best island to visit florida keys

Which Florida Keys island is best for you?

Dec 23, 2021 • 5 min read

Whether you're into art, culture and cutting loose or bumming on the beach, there's something in the Florida Keys for you © BROOK PIFER / Getty Images

No matter where you stay in the Florida Keys , you’ll feel a bit outside of normal USA time.

Throughout this chain of coral islands drifting south from the tip of the Florida panhandle, you'll find incredible things to do : lost-in-time dive bars and weather-worn marinas are interwoven with oceanfront views from five-star resorts and Michelin-star-worthy dining experiences.

While all of the Keys share a relaxed, easy energy – and an appealing blend of beauty and laid-back inelegance – each island maintains its own distinct character and it's easy to island hop. From the scuba paradise of Key Largo to the unapologetic eccentricity of Key West, whatever kind of vacation you’re looking for, you'll find it here. Here's a guide to the best islands in the Florida Keys.

Best for land and sea adventures

Key Largo , the biggest island in the Upper Keys, acts as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the archipelago. Water and land-based thrills here will meet the demands of even the most intrepid explorer; start the adventure at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , a 70-sq-mile tract of protected seaspace, teeming with marine life. Pennekamp is a scuba and snorkeler’s dream, boasting stunning coral reefs that can also be viewed on glass-bottomed boat tours. There's even an undersea statue of Jesus known as Christ of the Abyss, a 9ft-tall replica of the famous statue in Genoa, Italy.

Activities abound on land too, starting with the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park . This patch of wilderness was saved from developers and now, instead of condominiums, it’s home to one of America's largest West Indian tropical hardwood hammocks (the local term for areas of forest that form an ecological island, distinct from surrounding types of vegetation). Visitors can walk along nature trails surrounded by land that still feels wild and untamed, and the area is also open to cyclists. If you want to beat the heat on the trail, March to May might be the best time to visit.

Active types will also enjoy kayaking along the shores of Blackwater Sound and scanning the swampy forests for birdlife and American crocodiles at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge , a 6600-acre nature preserve in the northern part of Key Largo.

Best for fishing (and a bit of everything else)

Islamorada is widely known as the sportfishing capital of the world, and with the abundance of marinas and plentiful stocks of billfish and other desirable catches, it’s hard to argue with this moniker. The island has a well-developed scene for both backcountry and deep-sea fishing, but there are plenty other more unique draws.

Art lovers can gallery hop through the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District , a six-block stretch of downtown studded with studio spaces and galleries. Every third Thursday of the month, the district hosts an evening arts walk with live music and extended opening hours. For rest and relaxation, head to the white sands of Anne’s Beach , book a massage at Blu Bamboo Salon & Day Spa or just perch at the poolside in a luxury resort such as Cheeca Lodge or the Moorings Village .

Just offshore, Lignumvitae Key , a haven for native plants, provides a chance to experience the natural beauty of the islands. Bougainvillea, lignum vitae and hardwood hammock forests thrive in this undeveloped landscape, giving a hint at what the whole archipelago might have looked like hundreds of years ago.

Best for beach bums

Marathon’s main beach, known to locals as  Sombrero Beach , is one of the best in the Keys and a great free thing to do . Open to the public year-round, it’s sprinkled with some of the archipelago's finest sand and it's also a protected nesting ground for turtles. Sun-worshippers will find more fine sand at Coco Plum Beach , a smaller and more natural beach popular with windsurfers.

As the halfway point of the Keys, Marathon is also a great place to stay for travelers looking to explore more widely. Head north to Long Key State Park – one of the quieter preserves in the Keys – or drive south across the famed Seven Mile Bridge to adventures in Bahia Honda State Park or Key West.

Big Pine Key

Best for getting in touch with nature.

Nature nuts will not be disappointed by a trip to Big Pine Key. This sparsely populated island is mostly devoid of luxury and nightlife, especially as you move further away from US Route 1. But what Big Pine Key lacks in action it makes up for in tropical beauty.

The most famous wild space in the Lower Keys is Bahia Honda State Park , just east of Big Pine along the highway. You can swim, snorkel or kayak in the park’s turquoise waters before hiking up to one of the highest points in the Keys. Watch the sky burst into color as the sun sets, then stick around to gawk at the sparkling stars. The best view of all though is of the landmark Saddleback Bridge, a rusty remnant of Henry Flagler’s ill-fated Overseas Railway.

Big Pine Key is also home to the rare Key deer, a small, endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the archipelago. Wander the rambling trails of National Key Deer Refuge and stop at Blue Hole, the only freshwater lake in the entire Florida Keys – an unmatched place to see the diversity of local wildlife.

Best for art, culture and cutting loose

Key West , perhaps the most famous island in the Keys, is a sun-filled carnival and the closest thing to a proper city in the archipelago. For vacationers seeking parties that spill out into the streets, late-night wining and dining and epic drag shows, Key West is your best bet.

While its wild child reputation is well earned, there are many reasons to visit the southernmost Key beyond the rowdiness of Duval Street. Literary pilgrims flock to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum , where the famed writer lived from 1931 and 1939 (the cats that wander the grounds are descendants of Papa's six-toed kitten, Snow White).

Other worthy stops include Audubon House , where ornithologist John James Audubon produced some of his famous bird illustrations in the 1830s, and the Key West Historical Society , showcasing the rich history of the island. Take time for a stop at the Key West Pottery and Key West Island Books , a new and used bookstore with a great assortment of local titles.

You may also like: First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway How to get around the Florida Keys Top things to do in the Florida Keys

This article was first published Oct 19, 2021 and updated Dec 23, 2021.

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12 places you should visit in the florida keys.

Coral Restoration Ecotourism in the Florida Keys

By Dalia Colón

A road trip through the Florida Keys is its own reward: a 113-mile journey across islands with some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on. But amidst the topaz waters, diving pelicans and lush mangroves are a treasure trove of attractions that are educational, historical or just plain fun.

Here are a dozen of the best things to do in the Florida Keys, from top to bottom.

Two words: Underwater park. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the country… and the first place you should go when you arrive in the Florida Keys. There are endless ways to explore this aquatic attraction, including kayaking through the mangroves, snorkeling or scuba diving and setting out on a glass-bottom boat tour.

The African Queen Canal Cruise is another fun way to explore Key Largo. Hop aboard the famed vessel—yes, it’s the one made famous by the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn—and embark on a 90-minute sightseeing cruise departing from Marina del Mar. Dinner cruises are also available. 

Theater of the Sea combines the pizzazz of a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction.

Theater of the Sea combines the pizzazz of a marine park with the charm of a family-owned attraction. Watch a sea lion show, hold a parrot and enjoy a bottomless boat ride. The park’s animal interaction programs—including swimming with dolphins—are sure to make a splash. (See what we did there?)

Although your vacation may last only a few days or weeks, the history of the Keys dates back thousands of years. Get up to speed with a visit to the Keys History and Discovery Center , located on the grounds of the Islander Resort. In addition to rotating exhibits, the museum’s permanent collection of photos and memorabilia highlights the area’s Native American life, shipwrecks and more with photos, models and artifacts.

Love dolphins? Do a deep dive into the life of the aquatic mammals at the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key, near Marathon. Watch the dolphin and sea lion shows, chat with trainers and cool off at the sprayground. For next-level fun, enroll your tween or teen in Dolphin Camp, or splurge on a Fantasy Dolphin Day to live out all your swimming-with-dolphins dreams.

BIG PINE KEY

Secluded Bahia Honda State Park , located on Big Pine Key, is home to more than 150 species of rare flora and fauna. But its three unspoiled beaches aren’t only for the birds; they’re also a great place for shelling, geocaching, snorkeling and other low-key activities. The park is also sought after for camping, with accommodations ranging from primitive camp sites to glamping cabins.

There’s no shortage of animal encounters in the Keys. But for one of the most peculiar, you’ll have to visit the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. The endangered creatures stand no more than 32 inches tall and are found only in the lower Florida Keys, so hike, bike or kayak through the preserve and keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful creatures.

Pay your respects to one of Key West’s most legendary residents with a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . As you stroll through the gardens and pet the six-toed cats—descendants of the writer’s own pets—imagine the Nobel Prize winner working on manuscripts when he lived in the house during the most prolific decade of his career, the 1930s. In the bookstore and gift shop, take home a souvenir to serve as your own muse.

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located on Duval Street, but it’s about as far away from the famous thoroughfare’s excesses as you can get. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or you just need someplace to catch your breath, a few hours inside this glass-enclosed conservatory surrounded by butterflies and birds should do the trick.

When the sun goes down, the fun heats up at Mallory Square , home of Key West’s nightly sunset celebration. Jugglers, tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, buskers and other colorful characters put on a family-friendly show for your entertainment—and hopefully, for your generous tips.

Sure, it’s touristy. But no visit to Key West would be complete without a photo op at the Southernmost Point . The oversized buoy landmark represents the lowest spot on the map of the Continental United States.

DRY TORTUGAS

Just when you thought the Keys were as remote as you could get, there’s Dry Tortugas National Park . This conglomerate of islands 70 miles west of Key West is accessible only by boat or seaplane. But not to worry; even if you don’t have your own transportation, you can ride the Yankee Freedom ferry from Key West to Garden Key and still explore the park’s historic Fort Jefferson; snorkel, dive or swim in the clear waters; enjoy breathtaking birdwatching; and pitch your tent under the stars.

For more fun things to do in the Florida Keys, check out fla-keys.com .

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The Wild Trek

10 Best Florida Keys Islands + A Guide To Choosing An Island

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Today, let’s embark on a journey to the laid-back islands in the Florida Keys.

Get ready to immerse yourself in turquoise waters, sway to the rhythm of island life, and indulge in unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a sun seeker, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie looking to tantalize your taste buds, the Florida Keys islands have it all!

While the popular islands of Key West, Islamorada, Marathon, Key Largo, and the Dry Tortugas attract a significant amount of attention, the Florida Keys are also home to several lesser-known islands that offer really unique experiences.

Today, I’m going over the top 10 Florida Keys islands to visit and sharing what you can get out of each island.

Why Visit The Florida Keys?

There are just too many reasons to visit the Florida Keys. You can get a sliver of paradise and a true feel for island life right in the United States! Typically, the Florida Keys are cheaper than going to islands out of the country because they’re easier to get to.

And whether you’re looking for a romantic, tranquil vacation, an island nightlife experience, or to explore nature, there’s an island for everyone.

As the “ Dive Capital of the World, ” the Florida Keys offer exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. Explore a vast array of coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations.

The Florida Keys are home to a diverse range of marine life and wildlife. Encounter playful dolphins, graceful manatees, and a variety of bird species.

The Florida Keys islands are known for their laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. The island lifestyle encourages you to slow down, unwind, and embrace the easygoing pace of life. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail while watching a stunning sunset, listening to live music at a beachside bar, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride along scenic coastal roads, the Keys’ casual and friendly vibe will make you feel right at home. Honestly, this island vibe is my favorite part!

And with its subtropical climate, the Florida Keys enjoy year-round sunshine and warm temperatures. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a break from cold winters or looking to escape the daily grind any time of the year.

What Are The Most Popular Florida Keys Islands?

The most popular islands include:

1. Key West 2. Marathon 3. The Lower Keys 4. Islamorada 5. Key Largo

Each island has something unique and is suited to certain types of travelers. Today, I’ll go over all these Florida Keys islands as well as some lesser-known islands.

10. Islamorada

First things first, picture this: swaying palm trees, shimmering waters, and an inviting island breeze that immediately puts you in a vacation state of mind. Welcome to Islamorada , a hidden gem nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Florida Keys. Known as the “ Sport Fishing Capital of the World, ” this island paradise is all about tropical vibes, pristine beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.

Oh, the beaches of Islamorada! Sink your toes into the powdery sand and let the warm sun kiss your skin as you unwind on one of the many stunning beaches.

From the family-friendly Anne’s Beach to the secluded and picturesque Founders Park , there’s a spot for everyone to bask in the sun and soak up the island vibes. Islamorada certainly has some of the best beaches of all the islands in the Florida Keys!

In Islamorada, you can dive beneath the surface and discover a vibrant underwater wonderland teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and maybe even a friendly sea turtle or two.

Snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts will find their slice of paradise in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary , where each dive is like stepping into a mesmerizing painting brought to life.

Now, let’s talk about the reason why anglers from around the world flock to Islamorada. With its abundance of fish species, you’re in for an epic fishing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there are plenty of charter boats and guides ready to help you reel in the catch of a lifetime. And hey, don’t worry if you’re not into fishing – witnessing the excitement and camaraderie at the docks is an adventure in itself!

The island’s pace of life reflects its casual vibe. It’s a place where time slows down, and there’s no rush to be anywhere else. You’ll find yourself falling into the rhythm of island time, embracing a slower and more relaxed way of living.

The island is renowned for its fresh seafood , and you’ll find a plethora of waterfront restaurants in Islamorada serving up the catch of the day. From mouthwatering lobster rolls to succulent stone crab claws, your taste buds are in for a treat. And let’s not forget the quintessential beachside tiki bars, where you can sip on tropical concoctions while enjoying breathtaking sunset views. Cheers to that!

• All-around beach vacationers
• Fishing and water sport enthusiasts
• Nature lovers

9. Marathon

Known for its picture-perfect beaches, abundant marine life, and a laid-back island vibe, Marathon is the perfect destination for those seeking both thrilling adventures and blissful relaxation .

Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, this charming island offers a little slice of paradise for every type of traveler. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and an abundance of outdoor activities, Marathon is a haven for nature lovers, water enthusiasts, and sun seekers alike.

You’ll be mesmerized by Marathon’s sun-kissed beaches, where powdery sand meets crystal-clear waters . Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline of Sombrero Beach , a local favorite known for its calm waters and picture-perfect views. Set up your beach umbrella, relax under the swaying palm trees, and soak up the tropical ambiance.

For those seeking a little more adventure, Marathon has an array of watersports to get your adrenaline pumping . Hop on a kayak or paddleboard and explore the tranquil mangrove forests that line the coast. Snorkelers and scuba diving enthusiasts will be thrilled by the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try your hand at kiteboarding or jet skiing for an exhilarating experience you won’t soon forget!

Marathon offers more than just sun and sand. Take some time to explore the island’s unique attractions and hidden gems. Visit the Turtle Hospital and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. Explore the Curry Hammock State Park and discover its scenic trails and captivating wildlife. And don’t miss the chance to witness the iconic Seven Mile Bridge , a true marvel of engineering that stretches across turquoise waters.

When it’s time to unwind, Marathon has you covered . Whether you choose to book a soothing spa treatment, sway in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, enjoy a cocktail at one of the many beachfront restaurants , or simply enjoy a lazy day on the beach, relaxation is always within reach.

• Families who enjoy sightseeing/museums
• Outdoor enthusiasts (watersports, fishing, boating, etc.)
• Beachgoers and relaxation seekers:

8. Big Pine Key

Located just a short distance from Key West, Big Pine Key is a nature lover’s paradise. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, where you can spot the endangered Key deer, a species found only in this region. Explore the nature trails , kayak through the mangroves, and bask in the tranquility of the secluded beaches.

Prepare to be enchanted by the untouched beauty of Big Pine Key. As you explore the island, you’ll be greeted by lush vegetation, towering pine trees, and stunning vistas at every turn.

Big Pine Key is famous for its adorable and endangered Key deer , and getting a glimpse of these gentle creatures is an experience like no other. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the island, as you might spot these miniature deer gracefully wandering through the forest or nibbling on foliage.

Adventure awaits around every corner on Big Pine Key, catering to those seeking an active and thrilling experience in nature’s playground. Here are a few activities to get your heart pumping:

• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Snorkeling and diving
• Fishing and boating

Big Pine Key is a close-knit community, and its friendly locals are always happy to share their love for the island with visitors . Explore the local shops, restaurants, and markets to experience the island’s warm hospitality and discover unique treasures crafted by talented artisans.

• Nature enthusiasts
• Eco-adventurers
• Seclusion seekers

7. Dry Tortugas

For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, a trip to the Dry Tortugas is a must. Located approximately 70 miles west of Key West , this remote cluster of islands is home to the majestic Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Snorkelers and divers will be rewarded with an abundance of marine life and the opportunity to explore the vibrant coral reefs.

As you step foot on Dry Tortugas, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tropical paradise that’s a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The island’s pristine beaches, clear waters, and unspoiled landscapes create a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure.

At the heart of Dry Tortugas lies the iconic Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century coastal fortress shrouded in history. The views from atop the fort are simply spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the ocean and the picturesque island.

If you’re a diver then you’re in luck. Snorkelers and scuba diving enthusiasts will be treated to an underwater paradise teeming with colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and fascinating sea creatures.

Keep in mind that Dry Tortugas is a day trip  only from Key West. You can either take a boat or fly.

• History and culture enthusiasts
• Snorkelers and divers
• Adventure seekers

6. Indian Key

Steeped in history and surrounded by clear turquoise waters, Indian Key is a small island with a fascinating past . Once a bustling community in the 19th century, it is now an uninhabited state park accessible only by boat. Explore the remains of the historic village, snorkel around the coral reefs, and soak up the island’s intriguing history.

As you step foot on Indian Key, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to a bygone era. This historic island was once a bustling community in the 19th century, and remnants of its past can still be explored.

Indian Key is not just a place of historical significance; it also boasts breathtaking natural beauty that will leave you in awe. As you wander through the island’s trails, you’ll encounter lush vegetation, towering palm trees, and panoramic views of the surrounding waters.

The adventure doesn’t end with history and natural beauty— Indian Key also offers thrilling opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking . If you prefer to explore from above the water’s surface, hop into a kayak and paddle your way around the island. Glide through mangrove forests, marvel at the coastal scenery, and let the gentle rhythm of the water carry you along.

• History buffs
• Snorkelers and kayakers

5. Key Largo

Known as the “Dive Capital of the World,” Key Largo offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and laid-back vibes.

From vibrant coral reefs to picturesque sunsets, this island paradise has something for everyone. It’s one of the go-to islands in the Florida Keys because it offers so much!

Considered the gateway to the Florida Keys, Key Largo is famous for its underwater wonders. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , the first underwater park in the United States, is a haven for snorkelers and scuba divers. Dive into a vibrant world of colorful corals, tropical fish, and even the mesmerizing Christ of the Abyss, an underwater statue.

For nature enthusiasts, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center provides a chance to get up close and personal with local bird species and learn about their conservation efforts. Explore the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary , home to diverse ecosystems that include seagrass beds, mangrove islands, and coral reefs.

Set sail on a catamaran or hop aboard a kayak to explore the island’s calm bays and winding waterways. Try your hand at paddleboarding, jet skiing, or parasailing for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Fishing enthusiasts will find their paradise in Key Largo, with opportunities to catch everything from bonefish to marlin.

