keys, you’re at concerning the half-way level within the island chain right down to Key West.
Marathon is extra like your typical small-town because you’ll discover a few grocery shops, quick meals, and fairly a couple of shops.
Aquarium Encounters
Aquarium Encounters is a good cease to make with curious and hands-on children (or mother and father)! Whereas we had been right here we had been in a position to feed and pet stingrays, turtles, and even sharks!! It was an superior option to rise up shut and private with all of those native animals.
Sombrero Seashore
Marathon can be residence to in all probability our favourite seaside in all of the Keys. Sombrero Seashore is a couple of miles east of US Hwy 1 on Sombrero Seashore Rd. This seaside has smooth golden sand and loads of ocean to swim or paddle-board in. It’s on our listing of the highest Florida Keys Beaches!
Turtle Hospital
Additionally in Marathon is the Turtle Hospital at Mile Marker 48.5. Cease in for a tour to find out how this hospital takes in injured or sick sea turtles and the way they nurse them again to well being. You may even watch them carry out surgical procedures on the turtles in the course of the week.
Sundown Grille and Uncooked Bar
One of many final stops in Marathon that may be very distinctive is Sundown Grille and Uncooked Bar at Mile Marker 47. Right here you could have entry to an incredible restaurant and a pair of full providers bars, one in all which is exterior subsequent to their large heated swimming pool. So seize a desk, order some drinks and take a dip when you wait.
7 Mile Bridge
Proper subsequent to Sundown Grille is the 7 Mile Bridge. This must be some form of engineering feat to span a bridge that lengthy. You may stroll proper from Sundown Grille beneath the bridge to the opposite aspect of the highway to get on the strolling portion of the bridge.
You can’t beat the ocean views this bridge offers. The colours of the water are what made the Keys particular to me. It is a good spot to get out and stretch your legs or to stroll off a number of the energy from Sundown Grille.
Bahia Honda State Park
Simply previous the 7 Mile Bridge is one other nice state park referred to as Bahia Honda. There’s an outdated railroad bridge subsequent to Bahia Honda that gives nice picture alternatives. You may hire kayaks or stand-up paddle-boards at Bahia Honda or make it a seaside day and sit within the sand.
Bahia Honda is positioned at Mile Marker 37.
Nationwide Key Deer Refuge
Huge Pine Key is without doubt one of the bigger islands within the Keys. It’s a particular place as a result of it’s residence to the Nationwide Key Deer Refuge. Key Deer are an endangered species of deer solely discovered within the Keys. They’re much smaller in dimension in comparison with common deer and for those who cease at a couple of locations within the refuge, you’re nearly assured to see some.
No Identify Pub
When you’re on Huge Pine Key, one other nice cease is the No Identify Pub. Heading into this restaurant/bar, you’ll see 1000’s of single greenback payments taped to the partitions. Be happy to signal your title on a single and stick it up someplace, if you’ll find house.
The factor we loved on the No Identify Pub was their pizza. As legend has it, 2 cooks from Italy got here to work on the restaurant they usually introduced with them an incredible pizza recipe. When the cooks left the restaurant, they wrote the recipe on the kitchen wall so the nice tasting pizza would keep lengthy after they had been gone.
The place To Keep
VRBO:
Waterfront house with Heated Pool, Waterfall, and more!
Oceanfront Villa with Rooftop Terrace
Lodge
If you wish to keep at one of many best hotel pools for kids it would be best to keep at: Hawks Cay Resort
RV Parks
Sunshine Key RV Resort – positioned simply south of the 7-mile bridge. Good full hookup websites with a pool.
Bahia Honda State Park – we now have by no means been in a position to get in right here but when we may we might like to. It’s positioned proper on the water.
Pelican RV Resort & Marina – positively a fisherman’s paradise, full hookups with pool and tiki hut pavilion on the water
Decrease Keys
Now we head down into the Decrease Keys which is generally Key West. Key West generally is a loopy and wild scene however it may also be family-friendly with a lot of nice issues to do for teenagers and adults!
Key West
The final cease on the highway journey is Key West. You made it! There are such a lot of issues to do in Key West, I don’t even know the place to start out. You will have infinite choices for dinner, drinks, fishing, and leisure.
A few issues I’d advocate is to park your automotive and simply stroll the town. When you keep on the west aspect of US 1, you may stroll fairly a little bit of it and get a cool native really feel for the island.
I do know what you’re considering, you’re not trying to get together with the spring break crowd. We thought this the primary time we visited Key West, however after a couple of visits, we rapidly fell in love with the island. We introduced our youngsters with us every time and felt snug doing so.
