Key Largo is the longest island within the Florida Keys archipelago. As probably the greatest locations to go to in Florida, it has that idyllic attract – with palm bushes, tiki bars, and coral reefs that may widen even essentially the most skilled diver’s eyes. Key Largo points of interest are principally associated to marine life and the underwater world. Nonetheless, there are additionally loads of historic and cultural issues to do in Key Largo. The Florida island is a hotspot for native artists and is enthusiastic about preserving its historical past.
Prime Issues to Do in Key Largo, Florida
This information will cowl the easiest issues to do in Key Largo. Key Largo is sure to tick many containers, from seashores to scenic street journeys. Let’s get began.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the primary underwater park within the US. The state park covers 70 sq. miles with stunning coral reefs and marine life galore. One unbelievable factor about Key Largo is how laborious it really works alongside the opposite Florida Keys to protect its underwater habitat. Whereas guests can get pleasure from John Pennekamp State Park, there are rules and restrictions on actions like fishing. The state park is a fantastic ode to Key Largo residents’ shut relationship with the ocean.
We advocate a glass backside boat tour, snorkeling tour, or scuba diving expertise to get pleasure from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to the fullest. We’ll cowl these actions individually because the state park is such an icon and attraction in its personal proper. However maintain them in thoughts as intelligent methods to get essentially the most out of this attraction. There’s additionally the Mangrove Nature Path, the place you’ll be able to admire the state park from an overwater boardwalk – greatest for these much less assured swimmers.
If you’re into snorkeling then that is the greatest tour to absorb Key Largo. You get to go to 2 completely different reef programs and it contains mainly every little thing. We extremely advocate it.
2. Scuba Diving
Contemplating Key Largo’s nickname of the ‘scuba diving capital of the world’, seeing this exercise in our information is hardly stunning. Probably the greatest issues we did in Key Largo was to get beneath the water and take a look at the marine life. We noticed sea turtles, manatees, and sharks and have been stunned to be taught that Key Largo additionally has the world’s largest synthetic dwelling coral reef – the USS Spiegel Grove wreck. Spiegel Grove is an enormous ship sunk in 2002 and is the world’s third largest deliberately sunk boat.
Apart from the USS Spiegel Grove wreck, scuba diving excursions go to Canon Patch Reef and John Pennekamp Coral Reed to expertise extra of the underwater world and sea life. Key Largo even has an underwater statue of Jesus Christ. Key Largo is the place to understand the perfect of the state’s underwater habitats.
3. Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary
Talking of underwater worlds, a enjoyable reality about Florida is that its house to the one coral barrier reef within the US. Florida Reef, which is within the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is an enormous reserve that’s house to a ton of mangroves, shipwrecks, and coral reefs. The famed Molasses Reef additionally lies throughout the sanctuary’s boundaries. The sanctuary is among the greatest Key Largo points of interest in case you fancy a day journey by boat.
You don’t must scuba dive to benefit from the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary. Simply seize your fins and snorkel as a result of you’ll be able to actually see every little thing from the floor. We advocate leaping on one of many many snorkeling excursions operating from the Florida Keys mainland. You’ll be able to spot every little thing from tiny sea urchins to massive lobsters, and you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two.
4. Harry Harris Seaside and Park
Harry Harris Park is a fantastic sheltered seaside. The park is a 10-minutes south of Key Largo by automotive, and it’s the good day journey for a peaceable seaside day. If you happen to really feel like a problem, you may as well bike to Harry Harris Park – it’s a 45-minute bike trip. With white sand and palm bushes, it’s that postcard model of Key Largo. However Harry Harris Park isn’t simply someplace to snap photos for social media; its shallow waters are family-friendly and ideally suited for the much less assured swimmer. Locals and handfuls of vacationers congregate on the seaside to swim, eat, and socialize.
Harry Harris Park has picnic areas, public barbeques, and sports activities services. Seize some elements and head all the way down to cook dinner up a storm. Tavernier is way much less busy than Key Largo. Visiting Harry Harris Park is definitely probably the greatest issues to do in Key Largo. It’s very good for simply stress-free and having fun with a seaside day. And who doesn’t want a calming day every so often?