From water sports to fishing and super fresh seafood restaurants on the water, Marathon is the perfect place for adventure enthusiasts.

• Divers and snorkelers
• Eco-tourists
• Outdoor enthusiasts

4. Little Torch Key

Nestled between Big Pine Key and Ramrod Key, Little Torch Key is a small, quiet island that offers a serene getaway. This island is known for its pristine waters and picturesque views. Visit the beautiful beach at Bahia Honda State Park , indulge in some world-class fishing, or simply unwind in a hammock and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

As you step onto the island, you’ll be greeted by stunning vistas of crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lush tropical vegetation. The island’s natural beauty extends beyond the beaches, as it is surrounded by the magnificent Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge .

Little Torch Key offers a myriad of water activities for adventure enthusiasts and those looking to relax by the sea. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm and pristine waters, gliding through the mangrove-lined canals and discovering hidden coves. Or embark on a fishing excursion and cast your line into the abundant fishing grounds that surround the island.

Little Torch Key is a perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic retreat or anyone looking for a secluded getaway . Indulge in candlelit dinners by the water, take a moonlit stroll along the beach, or embark on a sunset cruise, where the sky transforms into a canvas of breathtaking colors.

While Little Torch Key may be a small island, it still boasts a variety of dining options . Treat yourself to a waterfront dining experience, where you can relish the flavors while enjoying stunning sunset views, and don’t skip the fresh seafood!

• Romantic getaways
• Artists and creatives

3. Cudjoe Key

Situated between Summerland Key and Sugarloaf Key, Cudjoe Key is a hidden gem that boasts a laid-back ambiance and a thriving art scene. Explore the local art galleries and studios, enjoy watersports such as kayaking or paddleboarding in the calm waters, or simply relax on the secluded beaches. Don’t miss the chance to savor fresh seafood at the local waterfront restaurants.

As you step onto the shores of Cudjoe Key, you’ll immediately feel a sense of tranquility washing over you. This small, unspoiled island is the epitome of a peaceful retreat.

Cudjoe Key’s natural wonders are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers . Grab a kayak or paddleboard and venture through the calm waters, exploring the intricate mangrove forests that line the coast. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins or curious manatees gracefully gliding through the water.

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Cudjoe Key’s proximity to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and the backcountry waters of the Lower Keys offers ample opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and encounters with vibrant marine life.

• Art and culture aficionados
• Secluded vacation lovers

2. Long Key

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Long Key offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts. This island is home to Long Key State Park , which features beautiful nature trails and an idyllic beach. Go birdwatching, snorkel along the shoreline, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the scenic trails to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.

The park boasts nature trails that wind through lush mangroves and coastal hammocks, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

For those seeking a touch of adventure, Long Key provides an array of outdoor activities to enjoy . Launch a kayak or paddleboard into the calm waters and glide along the shoreline, exploring hidden coves and embracing the serenity of the mangrove-fringed channels.

Nature enthusiasts can venture into the backcountry , where the island’s abundant wildlife awaits. Embark on a guided eco-tour to explore the diverse ecosystems, spot marine life, and learn about the fragile balance that sustains the natural wonders of Long Key.

Long Key is famous for its awe-inspiring sunsets , and you won’t want to miss the nightly spectacle. Find a comfortable spot on the beach, settle in with a refreshing drink, and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vivid colors.

Whether you’re basking in the beauty of the coastline, exploring the island’s diverse ecosystems, or simply finding solace in the tranquility of the surroundings, Long Key offers an idyllic escape from the pressures of everyday life.

• Beach lovers
• Tranquil vacation seekers

1. Key West

No exploration of the Florida Keys is complete without a visit to Key West , the southernmost point in the continental United States .

Known for its vibrant culture and artistic spirit, Key West boasts stunning sunsets, historic architecture, and a lively nightlife scene on Duval Street .

Don’t miss the chance to visit Ernest Hemingway’s former residence and the famous Key West Lighthouse. In fact, there are tons of really cool historical sites to visit in Key West, making it one of the best Florida Keys islands for sightseeing enthusiasts. And you can do all of it while carrying a drink!

Stroll along Duval Street , the bustling heart of Key West, and explore the vibrant shops, art galleries, and historic sites that line the way . Make a stop at the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy , where you can take a memorable photo at the southernmost tip of the continental United States. Key West really is one of the most lively places in the country!

Key West is a melting pot of cultures, and its diverse heritage is reflected in its vibrant arts and music scene. As the sun sets, Mallory Square comes alive with street performers, artists, and musicians, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

But Key West’s natural beauty is a sight to behold, too. Spend a day at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park , where you can snorkel among colorful coral reefs, or explore nature trails through tropical foliage. While Key West isn’t one of the Florida Keys islands known for its beaches, there are plenty of water activities to do that don’t include laying in the sand.

Overall, I recommend Key West if you’re someone who  doesn’t want to sit still on vacation. You’ll get the island vibe and plenty of energy but can also check out historical sites or get up-close-and-personal with the Florida Keys island wildlife.

• Night-life seekers
• History and culture buffs
• Anyone who wants a busier, more active vacation filled with sightseeing
• Art and music lovers

Hopefully, this post gave you plenty of ideas for your Florida Keys island trip!

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FAQs About The Florida Keys Islands:

What time of year is best to visit.

The Florida Keys have a subtropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and mild winters. The peak tourist season runs from December to April when the weather is typically sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (20s to 30s Celsius). This is a popular time for outdoor activities, snorkeling, and diving.

The months of May to November constitute the off-peak season in the Florida Keys. During this time, you may encounter more rainfall and higher humidity due to the region’s tropical climate. However, the prices tend to be lower, and the islands are less crowded. If you don’t mind occasional rain showers and want to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere, the off-peak season can be an excellent time to visit.

However, the Florida Keys islands host various events and festivals throughout the year. Key West’s Fantasy Fest, Marathon’s Seafood Festival, and the Key Largo Original Music Festival are just a few examples. Consider checking the event calendar to plan your visit around any specific festivals or activities that interest you.

The Florida Keys are renowned for their fishing opportunities. Consider the fishing seasons when planning your trip, as different fish species are more abundant during specific times of the year. Additionally, the highly anticipated lobster mini-season in late July and regular lobster season from August to March attract many divers and snorkelers seeking delicious spiny lobsters.

the Florida Keys are a year-round destination, each season offering its own charm.

If you prefer warm and dry weather with fewer crowds, the peak season from December to April is ideal. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly trip and don’t mind occasional rain showers, the off-peak season from May to November can be a great choice.

What Florida Keys Islands Have The Best Beaches?

The Florida Keys are home to several islands with beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm.

Marathon : Sombrero Beach , situated in Marathon, is a stunning public beach with pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It offers fantastic swimming conditions, a playground for children, and picnic areas for a leisurely beachside meal. Coco Plum Beach , a lesser-known gem, is a quiet and secluded beach with soft sands and shallow waters perfect for wading.

Islamorada : Anne’s Beach in Islamorada is a local favorite, known for its tranquil and shallow waters. It features a boardwalk that winds through the mangroves, offering scenic views and opportunities for birdwatching. Founders Park Beach , also in Islamorada, provides a family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters, a sandy beach, and amenities like picnic areas and a playground.

Key Largo : John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo not only offers exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities but also features Cannon Beach. This beach provides a unique experience, with artificial cannons and a reconstructed Spanish shipwreck to explore. It’s a great spot for beachcombing and picnicking.

Bahia Honda Key : Bahia Honda State Park, located on Bahia Honda Key, boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in the Florida Keys. With its clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and swaying palm trees, it offers a true tropical paradise. Calusa Beach and Sandspur Beach are popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Which Florida Keys Islands Have The Best Nightlife?

By far, the answer to this question is Key West. But here are more specific details about the nightlife you’ll find in the islands in Key West!

Duval Street, Key West : Duval Street is the heart of Key West’s nightlife. This iconic street is lined with bars, clubs, live music venues, and restaurants, making it a bustling hub of activity. From famous establishments like Sloppy Joe’s and Irish Kevin’s to intimate cocktail lounges and dance clubs, Duval Street offers a diverse range of options for an unforgettable night out.

Mallory Square, Key West : While Mallory Square is known for its nightly sunset celebration, the area also offers lively entertainment after dark. Street performers, artists, and musicians entertain visitors as they explore the waterfront promenade. Enjoy live music, browse local shops, and indulge in delicious food and drinks at the various establishments surrounding Mallory Square.

Key Largo : Although Key Largo is more renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, it still offers a few nightlife options. Enjoy waterfront dining and live music at some of the local bars and restaurants. While the nightlife in Key Largo may not be as bustling as Key West, it provides a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

Islamorada : Islamorada offers a more laid-back and intimate nightlife experience compared to Key West. Enjoy live music at waterfront tiki bars and restaurants while savoring fresh seafood. The ambiance is perfect for those seeking a more low-key evening with scenic views and live entertainment.

Marathon : Marathon offers a range of dining options and waterfront bars where you can unwind with drinks and enjoy live music. While it may not have the same level of nightlife as Key West, Marathon provides a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a casual night out.

What’s The Best Way To Get To The Florida Keys?

Driving: If at ALL possible, I recommend driving to the Florida Keys islands. The drive is just insanely beautiful! We like to rent a convertible to get the full experience (they’re surprisingly cheap and common in Florida). The Overseas Highway (U.S. Highway 1) connects the mainland with the Keys, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. The drive from Miami to Key West takes approximately three to four hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavier during peak travel periods, so plan accordingly. It’s basically one road all the way down!

Flying: If you’re traveling from a distant location, flying to one of the nearby airports is a convenient option. The main airports serving the Florida Keys are Key West International Airport (EYW), located in Key West, and Miami International Airport (MIA), located in Miami. If you choose to fly into Miami, you can then rent a car and drive through the Keys.

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Key West & Florida Keys Islands Bucket List: 45 BEST Things to Do

Where else can you find warm ocean water, breathtaking state parks, acres of mangroves, killer sunsets that draw crowds and arguably the best key lime pie in the world? The Florida Keys islands are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country with an abundance of adventurous, historical and yummy things to do.

It’s possible to fly right into the most talked about city of Key West, but the best way to fully experience ‘The Keys’ is a road-trip from Key Largo all the way down to southernmost point of Key West (like I did!). This way you will have the flexibility to make pitstops along the way and check off your Florida Keys bucket list .

Top Attractions, Fun Activities & Best Things to Do in Key West (and the Florida Keys Islands)

KEY LARGO What to See, Do & Eat in Key Largo

1. ✧ paddle board the mangroves at john pennekamp coral reef state park.

Located in Key Largo, this excitingly serene park extends three miles into the ocean and has coral reefs, seagrass swamps and mangroves within its confines. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is home to a flurry of activities and attractions that are excellent for adults and children alike—From glass bottom boat rides to sunbathing at the beach, snorkeling and kayaking. I should also mention that it is home to the Nation’s first underwater park!

If you visit with the mind for adventure, then you should rent a kayak or paddle board and go exploring through the mangroves. There are many little water paths that meander through these dense forest like mangroves. Keep an eye out for underwater life and the gorgeous birds that call the Florida Keys park home!

2. ✦ Take a Ride on the African Queen

Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn made the African Queen steamboat famous when they starred in the 1951 movie by the same name that was filmed in Uganda.

From then on, the African Queen, docked at the Marina Del Mar marina has become home to relaxing canal cruises in Key Largo and romantic dinner cruises as well. You can even ask the Captain for a turn at the helm while underway the one and a half hour cruise. I did!

3. ✧ Spend the night at Jules Undersea Lodge

The Jules Undersea Lodge is true to its name, it really is underwater—you actually have to dive 21 feet below the surface to enter! How’s that for bucket list worthy? You can choose to stay for just a few hours or be more adventurous and stay overnight. Don’t worry though, there are all the modern amenities. Plus, you can cozy up with a book or movie and watch the fish go by through the large round windows.

4. ✧ Visit the Wild Bird Sanctuary in Key Largo

The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary which is only a few minutes’ walk from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park really should be on the bucket list for bird lovers. In fact, even if you are not as enthusiastic about birds, you might find a tour of this sanctuary illuminating.

There is no official charge to get in but you are politely requested to donate whatever you can; these monies all go to the care of wounded wild birds within the sanctuary (so a very good cause!). Within the aviaries you will see owls, pelicans, hawks and a wide variety of other wild birds that are majestic and unique to say the least.

WHERE TO STAY IN KEY LARGO: The 14.5 beachfront acres of Playa Largo Resort and Spa is a luxury oasis in Key Largo. There you can eat dockside, take a dip in the freshwater pool or enjoy a glass of wine by the fire pit. Or stay at the Kona Kai Resort , a hidden treasure.

WHERE TO EAT IN KEY LARGO: You won’t go hungry in Key Largo, there are plenty of great restaurants. Eat the coconut cake at  Buzzards Roost , hit up Skipper’s Dockside for an outdoor lunch and the Fish House for dinner, plus don’t forget to get the key lime martini at Sundowners .

ISLAMORADA What to See, Do & Eat in Islamorada

5. ✧ take a jetpack, hoverboard or flyboard ride .

Get the ultimate adrenaline thrill by taking to the water with Jetpack Adventures . You can choose from a jetpack that hangs on your back and propels you into the air or a hoverboard that’ll do the same on while stuck to your feet like a snowboard. But for the best fun try what I did (pictured below) and get some air on a flyboard. It’s not as easy as it looks!

6. ✦ Shop at the Rain Barrel Artisans Village

Ah, what would the Florida Keys be without a unique shopping experience?! The first thing you will notice about the Rain Barrel Artisans Village is the 40-foot-long lobster named Betsy that will lure you in for an unforgettable photo-op off the Overseas Highway. Once you stop, you can’t leave without at least browsing through the stalls.

The artisans in this village are experts who create sculptures, paintings, collages, jewelry, home decor and almost every other type of accessories in such creative ways that you will definitely find something worth buying.

7. ✧ Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina

In Islamorada of the Florida Keys, there is a place called Robbie’s Marina where you can feed tarpon! These bony salt-water fish have a ‘strong’ smell, but as long as you are not looking to eat them then that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. They gather by the dozens at Robbie’s Marina waiting for you to feed them fish snacks which is a pretty exhilarating thing to do considering some of these fish have mouths almost as big as a five-gallon bucket.

8. ✧ Visit the History of Diving Museum

If you are a scuba diver, then definitely don’t miss a stop at the History of Diving Museum . With contributions from more than 30 countries, the museum has the world’s largest collection of armored suits, diving helmets and other diving accessories.

9. ✦ Drink the Local Beer

You will find the Florida Keys Brewing Company’s beer all over the Keys, but why not get it straight from the source at in Islamorada?   The breweries new beer garden has 20 of their own brews on tap, plus Mead and house brewed Kambucha. Try their 10-beer sampler to find your favorite.

10. ✦ Stroll the Third Thursday Art Walk

Time your beer visit (see above) correctly and you can stroll through the Morada Way Artwalks . Every third Thursday of the month the Morada Way Arts District hosts an outdoor walk where talented artisans set up booths along the street. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenir jewelry, handmade candles or paintings. The event happens to be right next to the Florida Keys Brewing Co., so stop in and get a beer, then do some shopping.

MID-LOWER KEYS What to See, Do and Eat in Mid-Lower Keys

11. ✧ get a hogfish sandwich on stock island.

When in Key West, do like the Key Westians do and head over to The Hogfish Bar and Grill on Stock Island! This is a favorite among locals, so you know it’s for real. All of the seafood they serve comes straight from the fishing boats you can watch come in and out of the port while you dine.

As you might be able to guess from the name, their signature dish is the scallop-like flavored Hogfish! Specifically their One and Only, World Famous Killer Hogfish Sandwich . This specialty of the house is served fried and smothered with Swiss Cheese, Onions, and Mushrooms between two slices of fresh Cuban bread. Yum!

There’s plenty of other delicious fresh seafood on the menu, as well as Southern and Caribbean favorites!

12. ✦ Get the Lobster Reuben at Keys Fisheries

Make a delicious pitstop at Keys Fisheries for their famous Lobster Reuben. This sandwich is a take on the classic: slathered in Thousand Island dressing, filled with tangy sauerkraut, topped with melted Swiss and put in-between some crunchy buttered bread. The exception is that the cured pastrami is substituted with fresh lobster. Yes, please!

The sign at the order window counts how many rueben’s have been sold, proving how popular this sandwich is. It was at 288,926 when I was there. Wow!  Side note: They don’t ask for your name when you order at the counter, they ask a question, like “what’s your favorite animal”—of course I said puppies.

Warning—The Lobster Reuben is huge, enough to feed two!

13. ✧ Visit the Turtle Hospital

Who doesn’t love turtles? Unfortunately, some turtles can get injured or sick. But, the good news is The Turtle Hospital is here to help! It’s a nonprofit organization that’s been helping to rehabilitate sea turtles and educate the public on how to be better friends to the little guys since 1986!

The Turtle Hospital also offers guided educational experiences that last about 90 minutes. You’ll start your visit off by viewing a presentation about sea turtles before going on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities and rehabilitation area. At the end of the tour, you’ll even be able to feed the center’s permanent residents.

14. ✦ Visit the Dolphin Research Center

Established in 1984, this is one of the most unique research centers in the Florida Keys, and possibly all of Florida. More than half the sea lions and bottlenose dolphins found in the Dolphin Research Center were born here, others are rescues who were deemed non-releasable by the government.

If you are keen on interacting with dolphins as they do in the movies (some of the stars from the movie Flipper were actually from here!), this is your chance. There are interactive classes that the public can participate in; believe me, you want to participate in these classes. The dolphins are friendly, mischievous and all-around fun to play with in the water.

Take note that for the Dolphin Research Center is is all about the dolphins. If they’re not interested in doing something they don’t have to do it. They never withhold food, it is all voluntary.

15. ✧ Get a Beer at No Name Pub in Big Pine Key

If you’re looking for that old Florida Keys atmosphere and some great food and drinks, No Name Pub is the place for you! It started out as a general store and bait and tackle shop in 1931, but in 1936 the owners added a small room and started serving food. By the 1950s, the bait and tackle shop closed and the pub became the entirety of the business.

You can stop in to just relax and have a drink at the end of the day, or try some of their delicious food! We recommend the homemade fish dip, made from fresh yellowfin tuna that they marinate and smoke in house daily, or one of the gourmet pub pizzas!

16. ✧ Walk the White Sand Beach at Bahia Honda State Park

We know the reason you came to the Florida Keys is to soak up that sun, surf, and sand. Well, we can’t think of a more perfect location than Bahia Honda State Park ! The park covers over 500 acres and features not one, but two award-winning beaches: Calusa Beach and Sandspur Beach. You can also take a drive along the historic Bahia Honda Bridge, plus the park features some of the best snorkeling and beach-combing in Florida.

