The Best Things To Do in the Florida Keys: Your Insider’s Guide
Are you looking to visit the Florida Keys, but you don’t know where to start? Look no further for your comprehensive guide to this tropical paradise.
The Florida Keys are a sun-drenched string of islands, scattered in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the Southern tip of Florida. Famous for boating, diving and fishing, the Keys are an idyllic haven, that boast a record number of sunny days. With the attitude of ‘come as you are’, the Florida Keys have a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it a great holiday destination to rest and recuperate, but the islands offer plenty for those with an appetite for adventure too.
Here is our list of Freedom favourite Florida Keys and activities, and everything you need to know before you visit.
Getting to the Florida Keys is simple, as there are several airports nearby. From the UK, you can fly directly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale, collecting your car from the airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Key West from many major U.S. cities, so you can pair a relaxing coastal getaway with an America city break.
The most popular way to visit is by taking a Florida Keys road trip. Driving U.S. Highway 1, from Key Largo to Key West, is revered as one of the most iconic road trips in the States. Cruise over the ocean, driving across the network of 42 bridges that make up the Overseas Highway.
If a road trip is not your cup of tea, opt for a resort holiday at one of our recommended Florida Keys hotels. Relax at your oceanside oasis, sampling a taste of laid-back island life. A Florida Keys cruise is a also great way to experience the Keys without a car.
With Florida and the Keys boasting an astonishing number of sunny days annually, there is not really a bad time to visit. However, certain times of year come with their own advantages. March to May is Spring in the Keys, which offers comfortable temperatures in the 20°Cs, as well as great conditions for watersports. From June to October, the weather becomes more unpredictable, with higher levels of humidity and rainfall, yet you can get the best prices on hotels in these months. The driest weather occurs from November to February, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities, and there is an exciting calendar of cultural events to enjoy.
Deciding Which Florida Keys to Visit
Map of the Florida Keys
The collection of islands is extensive… so which are the best of the Florida Keys to visit? Whilst many of the Keys’ hundreds of islands are uninhabited, there is a lot more to the Florida Keys than just Key West. Whilst Key West is famous for a reason, and definitely worth a visit, there are several islands that are often overlooked, but equally have lots to offer. Continue reading to discover our favourite Florida Keys and the best things to do.
Things to do in Key Largo
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
Key Largo is part of the Upper Keys, only a stone’s throw from Miami. It is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and is known as the ‘Diving Capital of the World’, offering incredible scuba diving and snorkelling due to its clear waters and spectacular coral reef. Key Largo is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting incredible ecosystems and wildlife.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – The park truly feels like an under water treasure trove, with incredible marine life and beautiful coral. The best way to explore the park is to dive right in, taking advantage of the many watersports on offer. Glass-bottom boat tours are particularly popular, offering visitors a unique view of one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Snorkelling and scuba diving is spectacular, with the chance to spot sea turtles and dolphins amongst the coral. If you’d prefer to stay above the water, opt for a kayak or paddleboard tour, traversing through the mangroves. Fishing is also permitted in some areas, or visitors can explore the nature trails.
Everglades National Park – Key Largo is also the perfect gateway to explore one of only two everglade habitats in the world. Home to numerous endangered species, including the Florida panther and the American crocodile, it is a fascinating subtropical wetland ecosystem. Explore on foot via the extensive network of trails and boardwalks, or take a boat tour, where your guide will teach you about the incredible wildlife that call the everglades home.
Harry HarrisBeach and Park – As the Keys are surrounded by coral reef, sandy beaches are few and far between. Harry Harris park offers a sandy beach and a protected swimming area, perfect for a relaxing, beachy afternoon. You can also take advantage of the picnic tables, public BBQs and sports fields.
Keys Chocolates and Ice Cream – Sample some delicious sweet treats, including the Keys’ speciality: Key Lime Pie.
Watersports – Take advantage of the many watersports available from Key Largo. Perhaps you fancy something exhilarating, like parasailing or jetskiing? Or hire a paddle board or snorkel to explore the Keys.
Located between Key Largo and Marathon, in the Upper Keys, Islamorada is a village of islands, famous for its fishing. Beyond being the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World’, however, Islamorada really does offer something for everyone, with a thriving arts scene, incredible food and drink and an interesting history.
Morada Way Arts & Cultural District – The 6 blocks of galleries and studios, restaurants and bars is a cultural delight! Sample some delicious local cuisine, or pick up a unique gift or souvenir. The local initiative channels arts and culture back into the community, investing in public infrastructure.