5. African Queen Canal Cruise
One of the enjoyable issues to do in Key Largo is to cruise down the Port Largo canals. The Florida Keys are undoubtedly greatest skilled from the water. And what’s extra stress-free than crusing down the Port Largo canals to sightsee the attractive area?
The preferred cruise firm has a ship that has develop into a star. African Queen Canal Cruise makes use of a restored steamboat from 1912 featured within the movie ‘The African Queen’. This firm affords completely different cruise varieties, together with dinner cruises to the Pilot Home Marina. African Queen Canal Cruise operates from the Marina del Mar. Every day cruises run at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. You’ll be able to all the time request a personal dinner or lunch cruise if in case you have no less than 4 individuals.
6. Historical past of Diving Museum
What would the dive capital of the world be with no museum to commemorate its historical past? The Historical past of Diving Museum is among the weirdest and most fantastic issues to do in Key Largo. The attraction is completely devoted to the historical past behind diving – showcasing every little thing from relics and historical gear. The helmet assortment is essentially the most spectacular. It virtually seems like some nod to area journey and affords a much-needed perspective on scuba diving as a type of historic exploration.
Entrance costs are comparatively modest, at $15 for adults as of 2023. Youngsters, veterans, and present army get to enter totally free. On a wet day, you must make the Historical past of Diving Museum high of your to-do listing. There are only a few high-quality indoor actions in Key Largo, so maintain this one in thoughts.
7. Everglades Nationwide Park
Everglades Nationwide Park is among the most well-known nationwide parks within the US and a delegated world heritage website. Spanning a staggering 1.5 million acres of wetlands, the Everglades are most well-known for his or her mangroves and resident crocodiles. If you’re fortunate, you may as well spot leatherback sea turtles, dolphins, Florida panthers, and manatees. Everglades Nationwide Park is run by the animal kingdom – which is not possible to not love.
In Everglades Nationwide Park, you’ll be able to hike the Anhinga Path, take a ship or kayak trip, and even be a part of a ranger-led tour. And when it comes to reaching the Everglades from Key Largo, it’s a whole breeze by automotive. It’s only a 45-minute drive alongside the scenic overwater freeway and alongside the Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Space.
8. Key Largo Artwork Gallery
Key Largo Artwork Gallery is an absolute should for artwork fans. It affords a platform for native artists and a channel of tradition that balances out the island’s deal with ocean-related actions. The paintings comes from a set of round 30 native artists and has loads of vary. You’ll be able to browse the items on show. And if you’re feeling frivolous, you’ll be able to head to the ‘on the market’ part to deal with your self to some paintings. A ravishing sketch or portray is a beautiful memento from Key Largo.
Whereas there isn’t any official tour, Key Largo Artwork Gallery workers are rumored to be very educated. You must discover them completely happy to reply your questions and provides a superb perception into a few of the paintings.
9. Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart
Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart is run by a number of locals formidable about ocean conservation. The not-for-profit restores coral reefs and educates on the significance of the ocean. Its passionate volunteers fastidiously monitor coral reefs’ well being and support development the place needed. You’ll be able to go to the middle to be taught extra by reveals and academic lectures. It is among the most significant issues to do in Key Largo.
You probably have a bit longer in Key Largo, contemplate volunteering with the Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart. You’ll be able to assist partake in dive packages and perform scientific outreach actions. The work is massively rewarding and important for the survival of Key Largo’s reefs.
10. Florida Keys Wild Hen Rehabilitation Heart
Florida Keys Wild Hen Rehabilitation Heart is Key Largo’s nearest animal hospital. Positioned only a 10-minute drive away on the neighboring island of Tavernier, it’s a straightforward half-day exercise from Key Largo. And whereas the wild fowl hospital is simply too busy with wildlife emergencies to cater to guests, the adjoining sanctuary and rehabilitation middle welcomes visitors year-round.