17. ✦ Cruise the Seven-Mile Bridge

The 7-mile long bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world. The scenic stretch connects the Middle Keys to the lower Florida Keys and has beautiful seaside views along the way. If you are doing a road trip from Key Largo to Key West you’ll definitely be driving across it!

KEY WEST What to See, Do and Eat in Key West

18. ✧ listen to live music at the green parrot.

As their website says: “ The Green Parrot is more than a bar; it is a Key West icon!” It started out as a corner grocery store but became a bar in the 40s. Originally called the Brown Derby Bar, it was a popular hangout for the submarine sailors during World War II, but came under new ownership in the 70s when the Navy moved out the hippies moved in. It’s been the Green Parrot ever since!

Best of all, the Parrot has live music every night! From touring musicians to local artists, there’s always something going on, so if you’re a music lover this is a must-do while you’re in Key West. They even host periodic Ukelele Nights! You’ll also enjoy the bar’s signature decor pieces, like “The Smirk” that adorns the shutter door or the custom “No Snivelling” sign!

19. ✦ Walk Inside the Ernest Hemingway House

Ernest Hemingway and his wife Pauline fell in love with the Florida Keys way back in 1931 (I can see why!). When he finished his semi-autobiographical novel titled: A Farewell to Arms, they decided to make this their home. It is this charming house that is now a major tourist attraction in Key West. The grand Southern exterior of the house protects his eclectic collection of furniture, art and other accessories while the grounds act as a haven for wildlife, plants and quite a number of cats.

The Hemingway influence is also big in Cuba and some other of his points of interest at on my Havana things to do list.

20. ✧ See a Show at the Red Barn Theater

If you’re a theatre lover, you don’t need to travel to New York to get your fix for live performance—Key West is your place. Destination Hyatt magazine even describes the work produced at the Red Barn Theater as “Broadway caliber”!

The building began its life as a carriage house before the Key West Community Players transformed it into a performance space in the 1940s. In the 80s it became incorporated under the Red Barn Actor’s Studio, Inc and has been committed to putting on the best performances in South Florida ever since!

21. ✧ Take the Old Town Literary Walking Tour

Because even bookworms like to go on adventures too! If you have a love of literature and are planning a trip to the Florida Keys, this tour run by the Key West Literary Seminar is one of the best things to do in Key West! You’ll get to visit the homes and haunts of writers who have called Key West home, including Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, and Shel Silverstein!

You’ll even get to learn about some lesser-known local talents and add some new titles to your “to be read” pile!

22. ✧ Eat Conch Fritters  at BO’s Fish Wagon

So much fresh seafood, so little time! If you need help narrowing down where to get the best grub in the Keys, we recommend trying some of local legend Bobby Owen’s specialties! They’re so good, even Bobby Flay and the Food Network camera crew dropped by to try them out!

BO’s Fish Wagon started out as a wagon but has since ditched its wheels to become an open-air shack. Don’t worry, there’s no shirt or shoes required, so you can come right off the beach and grab some delicious food. Make sure to try the cracked conch sandwich with Key Lime mayo!

23. ✦ Catch the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square

You cannot visit the ‘Home of the Sunset’ without actually taking the time to find out why they call it that and what makes the sunsets here so special. Geographically, this is the southernmost end of the United States and at the Mallory Square sunset celebration in Key West is the perfect place to sit, sip a few cocktails and enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets you will ever see.

As you watch the sun majestically sink into the Gulf of Mexico, there will be performers, artists and an assortment of food vendors assembling to ensure that you evening is one that your will not soon forget. Don’t miss Dominique’s Cat Circus !

You can also see this spectacular sky in a more unique way take the Sunset Party Cruise by Catamaran !

24. ✧ See a Drag Show 

Key West might seem like a quaint, old fashioned beach community on the surface but don’t be fooled: it has a thriving nightlife as well! If you want to experience some of this booming nightlife, then you must check out the Key’s drag queen scene. Here are three different top locations to choose from:

• Aqua has a performance of their show “Reality is a Drag” Sunday through Wednesday at 8 pm, plus two shows at 7 an 9 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. They also feature a full bar and offer karaoke!
• If you’re looking for something a little more raunchy and guaranteed to make you cry with laughter, 801 Bourbon Bar is the place for you! They have shows every day at 9 and 11 pm and have Drag Bingo every Sunday night.
• If you’re looking for something slightly more laid back, check out La Te Da , where top-quality performers Christopher Peterson and Randy Roberts perform a cabaret show a few times a week. They’re known for their spot-on impersonations of queer icons like Liza Minelli and Cher!

25. ✧ Stay at the Southernmost House

Relax in luxury while enjoying everything Key West has to offer at The Southernmost House : a taste of history and a tropical paradise!

This boutique hotel is also a museum, and you can find little pieces of history all around the property. It was built in 1897 and has hosted over 20 presidents and dignitaries! But it also offers the modern amenities of the best beachside resorts.

Each accommodation is spacious, air-conditioned, and uniquely decorated to no two rooms look the same! There’s free wi-fi access throughout the property, plus a heated infinity pool with a bar, oceanside hammocks for relaxing, an indoor lounge, dry cleaning service, and a concierge desk. Your stay also includes a complimentary breakfast every morning!

26. ✦ Pose at Mile Marker 0

US Highway 1 is a 2,369 mile long interstate that connects almost every city in the East Coast. In Key West this famous highway ends and begins at Mile Marker 0  and hundreds of people (myself included!) per day stop by the Mile Marker 0 sign to commemorate being at the ‘end of the road’.

27. ✧ Smoke a Key West Rolled Cigar at Rodrigues Cigars

Even if you’re not a regular tobacco user, you’ll want to see this important piece of Key West history up close and personal.

Cigar manufacturing has a long history in Key West, going back to 1831. The Rodriguez family immigrated to Key West from Cuba after the Cuban government nationalized their tobacco plantation and founded the Rodriguez Cigar Factory in 1984. It’s now the oldest cigar manufacturer in the Florida Keys, preserving this historic industry, They still make their cigars using traditional Cuban methods!

You can take a factory tour where you will learn more about the manufacturing process and even get to sample one of their cigars and a complimentary Cuban espresso!

28. ✧ Buy Some Made-in-Key-West Kino Sandals

Because you can never have too many shoes! These fashionable and comfortable sandals, made in a traditional Cuban style, are made only in Key West by the Lopez family. They still make them by hand from high-quality natural leather and natural rubber, just like they have since 1966.

According to their website, you should ask any Key West local “not if they own a pair of Kino’s Sandals , but how many they own!” The store offers 20 types of sandals and has expanded to include wallets, purses, and more. Their shop, Kino Plaza, is located in the heart of Old Town Key West and imitates the Cuban architecture of founder Roberto Lopez’s youth! 

29. ✦ Climb up the Key West Lighthouse

Not only is this a bucket list opportunity to climb up inside a lighthouse, but the 360 views from the tippy top of the Key West Lighthouse are incredible too. It is a great place to see the rooftops of local homes, including the Ernest Hemingway house.

30. ✧ Tour Harry S. Truman’s Little White House

Before Camp David, there was the Little White House of Key West! While you’re in the Keys, definitely take some time to see Florida’s only Presidential Sight. The Little White House was built in 1890 to serve as naval officers’ housing and has hosted many important visitors from Thomas Edison to presidents Taft, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton.

Harry Truman, however, spent the most time in this historic house, calling it his “Winter White House.” Over the course of his 6-year administration, he spent 175 days in Key West.

Visiting the Little White House, you’ll learn more about Truman’s life, career, and presidency, as well as the history of Key West. You can also view the official trip logs of President Truman’s 11 trips to Key West and get a peek into what he was doing during his visits. If you want to learn even more history, book the Truman Little House guided tour .

31. ✧ Visit the Maritime Museum

This museum tops our list of must-see attractions! As you may have guessed, Key West’s history and culture have been deeply intertwined with the sea. Well, the mission of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum is to “research, interpret, and exhibit the maritime history of Florida and the Caribbean.

The museum is located in an old Naval Storehouse that was built in 1910. It features exhibitions on shipwrecks, piracy, and the slave trade, and is home to a conservation center where archeologists conduct ongoing research on artifacts found in the waters around Key West.

32. ✦ Take a Selfie at the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA

There is a colorful concrete buoy that marks the southernmost point in the continental USA and taking a selfie in front of it is one of the most popular things to do in all the Florida Keys. There is always a long line of people waiting for their chance to snap a photo, so either go really early in the morning or cheat a little like I did and sit on the bench a few feet in front of the buoy for your picture.

For a more in depth look into this area of Key West take the History and Culture Southernmost Walking Tour or the yummy Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour .

33. ✧ Catch an Animal Feeding at the Aquarium

This is one bucket list idea that kids and adults will love! Taking in the native sea life is one of the best things to do in Key West, but if you don’t love the idea of snorkeling or scuba diving, this is the perfect place for you!

The Key West Aquarium houses dozens of sharks, fish, sea turtles, alligators, and stingrays native to the Florida Keys! You can also take a tour and meet those predators up close. At 10 am and 4 pm, there are special presentations at the Touch Tank about the history of the museum, as well as opportunities to touch and hold many of the conch and whelk species native to Key West!

34. ✧ Walk Through the Historic Key West Cemetery

A walk through a cemetery might sound like a spooky fall activity , but it’s actually a great way to see the Key’s history in a much more personal way! The Key West City Cemetery sits on 19 acres of land. It was established in 1847 following a hurricane that unearthed the city’s former beach-side burial grounds.

Between 80,000-100,000 of Key West’s citizens are buried here, a mixture of Bahamian mariners, Cuban cigar makers, Spanish-American war veterans, and civilians of all races, classes, and creeds.

Guided tours are available every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 am, or you can pick up a self-guided tour map at the front entrance.

35. ✧ Visit Dry Tortugas National Park

Made of 7 islands and some of the most gorgeous coral reefs you will ever see, the Dry Tortugas National Park   is a must thing to see when you head down to Key West—it’s just 70 miles west. Taking a seaplane ride there will allow you to get beautiful aerial views of the 19th-century Fort Jefferson on Garden Key; the beautiful lighthouse at Loggerhead Key as well as the Windjammer Wreck (an 1875 shipwreck) and the nesting site for many seabirds down at Bush Keys.

From snorkeling to diving, ancient sites and sunbathing, Dry Tortugas National Park is definitely bucket list worthy!

36. ✦ Stroll Duval Street

No trip to Key West would be complete without waking down the hottest road in town—Duval Street. It is  filled with hopping bars (you can even do what they call the Duval Crawl —you can only guess what that means!), souvenir shops, delicious restaurants and clothing boutiques.

37. ✧ Kayak from Key Largo to Key West

If you have some time and are looking for a fun adventure, consider taking a multiple day kayak tour from Key Largo to Key West with Burnham Guides  (they’re the ones that took me on a memorable kayak tour in the Eastern Shores of Virginia !).

38. ✧ Drink Where Hemingway Drank—Sloppy Joes

Why not have a drink in the most famous and infamous saloon in all Key West? If you’re a fan of classic American literature, you’ll also love the Hemingway connection!

Sloppy Joe’s (originally called the Blind Pig) was founded by Joe Russell and opened the day Prohibition was repealed. Ernest Hemingway was one of Russell’s first and favorite patrons and was even the one to christen it Sloppy Joe’s! They even host a Hemingway look-alike contest every year.

Sip on a rum runner with local rum, “The Original Drink of the Florida Keys,” and snack on Key West favorites like peel-and-eat shrimp and conch fritters.

39. ✧ Chocolate covered Key Lime pie on a stick from Kermit’s .

And of course, you can’t visit the Florida Key’s without getting some Key Lime Pie! We highly recommend stopping by Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe —they’ve been serving up delicious Key Lime treats for almost 25 years! Don’t miss one of their most popular items, the Key Lime Pie bar that is hand-dipped in Belgian-style chocolate.

40. ✧ Get a Naughty Named Treat at the Better Than Sex Dessert Bar

If you’re looking for a grown-up date night on your Key West vacation, we have a recommendation that’s…well, Better Than Sex ! Enjoy a selection of sinfully delicious desserts and signature drinks with naughty names like Peanut Butter Perversion or the Klimax. The speakeasy decor scheme adds to the sense of forbidden pleasure and creates a romantic ambiance. This is a cozy, intimate space so make sure to reserve ahead of time!

41. ✦ Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

The magical Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is home to over 50 species of live butterflies and 20 exotic birds (even a few flamingos!). You can take a stroll through the climate controlled habitat and witness a small tropical paradise.

42. ✧ Drink at the Key West’s first Rum Distillery

You can’t get this close to the Caribbean without drinking some rum! While in Key West, you have to try the official rum of the Conch Republic at Key West First Legal Rum Distillery . Their rums are “chef distilled,” because they consider themselves chefs first and distillers second.

These chef distillers also consider themselves trained mojito masters, and you can even take a private class with them to learn their ways! You can also pop in for a free guided tour any day of the week!

Fun fact: they were also the first Americans to run rum to Cuba.

43. ✧ Eat Key Lime Pie for Breakfast at Blue Heaven

Blue Heaven used to be an old boxing ring where Hemingway refereed, now it is known for its brunch and mile high meringue. When you are in the Florida Keys, there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating key lime pie for breakfast and this is the perfect place to do it.

44. ✧ Take a Sand Sculpting Class at Casa Marina

Looking for something truly unique to do on your Key West vacation? If you’re staying at the Casa Marina Resort , you can spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach while creating a unique piece of artwork, a professional will guide you as you transform your pile of sand into a beautiful, one of a kind creation!

45. ✧ Explore the Vandenburg Shipwreck

Speaking of shipwrecks, I doubt it gets any better than this: The Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg shipwreck can be found on the Southernmost end of the Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail. It is a 10 stories high underwater adventure with the deepest end, the keel, being at a whopping 140 feet below sea surface.

Densely populated with sponges, sea fans, sea whips and an amalgamation of coral species, exploring this shipwreck is definitely a noteworthy entry into any ‘Florida Keys Shipwreck Trail’ logbook.

GETTING AROUND KEY WEST: Key Lime Bike Tours  gives you a great overview, stopping at almost every highlight that you’d want to hit if you were in Key West for a day. Afterwards, use the Duvall Loop Bus that has 16 stops near most of the best attractions and it is FREE !   See the map here .

Also, don’t forget to grab a Key West Vacation Pass that will get you over $1,200 of discounts during your visit!

WHERE TO STAY:  Choose The Marker Key West for a luxury stay steps from the best dining and walking distance to shopping, including Duval Street.

TOP KEY WEST TOURS:

• Key West Double Dip: 2-Stop Reef Snorkeling Trip
• Key West Sunset Sail on Schooner America 2.0 & Drinks
• See All Key West Tours

What to Do Everywhere in the Keys

46. ✦ dine alfresco.

The weather in the Florida Keys is almost always perfect for outdoor dining—take advantage of it! I loved dining alfresco at The Grand Cafe right on Duval Street where from their patio you can see all the action on the liveliest road in Key West.

47. ✦ Eat Key Lime Pie—everywhere!

If there is one quintessential food in the Florida Keys it’s Key Lime Pie, so you must indulge in it—everywhere! All the locals seem to have a favorite (and so do I now!). One of the most popular is at Kermit’s or Mrs Macs , but my favorite was at Chef Michaels in Islamorada.

For an even more bucket list worthy pie eating experience take the Key West 3-hour guided bicycle tour with Key Lime Pie .

48. ✦ Nosh on Conch fritters

These fried balls are made with conch meat, savory batter and seasonings. You will be hard-pressed to find a local menu that doesn’t have them on it! I had some of the best ones at Sol by the Sea in Key Largo, but a few other favorites are at Louie’s Backyard  and the  Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West.

If you want even more ideas, check out The Key West Bucket List book on Amazon .

From interacting with dolphins to taking a ride on the African Queen and eating your fair share of Key Lime pie, visiting the Florida Keys & Key West is without a doubt a must thing to do. The sunsets are unbelievable, the drive down is breathtakingly romantic and the beach life is straight out of the movies.

The fact that it has so many bucket list worthy attractions and activities just makes the Florida Keys even more captivating!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

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36 thoughts on “key west & florida keys islands bucket list: 45 best things to do”.

Wow.. looks like there is so much to do and see in Florida Keys. Loved the post.. adding it to my list ?

There are a ton of great things to do there! It definitely should be on your list.

Only achieved 9… need to go back!

Definitely reason to go back!

Will be visiting in 2 weeks! Can’t wait!

Hemingway did NOT drink at the current Sloppy Joes, he drank at the original Sloppy Joe’s around the corner that was Capt. Tony’s later.

Only saw very few in the 4 days we were there..MUST go back!!!

fish with AWS CHARTERS OR SPEND TIME WITH ISLAND TO ISLAND CHARTERS

Thank you for all the great tips. Just booked it.

I hope you have an amazing time!

We are going the end of October for a week. Definitely added a few things to our to do list

Have a great time!

thanks for writing the detailed list with pictures on key west , it was really helpful. i appreciate it! going in two weeks and i read everything carefully. great post, and pics!

We do Key West every year. I much prefer cracked conch (similar to clam strips) over conch fritters. Conch fritters are just like hush puppies from Long John Silvers.

Love the keys lived there for awhile

Lucky you! It is definitely a place that leaves an impression.

Just went through your lovely blog, love the detailing. Really helpful for new travelers like me. I have a question: I have dedicated 5 whole days for the keys. how should I divide my night stay to cover most of the things which you have mentioned in your blog.

I would probably do two days in the Key Largo area and three around Key West.

First of all I want to say fantastic blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there. I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Kudos!

The first 15-30 minutes are the worst! What always has helped me is making sure that i am in a motivational space (there are only certain locations that I can write in) and then just getting starting. I know that that if I power through the beginning, it will start to flow after.

You MUST add #51 – don’t miss “The FABULOUS Spectrelles” – who play at The Bull and La Te Da!

Thanks for the suggestion!

What an amazing blog! This is going be so helpful when I leave for the Keys at the end of the week. I will definitely be using this as my guide. Thank you so much.

You left out Fantasy Fest and Halloween on duval

Best “things to do in the Florida Keys” list I’ve read! And I’ve read A LOT!

This will certainly make our trip to the Keys better! Thank you!

That’s great to hear! I hope you have an amazing trip :)

First off, wanted to say this an amazing blog and that I added to my favorites. One of the best lists for things to do in key west that I have come across!!!!! Also don’t forget the Jet Ski Tour! One of my Key West favorites and a great way to acquainted with the island for first timers and Key West veterans alike. It is a fun 2-hour guided tour around the 26 Miles of Key West’s coastline with several stops along the way where the guide educates you on Key West’s history, the landmark’s, the beaches & some of the best places to visit. The trip took us around the entire coast, past landmarks & historical sites, in between the islands and through the mangroves. Some of the sites included, Mallory Square, the marina, Key West harbor, a historical fort, the Coast Guard & the Navy & all of the beaches, then at the end there’s a “Free Style” ride where you get to open up on the throttle and just have fun. The name of the company that does the tour is Barefoot Billy’s and I highly ecommend the tour to anyone visiting Key West!

