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There are such a lot of fantastic issues to do in Key Largo. Because the northernmost island within the Florida Keys, getting right here from Miami is a bit of cake. Or ought to I say a bit of key lime pie?
Essentially the most simply accessible of the Florida Keys, Key West is an island brimming with beautiful pure wonders.
Surrounded by Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Key Largo is greater than only a line in a Seashore Boys tune — it’s the Dive Capital of the World! This island is dwelling to the primary undersea park in the USA and the world’s second-largest synthetic reef.
Even should you don’t dive — and I don’t — you continue to stand to come across numerous wildlife in Key Largo by means of snorkeling, glass backside boat excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, and crusing journeys. You would see sea turtles, tropical fish, manatees, dolphins, and tarpon, simply to start out!
Whereas most issues to do in Key Largo revolve across the water, climbing and biking are different enjoyable methods of seeing the surroundings. At eye degree, the northernmost secret’s awash with palm timber, mangroves, and hammock forest.
Along with consuming ALL the important thing lime pie, you’ll discover solely the freshest seafood on sale in Key Largo. Wash it down with a craft beer or tiki cocktail as you watch probably the most attractive sunsets within the Sunshine State.
Let’s dive into the very best issues to do in Key Largo — for water followers in addition to landlubbers!
This submit was revealed in January 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.
Greatest Issues To Do in Key Largo, Florida
Go to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Spending time in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a superb technique to begin your time in Key Largo. The primary underwater park in the USA protects round 70 nautical sq. miles of residing coral reefs and marine life. It additionally has two pretty seashores, an aquarium, and a campground.
The state park sits subsequent to the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, the place there are additional coral reefs plus mangrove forests. These heat waters are finest explored by way of snorkeling or scuba diving though glass-bottom boat excursions and kayaking are different choices.
This snorkel tour in John Pennekamp State Park is my favourite exercise I did in Key Largo. The tour takes you to 2 shallow websites which normally embrace Christ of the Abyss (an underwater Jesus statue) and/or the Grecian Rocks. You might have about 90 minutes within the water total.
Discover Nature in Key Largo
If Miami has the monopoly on sandy seashores, Key Largo is all in regards to the wildlife – we’re speaking marine, mammal, reptilian, chicken, the entire 9 yards! So the place are the very best locations to see wildlife within the space?
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park has 5 entry-level climbing trails alongside mangrove swamps and the world’s solely fossilized coral reef. Swing by the customer middle for a historical past lesson.
Up in North Key Largo, previous the bridge that connects you to the mainland, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a floral wonderland. Preserve an eye fixed peeled for American crocodiles as you stroll by means of its huge West Indian tropical hardwood hammock. This is likely one of the few locations within the Keys the place these crocodiles dwell.
A mile south brings you to Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, though it’s extra like a butterfly park. There are some American crocodiles nesting within the saltwater mangrove swamps as properly.
Ornithophiles can go to Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary (also referred to as the Florida Keys Wild Chook Middle). This reserve rehabilitates and releases wounded birds and has a stunning boardwalk path by means of the mangroves. It’s free to go to however a donation of $10 per particular person is appreciated.
Take a Boat Journey in Key Largo
A ship journey is a ceremony of passage for all vacationers in Key Largo! And, you’ve a slew of choices, from family-friendly excursions and wildlife-watching boat rides to booze cruises and historic barges.
Let’s begin with the enduring African Queen Canal Cruise. This steamboat was the star of the eponymous film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, and is out there for shared and personal sails alongside the Port Largo Canals.
Hopping aboard a glass-bottom boat tour in Key Largo is an effective way to eyeball the underwater nationwide parks’ coral reefs and marine life with out getting moist! An amazing choice for non-swimmers who wish to see some underwater wildlife. The tour features a narration of the coral reef.
If mammals float your boat, you have to go dolphin- and manatee-watching within the Keys. This eco-tour in Key Largo is capped at six individuals for a extra intimate expertise. The identical operator runs a sunset cruise in Florida Bay.
This catamaran sunset cruise is another choice for extra of a celebration spirit. It’s a BYOB setup, so convey a bottle or two — and friends are at all times stuffed with reward for the soundtrack!