You’ll want to try Duval Avenue because it’s residence to a couple well-known bars like Ernest Hemmingway’s favourite Sloppy Joe’s.
Final Water Sport Combo – Our High Decide!!
When you can solely do one factor in Key West have this be it! Do It All Water Sports Adventure Package is the right option to get out on the water! The morning begins with breakfast as you head out to go snorkeling. You then cease and parasail, kayak, jet ski, and play on the water trampoline, mat and you’ll take a activate the banana boat (which I fell off of :))!
Try our publish on The 4 Best Water Activities in Key West With Kids.
Jet Snowboarding
When you’ve got a necessity for pace Jet Skiing is the best way to go! Go for 28 miles of speeds 40MPH and better and see the Southern Most Level, Florida Bay, Key West harbor, and extra. We did this with children and I had a child in entrance of me and behind me.
It positively provides a problem when attempting to maintain up however the children liked it! Be aware – don’t do that with children in the event that they don’t like issues like this – or it will likely be depressing for everybody.
Schooner Sundown Sail
Head out for a sunset cruise on a Schooner! One other nice option to see the Keys and superior to be on a ship to absorb the sundown. We did this with children and it was just a little scary ensuring they didn’t go by the edge-but it’s doable.
Aquarium
The aquarium in Key West is small however effectively price a cease! You may feed the sharks – which is a spotlight so make certain you ask when that’s taking place and get there in time to do it. In addition they have plenty of completely different fish from the world they usually do applications all through the day.
Fort Zachary Taylor
That is an superior place to go to and spend the day. There’s an entrance charge since it’s a State Park however as soon as in you may benefit from the seaside together with strolling round on the fort.
There’s additionally a snack bar with alcoholic drinks if you’re .
Pirate Museum
You may’t go to Key West and never go to a Pirate Museum. Pirates are a giant a part of the historical past of Key West and whenever you go to the Pirate museum you may be taught all about it. In addition they have a lookout you may stroll as much as the place you get an incredible view of Key West.
Conch Prepare
I get pleasure from issues like this when visiting a metropolis for the primary time. You may hop on and keep on the Conch Train the entire time or you may get off at a cease and exit and discover after which hop again on to be taken to the following cease.
The practice drivers are tremendous educated and humorous so it’s an effective way to find out about Key West!
Outdated City Trolley
An alternative choice is the Old Town Trolley. We’ve got not completed this one in Key West however have in different cities and loved studying concerning the metropolis we had been visiting this manner. That is additionally a hop on hop off choice.
Southern Most Level
When you get right here actually early within the morning you received’t have to attend in line. That is thought-about the Southern Most Level within the continental United States. When you go later within the day be ready to attend. That is the go-to place for an image when you find yourself in Key West!
Sundown Celebration
Additionally, you should definitely try the Sundown Celebration at Mallory Sq.. That is completed at sundown each night time down by the water at Mallory Sq.. Main as much as sundown there are some actually enjoyable avenue performers together with meals distributors. The children had been in a position to attempt a contemporary coconut right here.
Then at sundown, all the things stops so everybody can watch the sundown and cheer when it goes down.
Dry Tortugas
If you wish to flip your highway journey right into a crusing journey, I like to recommend trying out the Dry Tortugas. You’ll hop aboard a catamaran to sail 70 miles west to the Dry Tortuga island. There’s an outdated Military fort on the island to discover in addition to a number of the most lovely seashores I’ve ever seen.
That is one in all our high Nationwide Parks to go to. It’s beautiful!
Island Canines
Island Canines is a enjoyable restaurant in Key West since you may sit on the porch and folks watch if you are consuming.
Lagerheads Seashore bar
Lagerheads Seashore Bar is a good place to go along with children because the tables are on the sand so the youngsters can play within the sand whereas they’re ready for his or her meals. Plus there’s a seaside space you may play at.
Florida Keys Brewing Firm test this place out for those who just like the brewery scene!
The place To Keep
VRBO
Extra choices:
Inns
Casa Marina – proper on the water with a seaside space and pool.
Southern Most Beach Resort – near all the things but off by itself.
Campgrounds
Boyd’s Campground – an excellent location for exploring Key West.
You may as well keep on the campground in the midst of the Keys and drive right down to Key West for the day. We’ve got completed this each time we now have visited. It’s a little bit of a trouble however will be completed.
Nicely, that’s it. Now it’s time to go again north to the mainland. Hurricane Irma did do harm to the Keys and you should still see some remnants of it and/or issues could also be closed so you should definitely test. We can be again to the Keys quickly!
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She loves being exterior and exploring new locations which is all made higher when doing it with household and pals!
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