Sadly, some birds by no means recuperate sufficient to be launched. These are saved in pure enclosures, and it falls to volunteers to ensure their each day enrichment. Different birds within the sanctuary and rehabilitation middle are ready to be match for launch. The spacious environment, filled with greenery, are the right place for birds to recuperate earlier than returning to the more difficult wilderness. Guests stroll alongside an enormous boardwalk and might take part in each day actions like pelican feeding.
11. Florida Keys Brewing Firm
Florida Keys Brewing Firm is an excellent microbrewery situated in Islamorada. The microbrewery is only a 25-minute drive away – or 45 minutes by bus in case you plan on consuming. Florida Keys Brewing Firm has a beer backyard, funky multi-colored decor, and brewery merch, and it’s canine pleasant. Actually, what extra may you ask for? It’s a far cry from the stiff-lipped breweries and distilleries you discover worldwide. Florida Keys Brewing Firm is wholeheartedly enjoyable, and visiting is among the greatest issues to do in Key Largo.
Guests, get able to pattern an enormous vary of craft beers on faucet. There may be tons to strive, from gentle and fruity IPAs to heavy darkish ales. Florida Keys Brewing Firm’s bartenders are all the time all the way down to information you thru the choices with their experience. It’s a enjoyable day trip, particularly for these considering brewing craft beer.
12. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a fantastic 2,421-acre park. The paths embody over 80 protected vegetation and animals – from wild cotton to crocodiles. The park is mountaineering and biking-friendly, so select your mode of exploration. A lot of the trails are paved, with only some rougher paths with uncovered tree roots and the odd stumble-sized rock.
Positioned within the middle of Key Largo, the park is simple to squeeze into your itinerary. It’s named after Dagny Johnson, a poignant environmental activist within the Florida Keys area. Visiting is a fantastic morning exercise. Attempt to get there early so that you beat the noon solar. And convey some binoculars for the perfect probabilities of wildlife sightings.
13. Fishing
Key Largo is much from simply someplace to fish; it’s a fisherman’s dream. Deep sea fishing is equally well-liked on Key Largo; you’ll be able to catch some monstrous-looking fish. Tarpon, sailfish, sea trout, and mahi mahi are all truthful recreation.
To get pleasure from fishing in Key Largo, head to a delegated fishing spot alongside the shore. Sure areas exist in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Lengthy Sound. Alternatively, you’ll be able to splash out on a deep-sea fishing tour. If you would like deep-sea fishing, follow the offshore season – November to March.
14. Glass Backside Boat Excursions
A glass-bottom boat tour is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Key Largo. The underside of the boat is completely clear, that means passengers get a front-row seat to the tropical fish and different stunning marine life. Even higher, you see all of the animals of their pure habitats – a way more moral encounter than an aquarium affords. Glass backside boat excursions are beautiful methods to expertise the underwater world with out swimming. As such, aged guests, kids, and non-swimmers will lap up this exercise in Key Largo.
These excursions are throughout Florida Bay, together with from Marina del Mar, however that is the one we advocate. It’s normally solely an hour or two’s lengthy expertise. Enable round half a day for a glass boat expertise, together with all of the embarking and disembarking.
15. Have A Drink At Cruisin’ Tikis
Cruisin’ Tikis is the best factor ever. This can be a bar that you just’ll bear in mind. The tiki bar is a tiny boat with a working bar within the middle and seating on the surface. You float alongside the water – partying, snapping photographs, and admiring the surroundings with a drink in hand. Overlook paying extortionate cash to hearken to dwell music on a personal seaside; Cruisin’ Tikis has an intimate and extra unique ambiance. Simply six passengers are allowed on Key Largo’s most particular vessel.
Mix sightseeing and completely happy hour by reserving an expertise at this tiki bar. Bar cruises final between an hour and two hours. And for an much more memorable expertise, reserve the bar for sundown.
16. Feed Tarpon
Keep in mind that Discovering Nemo quote, “Fish are buddies, not meals”? The Tarpon Feeding Deck in Key West permits you to channel the identical sentiment in actual life. Right here, locals and guests flock to feed the native tarpon. Tarpons know the rating, and teams of as much as 200 can hover across the deck at a time. These fish are big and typically attain 150 lbs – making feeding tarpon probably the most thrilling issues to do in Key Largo.