Islamorada Sandbar – The Islamorada Sandbar is well worth a day trip! Accessible by boat, kayak or paddleboard, you can relax on the idyllic white sands, or in the warm waters. Offering panoramic views of the Keys, it is no surprise that the sandbar soon attracts hauls of boats, quickly turning into a lively boat party. Bob about with a cold drink in hand, enjoying the views and the electric energy.
History of Diving Museum – Housing an impressive collection of artifacts, documents and photographs, learn about man’s attempts to explore under the sea, and the important role that the Florida Keys have played.
Florida Key Brewing Company – Take a tour of the microbrewery and sample some local beers. Kick back and relax in the artsy and colourful beer garden, and enjoy some lawn games, the mini beach and local live music.
Windley Key State Park – This fascinating State Park showcases fossilised coral reefs, known as Key Largo limestone. Visitors can learn about the site’s history, first being used as a Railroad, and then a quarry. Walk along the 8 foot tall quarry walls, and you can see cross sections of the ancient coral and the remnants of the site’s former uses.
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Things to do in Marathon
Sea Turtle on a Diving Trip, Marathon
Marathon is situated in the heart of the Florida Keys, and is made up of 13 islands, with a rich maritime history. Marathon is all about the water, boasting some incredible marine life and a whole host of water sports. The Middle Keys are the perfect place for a resort holiday, acting as a great base for exploring all the Keys, and Marathon is a worthwhile stop on a longer road trip.
Sombrero Beach – Regarded as one of the best beaches in the Keys, relax on its white sands, and take a dip in the warm waters. Try your hand at any of the watersports on offer, or sign up for a beach Yoga class.
Seven Mile Bridge – As you drive down to the Lower Keys, soak in spectacular views of the Keys, suspended over the ocean, on one of the longest segmental bridges in the world.
Turtle Hospital – Learn about these fascinating creatures, and the hospital’s critical conservation work. The hospital often hold public releases of the rehabilitated turtles, on Sombrero Beach, so you can watch the turtles scurry down the beach, back into the sea.
Diving and Snorkelling Trips – With coral reefs and shipwrecks littering the sea bed around Marathon, snorkelling and diving charters from the Middle Keys are particularly fascinating. Marvel at the coral and tropical fish, and you may even encounter sea turtles and dolphins.
Big Pine Key really is a nature lover’s dream. with fascinating wildlife and incredible scenery. Part of the Lower Keys, Big Pine Key is often overlooked, but it is well worth a visit for watersports, wildlife encounters, breathtaking views and relaxed local cuisine.
National Key Deer Refuge – The refuge spans 100 miles and it is home to numerous endangered species, including Key Deer. A subspecies of white-tailed deer, Key Deer are solely found on the Lower Keys. You can hike, bike or kayak through the reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife.
Bahia Honda State Park – Home to an abandoned railway bridge, Bahia Honda is beautiful. Explore its three beaches, or hike up to the top of the bridge for spectacular views over the Keys.
No Name Pub – A Pine Key landmark since the 1930s, No Name Pub is known for its food and service and its unique interior: walls and ceiling plastered with autographed dollar bills.
Kayak Tour – Perfect for beginners or seasoned paddlers, enjoy a tour with an expert to guide you through the fascinating ecosystems.
Things to do in Key West
Old Town Trolley Tour, Key West
The most famous of the Florida Keys, Key West has lots to offer.
Southernmost Point – Make sure to get a picture of the buoy at the Southernmost Point of the continental United States, only 90 miles from Cuba.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration – Every night, crowds flock to Mallory Square to watch live music and street performers, including jugglers and sword swallowers, putting on an evening of entertainment and festivities. Key West is famous for its sunsets, as the sky comes alive with spectacular colours over the Gulf of Mexico.
Sunset Cruise– Watch a famous Key West sunset from the water, aboard a catamaran. Enjoy live music, delicious appetizers and drinks as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.
Old Town Trolley – Explore Key West’s most famous sights with the insight of your expert conductor. With a day ticket, you are free to reboard the trolley as many times as you like, and you can take advantage of a complimentary walking tour as well.
Hemmingway House – Uncover the past of literary legend Ernest Hemingway at his home and museum, and learn about his fascinating history in the Florida Keys.
Key West Lighthouse – You can climb to the top of the Key West Lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waters.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour – Experience the Keys’ coral reefs from the comfort of a catamaran, learning about this fascinating ecosystem from your expert tour guides. From the viewing deck you can spot tropical fish, rays and maybe even sea turtles.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Catch the ferry from Key West to Dry Tortugas, a fascinating island with a historic fort. The island boasts incredible snorkelling and diving, take a seaplane ride over the island, or simply explore on foot.
Grace is part of the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations, having recently returned from 3 months backpacking around Australia. Her travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and Thailand so far, but her travel wish list is far from complete!