Sounds like a fun time, thanks for sharing!

This has to be one of the most comprehensive blogs for the Florida Keys. I am headed down in late April for my honeymoon, and creating a list of To Do’s. My fiancé has been before, but she was in AmeriCore so it will be a different experience for her. We are planning 3 nights in both Key West as well as Key Largo and will play the first night by ear when we fly in.

I hope you have a great time!

Go to a performance by Billy the Squid and the Sea Cow Drifters in Key West!

Wow, so much to do here and will have to add it to my list for next time. That hoverboard I’ve been wanting to do for ages, not many places in Australia have it available. Thanks very much for sharing !

I love Key West. One of the cool quirky things my husband and I found on our first trip there was the chicken house. It was a little shop with a yard on a side street with chickens roaming everywhere. It was so Key West.

Thank you SO MUCH for such a comprehensive list! I’m planning our first trip to the Keys and have written down so many suggestions from this post. I appreciate the time you took to write this ;)

I recommend theatre of the sea in islamorada such a neat little spot!

Florida is such a beautiful place and this guide will help me more to explore it to the fullest.

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The Perfect 5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary for First Timers

In this article, I’m sharing the perfect 5 day Florida Keys itinerary, ideal for first time visitors. The Florida Keys are a pretty epic American road trip destination. You’ll find yourself driving along an overseas highway, hopping between different tropical islands.

I’m basing this itinerary off my most recent trip to the Florida Keys, in which I road tripped from Miami Airport to Key West and back again with my friend Mary, exploring multiple keys along the way.

Highlights of this 5 day Florida Keys itinerary include:

• Snorkeling in the USA’s first underseas park
• Key lime pie… lots of key lime pie
• Beach resorts and bed & breakfasts
• Fishing (and then eating your fish for dinner!)
• Sunset sailing
• Exploring a tropical fruit grove
• Driving the Seven Mile Bridge
• Touring a sea turtle hospital
• Visiting Key West classics like the Ernest Hemingway House

Let’s get to it.

5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: An Introduction

This 5 day itinerary is designed for first time visitors to the Florida Keys to give you an overview to each of the main keys. Maybe you have been to Key West before, but this is your first time exploring the keys as a whole.

Did you know that the Florida Keys are made up of about 1,700 islands, all connected by a 113-mile overseas highway? Yep, you’ll be road tripping over water in this epic itinerary.

This 5 Day Florida Keys Road Trip Itinerary:

Miami > Key Largo > Islamorada > Key West > Marathon > Miami

How Many Days Do You Need in the Florida Keys?

In my experience, five days is the minimum amount of time required to road trip the Florida Keys, if you’re planning to visit more than just Key West.

Below I’m sharing the ideal Florida Keys itinerary for first timers, spread across five full days. Note that I say five full days, because this itinerary does involve travel in and out of Miami Airport on days 0 and 6.

Here is a quick day-by-day breakdown of my recommended way to spend 5 days in the Florida Keys:

• Day 0 : Fly into Miami
• Day 1: Miami > Islamorada
• Day 2: Islamorada
• Day 3: Islamorada > Key West

Day 4: Key West

• Day 5: Key West > Marathon
• Final Day: Marathon > Miami

You can read my itinerary in much more detail below. I’ve designed the itinerary with general activity lists, rather than restricting you hour-by-hour, because I think that’s more helpful (and digestible, as a reader!).

Let’s get to it!

Car Rental for a Florida Keys Road Trip

You’ll need to rent a car for this Florida Keys road trip, unless you live in Florida or are driving down!

Reserve your rental car at least a few weeks in advance, to avoid any car shortages. Then, pick it up at the rental car counter at Miami Airport.

I recommend Discover Cars for car rental in the Florida Keys, because they show you the best deal from many different companies. You can filter by your personal preferences, such as size of car or insurance level.

Day 0: Fly to Miami

Highlights: Arrival to Miami, pick up rental car.

Your task for “day zero” is just to fly into Miami (or Fort Lauderdale) and pick up your rental car. Of course, you could do this early on your first full day instead, but personally I enjoyed doing this the night before so we had a fresh start for our road trip in the morning!

Where to Stay

Stay somewhere close to the Miami Airport. We stayed at the AC Hotel Miami Airport West for one night and I recommend it. It was a quick drive from the Miami Airport, and the hotel itself was sooo nice and comfortable with some high tech amenities.

Where to Eat

Have a quick dinner. For your first night, I recommend you just grab a quick meal before the adventure starts tomorrow.

Mary and I actually popped by Chipotle for takeout, which we ate in our room at the AC Hotel!

Doral City Place is another option very close to the AC Hotel Miami Airport West. It’s a large shopping center with lots of restaurants.

Fly into Miami. Obviously!

Pick up your rental car. This took us a surprisingly long time (1 hour) with the lines at the car rental station, so be sure to account for that possibility.

Relax in hotel. Mary and I actually ended up watching The African Queen (which we were able to play via Youtube on the massive TV in our AC hotel room ). This was as “research” for our steamboat ride on day 1 – read about that below!

Day 1: Miami to Key Largo to Islamorada

Highlights: A steamboat tour, fisheries lunch, check into beach resort.

Drive time: 2 hours

The first full day of your 5 day Florida Keys itinerary is all about the upper keys. You’ll spend the day driving from Miami down to your beach resort in Islamorada, which takes about 2 hours in total with some fun stops along the way in Key Largo (the northernmost key).

Day 1 | Miami to Key Largo to Islamorada:

• Check out of AC Hotel Miami Airport West
• Drive to Key Largo (~1.5 hours)
• 10am pre-booked steamboat tour on The African Queen
• Lunch at Key Largo Fisheries and Backyard Cafe
• Key lime pie at Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream
• Drive to Islamorada (~30 minutes)
• Check in to Postcard Inn Beach Resort
• Dinner at Twisted Shrimp
• Cocktails and beach sunset at Postcard Inn

I recommend booking a beach resort in Islamorada. We stayed at Postcard Inn Beach Resort for two nights. This was a great central location for the two days of our itinerary that we spent exploring the upper keys.

Postcard Inn is special because it’s directly on the ocean, and guests have access to paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, and more.

Fun fact: this resort is also where the rum runner cocktail was invented! Obviously, we had to partake.

Book your stay at Postcard Inn here.

RELATED | Best Places to Stay in the Florida Keys (For All Budgets)

Lunch at Key Largo Fisheries (Key Largo). This is a very “keys” experience and perfect for lunchtime. Eat some super fresh fish or crab (or lobster!) and see the nurse sharks swimming off the dock.

Key lime pie at Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream (Key Largo). If you are like Mary and I, then you’ll obviously waste no time in getting your hands on some key lime pie.

I recommend stopping at Keys Chocolate and Ice Cream after lunch for their chocolate-covered key lime pie on a stick (and yes, it was gluten free!! Read my guide to finding gluten free key lime pie in the Florida Keys here ).

Dinner at Twisted Shrimp (Islamorada). A roadside seafood restaurant where you can actually eat IN a boat!

This place is extremely on brand for the keys.It’s laidback, family owned, and the (gluten free) fried shrimp is a delight. It is a great stop for dinner on your first night!

RELATED | Gluten Free Key West and the Florida Keys Guide

Cocktails at Postcard Inn’s Tiki Bar. You HAVE to visit the Tiki Bar for obvious reasons – this is reportedly where the rum runner cocktail was invented!

Go on The African Queen Steamboat Tour. Taking this historic steamboat tour is the highlight activity of the first day of your 5 day Florida Keys itinerary. This is literally THE boat that featured in the 1951 adventure film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. It’s actually on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

I recommend booking a tour for 10am, which is what we did. This was good timing as it gave us ample time to drive down from Miami, and we finished in time for lunch.

It was somewhat surreal sitting in this boat, cruising through the Key Largo canals and out to the ocean and back, after just having watched the movie the night before. Check availability and book your tour here .

Day 2: Islamorada and Key Largo

Highlights: A snorkel tour, charter fishing, and catch-and-cook dinner.

The theme for day two is adventure in the upper keys! This is your day to go snorkeling at the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the first undersea park in the United States!

Unfortunately for Mary and I, it was very windy on this day of our Florida Keys road trip… so our snorkel tour got CANCELED! This was a huge bummer, but nature happens, my friends.

The Keys can be particularly windy so it’s not unheard of for water activities to get canceled. With that in mind, we still had a wonderful day and were able to go charter fishing in the afternoon.

Day 2 | Islamorada and Key Largo:

• Quick breakfast
• 9am snorkeling tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (alternatively: swimming and paddle boarding at Postcard Inn’s beach)
• Lunch at The Fish House
• 1pm fishing charter trip
• Relax at Postcard Inn and get ready for dinner
• “Catch and cook” dinner at Chef Michael’s

You’ll spend a second night at your resort in Islamorada. We spent our second night at the wonderful Postcard Inn . I enjoyed having two nights in Islamorada, despite this being a pretty fast-paced 5 day Florida Keys itinerary.

Postcard Inn was a good home base to drive around the upper keys from. Plus, it was so great to have direct beach access, especially after our snorkel tour got canceled!

Quick breakfast. I recommend having a quick breakfast on day 2, because your itinerary today is pretty packed! Mary and I grabbed some food from the Starbucks by Postcard Inn (notably: the last Starbucks for 90 miles!).

Lunch at The Fish House Restaurant and Seafood Market (Key Largo). I stopped here for lunch to try their famous “Matecumbe” sauce which is essentially fresh fish simmered up with capers, shallots, and other delights. This dish has been featured multiple times on the Food Network – for good reason. Highly recommend!

Dinner at Chef Michael’s (Islamorada). For dinner, Mary and I dressed up and dined in style at Chef Michael’s (reservations recommended). Actually, we ate the fish that we caught earlier that day on our fishing trip – so fun!

This is also the place to try Lionfish – by eating it you are supporting their efforts to cull this invasive species and save the nearby reefs.

Snorkeling tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Ideally, you should spend the first half of your day enjoying an epic snorkeling tour off the coast of Islamorada.

Tours last 2.5 hours and depart 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, and 3pm (for this itinerary, I recommend booking the 9am). Book your tour ahead of time here .

Fishing trip with Bamboo Charters . After lunch, head out on the water again but this time with Captain Matt Bellinger of Bamboo Charters. He’s an experienced fisherman, and will help you catch some Florida Keys fish no matter your experience level.

On our trip, we caught a lot of small snapper, which we saved for a catch-and-cook dinner at Chef Michael’s (arrange this with Captain Bellinger ahead of time). We also had an extremely thrilling hour-long struggle with a giant sting ray – don’t worry, we released it!

Fishing charters can be booked for 8am or 1pm, in groups up to six people, and you can choose a 4-, 6-, or 8-hour option. For this itinerary, I recommend the 4-hour 1pm-5pm option. Book your fishing charter here .

Relax at the beach. Your other job for today? Chill out and enjoy the beautiful Florida Keys beach – with direct access from Postcard Inn !

Of course Mary and I were disappointed when our snorkel tour was canceled, but this didn’t stop us from taking the paddleboards out at Postcard Inn.

Day 3: Islamorada to Big Pine Key to Key West

Highlights: A tropical fruit farm, the Seven Mile Bridge, and Cuban food in Key West.

Today you’ll get back into road trip mode, by driving down to Key West and passing over the famous Seven Mile Bridge. The total drive time from Islamorada to Key West is two hours, but you’ll take some fun stops along the way – including a picnic lunch at a very unique tropical fruit farm!

Day 3 | Islamorada to Big Pine Key to Key West:

• Check out of Postcard Inn
• Breakfast at Mangrove Mike’s
• Visit Florida Keys History & Discovery Center
• Drive to Big Pine Key (~1 hour)
• Visit Grimal Grove Tropical Fruit Farm
• Drive to Key West (~1 hour)
• Check in to The Gardens Hotel
• Cuban food for dinner and Sloppy Joe’s

I recommend staying at The Gardens Hotel in Key West. This was our home for two nights, and I loved it. This hotel is historic, quaint, and has a lovely breakfast and pool.

The location is ideal – you can walk anywhere you want to go in Key West but it’s a couple blocks back so never gets too loud at night. There’s also champagne on arrival and on site parking.

Book your stay at The Gardens Hotel here.

Breakfast at Mangrove Mike’s (Islamorada). Start your day off with the most Americana vibes diner you could imagine, just a five minute drive from Postcard Inn.

I particularly loved that they had gluten free pancakes! Definitely recommend eating breakfast here on at least one of your days in Islamorada.

Picnic lunch. For lunch, I recommend having a picnic, either at Bahia Honda State Park or at Grimal Gove (a tropical fruit grove that I share more about below!).

Dinner at El Meson de Pepe (Key West). You just have to try Cuban food in Key West and this is a great family-owned place to do it, recommended by locals and easy walking distance from your hotel if you stay at The Gardens Hotel.

Visit the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (Islamorada). After breakfast, your first stop of the day should be this history museum. It’s in Islamorada and only a five-minute drive from Postcard Inn, so it’s an easy way to start our day. During our visit, I learned a LOT about the Florida Keys (did you know it was originally an overseas railroad?).

Drive the Seven Mile Bridge. Your drive today includes this incredible landmark. After passing Marathon and before reaching Big Pine Key, you must first drive over seven miles of turquoise ocean.

Take a tour of Grimal Grove . I absolutely recommend making time to stop at Grimal Grove, a tropical fruit grove in Big Pine Key with a super unique back story. This is the only breadfruit grove in the country and tours include “tropical fruit hunting” and a fun tasting session where you eat breadfruit curry, fried breadfruit, sugarcane juice, and more (AKA, lunch!).

Tours last 75-90 minutes and are available Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30am, 1pm, or 3:30pm (I recommend the 1pm time slot for this itinerary!). Book your tour here .

Get settled at your hotel. After driving another hour, you’ll arrive in Key West! Check in to your hotel (I recommend booking The Gardens Hotel ) where you’ll be staying the next two nights.

Check in involves a complimentary glass of champagne, and you may even have time to jump in the pool and say hello to the resident cat and tortoise!

Drinks and nightlife on Duval Street. After a delicious Cuban dinner, make the most of your first night in Key West with a trip to the iconic Sloppy Joe’s – the bar that Ernest Hemingway frequented in Key West. Just a warning: it’s going to be crowded… and sloppy!

The entirety of Duval Street will be bustling, so if Sloppy Joe’s isn’t your vibe then you still have plenty of bars to pick from.

Highlights: full day to explore Key West, literary walking tour, key lime pie, museums, and sunset sailboat tour.

Today you can put the car keys away and devote a full day to exploring Key West!

There are honestly so many things to do in Key West but I’m sharing my personal ideal one day schedule below. If I was to extend this 5 day Florida Keys itinerary into a full week or longer, I’d give extra days to Key West because you only really get a taster with one full day.

Still, it’s a pretty epic day. If you follow my itinerary below, you’ll spend today eating key lime pie, drinking Cuban coffee, exploring on a literary tour, visiting historic sites, and sailing into the sunset with a drink in hand!

Day 4 | Key West:

• Breakfast at The Gardens Hotel
• Coffee from Cuban Coffee Queen Roasters
• 10am Literary Walking Tour by Key West Literary Seminars
• Lunch at Date & Thyme
• Eat some key lime pie
• Museum visit
• Sunset sailing tour with drinks and live music
• Dinner at Half Shell Raw Bar

We stayed a second night at The Gardens Hotel , and I recommend you do, too. I took advantage of the hotel’s amenities by swimming in the pool early in the morning!

Key West is the highlight of the Florida Keys for many people, so you definitely want one full day and two nights here.

Breakfast at The Gardens Hotel . Since our hotel was a bed and breakfast, we just went downstairs to eat a lovely breakfast out on the garden patio!

Coffee at Cuban Coffee Queen. This was a great stop to try the classic Cuban cafe con leche.

Lunch at Date & Thyme. You can really eat lunch anywhere today, but my personal recommendation would be this lovely organic market and cafe. They specialize in grab & go meals like wraps (and ice cream sandwiches!) and have plenty of vegan and gluten free options.

ALL the key lime pie. You’re in Key West, after all, so dedicate some time today to trying key lime pie! We did this directly after lunch.

Top 3 places to get key lime pie in Key West:

• Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe
• Key West Key Lime Pie Company
• Key Lime Pie Bakery

RELATED | Where to Find Gluten Free Key Lime Pie in Key West

Dinner at Half Shell Raw Bar. For dinner tonight, embrace being by the seaside and head to this casual and quirky bar located in the Key West Historic Seaport.

It will be convenient after your sunset sailing trip ends (more on that, below!). I recommend at least one platter of oysters.

Go on a literary walking tour. Key West is known for its vibrant literary history. If, like me, that interests you, then be sure to go on this 1.5 hour tour. You’ll walk through the Old Town of Key West, visiting the homes and haunts of writers like Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, Tennessee Williams, Shel Silverstein, and Elizabeth Bishop.

Tours are offered Sundays and Wednesdays at 10am. If that doesn’t match your schedule, you can contact them about a private tour. The cost is $30 per person, and you can book your tour here .

Visit Judy Blume’s bookstore, Books and Books. This is another one for my fellow book worms. Whether or not you go on the literary walking tour you should definitely check out the Books and Books bookstore – this is owned by none other than Key West local author, Judy Blume! You may even see her during your visit.

Explore Key West’s historic sights. After your literary morning, lunch, and a sampling of key lime pie, it’s time to spend your afternoon on more traditional touristic pursuits.

Key West has SO many museums and historic sights. You can really only scratch the surface in one day (but don’t worry, you’ll also have time to visit some sights tomorrow morning).

Here are some museums and sights to see in Key West:

• Harry S. Truman Little White House
• Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
• Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
• Key West Aquarium
• Tennessee Williams Museum

Personally, Mary and I chose to visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum this afternoon. That may seem like an odd choice but we really wanted to see some of the less well-known side of Key West and this museum was fascinating!

Take a sunset sailing trip . Finally, end your day in Key West with an incredible sunset sailboat trip out into the ocean, complete with complimentary cocktails and live music.

Mary and I took this exact sailing trip with Sebago Watersports and it was such a lovely way to end the day. There’s nothing like a Key West sunset seen from the ocean!

Book your sailing tour here.

Day 5: Key West to Marathon

Highlights: Southernmost Point, Ernest Hemingway Museum, Key West Lighthouse, Turtle Hospital, and a stunning beach resort.