You’ll be able to feed tarpon most bait varieties. Purchase the bait whenever you attain Key West since it’s a 2-hour and 20-minute drive south from Key Largo. If you happen to plan to drive the size of the Florida Keys, plan to feed the tarpon on the finish. The feeding deck is true on the finish of the keys, however fortunately it’s a worthy street journey with loads of issues to do en route.
17. Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart
Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart is situated a 30-minute drive away from Key Largo on the island of Islamorada. So, what precisely makes it probably the greatest issues to do in Key Largo? Simple. The historical past and native info it supplies wholly justify a day journey. The middle whisks guests by reveals on every little thing from hurricanes to indigenous tradition and an aquarium. If you wish to go to Key Largo and perceive the island, Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart is your greatest exercise choice.
The middle makes use of basic reveals and artifacts. It additionally includes a movie show the place documentaries are performed on a schedule. Some discovery facilities may be so primary or bland that they make historical past off-putting. There isn’t a likelihood of this with Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart. The place is alive with its historical past and a unbelievable day trip – whether or not visiting as a household, or a single traveler.
18. Seaside Hop
When in Rome, like they are saying. And when on Key Largo, seaside hopping is a should. There are tons of gorgeous seashores in Key Largo. A number of the greatest embody Cannon Seaside, Far Seaside, and Harris Seaside and Park (which we talked about earlier). Key Largo’s expanse of white sand makes up a few of the island’s most luxurious pure wonders. Pack a seaside towel and loads of water and hit one of many seashores for a day of sunshine, sunbathing, and swimming.
Cannon Seaside is situated inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Far Seaside is close to mile marker 120, and Harris Seaside and State Park are in Tavernier. Harris Seaside is essentially the most family-friendly, with loads of sports activities services.
19. Dolphin Watching Tour
Dolphin watching is among the dreamiest experiences in Key Largo. You all the time bear in mind your first dolphin. And recognizing wild dolphins is among the most therapeutic and memorable experiences of a lifetime. The waters round Key Largo are teeming with wild dolphins. Our recommendation is to keep away from all of the dolphin encounters that contain maintaining dolphins in captivity and head out to the wild. As a substitute, head out on an moral boat trip.
Dolphin-watching excursions embark from all around the Florida Keys. Most excursions depart from Islamorada or Key West. It’s value touring the additional distance since Key Largo has quite a lot of unethical dolphin reveals that use animals saved in captivity. Plus, seeing a pod of wildlife dolphins is a lot extra thrilling because it has the aspect of suspense.
20. Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Quite than operating a zoo-like refuge, Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge runs solely for the good thing about the animals. This operations mannequin signifies that the refuge is closed to the general public. As a substitute, it runs day and night time to offer pure habitats for crocodiles and different native animals. The refuge is an enormous personal, protected land the place animals are assured peace.
Nonetheless, guests can go to the adjoining Group Butterfly Backyard. The specimen of butterflies is beautiful, and it is among the most enjoyable issues to do on the Florida Keys if you need a soothing exercise. You’ll be able to stroll amongst the colourful butterflies and flowers, lapping the pure magnificence. You probably have further time, you could possibly additionally volunteer on the Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. This is a superb option to expertise the habitats not open to the general public, and you could possibly do something from python patrol to habitat restoration.
21. Parasailing
Parasailing is among the hottest water sports activities, and it’s straightforward to see why. You’re launched off the again of a dashing boat, rising till BAM. You attain the rope’s finish and are suspended a whole lot of toes above the ocean. The panoramic views you get are unmatched. If you happen to thought Key Largo was stunning earlier than, wait till you see it from the sky.
Parasailing is among the greatest methods to get a vantage level of Key Largo and the Florida Keys. Additionally it is the right adrenaline rush for an journey seeker.
22. Cycle the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path
Earlier than leaving Key Largo, it’s essential to take a look at the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path. This beast of a mountaineering or biking path is 106 miles in size. It was as soon as an abroad railroad, however in January 2022, the path was reworked right into a route for walkers and cyclists. Utilizing the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path, you’ll be able to discover all of the islands on two wheels with no automotive. Is it a problem? Sure. Is it value it? Undoubtedly.