Final however not least, a private sunset cruise is likely one of the most original issues to do in Key Largo for {couples} or small teams. You’ll have the boat all to yourselves for that castaway vibe.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
You’ll be able to’t go to Key Largo, the Dive Capital of the World, and never discover beneath the floor! Fashionable dive websites embrace the usSpiegel Grove shipwreck and its synthetic reef system. There’s additionally an underwater statue of Jesus, known as Christ of the Abyss, the place sea turtles are sometimes noticed.
This snorkel trip within the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary and John Pennekamp Coral Reef is designed for learners. These shallow waters solely require a fundamental swimming potential.
Skilled snorkelers would possibly want this two-reef snorkel tour in Key Largo. Places fluctuate, however sometimes embrace the Christ of the Abyss and the Grecian Rocks.
(First time snorkeling? Ensure you put on a rash guard and use reef safe sunscreen. It’s really easy to get sunburned by means of the water, particularly when your again is continually dealing with upward.)
Are you a diver? This guided two-tank shallow diving experience contains Christ of the Abyss (generally known as Christ of the Deep), the Grecian Rocks, the Metropolis of Washington, and/or The Elbow Reef. For those who’re a extra skilled diver, this two-dive excursion in the Florida Marine Sanctuary goes slightly deeper.
Wish to be taught to dive? Nice thought! Learn to scuba dive in Key Largo and also you’ll by no means look again. This Uncover Scuba Diving commences within the pool earlier than hitting two open-water dive spots. It’s excellent if you wish to check the waters earlier than getting certified.
Get pleasure from Key Largo Seashores
You might have in all probability come to the Florida Keys to get pleasure from all of the seashores — and Key Largo undoubtedly has some good contenders among the many best beaches in the Florida Keys!
One factor it is best to know is that lots of Key Largo’s seashores are personal to motels and houses. That mentioned, there are a couple of public seashores which can be particularly good.
A number of the nicest seashores with public entry are in John Pennekamp State Park. I like to recommend testing Far Seashore and Cannon Seashore, that are each family-friendly with snorkeling alternatives close by.
A singular choice is Rowell’s Waterfront Park, which has a 10-foot-deep tidal pool you may soar into.
And simply down the street in Tavernier, you’ve Harry Harris Park with its perennially common seashore!
Expertise Jules Undersea Lodge
A very distinctive form of lodging, Jules Undersea Lodge is a good place to remain in Key Largo if you know the way to dive. That is an underwater lodge and entry means scuba diving into an airlock chamber!
When you’re tucked up good and dry within the suite, you may watch parrot fish, barracuda, and – should you’re actually fortunate – manatees swim previous from mattress. Lodging is barely out there to licensed divers or those that enroll within the Uncover Scuba Diving course.
Truthfully, if I stayed right here I wouldn’t sleep a wink the entire night time (I’ve watched too many catastrophe films) — however I can utterly perceive how this may be a bucket checklist merchandise for divers.
For those who don’t wish to sleep over (beginning at $1,350 per night time, that is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime splurge!) you may simply dive or snorkel within the lagoon. Snorkeling prices $15 per particular person whereas all-day diving is from $40. If the underwater suite is vacant, you may peer by means of the window whereas diving.
Strive all the Key Lime Pie
With all of the out of doors adventures, you’ll construct up an urge for food in Key Largo — and that requires key lime pie! You’ll have had key lime earlier than, however belief me — it’s so a lot better within the Florida Keys. The pies are constituted of limes indigenous to this area.
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen in Key Largo is dwelling to my favourite key lime pie within the Florida Keys. I make sure that to cease right here every time I’m within the Keys. The OG diner sits on the southbound facet of the Abroad Freeway, whereas the bigger restaurant is on the northbound facet. Their flawless key lime pie is purpose sufficient to drag over, however the diner additionally serves contemporary seafood and luxury meals.
Fish House is one other favourite amongst locals for key lime pie and contemporary dishes plucked from the ocean. The coconut model is a radical tackle the basic, however so scrumptious. That is positioned alongside the abroad freeway, between Key Largo and the Florida mainland, so it makes cease in your technique to or from Miami.