Drive time: 1 hour

This is the final full day of your 5 day Florida Keys itinerary, but it’s still packed full of fun activities!

You’ll spend the morning exploring more of Key West, including the Southernmost Point and any museums you missed the day before. Then, you’ll drive north to Marathon where you’ll tour the famous Turtle Hospital, and check in to your hotel where you’ll have an incredible al fresco dinner by the beach.

Day 5 | Key West to Marathon:

• Breakfast at The Gardens Hotel (alternatively Green Pineapple cafe)
• Check out and hold luggage
• See more Key West sights
• Lobster pizza lunch at the Seaside Cafe at the Mansion
• Drive to Marathon
• Check in to Isla Bella Beach Resort
• Turtle Hospital Tour
• Relax at Isla Bella
• Dinner at Mahina at Isla Bella

You have a couple options of where to stay tonight, depending on when your flight home is. I recommend staying the night in Marathon, before driving back to Miami Airport the following morning. This maximizes your time and gives you 5 full days in the Florida Keys.

Alternatively, if you are flying home on day 5, then you may have to skip some of the itinerary below to drive back to Miami Airport in time for your flight.

Personally, on our final night in the Florida Keys we stayed at Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon. This was an incredible accommodation to end our trip on.

It’s luxurious yet surprisingly affordable, directly on the water with pools, beaches, bikes, and beautiful docks with sunrise views. There are also a few restaurants on site and this is where we had dinner – one of the best meals of our trip by far.

Book your stay at Islabella here.

Breakfast at your hotel or in town (Key West). Get an early breakfast today so you can get out and explore Key West. Either eat the complimentary breakfast at The Gardens Hotel , or check out Green Pineapple Cafe , a favorite of mine which opens at 8:30am.

Lunch at Seaside Cafe at the Mansion . Before you depart Key West, grab a quick lunch at this truly iconic restaurant that’s just steps from the Southernmost Point. Come here for their famous lobster pizza – it will not disappoint!

Dinner at Mahina at Isla Bella . Dress up and enjoy a final dinner in the Florida Keys at this Polynesian inspired restaurant at Islabella, where you can dine al fresco under the stars with a backdrop of ocean waves.

The filet mignon is to die for, and top it off with a key lime pie martini! Reservations required.

Spend the morning exploring Key West. There is so much to see in Key West so you’re bound to have some places you still want to go after your full day in Key West yesterday. This is your time to visit them – just check out and have your hotel hold your luggage first!

On our final morning in Key West, Mary and I climbed up the Key West Lighthouse , before taking a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home (a MUST when in Key West!) and hugging The Kapok Tree .

Then, we checked out the Southernmost Point marker, before getting a lobster pizza lunch. It was a pretty packed morning!

You could easily do the same, or change it up and visit any of the other sights I listed previously.

Turtle Hospital tour (Marathon). This was one of the highlights of my whole Florida Keys road trip! Marathon is home to a world class sea turtle rehabilitation center, and it’s actually open to the public to visit.

Tours are offered on the half hour, from 9am to 4pm, and cost $35 per person. Reservations are highly recommended! Book your tour here .

Relax at Isla Bella . After your turtle hospital tour, return to your hotel and relax before dinner. Soak up your final hours in the Florida Keys!

If you stay at Isla Bella Beach Resort like we did, then I recommend taking a dip in one of the pools.

Final Day: Marathon to Miami Airport

Highlights: Pigeon Key, drive to Miami Airport and fly home.

Drive time: 2.5 hours

All good things must come to an end. On your final day in the Florida Keys, your main job is to check out of your hotel and drive back to the Miami Airport (~2.5 hours driving time) to return your rental car and fly home.

Be sure to give yourself ample time to drive back to Miami before your flight, especially if you’re driving on a Friday or Sunday, due to traffic!

If you have time before you check out, consider taking the complimentary bikes at Isla Bella and riding to Pigeon Key and back. I also recommend checking out the Marketplace at Isla Bella before you leave – it’s an epic 5,000 square foot space with a cafe, perfect for picking up some souvenirs (and lunch for the road) before you depart!

If You Have More or Less Time on Your Florida Keys Roadtrip…

You can shorten or extend my suggested itinerary as needed, based on your flight times.

If I had to cut a night from my 5 day Florida Keys itinerary above, it would perhaps be the final night in Marathon (and just drive directly to Miami Airport). However, Isla Bella Beach Resort was my favorite hotel and a wonderfully relaxing way to end the trip, so it really depends on your travel style.

On the other hand, if I could add days to this itinerary and make it a full week in the Florida Keys, then I’d add a full day in Key West. Another day in Islamorada also would have been useful due to the weather cancellation of our snorkeling trip.

For the ultimate relaxation, I’d also add a couple days at Deer Run on the Atlantic , a sustainable bed and breakfast on Big Pine Key. A girl can dream!

5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary: Final Thoughts

That completes my 5 day Florida Keys road trip itinerary… I hope it’s helpful to you as you plan your own trip to the Florida Keys.

If you have any questions, just leave me a comment below. Happy traveling, and enjoy the Florida Keys!

Check out my other Florida Keys blog posts…

Best Places to Stay in the Florida Keys

Gluten Free Key West and the Florida Keys: Complete Guide

Where to Find Gluten Free Key Lime Pie in Key West

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Best Places to Stay in the Florida Keys For All Budgets

Gluten Free Key West and the Florida Keys: The Complete Travel Guide (2024)

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Grand Tour Guide

Best island in the keys: the top 10.

Best Island In The Keys: The Florida Keys is made up of a string of sun-soaked islands off the coast of Florida, known for its coral reefs, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. If you live in the USA, paradise is closer than you think! You don’t need to jet off to Fiji, the Bahamas or Thailand for a tropical vacation, there is in fact one on your doorstep! While Key West is without a doubt the most well-known island in the Florida Keys and one many consider to be the best island in the Keys, there are many other beautiful spots to visit.

The Florida Keys consists of hundreds of islands so there are plenty of interesting places to stop along the journey from mainland to the Keys.

But first, here’s how to get there

A road trip is the most common and economical way to get to the Keys. If you depart from Miami, you can get to Key West in 3.5 hours along Highway 1. You can fly through to Key West’s airport but flights are quite expensive. If you fly into Miami, you can rent a car at the airport and take the scenic drive through to the Keys.

The Upper Keys start at Key Largo and end at Matecumbe Key, around 75 miles from the end of the Keys. The Middle Keys start at Craig Key and end at the Seven Mile Bridge near the city of Marathon. The Lower Keys start at mile marker 45 and extend through Key West where you’ll find the mile marker 0 landmark. Because the Keys are connected by one long main road, using the mile markers to pinpoint your location is the best way to get around.

Best Island in the Keys: Our Top 10

If you’re looking for sun, sea and a good party, the best island in the Keys for you will be it’s most famous island, Key West! From daily sunset celebrations at Mallory Square to Ernest Hemingway’s perfectly-preserved former home and monthly events on the go, Key West is a hive of activity in all the best ways. Most loved for its quirk and historical attractions, it also offers great boating, snorkeling and fishing experiences for water babies.

As one of the first islands along the Keys, Key Largo has that homely small-town feel that allows you to truly escape and unplug. Much of the water around Key Largo is protected so the coral reefs are thriving and teeming with marine life, a snorkeler and divers dream. Only an 18 mile drive from Miami, it is a popular destination for relaxed weekend getaways. Exploring the coral reefs in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is often the highlight of a visit to Key Largo.

30 minutes from Key Largo is a chain of six islands that make up Islamorada. It has a very chilled out, small-town vibe with fishing being the main attraction. The waters are brimming with excellent catches so sport-fishing is a popular activity here. The village is an up-and-coming foodie hub with a number of upscale, gourmet eateries and craft beer breweries.

Little Crawl Key

Located within the city of Marathon, Little Crawl Key offers adrenaline junkies some fun. Visit Curry Hammock State Park for kite surfing or choose to kayak along the mangrove tunnels and lagoons.

You’ll find the secluded Duck Key island at mile marker 61. It is known for its dreamy views of the Gulf of Mexico and tight-knit community of less than 500 residents. A big draw card in Duck Key is the lesser-known “snuba” diving. What is that, you ask? The creative folks in Duck Key created a simpler way for visitors to see the coral reefs up to 20ft below surface without having to go through a PADI certification. How? You breathe through a hose connected to your boat above the water surface. Neat!

Tiny Stock Island

Home to many young artists and hipsters, Tiny Stock Island has a rustic and bohemian feel to it. You’ll find many art galleries, the community garden, live music performances and homely boutique hotels in the town centre, Marina Village.

Also forming part of the city of Marathon in the Middle Keys, Grassy Key is the best island in the Keys for families for a low-key vacation that blends education with fun. A popular attraction on Grassy Key is the Dolphin Research Centre where you’ll find sweet bottlenose dolphins and sea lions. In fact, you can have a one-on-one encounter with a dolphin in the lagoon – an unforgettable experience.

You’ll find Big Pine Key at mile marker 29.5 to be exact, the home of the National Key Deer Refuge and the largest population of the cute, white tailed Key Deer. A natural rock quarry named the Blue Hole is one of Big Pine’s main attractions along with Jack C. Watson Nature Trail. In town, do yourself a favor and visit ‘No Name Bar’ where almost every surface is covered by dollar bills.

Bahia Honda Key

The uninhabited island is made up of the Bahia Honda State Park and known for its picturesque scenery of palm-lined beaches and crystal clear water. Rent snorkeling gear or kayaks at the concession stand or book yourself a snorkeling tour to the pristine reefs.

Windley Key

Located at mile marker 84, Windley Key is a small island that forms a part of the village of Islamorada. Its most popular attraction is the Theater of the Sea, a marine mammal park that first opened in 1946. Here you’ll be able to swim with dolphins, sea lions and nurse sharks. You’ll also find exotic birds, reptiles, crocodiles and sea turtles across the park’s exhibits or if you’d prefer to relax, hop aboard a glass bottom boat cruise.

There are no two islands in the Florida Keys that are alike. While many consider Key West to be the best island in the Keys, each one has its own unique atmosphere and attractions which is what makes stopping off at the various islands so much fun. You’ll never have the same experience twice when visiting the Keys.

Key West vs Key Largo: Key Differences

Best Area To Stay In Key West

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Best Time To Visit The Florida Keys: When To Go And When To Avoid

September 16, 2022 //  by  Florida Trippers

Thinking of visiting Key West and wondering what is the best time to visit the Florida Keys? You are in the right place.

In this article, we will walk you through when to go to the keys and give you all the information you need so you can make a decision that is right for you. However, whenever you choose to visit you will have an amazing time.

Planning your trip to Key West last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Key West!

Top Experiences And Tours In Key West:

• Dolphin Watching And Snorkeling Eco Tour (Top pick!)
• Schooner Sunset Sail (2 hours)
• Reef Snorkel From Key West (Includes breakfast and mimosas)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great way to see the city)

Top Places To Stay In Key West:

• Margaritaville Beach House Key West (Modern mid-range)
• Blue Marlin Motel (Affordable in downtown)
• Hampton Inn Key West (Waterfront with pool)
• Wicker Guesthouse (Great location!)

This tropical string of Floridian islands never fails to deliver. Laying 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida the Florida Keys beaches are some of the best in the world and the snorkeling and scuba diving in the Keys are fantastic.

However, the highlight of any trip here is the vibrant southernmost city of Key West. There is so much to do and see in Key West and is a place not to be missed.

So when is the best time to go to The Florida Keys? Pull up a chair grab a pen and paper and let us walk you through our guide to visiting the Keys.

Make sure to check out our master post on the Best Time To Visit Florida including a breakdown by month, weather, events, and more!

When is the best time to visit The Florida Keys?

The answer to this question is somewhat of a challenge, mainly because it depends so much on what makes a good holiday for you.

The best month to visit the keys really is a personal choice that depends on your budget, what you want to do, your tolerance to heat, and whether you prefer things to be quieter or busier.

From November through February the temperatures are not too hot but everything is busier. March through May things are a little hotter and there are a lot of festivals to enjoy.

June through October tend to be the cheapest time to visit the Florida keys but it is very hot. It’s also a little quieter this time too. September and October are also hurricane season in the keys so you need to be more vigilant of the weather.

As you can see the best time to vacation in the Florida Keys is really dependent on the type of holiday you want.

High And Low Season For Key West And The Keys

The high season in the Florida Keys tends to be from Christmas through to mid-April. Christmas in the Florida Keys really is a treat and lots of people go to spend the festive season there. The temperatures are very warm and tolerable at this time of the year but it is much more expensive. It’s also much busier.

The low season in the Keys runs from June to November. During these times the temperatures can become so hot and it’s very humid. If you are looking for a bargain though it’s the summer months you want to visit as hotels can be half the price of the more popular months.

The off-season in Key West allows those on a tighter budget to enjoy these islands without breaking the bank.

When to go to the Keys is so dependent on your personal circumstances and your likes and dislikes.

Visit The Keys In Summer If You:

If you can tolerate heat well and want a bargain then the summer months are the cheapest time to visit the Florida keys. The average highs are 90°F, 32°C.

Those beautiful Key West Colonial-style hotels do not come cheap and in the summer months, you are likely to pay half of what you would in more popular months. The low season in the Keys is the time you will get the best bargains.

It’s also less crowded and you will find it easier to get restaurant tables, the best seats in cafes, and tickets for attractions like Dry Tortugas are easier to come by.

You will also find you have more daylight hours and the water is really warm almost like a bath. The off-season in Key West is a brilliant time to visit for those who don’t mind being hot and sweaty.

You will find that it’s muggy and thunderstorms are common. Hurricane season in the keys also spans this period with most storms occurring in August and September. It’s rare for the Florida Keys to get hit though.

Visit The Florida Keys In Winter If You:

Most feel that the best time to vacation in the Florida keys is winter. At this time the Keys offer some of the warmest weather in the U.S.A. The weather is an average of 75°F (24°C) and there is a nice breeze making sure you don’t get too hot.

As well as it not being too hot it is also outside hurricane season and there are very few storms or rainy days. You are pretty much guaranteed perfect weather during the winter months. So if you are thinking about when to go to key west this might be the season.

It is consequently more expensive in fact the most expensive time to visit and the busiest. Restaurants are fuller, beaches more packed and attractions often booked out.

However, the crowds only seem to really add to the vibe and many believe it’s the best time to travel to key west to see it at its best.

Winter also tends to be the time when most of the food art and music festivals happen.

Visit Key West In Fall If You:

If you love Halloween then let’s just say nowhere does Halloween like the Florida Keys. Fantasy Fest is a 10-day party for grown-ups. This is the best time to visit The Keys if you are a Halloween junkie.

The festival has been running since 1979 and was started to bring people to the Keys during the quieter months. It takes place at the end of October and it is attended by close to 100,000 people. Each year has a theme and everybody dresses up making the island one big Halloween party.

Before the festival, there is somewhat of a lull in the Keys and it becomes quieter and much more tranquil. Soaking up the autumn sun is as close to bliss as it gets.

Fall also sees the start of the Keys’ Stone Crab Craw season so if you love crab this is the time to visit.

There is a possibility of hurricanes in early fall though so keep that in mind.

Visit The Keys In Spring If You

Many argue that spring is the best time to go to The Florida Keys in particular the best time to travel to Key West. The weather is still good, it’s not hurricane season and it is slightly cheaper.

In the spring you will avoid the stormy weather and the many tourists with the best months being April and May. Temperates are hot but bearable ranging from 72-82°F, 22-28°C in April to 86°F, 30°C in May.

Spring is a perfect time for scuba diving and snorkeling too.

Some of the attractions, local restaurants, and businesses might be closed or have different opening times though so check before you go.

Also note that the Keys, in particular, Key West are a favorite destination for spring breakers so stay away during that time if Spring Break is not your vibe.

Key West And The Florida Keys By Month:

If you still can’t decide when to go to the Keys, and when to go to Key West don’t worry. We’ve broken down all the events and information you need to know month by month.

This way you can easily pick exactly the right time for you to visit depending on the type of vacation you want to have.

When to visit the Keys is such a personal decision and we hope this list will help you make it easier for you to choose.

The Florida Keys In January

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Key West and you don’t do heat well January is the month for you. It is the last month of winter and the coldest month of the year.

The average high will peak at 74°F,24°C and it won’t get colder than 64°F, 18°C so it’s still relatively warm. January in the Florida Keys is beautiful.

These lovely temperatures make it a popular place to see in the New Year and the celebrations are plentiful.

Key West in January is a perfect experience with the island hosting the Key West Food & Wine Festival and the Florida Keys Seafood Festival. There is also the Key Largo and Islamorada Food & Wine Festival. If you love food the Florida Keys in January are right up your street.

Other events include Art Under the Oaks in Tavernier, Coconut Crawl at Key Colony Beach, and the Florida Keys Celtic Festival Marathon.

January in Key West and in fact the rest of the keys is the perfect time to visit for great weather and foodie festivals. If you are wondering when to go to the Keys the winter might be the perfect time for you.

The Florida Keys In February

February in the Florida Keys is just perfect. The temperature tends to be between 76°F, 24°C, and 66°F 19°C. February is also the month with the lowest rainfall.

While Key West in February is perfect for a romantic getaway it tends to all be about art during this month.

The Pigeon Key Art Festival and the Coral Head Music Fest both take place in Marathon. And February in Key West sees the Old Island Days Art Festival.

If you love art February is the best time to visit Key West.

The Florida Keys In March

March in the Florida Keys sees temperatures rise a few degrees with the average high being 78°F, 26°C, and the average low 68°F, 20°C.

These hotter temperatures mean that Key West in Florida becomes a haven for Spring Breakers. The Keys can seem full of college students at this time.

St. Patrick’s Day is always a big deal in March in Key West and the surrounding Keys too. Key Colony Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Stroll are notable events.

Other events include Islamorada Seafood Festival and Marathon Seafood Festival.

March is the best time to visit The Florida Keys for a younger crowd.

The Florida Keys In April

The temperatures in April in the Florida Keys start to creep into the 80s. The average high is 81°F, 27°C and the average low is 72°F, 22°C.

Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Wahoo, Blue Marlin, and Yellowtail all pull those that love fishing to the island. The 7-Mile Bridge Run takes place from Knights Key to Pigeon Key.

Key West in April sees the Conch Republic Independence Celebration. Most believe April is the best time to visit the Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys In May

May seems temperatures rise to a high of 85°F, 29°C, and a low of 76°F 24°C. For most people May in the Florida Keys is the perfect time to visit.

As it gets warmer those here for the winter sun tend to leave and while it is busy it tends to be a quieter period.

Key West in May sees the Cuban American Heritage Festival the Key West Songwriters Festival and the Queen Mother Festival.

If you are wondering when to go to the Keys and want to be on the hot side and a little quieter May is a great time.