If you would like a scenic cycle trip however aren’t up for 106 miles, contemplate splitting the route into little sections. You would full the entire path in per week or spend an hour or two biking your part of selection. It has the potential to be leisure or sensible as nicely. Take your choose.
23. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a fantastic pure attraction on the neighboring island of Islamorada. Only a 20-minute drive away, the limestone quarry affords cross-sectional views of fossilized coral. Key Largo could be the diving capital of the world. However the historical past Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park encapsulates in its rocks is unmatched in ocean historical past.
Strolling round Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, you may have info boards describing scenes round you alongside the best way. This considerate contact means that you could take impartial excursions if you want. The mountaineering trails are straightforward to comply with, with a lot of important particulars. In any other case, you’ll be able to ebook one of many ranger-led excursions for some further path.
Issues To Do in Key Largo: FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the perfect issues to do in Key Largo, let’s take a look at some important FAQs. Listed here are all the main points you want earlier than you go to Key Largo.
How To Get To Key Largo
The best option to attain Key Largo is by airplane after which a rental automotive. You fly straight into Miami Worldwide Airport after which choose up a rental automotive from the airport. It’s an hour’s drive from the airport throughout the attractive Abroad Freeway. This route is fast and simple. Plus, you get the liberty to cease wherever you need alongside the best way – why not benefit from the drive?
In any other case, you’ll be able to catch a shuttle bus to Key Largo. Shuttles run from important departure locations like Miami and the worldwide airport. You would additionally street journey to Key Largo, relying on the place you depart. Key Largo is nicely mixed with different Florida points of interest like nationwide parks, barrier islands, and cities like Orlando and Tampa. This selection most accurately fits these with a lot of time and is an actual journey for these up for the problem.
Getting Round Key Largo
Getting round Key Largo requires a automotive. You need to use shuttles and taxis, however that may get costly and you’ll miss out on lots. We advocate renting a automotive both on the airport or reserving it beforehand.
If you’re nonetheless deciding whether or not to rent a automotive or spend cash on shuttles and taxis, contemplate getting a motorcycle rental. This selection is greatest suited to people who find themselves in form however value a strive if in case you have the stamina.
The Finest Time To Go to Key Largo
The very best time to go to Key Largo is March. March is filled with festivities, together with St Patrick’s Day and Conch Republic Independence Celebration. The climate is heat however not exhaustingly scorching, and it’s dry, so good for seaside hopping. On this space of Florida, December to April is the dry season.
For these on a funds, you could possibly go to in June, October, or November. These are throughout the hurricane season, so be aware of climate warnings. Nonetheless, these are the most affordable and hottest months to go to Key Largo. It’s one thing to think about if you’re pinching pennies and might prepare the journey responsibly.
Enjoyable Issues to Do in Key Largo Florida
By now, you’ll really feel impressed and filled with concepts for issues to do in Key Largo. The ‘diving capital of the world’ is full of issues, too, from recognizing crocodiles to snorkeling with manatees. Key Largo’s points of interest and actions are extremely fascinating for vacationers considering marine life. It’s ranked as an Worldwide Biosphere Reserve, formally recognizing its significance to the pure world.
If you’re questioning the place to remain within the Florida Keys, contemplate an underwater resort known as Jules Undersea Lodge. Company scuba dive to their rooms each day, and Jules Undersea Lodge is the one underwater resort within the US. If Jules Undersea Lodge sounds too restrictive, loads of trip leases exist for a self-catered lodging expertise.
By way of further inspiration, there are many day journeys that you could take to different islands within the Florida Keys. One of many foremost causes Key Largo is among the greatest locations to remain within the Florida Keys is that it’s ideally situated to discover different locations within the Keys. There are such a lot of issues to do in Islamorada and issues to do in Key West. Take pleasure in Key Largo’s greatest points of interest (and all its surrounding day journeys), and have an exquisite journey.