Go to Keys’ Meads
For those who’re acquainted with the craft spirits revolution, you could have heard of mead — a honey wine common in medieval instances that’s making a comeback right this moment. For those who’re fascinated about making an attempt some, head over to Keys’ Meads, a meadery proper right here in Key Largo!
Mead is just like port — you pour your self a small glass and benefit from the flavors. Keys’ Meads makes mead in candy, semi-sweet, and dry flavors like orange blossom, plum, starfruit, vacation spiced apple pie (which I actually loved!), and mango.
The tasting room is open from 12-8 PM Monday by means of Saturday, and 12-6 PM on Sundays. In addition they ship — so should you’re touring carry-on solely and might’t convey a bottle dwelling, they’ll gladly ship one to your home!
Coral Restoration Basis
The Coral Restoration Foundation is positioned in Tavernier, simply exterior Key Largo, they usually’re doing inspiring work repairing the coral reefs within the space. You’ll be able to drop in and be taught in regards to the essential work they’re doing.
Since 2007, they’ve returned greater than 220,000 critically endangered corals again to the reefs within the Florida Keys.
For those who’re a diver, you may even volunteer with them, replanting new coral within the reefs!
Discover the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path
Begin your day with a stroll or cycle alongside the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
Operating parallel to the U.S. Freeway 1, this 106-mile multi-use path hyperlinks Key Largo with Key West by means of a sequence of 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges. Building remains to be ongoing, however over 90 miles are accomplished.
Whereas some hardcore cyclists sort out your entire freeway all the best way to mile marker 0 in Key West, you may have simply as a lot enjoyable masking a couple of sections of the path.
You’ll be able to lease bikes from All Keys Cycles or Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours, or ebikes from Bike the FL Keys. Whereas I really like ebikes for the additional little bit of energy they provide you going up hills, there aren’t that many hills within the Florida Keys! It’s good to have the additional oomph on a sizzling day, although.
Choosing a phase between mile markers 106.5 and 60 is the best choice in Key Largo. This incorporates John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and a little bit of Islamorada earlier than ending in Lengthy Key (and passing among the finest Florida Keys beaches).
Kayak or paddleboard by means of the mangroves
The mangroves in and round Key Largo are a paddler’s paradise — and exploring them is likely one of the most particular issues to do in Key Largo. These mangroves are the pure habitat for invertebrates, turtles, birds, and even manatees.
For those who fancy exploring independently, simply prepare an all-day kayak rental or an all-day paddleboard rental. Instruction is offered earlier than you launch and the crew can recommend the very best mangroves and lagoons primarily based in your degree of potential.
In any other case, this guided two-hour eco-tour is appropriate for all talent ranges and welcomes household teams and solo vacationers. It concentrates on Tavernier Creek and you’ve got the selection of taking a kayak or paddleboard. Lighted crafts can be found for sundown or twilight paddles.
Drink on a floating tiki bar
Key Largo is the proper place for twirling an umbrella in a tropical cocktail. However completely happy hour will get an improve within the Sunshine State courtesy of a floating hut!
These guys run shared and personal tiki cruises with specialty choices for the likes of birthday events, bachelorettes, and one-of-a-kind engagements. Departing from Snooks Bayside or Sundowners in Key Largo, the tiki fun cruise floats through the day whereas the sunset tiki cruise is timed for golden hour.
All of those are BYOB cruises, so that you’ll have to recollect to swing by the liquor retailer and make your personal daiquiris. Each excursions allow you to stream your favourite tunes with an iPad. Be aware that the capability is a most of six folks.
Go fishing
Fishing for mahi mahi, snapper, tarpon, and wahoo is likely one of the hottest issues to do in Key Largo. Individuals come from all around the world come to Key Largo to fish within the wealthy waters right here, and locals adore it, too!
This private fishing charter adventure is ideal for households and teams. It’s a full-day tour with an expert captain. The crew offers with all permits and the boat is stocked with fishing tools, bait, sort out, and snorkel gear. Non-fishers are welcome – you may even spend the day simply crusing should you’d like.
Alternatively, this private chartered fishing charter for two is geared toward {couples}. The captain gives a lesson in fishing for the tarpon shoals that migrate between the Florida Keys and Everglades Nationwide Park.