The Florida Keys In June

June sees the start of summer and higher temperatures. The high spikes at 88°F, 31°C, and the lows give little relief at 79°F, 26°C. June in the Florida Keys is also the start of the hurricane season, from now through November.

While hurricanes are rare if you visit the Keys in the summer months please keep an eye on the weather.

The Florida Keys Guitar Festival takes place in Marathon and the Mango Fest in Key West. Key West in June also hosts the Key West Pride Week which is a big deal.

This is the best time to visit The Florida Keys if you want to celebrate Pride.

The Florida Keys In July

July is the hottest month in the Keys. Highs are around 89°F,32°C and climbing and it rarely gets below 80°F,27°C. It can feel very muggy and it can rain often, though not for long.

July in Key West is all about its famous pie namesake with the Key Lime Festival. The Hemingway Days Festival also takes place in July. Looe Key Reef Resort is host to the Underwater Music Festival.

4th of July celebrations are happening everywhere with the Spirit of Islamorada 4th of July Festival being the main event. There is so much to see and do in Islamorada so stay a while.

If you love the heat you will be rewarded with fewer crowds and tourists during this time. Remember we are still in hurricane season.

If you love things a little quieter this is the best time to visit the Keys.

The Florida Keys In August

The temperatures in August are the same as in July so both months are hot. It is much more likely to rain in August though so be prepared.

Key West in August is a mecca for lobster fans with the Key West LobsterFest and the Tropical Heat festivals taking place. Marathon is host to Kilts in the Keys which sounds very interesting. There is so much to do in Marathon and it’s a great place to visit.

August in the Florida Keys sees the warmest ocean temperatures making it perfect for swimming and watersports.

The Florida Keys In September

September in the Florida Keys sees the highest rainfall and is the time you are most likely to get a hurricane. The temperate drops a little bringing the average low down to 78°F,26°C so it’s still hot.

The vibe of the Keys tends to change in September with the families leaving and things becoming a little quieter before the winter sun guests arrive. This is the best time to visit the Keys if you want warmer weather but fewer people.

The Florida Keys Birding And Wildlife Festival take place at Big Pine Key. Key West in September hosts Womenfest and the Key West Brew Fest.

The Florida Keys In October

While we are still in hurricane season October sees less rainfall than September. The high temperature drops to 85°F 29°C and the low to 76°F 24°C.

October in Key West is all about Halloween with Fantasy Fest taking up 10 consecutive days. Key West also hosts the Goombay Festival.

Elsewhere the Reef Fest takes place at Key Largo and the Zombie Bike Ride of the Living Dead takes place at Big Pine Key. Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys have so much to offer and are well worth a visit.

October in the Florida Keys is really fun and a great time to visit. You are still in hurricane season though so keep an eye on the weather.

The Florida Keys In November

In November the highs are around 80°F,27°C, and the lows are 72°F 22°C. As the islands get slightly cooler everything tends to slow down and November is quite peaceful and quiet.

Key West in November is home to the Key West Film Festival and the Taste of the Islands takes place in Marathon.

November in the Florida Keys is a perfect time for a romantic getaway as the islands seem to lull a little between the frantic Halloween and Christmas celebration it is wedged between.

The Florida Keys In December

December in the Flordia Keys is quite an experience. It’s the third coldest month and the start of winter. Highs are around 76°F,24°C, and the lows are 67°F,19°C.

Key West in December seems to take on an atmosphere that’s hard to describe. It’s even more cherry and vibrant than it normally is. December in Key West sees the Holiday Parade, and the Key West Lighted Boat Parade two must-see festive events.

Big Pine Key and Lower Keys host the Island Art festival if festival celebrations are not your thing.

December sees the start of the high season so expect to see more crowds and high prices but it’s divine at this time so if you can take a visit.

As you can see when it comes to deciding what is the best time to visit The Florida Keys it really does depend on what you like and what you don’t like.

When to go to the Keys is a really personal decision and I hope in this article we have helped you make this decision. What we do know is that whenever you visit you will have an amazing time.

The Florida Keys are great whatever time of the year and we hope you love it.

If you traveling to the Keys by car take a look at our Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip .

Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide (+ A Map of the Florida Keys)

Wondering how to plan a trip to the famous Florida Keys ? With its crystal clear water, delicious seafood, and a multitude of activities, the Florida Keys are a must-visit destination in the USA!

The Florida Keys are truly my happy place, and I want everyone to experience them too. I was lucky enough to grow up visiting the Keys. My dad is from Islamorada (part of the Upper Keys), so he made sure we visited a lot and experienced all the Keys have to offer. And they have A LOT to offer!!!

From Key Largo to Key West , there are so many incredible hotels, restaurants, and activities to experience in the Keys. In this post, I cover everything you need to know about visiting the Florida Keys , including the best time to visit, places to stay, where to eat, and the top activities in each major Key.

Plus, I’ve put together a complete map of the Florida Keys with all of the highlights! So keep reading to help plan your perfect trip to the Keys!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you!

The Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide (+ A Detailed Map of the Best Spots)

Complete florida keys map.

If you’ve never been to the Keys, it’s important to know the Florida Keys are not just Key West . The Florida Keys are actually made up of over 200 islands! Of course, not all of these are inhabited, but there are still quite a few Keys to choose from.

Make sure to check out my blog post How Many Keys Are in the Florida Keys? for more FL Keys fun facts!

To help you plan your trip, this travel guide breaks down the Keys into three main areas: The Upper Keys, The Middle Keys, and The Lower Keys . For each area, you’ll find a mini guide, including where to stay, where to eat, and things to do!

I’ve also put together a Florida Keys map that includes all of my favorite stops throughout the Keys, including restaurants, hotels, shops, breweries, and more! Make sure to save this map of the Florida Keys before your trip!

Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys

In my opinion, there is no “bad” time to visit the Keys.. You can pretty much guarantee that it’ll be warm year round, as is the norm in southern Florida! However, there are a few different things to consider when planning your trip to the Keys depending on the time of year.

For a detailed breakdown on when to visit the Keys, including a list of seasonal events, make sure to check out my full guide: Best Time To Visit The Florida Keys !

Winter is the “high” season in the Keys. Snowbirds flock to Florida to escape the brutal winter weather up north – which means busy restaurants, higher hotel rates, etc.. While cold fronts can happen, it’s uncommon for the temperature to drop below 55 degrees in the Keys.

So even though it’s winter, you can still partake in the standard Florida Keys activities. The ocean might be a little chilly (but not unbearable), and there are always wet suits if needed!

Overall, plan for crowds and inflated costs if you’re visiting in the winter months, but gorgeous weather!

➡️ Read Next: Should You Visit Key West in January? Yes! Here’s Why!

Spring is personally my favorite time to visit the Keys. The winter crowds start to die down around late February, and the weather starts to warm up, with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 60s.

Plus, blue skies are the norm during this time, with very low precipitation rates.

The only downside of visiting the Keys in March/April is the possibility of spring break crowds. This will be most noticeable in Key West, but if you’re going to Key West to have peace and quiet, I’d re-think your plans..

No matter what, the Keys are extremely enjoyable in the Spring and a perfect time of year to visit!

As temperatures rise in June and July, the crowds decrease, along with hotel prices. Most people avoid the Keys in the summer because, let’s face it, Florida summers can be brutal .

The mosquitos come out. It rains every afternoon. It’s HOT.

As a Floridian, this is the norm for me, so I don’t avoid the Keys in the summer by any means. In fact, it’s a good time to visit if that type of weather doesn’t bother you, because hotels are cheaper and there’s way less people!

We used to visit the Keys every July 4th and it was still incredible.. but if you’re not a fan of 90 degree weather, I would plan to visit during another time of year!

The biggest thing to consider when planning a trip to the Keys in the fall is hurricane season , which runs from June – November . However, the peak of the season is August & September. During this timeframe, expect hot days and frequent rainfall in the afternoons.

If you’re planning a trip to the Keys during hurricane season, plan for the worst and make sure everything is refundable . Hurricanes can pop up out of nowhere and lead to canceling your vacation within a week’s notice (or less!)

How to Get to the Florida Keys

So, you’ve picked a time of year to visit.. Now let’s talk about how you will get to the Florida Keys! How you arrive in the Keys will depend on a few factors, including your budget, your timeframe, and your departure city.

For example, if you live in Florida, you can probably drive to the Keys , unless you live in North Florida, which would be a long adventure! If you’re traveling from any other state, you are probably going to be flying in.

Flying to the Florida Keys

Flying into key west.

You have a couple different options for flights to the Florida Keys. If you’re traveling to Key West and only Key West, you can fly directly into Key West International Airport (EYW) . Some US cities even have direct flights to Key West, like Asheville, New York City, Tampa, and Indianapolis. Check out the flight prices below!

Flying into Fort Lauderdale or Miami

If you are planning to visit other Keys besides Key West, don’t limit yourself to the Key West airport only, because it can get expensive!

I recommend flying into Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) or Miami airport (MIA) and then renting a car and driving down to the Keys. If you’re staying in one of the Upper Keys, driving from these airports will be relatively painless (only 1-2 hours depending on which you choose)!

If you want to go all the way to Key West, and flights to Key West airport are super expensive, it is totally doable to drive to Key West from Fort Lauderdale or Miami airport!

The drive from Miami to Key West takes less than 4 hours, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to break up the drive! In fact, I highly recommend it 🙂

You can also consider booking one way flights: one into Miami/Fort Lauderdale and one out of Key West. This way, you only have to do the drive through the Keys one time!

Renting a Car in the Florida Keys

As mentioned above, if you plan on visiting multiple Keys, you’ll need to rent a car ! You can pick up a rental car from any of the 3 airports mentioned above.

I highly recommend  RentalCars.com . They allow you to compare prices across all of the major rental car companies. Plus, they have a great cancellation policy (typically free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance). Oh, and they price match!

For your trip to the Florida Keys, I recommend getting a car with good fuel economy to save money! If you are driving up and down the length of the Overseas Highway, that’s over 300 miles!

With gas prices the way they are, you are going to want to save where you can!

TIP: Avoid arriving for your trip on a Friday afternoon if flying into Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Not only will you hit rush hour traffic in Miami, but you will also hit traffic getting into the Keys. There is only one main road in and out of the Keys, and it can get backed up quickly !

Florida Keys by Boat

So we covered air and land.. another option for visiting the Keys is by sea ! A lot of South Floridians take their own boats down to the Keys. Of course, if you’re traveling from out of state or don’t have a boat, this isn’t an option, but a cruise is!

Many cruise lines include a stop in Key West on their Western or Eastern Caribbean cruises. You can cruise from New Orleans, Galveston, Mobile, or other parts of Florida.

However, I really think you have to spend more than just a day in Key West to truly appreciate the beauty of the Keys! That’s why I highlight all the different areas in this Florida Keys Travel Guide, not just Key West!

Where to Stay in the Florida Keys

Below I will breakdown the main 3 areas of the Keys and provide hotel recommendations for each area based on different budgets! However, I wanted to note that you are not limited to just hotels in the Keys.

Vacation rentals are very common in the Keys! You can check out options on VRBO or Airbnb . It’s worth noting that some parts of the Keys do not allow vacation rentals for less than a 28-day stay, so depending on the area, options might be limited. 

Looking for something unique? Consider renting out a sailboat or houseboat to stay on!

If you decide to go the hotel route, there are tons of options, from seaside motels to luxurious resorts. In each section below, I’ll give some hotel recommendations for each area of the Florida Keys!

The Upper Keys

The two main towns that make up the Upper Keys are Key Largo and Islamorada . Key Largo will be your first stop on your journey south through the Keys, followed shortly by Islamorada.

The Upper Keys are very popular among Floridians due to their proximity to the rest of the state. In fact, many people from south Florida often do a Miami to Key Largo road trip , since the drive only takes an hour!

In addition, the Upper Keys have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the Florida  Keys  National Marine Sanctuary , so it’s a very popular area for boaters. (Make sure to check out my Key Largo Snorkeling Guide and my Islamorada Snorkeling Guide for more info!

What Is There to Do in the Upper Keys?

My favorite part of the Upper Keys is there is SO much to see and do. I have a list of Free Things to Do in Key Largo and Things to Do in Islamorada , but here’s a quick overview of both!

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (the first undersea park in the United States!)
• Sunset cruise in Key Largo (full guide here !)
• Snorkeling at Alligator Reef Lighthouse
• Islamorada Beer Company
• Dolphins Plus Encounter
• Sports Fishing Charter
• Feed The Tarpon At Robbie’s
• Kayaking In The Bay
• Have a Rum Runner at the Tiki Bar

Where Should I Stay in the Upper Keys?

All of my favorite Florida Keys hotels are located in the Upper Keys! If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with Drop Anchor Resort or La Jolla Resort .

If you have a moderate budget, my absolute favorite resorts are the Islander Resort and Postcard Inn !

For luxury travelers, you can’t go wrong with The Caribbean Resort or Playa Largo Resort !

For more suggestions, make sure to check out my detailed guides on the Best Hotels in Key Largo and the Best Hotels in Islamorada !

Where Should I Eat in the upper Keys?

There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in the Upper Keys. Islamorada is the sports fishing capital of the world, so the seafood here is unbelievable. In fact, not one but TWO restaurants in Islamorada have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!

Luckily, I’ve put together two full guides on this exact category: the Best Restaurants in Islamorada and the Top 10 Key Largo Restaurants !

The Middle Keys

Next up are the Middle Keys.. a little bit further south and a little less people than Key Largo or Islamorada. Marathon is the heart of the Middle Keys and encompasses many little keys within its limits. There is also Duck Key, home to the famous and luxurious resort, Hawk’s Cay!

What Is There to Do in the Middle keys?

There is a ton to do in the Middle Keys, especially for younger children and those who love getting outdoors. The Middle Keys are also home to the Seven Mile Bridge , one of the longest bridges in the world!

• The Turtle Hospital
• Dolphin Research Center
• Sombrero Beach & Reef
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Seven Mile Bridge
• Crane Point Nature Center

Where Should I Stay in the Middle Keys?

There are quite a few hotels and VRBOs to stay in in the Middle Keys. In my opinion, none as great as in the Upper Keys, but still some wonderful hotels! For budget travelers, check out the Rainbow Bend Resort . Other options that are a little higher priced are Isla Bella Beach Resort and Faro Blanco Resort .

For luxury travelers, there’s really nothing better than Hawk’s Cay Resort . This resort takes up an entire Key itself (Duck Key), and it does not disappoint! It has its own lagoon, dolphin sanctuary, and more!

The Lower Keys

Last but definitely not least.. let’s talk about the Lower Keys – the highlight of which is Key West! Key West truly has something for everyone to enjoy.. beaches (rare for the Keys), bars, museums, shops, gardens, and more.

For this reason, Key West is extremely popular for families, spring breakers, snow birds, and more. You can arrive by cruise ship, flight or car (reference the beginning of this travel guide!)

Aside from Key West, there’s also Big Pine Key and No Name Key, which are perfect for that off-the-beaten-path feel. If you’re looking for a real adventure, make sure to visit Dry Tortugas National Park , which is located on  a small archipelago about 70 miles from Key West!  

What Is There to Do in the Lower keys?

Most people think Key West is just bars, but there is plenty of other things to do! In fact, I wrote a list of 10 FREE Things to Do in Key West AND 25 Epic Things To Do in Key West , but here’s a quick overview!

• Duval Bar Crawl
• Mallory Square
• Sunset Cruise (read my full guide here !)
• Southernmost Point of the Continental United States
• No Name Pub
• Key Deer Refuge
• Dry Tortugas National Park (read my friend Alexys’ full guide here !)
• Sunset Key 
• Ernest Hemingway Home

Where Should I Stay in the Lower Keys?

The range of places to stay in the Lower Keys is extremely impressive! If you want to be within walking distance of the main sites in Key West, you’ll need to stay in Old Town . There are TONS of small BnBs and vacation house rentals in this area.

The hotels in Old Town, like Ocean Key Resort and the Mansion on the Sea sell out quickly but are worth the cost! If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, Casa Marina Resort is a beautiful property right on the beach!

However, don’t rule out Old Town if you are visiting Key West and are looking for a more traditional hotel experiences. Places like the Hilton Garden Inn and Margaritaville Beach House are very nice hotels and are more reasonably priced than the fancy hotels in Old Town! Plus, most New Town hotels have free shuttles to Old Town.

P.S. If you can only visit ONE Key and can’t decide which one to choose, make sure to check out my guide comparing Key Largo vs Key West !

Where Should I Eat in the Lower Keys?

One of the best parts about visiting the Lower Keys is the amount of incredible restaurants! For breakfast or brunch, you have to go to the famous Blue Heaven . Make sure to get a giant slice of key lime pie!

For a one of kind experience, make a reservation at Latitudes , a decadent restaurant located on Sunset Key.

My other favorite spots around town are Hot Tin Roof , Santiago’s Bodega , and Black Fin Bistro !

Packing Essentials for the Florida Keys

Your packing list for a trip to the Florida Keys will be very similar year-round, as there’s no harsh winters here! For most of the year, you can get away with shorts, tshirts, and flip flops.. what a life right?!

There are some essentials, however, that I recommend for your trip to the Keys, whether you’re visiting in the summer, the winter, or somewhere in between!

Make sure to check out my guide on What to Wear in Key West for even more details!

1. Sunscreen : I will scream this from the mountain tops until I am blue in the face! If you are going to be outside, you need to wear sunscreen. I highly recommend Supergoop! Their unseen suncreen is amazing!

2. Snorkel Gear : If you have your own gear, I highly recommend bringing it on your trip to the Keys!

3. Underwater Phone Pouch : An underwater case for your phone like this one is perfect for capturing photo and video of all the incredible coral and wildlife you will see when snorkeling!

4. Polarized Sunglasses / Hat : To protect yourself while you’re in the sun and out on the water! Polarized glasses will also help cut the glare on the ocean so you can see the wildlife! I love this inexpensive two pack from Amazon! 

5. Water Shoes : Okay by water shoes, I mean shoes that can get wet! not those dorky tourist shoes…lol! I have these Reef sandals that are totally waterproof and are great for outdoor adventures like kayaking, taking on a snorkel boat, etc. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Florida Keys are an epic vacation destination for all types of travelers. On this famous island chain, you’ll find world-class restaurants, hotels, and activities, plus gorgeous weather year round!

Whether its catching fresh fish in Islamorada, camping under the stars in Bahia Honda State Park, or partying the night away in Key West, there is truly something for everyone in this slice of paradise!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!

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9 amazing islands in the Florida Keys

There are no theme parks or bling-bling beaches in the Florida Keys. Natural and laidback, this 125-mile-long archipelago – curving away from the Americab mainland towards Cuba – is all about the simple, unplugged allure of island life, with one rather convenient contemporary upgrade. The Overseas Highway allows visitors to drive from island to island, making exploring everything the best places to visit along the Florida Keys , from tropical forests to the world’s third-largest barrier reef, a breeze.

There are a number of different islands, or keys, within each of the five distinctive regions here: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each key has its own unique character; where one might offer outdoorsy types a tangle of deserted jungle, another one will tempt culture hoppers with tiki bars and artists’ studios. Then there’s the diving, kayaking, kite-surfing, fishing or simply sunbathing... But with so much on offer, how do you pick what’s right for you?

Here is our diverse guide to the very best of Florida Keys – to be experienced at your own pace.

KEY WEST: JOIN THE PARTY AND ERNEST HEMINGWAY

This subtropical island city is Florida’s southernmost point – closer to Cuba than Miami – and, as a result, feels like its own exotic little world. This is a colourful paradise, where Caribbean-style, pastel-painted villas double as charming B&Bs, free-roaming chickens scratch about in the streets and hot-pink sunsets are celebrated nightly at seafront Mallory Square (expect magicians and fire jugglers). There’s always a good time to be had in Key West. You’re rarely more than a few yards from a frozen cocktail, whether at a laid-back tiki bar or slick speakeasy (take in a cabaret show if you’re curious about this funky frontier’s wilder side.) Little wonder Hemingway loved it: you can even tour the home where he wrote For Whom The Bell Tolls .

LOWER KEYS: GO BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURING ON BIG PINE

Pretty much the opposite of Key West, Big Pine is where you leave the crowds behind. This all-natural key is largely given over to wildlife refuges, where you can kayak through mangrove forests and hike remote nature trails, getting up close to the Key Deer (the world’s smallest deer), alligators (don’t get too close) and endemic great white herons. Of course, this being the Keys, there’s as much to discover off dry land as on. Namely, a thrilling wreck dive around the 210ft, sunken cargo freighter Adolphus Busch, Sr , as schools of snapper look on. Right next door, on Little Torch Key, find one of the region’s most exclusive, adults-only resorts. Little Palm Island, reopening in April 2020 after an extensive revamp, has redesigned its 15 ocean-view bungalows with a smart colonial vibe of heirloom rugs, vaulted thatched roofs and outdoor copper tubs.

LOWER KEYS: STEP BACK IN TIME ON STOCK ISLAND

Tiny Stock Island has more than a touch of the barefoot bohemian about it. It’s rustic, appealingly ramshackle: home largely to grizzled shrimpers and young artists. The sort of place where thatched bars and shipyards are being joined by food trucks and pop-ups. Not that this off-the-beaten-path charmer is changing too much – more that there’s a creative scene emerging within still-quiet corners. There are studios filled with driftwood sculptures and artist collectives founded by local boat captains. Find those things and more (live music, a community garden, boutique places to stay) at the island’s buzzy Marina Village.

• MARATHON: SWIM WITH DOLPHINS AT GRASSY KEY

The big attraction at this pleasantly sleepy little key is its Dolphin Research Center. The sanctuary encourages visitors to learn about its residents with playtime, research sessions and, best of all, structured swims, where you can have a one-on-one interaction with a dolphin in a natural lagoon. If after that you’d rather some R&R than hopping back in the car, Grassy has some lovely, low-key beachfront hotels and tiki bars, too.

MARATHON: GET YOUR PULSE RACING ON LITTLE CRAWL KEY

If you’re looking for high-octane hi-jinks, neighbouring Little Crawl Key is the spot to work up a sweat. Curry Hammock State Park, which also sprawls across Long Point Key, Deer Key and Fat Deer Key, is 1,000 acres of uninhabited wild, fringed on all sides by that beautiful blue-green sea. Kite-surfing is big here (you can rent from companies on the main island of Marathon), though be aware it gets busy, so first-timers may want to consider starting out elsewhere. There are also designated kayaking paths through mangrove tunnels, lagoons and open ocean, ranging from a quick one-hour route to a four-hour jaunt.

• MARATHON: LEARN TO ‘SNUBA’ ON DUCK KEY

Small, secluded Duck Key, around the midpoint of the Florida Keys chain of the island, isn’t just a super-relaxing spot to gaze out at that gorgeous Gulf of Mexico. It’s also a great place to try out snuba: a little like scuba diving, but for people who don’t have the time – or perhaps the inclination – to study for a PADI qualification. Instead of strapping on all that complicated dive equipment, snuba allows you to swim underwater while breathing through a hose connected to a raft at the water’s surface. And that means getting closer to life around the coral – as deep as 20ft – without taking all those tests.

ISLAMORADA: CATCH THE SPORT-FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Islamorada, a village made up of six keys, calls itself the sport-fishing capital of the world – and it’s by no means an outlandish claim. This owes to the sheer range of fishing adventures on offer, from hooking swordfish and groupers from the ocean’s depths to backcountry expeditions for bonefish and tarpon, taking anglers on intrepid explorations across sand flats and into mangrove creeks. Many of the best trips start at Upper Matecumbe Key, where there’s no end of salty sea captains primed to teach, guide and help you land that trophy catch.

• ISLAMORADA: GET CASTAWAY ON LIGNUMVITAE KEY

If you’re hankering after a little Crusoe-esque isolation, Lignumvitae Key is the answer: an unpopulated island forest that can only be reached by kayak or boat. It’s pristine and tranquil, so a day trip here feels like a voyage into the unknown – though in reality you’re just over a mile’s paddle from the launch at neighbouring Indian Key. Take heed of the mosquito warnings: they are merciless outside of winter. Guided tours of the forest – home to tropical plants found nowhere else in North America – are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December to April at 10am and 2pm.

KEY LARGO: DIP INTO THE DIVING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

The classic Humphrey Bogart film noir Key Largo might take place entirely above the waterline, but the biggest thrills around Florida’s largest key almost certainly take place below it. Calling itself the diving capital of the world, Key Largo is home to both John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first-ever underwater park in the USA, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where there are more than 6,000 marine species to ogle. If you don’t want to get wet, glass-bottom boat tours help you see life under the sea without taking a dip. But really, Key Largo is diving and snorkelling heaven: its protected areas guarantee clean water, abundant wildlife and colourful coral.

Visit fla-keys.co.uk .

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The 13 Best Resorts In The Florida Keys For The Ultimate Beach Vacation

Bungalows Key Largo 

Life in the Florida Keys has long captured the hearts of travelers. Novelist Ernest Hemingway, rhapsodizing about the flowers, guava trees, and coconut palms of his adoptive home of Key West , once called this destination "the best place I've ever been anytime, anywhere." Forming the southernmost portion of the continental U.S., the Keys stretch more than 100 miles and comprise five principal island stops: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, and Key West, all accessible by bridge via U.S. Route 1 from Miami. Each of the Florida Keys draws devoted fans with its own unique flavors and hospitality. If you're looking to explore the much-talked-about destination, the best place to make home base is at a resort. Offering plentiful amenities, excellent hospitality, and breathtaking scenery, these are the best resorts in the Florida Keys.

Casa Marina Resort

This legendary property opened its doors in 1920 and has hosted presidents, celebrities, and other famous guests throughout the years. Thanks to recent renovations that will wrap up in 2024, the 311-room resort remains a luxurious stay. In addition to revamped rooms and suites (including beachfront patio suites), there is a new lobby bar called the Canary Bar, updated menus and dining spaces, revamped piers for water sports and tours, and refreshed meeting and event spaces. Guests can also enjoy the largest private beach in Key West, an in-house spa, and two oceanfront pools with cabanas.

casamarinaresort.com ; 1500 Reynolds Street, Key West, FL 33040; 305-296-3535

Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club

Faro Blanco Resort

As part of its ongoing renovations, Faro Blanco Resort officially joined Hilton's Curio Collection in 2024. Revamped king and queen rooms are already available, and more improvements are on the way including upgraded event spaces, plus a new spa and fitness center, private bungalows, and a pool deck with a bar and cabanas.

faroblancoresort.com ; 1996 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050; 305-743-1234

Reefhouse Resort & Marina

Guests staying at Reefhouse Resort on Key Largo enjoy sunset views while staying on the 17-acre oceanfront property. Amenities include a spacious pool and hot tubs, a full-service spa, casual dining at Gus' Grill and drinks at Breezer's Tiki Bar (both offering waterfront views), plus an on-site marina and dive shop offering excursions to go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, diving, or paddleboarding. You can even set up a trip to swim with dolphins. This resort is also pet-friendly, and the concierge is happy to recommend area pet-friendly dining spots for those traveling with pups.

opalcollection.com/reefhouse ; 103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037; 305-453-000

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa captures the beauty of Keys living in Islamorada . Choose from suites with a variety of views (resort, lagoon, and oceanfront) as well as private one- and two-bedroom casitas. Camp Cheeca for kids 5 to 12, offers full and half-day organized activities, from scavenger hunts to fishing to coconut bowling. Explore Cheeca's three restaurants depending on what you crave: Atlantic's Edge for seafood; Mia Cucina for Italian; and Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant for Asian-inspired dishes. Try sunrise yoga, water activities, and dolphin excursions, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment like the three-algae facial.

cheeca.com ; 81801 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036; 305-664-4651

Isla Bella Beach Resort

Marathon Key

Located on a mile of sandy beachfront property on Marathon Key, rooms at Isla Bella include one- and two-bedroom guest rooms and suites, decorated with crisp white linens and royal blue tropical toile accents. Guests can enjoy five oceanfront pools, a marina where you can charter fishing trips or other water tours and activities, and an on-site spa and fitness center. Mahina is the on-site restaurant that serves Polynesian-inspired cuisine, from conch chowder to Kalua pork flatbread to lobster-crusted mahi-mahi. There's a more casual, grab-and-go style Marketplace Cafe, plus a Sushi Cabana, Burger Palace, and Beach Bar to round out the dining options.

islabellabeachresort.com ; 1 Knights Key Boulevard, MM 47 Marathon, FL 33050; 1-800-405-1948

Located in Florida's Middle Keys, the small island of Duck Key charms visitors with its Caribbean-style architecture and natural surroundings. Hawks Cay offers private tropical villas with full kitchens and private lanais overlooking the lagoon or the ocean, as well as more traditional resort rooms. Guests can schedule treatments at the on-site spa customized to their stay (there's even a skin rescue treatment to help soothe sunburned skin) or take an oceanside yoga or pickleball class. The resort has two main restaurants, Sixty-One Prime and Angler and Ale (offering a hook-and-cook option for anglers to enjoy their fresh catch). There's also Hawks Cay Marketplace for grab-and-go meals, boxed lunch options, and even grocery delivery . For families, kids' activities and educational programming are also available.

hawkscay.com ; 61 Hawks Cay Blvd., Duck Key, FL 33050; 866-690-6422

Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Rumored to be inspired by the rise of tourism in 1970s Key West, Jimmy Buffett's song "Margaritaville" has become a classic anthem for those who prefer a shortened to-do list to the hustle and bustle of daily life (Priority No. 1: find that salt shaker). Experience the world of wasting away and your own slice of paradise here at Margaritaville Beach House, which was renovated and rebranded in late 2021. Guest rooms feature subtle homages to Buffet and that quintessential Key West experience. Resort activities include rum tastings, weekly sip and paint classes for adults, and nightly s'mores by the campfire. On-site restaurant Tin Cup Chalice Bar & Chill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including rum runners.

margaritavilleresorts.com ; 2001 S Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040; 305-292-9800

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas

Guest rooms with simple, clean design put the focus on the blue ocean sparkling right outside the windows at Parrot Key. Featuring private guest balconies, hammocks, and lush foliage throughout the five-acre property, Parrot Key offers a restful escape from the Key West reverie. The on-site restaurant, The Grove Kitchen & Bar, offers happy hour, plus island cuisine such as ceviche, breakfast tacos, and mimosas. Free shuttles are available to Duval Street and Smathers Beach. You'll have your pick of four pools, including a family pool and one just for adults. There are also daily dolphin tours on a two-decker catamaran to experience a signature Florida Keys adventure.

parrotkeyhotel.com ; 2801 N. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040; 888-211-0348

Baker's Cay Resort

With breathtaking architectural details, this pineapple plantation turned stunning resort provides a visual treat as well as a respite for your Florida Keys getaway. Baker's Cay was fully renovated in 2019 and now emphasizes reusing and recycling as part of its eco-friendly mission. Included in the resort fee are use of beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, bicycles, and fishing equipment (including bait). There are two on-site restaurants: Calusa for a Creole-Caribbean menu and Dry Rocks for live music, fire pits, and beach dining. Fair warning: You may find it difficult to pull yourself away from the two waterfall pools.

hilton.com ; 2801 N. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040; 888-211-0348

Marlin Bay Resort & Marina

Enjoy the comforts of a luxurious three- or four-bedroom vacation home rental at Marlin Bay, which combines resort amenities with seclusion. Some of the homes include private plunge pools or rooftop decks overlooking the ocean. The resort offers a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, kayak and paddleboard rentals, outdoor fish cleaning stations to prepare your fresh catch for dinner, plus a game room stocked with ping pong, foosball, and outdoor pool tables.

marlinbay.com ; 3800 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon, FL 33050; 305-731-2207

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Little Torch Key

Billed as "America's only private island resort," Little Palm Island is an adults-only resort situated on four acres that is only accessible by seaplane or via the resort's boat. The emphasis is on unplugging from TVs and phones and relaxing and reconnecting. With a maximum of 60 guests, this exclusive resort offers private luxury bungalow suites designed in a West Indian motif, some appointed with outdoor copper tubs, indoor/outdoor showers, private decks, vaulted ceilings, and beautiful ocean views. The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or arrange for a romantic oceanfront dinner on the beach. The spa offers an array of massage treatments using macadamia oil infused with organic vanilla.

littlepalmisland.com ; 28500 Overseas Highway, Little Torch Key, FL, 33042; 305-684-8341

Islander Resort

Located on 24 acres of oceanfront property on Islamorada, Islander Resort features a coral sand beach, saltwater and freshwater pools, and private cabanas. Bonus: it's also pet friendly. Included with your resort fee are daily bicycle, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, as well as pier fishing. The resort offers complimentary transportation to local destinations and attractions. There is also a butterfly garden and local history museum located on site called the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center .

islanderfloridakeys.com ; 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036; 305-664-2031

This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is the perfect romantic escape . True to its name, the property has two types of bungalows, waterfront or garden, that come with outdoor soaking tubs that offer views of the ocean or lush tropical plants. Each one comes with two bicycles, but you'll probably find it hard to leave when there are two pools, a fitness tiki hut, a spa, several bars and restaurants, plus many other amenities to put you in a state of vacation bliss.

bungalowskeylargo.com ; 99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037; 866-801-0195

St. Regis Long Boat Key

Frequently asked questions.

According to the  U.S. News , the best months to visit the Florida Keys are March through May. These months have comfortable temperatures, averaging mid-80s in May, and less expensive resort fees in the spring. Hurricane season in the fall and the high cost of hotels in the winter deter visitors during these months.

There are several locations where underwater visibility is possible in the Florida Keys, known for its clear water beaches. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the self-proclaimed "Dive Capital of the World," is a preferred snorkeling location.

Related Articles

7 Islands In The Florida Keys With A Small-Town Vibe

• Key Largo offers a romantic ambiance, scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling paradise for travelers seeking a beautiful beach escape.
• Marathon, a family-friendly haven in the middle of the Keys, boasts calm, azure waters, beautiful beaches, and untarnished sanctuaries.
• Islamorada, the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World, offers angling opportunities, family-friendly activities, and stunning islets with a small-town vibe.

Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys are gleaming with more than 120 miles of palm-lined tropical islands—yes, islands that travelers can visit without leaving the United States ! How cool is that? Known for snorkeling, boating, fishing, swimming, and scuba diving, the Keys' pristine white sand beaches, an abundance of marine resources, and azure waters beckon globetrotters, even discerning travelers to explore and discover these gorgeous islands.

Although the Florida Keys are known for their notoriety as a big-budget destination, their austere grandeur makes a traveler think to hell with the budget. Right? And because of the Keys' beauty and allure, they've become among the most visited destinations in America. This also means that there are crowds, and exclusivity may not be a surefire.

On the plus side, the Florida Keys are still dotted with gorgeous islands with a small-town vibe. Here's a curated list.

9 Affordable Yet Highly Rated Florida Keys Resorts Where You Can Enjoy Luxury Without Breaking The Bank

A romantic keys island known as the "diving capital of the world".

For travelers looking for a romantic beach escape, Key Largo is key! Gleaming with amazing things to do for honeymooners , Key Largo is known for its romantic ambiance and relaxing atmosphere, and the prettiest Key with the most scenic views . But there's more to Key Largo than being a romantic destination. The island is also known as a scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling paradise with its clear, azure waters and abundance of coral reefs. Key Largo is also known as the “Diving Capital of the World,” featuring some of the world's best scuba diving spots, including the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue off the coast of Key Largo, as well as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park . Diving at any of these beautiful and enchanting diving spots is among the best things to do in Key Largo !

Set in the middle of the Keys, known for its calm, azure waters

About a 10-mile stretch of pristine island in the middle of the Florida Keys lies Marathon, a family-friendly community known as a haven for sailing and boating. With less than 10,000 residents, Marathon exudes a small-town vibe with a relaxed lifestyle—as relaxed as its calm waters. It's home to Sombrero Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Keys, and Coco Plum Beach, where loggerhead turtles nest during the season. Marathon also beams with the unrivaled beauty of Curry Hammock State Park, an untarnished secluded sanctuary perfect for both the weary and most seasoned travelers. Staying in Marathon also comes with a breeze because of its beautiful hotels and resorts that travelers can book.

The iconic and historic 1900 Old Seven-Mile Bridge is located at the west end of Marathon.

Known as the “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World” with a small-town vibe

One of the small beach towns in Florida that are laid-back and low-key , Islamorada, is located between Key Largo and Marathon and is known as the “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World.” Islamorada is a favorite destination for anglers, especially because of its top-of-the-line charter services that offer both backcountry and offshore excursions . This beautiful island is a hub for sought-after fish species—ranging from tarpon and bonefish to sailfish. But not only is Islamorada a haven for anglers. Its six villages or islets also hit home with their family-friendly activities, including kayaking, swimming, and camping.

10 Things To Do In Key West: Complete Guide To The Florida Keys

Stock island, a small keys island with a thriving art community.

Stock Island is located south of US 1 before entering Key West, which offers plenty of things to do . With less than 5,000 residents, Stock Island radiates a relaxed way of life and is known for its vibrant art scene, with many galleries and shops showcasing incredible masterpieces. The island also holds an annual three-day festival in December called I Love Stock Island Festival , which showcases visual artwork, mural art tours, culinary contests, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a lighted boat parade, and more.

Big Pine Key

Known for diving and snorkeling, low-key lifestyle, and incredible wildlife.