Lease a jet ski
Jet snowboarding is likely one of the most thrilling water sports activities within the Florida Keys. It’s simple to rent a jet ski and discover the bays independently — newbies can have an introduction on easy methods to get pleasure from your self whereas holding wildlife protected. This could offer you all of the data and confidence you want.
Alternatively, this guided jet ski tour nonetheless places you within the driver’s seat, however you’ll have a information to comply with. The standard itinerary begins at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and follows by means of Blackwater Sound. Excursions run all day and dawn choices can be found.
In any other case, this daytime or sunset jet ski tour is a personal exercise for {couples} and teams. The route focuses on the very best locations in Key Largo for recognizing wildlife.
Discover Islamorada and the Higher Keys
Islamorada, the “Village of Islands,” is nearly a 20-minute drive from Key Largo. With so many cool actions, a day journey right here is likely one of the high issues to do in Key Largo. Beginning with a pit cease at among the finest Key Largo seashores on the best way, in fact!
Harry Harris Park has a sandy seashore, tidal swimming pool, playground, boat ramp, and picnic tables. It’s tempting to spend a complete day there, however you’re solely 5 minutes north of the Laura Quinn Wild Chook Sanctuary.
Hand-feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s is a basic — you purchase a bucket of small fish and feed them to the large tarpon within the water! Irrespective of the place you’re visiting within the Florida Keys, I feel this exercise is a should! It solely prices $2.50 to entry the dock and $5 for a bucket of feed. Be careful for the pelicans — they know you’re holding a bucket of scrumptious fish!
Robbie’s is an superior place for water actions and to eat, and one other good spot for a meal is Marker 88. This beachfront grill serves seafood and tiki cocktails with common dwell music. It fills up at sundown however has an amazing environment.
It solely takes an hour to tour the History of Diving Museum. It is a treasure trove of relics and tools tracing the evolution of underwater exploration and scuba diving for enjoyable.
Spherical off a day in Islamorada with a craft beer impressed by the native space at Florida Keys Brewing Company. The cheekily-named brews, dwell music, yard video games, and meals vans make this among the finest locations to hang around within the Keys. And don’t miss the encompassing galleries and studios which can be a part of the Morada Manner Arts District.
Learn Extra: 22 Fun Things to Do in Islamorada, Florida Keys
Take a day journey to Everglades Nationwide Park
For those who’re in Key Largo and you’ve got a automobile, you may simply add on a day journey to the Everglades National Park — the biggest tropical wilderness within the continental United States. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website, an Worldwide Biosphere Reserve, and a Wetland of Worldwide Significance.
The Everglades start a couple of 45-minute drive from Key Largo and prolong outward from there.
Probably the greatest methods of exploring the park’s mangroves and wetlands is by way of airboat. The Everglades National Park airboat tour and wildlife show is the most secure technique to search for alligators and crocodiles. This experience lasts 30-40 minutes and is totally narrated.
On high of the tour, you’ll have to pay an admission price of $30 per automobile/$15 per pedestrian for entry.
Take a day journey to Miami
It’d sound counterintuitive should you’re flying into Miami and driving straight all the way down to Key Largo, however hear me out! Key Largo is shut sufficient to Miami that I don’t assume it’s a waste to drive in for a day.
I like to recommend taking time to discover Miami’s coolest neighborhoods — Wynwood and South Seashore, which couldn’t be extra totally different.
Make buzzing South Seashore at Miami Seashore your vacation spot for the day should you’re a seashore bum. The sandy seashore is like nothing you’ll see within the Florida Keys — South Seashore is dwelling to the very best city seashores within the US, for my part! The sand is white and gentle, resulting in the proper turquoise water. South Seashore can be dwelling to a lot of neat deco structure.
Once you’re completed absorbing the solar, cease off at artsy Wynwood. The Brooklyn of Miami is a taking place spot flooded with murals, galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Decide up a flat white to go and lose your self on this gigantic out of doors artwork set up.
Drive time between Key Largo and Miami is round 90 minutes.
Take a day journey to Key West
Do you have to do a day journey to Key West from Key Largo? Truthfully, I feel it is best to spend at the very least a couple of days in Key West, as a result of it’s such a cool city with a lot to do!
However if in case you have a very long time in Key Largo — say, 5 days to every week — and also you don’t thoughts driving about two hours every approach, you may undoubtedly make a day journey to Key West work.
I like to recommend beginning early and coming again after sundown. My suggestions can be to go to one of many historic properties: both the Hemingway Home (with the six-toed cats!) or Truman’s Little White Home; spend time strolling down Duval Avenue and having fun with the merriment, and taking within the sundown celebration at Mallory Sq..
There are many different issues to do in Key West, from beach-hopping and boat rides to among the craziest festivals round (and I’ve been to among the finest, the Hemingway Lookalike Contest) — so I hope you come again for a for much longer journey!
How A lot Time to Spend in Key Largo
With two or three days, you may see all there’s to see in Key Largo, plus about of the points of interest in close by Islamorada, too. That’s should you’re planning a extra energetic journey with a busy itinerary.
Nonetheless, you possibly can simply spend every week or extra on this a part of the Florida Keys. The Keys are all about enjoyable and taking it gradual, and you’ll undoubtedly do this right here! There are tons of actions to fill your days with and it’s at all times good to have a day or two for having fun with downtime on the seashore.
An extended itinerary makes day journeys the Everglades, Miami, and/or Key West extra possible, as you gained’t really feel such as you’re lacking out on Key Largo itself.
How you can Get to Key Largo
Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA) is the gateway to Key Largo and the Florida Keys. It is a large, worldwide airport with a lot of flight choices and connections. From right here it takes about 90 minutes to drive to Key Largo. Buses operated by Greyhound and FlixBus run between the Intermodal Middle and Key Largo however solely within the morning.
Key West Worldwide Airport (EYW) is another choice, about two hours from Key Largo, though there are considerably fewer flight choices. For those who’re beginning or ending your journey in Key West, this is usually a good choice. Typically I fly into Miami and out of Key West.
Buses and Uber do function all through the Keys, however that is very a lot a driving vacation spot, and renting a automobile will make your life a lot simpler. Find deals on rental cars here.
The place to Keep in Key Largo
There are motels dotted alongside both facet of the Abroad Freeway all through Key Largo. For those who’re set on seashore time, it’s undoubtedly price reserving lodging with a personal seashore, as public seashores on the island are few and much between.
Luxurious: The Kona Kai Resort and Gallery is a dreamy adults-only property set amid a botanical backyard subsequent to mile marker 98. Tropical bungalows grant easy accessibility to the Florida Bay the place you may paddle, swim, and give up to attractive sunsets. I stayed right here and actually get pleasure from it!
Midrange: You’ll be able to convey the entire gang to the Atlantic Bay Resort in Tavernier and splurge on one of many beachfront suites or cottages. All of those have kitchen services and entry to the lodge’s personal seashore overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Funds: The Seafarer Key Largo Resort and Beach is the proper place to remain within the Keys on a funds. It’s mainly a motel however with the soothing sound of ocean waves changing the same old freeway rabble! Breakfast is on the home and there are free kayaks for friends.
Find deals on places to stay in Key Largo here.
Greatest Time to Go to Key Largo
Spring is the very best time to go to Key Largo (and the remainder of the Florida Keys). The winter solar frenzy peters off after the vacations with March, April, and Could providing delicate climate and inexpensive lodging plus fewer different vacationers hogging the pool.
Temperatures hover across the 70s and 80s and the humidity drops to bearable. Any rainfall will probably be quick and candy; use the excuse for a pre-sunset nap. And I feel this can be a excellent time for swimming within the water! Winter is usually a little on the chilly facet at instances.
The worst time to go to Key Largo is through the hurricane season. This season technically runs from June till November though tropical cyclones are most typical in September and October. I encourage you to keep away from the Keys throughout September and October, and should you get caught in a extreme storm, hearken to the authorities and do as they are saying.
Learn Extra: Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys
Is Key Largo Price It?
Completely, Key Largo is so price it! This is likely one of the finest spots in all the Florida Keys, and I feel any good Keys trip deserves a couple of days right here!
Go take your journey to Key Largo — or hopefully your entire archipelago of the Florida Keys. I really hope you get pleasure from your self!
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Have you ever been to Key Largo? What do you recommend? Share away!