Anyone who's looking for a relaxing and slow-paced beach escape would want to keep Big Pine Key on their radar. Tucked away about 30 miles north of Key West, Big Pine Key is known as one of the best and clearest reefs in the Florida Keys, making it an oasis for diving and snorkeling. It's also home to the National Key Deer Refuge , where the wild, tiny white-tailed deer known as Key Deer can be found, perfect for those who love wildlife. Of course, the prettiest white sand beaches at Bahia Honda State Park are not to be missed. It's one of the bucket list Florida Keys islands to visit !

Big Pine Key is also known for its mouthwatering seafood cuisine that many of its restaurants serve and its nearby Keys.

Known for its lush mangrove forests in the lower Keys

Set in the lower Florida Keys, Cudjoe Key is one of the beautiful islands with a small-town vibe and incredible marine resources. With only about 2,000 residents, Cudjoe Key offers a unique experience for travelers seeking a homey atmosphere. Its lush mangrove forests and dramatic flora and fauna make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. It's also a spectacular snowbird escape with gorgeous beaches , including the ones on Cudjoe Bay, where swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, boating, and fishing are the best.

Dive Capital Of The World: 10 Facts To Know About The Florida Keys

Known for its old florida charm and laid-back lifestyle.

A jewel in the Keys, Cedar Key, is an underrated, scenic small town where travelers can find Florida's Old Town charm, set on the rugged and gorgeous Nature Coast. Its walkable, family-friendly, and idyllic experiences exude a small-town vibe. Cedar Key's laid-back atmosphere, with charming Old Florida architecture, makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a culturally rich and coastal atmosphere. It's also dotted with top-notch restaurants serving the best seafood fare. Watersports are also popular in Cedar Key, with a beautiful marina, fishing pier, and charming resorts.

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• Amelia Island

9 Amazing Islands to Visit in Florida (That Aren’t the Keys)

See recent posts by Alex Temblador

Although the Florida Keys typically rank high on everyone’s Florida vacation list, there are many other amazing islands off the Sunshine State’s coast that are worth visiting, too. Florida has 4,510 islands in total, but we’ve managed to narrow that list down to our nine favorites. 

1. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island offers quite a unique experience for visitors. Since the island developed in a west-to-east fashion, the waters from the Caribbean and Gulf Coast wash ashore thousands of seashells every day that sit in piles along the sandy coast. It’s the perfect destination for shelling — and it typically has fun events on National Seashell Day on June 21! Beyond the beach, the island has a lot of family-friendly places to visit, like the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge , which has tons of hiking trails, or the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum , a fun place to learn more about shells and marine biology (it even has live exhibits!). Other notable places include the Sanibel Island Light , or a visit to the affordable, funky cow-themed restaurant, The Island Cow.

Our Pick for a Sanibel Island Hotel: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Pricing for Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

2. Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is a quaint seven-mile island that’s a quintessential Florida island escape. It’s the home to the upscale residential community of Boca Grande and was a destination for elite families like the Vanderbilts and Duponts. Most residents and visitors get around by golf carts and bikes, but with the Old Florida charm to discover, you might want to walk around the island and enjoy it at a leisurely pace. The Boca Grande Lighthouse , which has been standing since 1890, is the focal point of the entire island. Take note, fishermen — Gasparilla Island is the home to a water pass known as the Tarpon Capital of the World!

Our Pick for a Gasparilla Island Hotel: Gasparilla Inn & Club

Pricing for Gasparilla Inn & Club

3. Marco Island

For those who want a beach vacation and a chance to see the Everglades , Marco Island is a perfect destination. The island has two public beaches and is just a 40-minute drive to the Everglades. Head to Tigertail Beach which has shallow waters — you can wade across the lagoon to Sand Dollar Island, a natural conservation area. For more outdoor fun, head to Briggs Nature Center for a half-mile boardwalk, go fishing, or book a canoe trip. And if you have a chance, check out the Dome Homes, a collection of white dome-like homes on stilts in the water on the southern tip of the island.

Our Pick for a Marco Island Hotel: Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites

Pricing for Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites

4. Merritt Island

Merritt Island is best known as the home of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center . In the morning, you can visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and maybe even meet an astronaut. Then you can head to the beach in the afternoon! You can also enjoy the wildlife refuge here by watching manatees from an observation deck, hike the many trails, go fishing, or take the seven-mile Black Point Wildlife Drive where you’ll see animals like alligators and river otters. If you’re lucky, a visit to Merritt Island might be made super memorable with a rocket launch from the NASA Kennedy Space Center.

Our Pick for a Nearby Merritt Island Hotel: Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Pricing for Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

5. Matlacha Island

There’s a small-town Florida charm on Matlacha Island that you can’t often find these days. Matlacha Island sits right next to Florida’s largest island, Pine Island, and has a creative atmosphere. There’s only one mile-long road on this small island, and it’s dotted on either side by colorful fisherman-like shacks that are a combination of homes, restaurants, shops, bars, and galleries. Many of the homes have kitschy decor in the lawns such as polka-dot dolphins, colorful mailboxes, creatively decorated bikes, and even stuffed dolls in chairs. Spend your time exploring the shops, fishing, kayaking, or enjoying fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants. And if you get bored, it’s just a short drive to Pine Island !

Our Pick for a Nearby Cape Coral Hotel: The Westin Cape Coral Resort At Marina Village

Pricing for The Westin Cape Coral Resort At Marina Village

6. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a barrier island on the northeast corner of Florida, just a 30-minute drive from the Georgia state line and a 50-minute drive to Jacksonville, Florida . It’s the only place in the United States that has had eight different flags and is home to the oldest hotel in Florida, the Florida House Inn , which was built in 1857. This lovely island has 13 miles of beaches , diverse types of lodgings, golf courses, and upscale artisan shops. The historic downtown of Fernandina is a Victorian-style seaport with cute shops, art walks, and lots more to keep you entertained.

Our Pick for an Amelia Island Hotel: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Pricing for Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

7. Cayo Costa

For travelers who want a lot of peace and quiet during their Florida island vacation, Cayo Costa , a state park of Florida, is the perfect island for them. It can only be reached by private boat or charter service with companies like Captiva Cruises. Cayo Costa has tons of hiking and biking trails, kayak rentals, and nine miles of white sandy beaches. The waters surrounding the 2,426-acre island are pretty clear and filled with manatees, dolphins, huge shells with mollusks, and lots of sand dollars. It makes for fun snorkeling expeditions! Like Sanibel Island , the beach is covered in shells. Travelers can rent a cabin or enjoy tent camping on Cayo Costa. For those who prefer hotels, book a room on the nearby Captiva Island and head over during the day.

Our Pick for a Nearby Captiva Island Hotel: Jensen’s “On the Gulf”

Pricing for Jensen's "On the Gulf"

8. Siesta Key

Siesta Key  is an island that’s just a 16-minute drive from Sarasota, Florida , on the Gulf of Mexico. This eight-mile long island is best known for its beaches which are reportedly 99 percent quartz, and therefore almost a pure white color. Like most beach destinations in Florida, Siesta Key is perfect for those who enjoy water sports, days at the beach, and bird watching. Head to the Point of Rocks on Crescent Beach , a shallow area that’s perfect for snorkeling due to a large marine life and cool corral formations. Don’t forget a visit to Turtle Beach — it’s less crowded and is known as a major turtle nesting area, so maybe you’ll have a chance to see a baby turtle!

Our Pick for a Siesta Key Hotel: Turtle Beach Resort

Pricing for Turtle Beach Resort

9. Captiva Island

Whether you’re getting your tan on or picnicking in the Floridian sand, this towel is perfect for relaxation on your trip.

NOW WATCH: Best Beach Hotels in the Florida Keys

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The Florida Keys to our heart

The florida keys are brimming with turquoise waters, fresh seafood and plenty of sunshine. vacation mode: activated..

Key West patio vibes

Published: Friday 30th September 2022

• Destinations

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Picture this: You’re lounging on a sandy, white beach; the soft waves of the ocean gently lull you into prime leisure mode; and there is a tiny umbrella in your drink.

More on the adventurous side? No problem. In this dream destination there are colourful coral reefs, the biggest fish you’ve ever seen, water sports galore and unmatched weather. Welcome to the Florida Keys .

This stunning cluster of tropical islands between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico isn’t some fantasy land, it actually exists just off the southern coast of Florida. It’s here where turquoise waters meet lush canopies of mangrove caves, beautiful parks exist above and below the surface, and nature and nightlife aren’t mutually exclusive.

Whether you’re looking for thrills or relaxation, you can find it all within this archipelago. Plus, the weather is unbeatable at any time of the year (jealous). Vacation starts now with our guide to the best islands in the Florida Keys. All you have to do is sit back or dive right in.

Just the mention of Key Largo, and we’re immediately singing that catchy Beach Boys song: “Key Largo, Montego — baby, why don’t we go?” Anyone else? No? Whether you’re familiar with the tune or not, there’s a reason why this spectacular island is so famous. It’s the self-proclaimed ‘Dive Capital of the World.’

A bird poses peacefully in sunny Key Largo

Only an hour’s drive from South Florida’s major airports, Key Largo feels like a world away. Explore undersea wonders at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you can snorkel and scuba dive alongside marine life and fascinating coral reefs, or observe from above in a glass-bottom boat or kayak.

Banana Reef dive in Key Largo

Key Largo is also home to the underwater hotel, Jules’ Undersea Lodge, located at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon — guests have to scuba dive to get to their rooms! For those who prefer their head above water, Key Largo also boasts many natural treasures like The Everglades National Park, 1.5 million acres of protected wilderness, which adjoins the waters of Islamorada and Key Largo. The ‘River of Grass’ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where sport fishing, wildlife tours and a whole lot of fun await.

If you’re a seafood lover — whether you enjoy catching, eating it, or both — Islamorada is for you. It's known affectionately as the ‘Village Of Islands, or ‘Purple Island,’ for its purple bougainvillea and sunsets that transform the sky into a watercolour painting. Islamorada is made up of six breathtaking islands — Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key — each with its own unique characteristics.

Mostly, this picturesque slice of the Keys is known for its incredible fishing (it’s the sport fishing capital of the world). There are more fishing boats here than in any other part of the planet. Backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered in these very waters. You don’t need to be an expert to get a catch of the day.

Sunsets that transform the sky into a watercolour painting

When the sun starts to set, take your fresh-caught mahi mahi or snapper to a nearby local restaurant, where they will give it the expert cook it deserves. Then, head on down to the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District for art walks and live entertainment.

Located slap back in the middle of the Florida Keys sits Marathon, a family-centric, 10-kilometre stretch of picturesque coastline. Set across 10 islands, this community is primarily known for its beaches, coral barrier reef and fishing. If you feel 10 times more chill when you’re close to the water, this is the spot for you — Marathon is one of the Keys’ most marine friendly cities.

Dip your toes into aquatica with a boat rental or private charter. The Florida Keys’ surrounding waters are protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, extending from south of Miami westward to the Dry Tortugas. So, if you feel like going snorkelling or shipwreck diving, you know you’re doing it responsibly.

Seas the day while boating in Marathon

If you prefer to explore on dry land, pay a visit to the Turtle Hospital or the Dolphin Research Center, where you can learn more about these intelligent creatures (or get wet and sign up for a hands-on experience). Make sure you leave plenty of time to relax at one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants, and let your worries slip away under the horizon like one of Marathon’s gorgeous sunsets.

The Lower Keys

Perfect catch at Lower Keys RV park

The Lower Keys is a sanctuary for both humans and wildlife. As the Florida Keys start to take a turn west towards the sun, you’ll find this sleepy, peaceful oasis of islands with some of the best names like Sugarloaf Key, Summerland Key and Big Torch.

Sometimes the only other visitor you’ll run into is a rare bird

From quiet side streets to still lagoons, The Lower Keys feels untouched — it is the most natural of all the Keys with amazing stargazing, and an incredibly diverse marine life ecosystem. Sometimes the only other visitors you’ll run into are rare wading birds, or the tiny Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge.

Paddle board yoga in the Lower Keys

On the island of Big Pine Key, rent a kayak, or go for a stroll along the Blue Hole, a rare freshwater pocket with turtles, alligators and birds. The Bahia Honda State Park has some of the best beaches just begging for a picnic or a laid-back day in the sun. For a unique day trip, check out Stock Island, an under-the-radar bohemian destination with retro vibes, separated from Key West by a narrow channel.

Exploring Key West’s Adubon House

If you wander to eat, Key West is written in the stars of your travel horoscope. Situated at the very southernmost tip of Florida, this U.S. island city is closer to Cuba than Miami, and as such, it’s twinkling with Caribbean charm. Expect plenty of seafood: a medley of just-off-the-boat snapper, grouper and mahi-mahi served in every way imaginable.

Closer to Cuba than Miami, the island Twinkles with Caribbean charm

Head to Key West’s Bahama Village for colourful architecture and panoramic views of the 19th-century lighthouse. Ernest Hemingway’s legacy can be found on every corner — The Hemingway Home and Museum was the residence of the writer in the 1930s. Meanwhile, at the Blue Heaven, a former boxing ring where the author refereed, you can now enjoy one of the best brunches in Key West. Free-range poultry roams the courtyard at the popular spot, and here, the ‘L’ in BLT stands for lobster.

Family fun outside the Shipwreck Museum in Key West

The waters surrounding Key West are also home to pink shrimp: enjoy them at spots like the Conch Republic Seafood. And you can’t visit Key West without taking a boat trip to Dry Tortugas, a 100-square mile park that’s mostly open water consisting of seven small islands — bird spot, explore coral reefs and check out the magnificent Fort Jefferson, formerly a civil war prison.

Getting there

Good news for bargain flight hunters: When booking your trip to the Florida Keys, there are plenty of flying routes available. Key West Airport is the closest option, but you’ll need to make a stopover in a city like Miami or Atlanta. From there, it’s anywhere from a 10-minute to 2-hour drive, depending on which region you’re visiting. Alternatively, fly directly to Miami with Air Canada or American Airlines and drive between 1 and 3.5 hours.

For more information visit  fla-keys.com

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• Destinations

How to Take the Ultimate Florida Keys Road Trip

The best beach bars, hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on a drive down Florida’s Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West.

A drive down Florida's Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West offers the perfect blend of eccentric bohemia and chic joie de vivre . As the mile markers decrease, Old Florida charm sharpens into focus. Strip malls hawking beach sundries and snorkeling tours along the upper reaches of U.S. 1 give way to dazzling turquoise flashes as the road becomes more bridge than highway. The route south is festooned with the Keys' ubiquitous kitsch — a giant, spiny lobster presides over a local arts village, lipsticked manatees clutch mailboxes, and hand painted mermaids tempt passersby with the promise of sunset cocktails.

You could drive the 113-mile stretch in a little over three hours, but why would you want to? Road trips , especially one as iconic as this, are all about the stops along the way. So put the top down and cue Jimmy Buffet. Here's our guide to the best the Florida Keys has to offer.

Ease yourself into the Keys' laidback vibe just south of Homestead with a detour onto Card Sound Road. A stop into Alabama Jack's is a must, especially if you're a first-timer. The scrappy, waterside seafood shack has been the Keys' unofficial welcome wagon since 1947 and serves some of the best conch fritters around. Live music and the line of Harleys outside add to the honky-tonk scene.

With your internal clock synced to island time, cruise over Card Sound Bridge and into Key Largo where you'll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park at mile marker 102.5. Explore the park's prolific marine life and a portion of the 360-mile Florida Reef Tract — North America's only living coral barrier reef — on a guided snorkeling tour . Or rent kayaks and head out for a paddle through miles of mangrove-lined wilderness trails.

Key Largo is at the epicenter of sustainability efforts in the Florida Keys, especially when it comes to reef health. At the Coral Restoration Foundation , researchers are rearing and planting corals in undersea nurseries. For a unique experience, snorkelers and divers looking to add an eco-tourism stint to their travels can assist scientists with outplanting and reef monitoring at active restorations sites.

After a day of sea and sun, check into the breezy Baker's Cay Resort , a lush retreat tucked into a secluded setting with gorgeous Florida Strait views. The resort partners with local environmental organizations to create eco-friendly guest programming. It was also the first resort in the Keys to join Reef Relief's " Skip the Straw " campaign.

You could easily spend a few days hopping around the string of tiny islands that make up Islamorada and while you do, The Moorings Village is the perfect place to call home.

Built on a former coconut plantation, the resort is home to eight private cottages nestled amidst tropical landscaping just steps from the Atlantic. Eight-hundred palm trees dot the property, and there's no shortage of hammocks for lounging beneath the verdant fronds.

Grab a paddleboard and head out for an ocean jaunt, watch the world go by from the cool shade of your porch, or while away a few hours by the gorgeous pool. If you can tear yourself away, single-speed beach cruisers are available for a pedal around town. Check out the galleries around the corner in the Morada Bay Arts and Cultural District — every third Thursday is the district's evening art walk — or pop into the beer garden at the Florida Keys Brewing Company for a hyper-local tasting flight.

Robbie's Marina , one of the Florida Keys' most iconic landmarks, sits on the tip of Lower Matecumbe Key, about five miles south at mile marker 77.5. The epitome of the archipelago's barefoot affability, Robbie's is a waterside shantytown of sorts that includes an outdoor marketplace, a marine sports outpost, and the Hungry Tarpon restaurant, named for the school of enormous silver fish that have been circling the docks for decades. Seven bucks will get you a bucket of bait and admission to the dock, and feeding the leaping, thrashing creatures provides a memorable diversion.

Afterwards, head out for an eco-tour through Islamorada's pristine waters with Captain Sam Zeher or just chill dockside with one of Robbie's Trailer Trash Bloody Marys, complete with a beef-jerky straw.

When the dinner hour beckons, shake the sand from your toes and head to Pierre's , an elegant plantation-style house with a wide verandah overlooking Florida Bay. A few miles north at Marker 88 , the chef serves the kind of super-fresh seafood one would expect to find in the sportfishing capital of the world. Tuck into cracked coconut-crusted shrimp and fresh Florida lobster on the outdoor patio with a glass of fruity Chardonnay — for a relaxed joint, Marker 88 has an excellent wine list. At either spot, the famous Keys sunset is guaranteed to put on a memorable show.

Even before Hemingway's old man took to the sea, the Keys were a saltwater angler's paradise, legendary for big game like sailfish, wahoo, and blue marlin. Though pulling a trophy fish from the ocean can be a thrill, sometimes the best part of casting a line is eating your catch later.

One of the best ways to do so is on a hook-and-cook adventure at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key, a pocket-sized island about 20 miles south of Islamorada. When it comes to relaxation, the resort offers a stunning adults-only enclave called Oasis Cay.

Get out onto the water with lifelong conch (i.e., Florida Keys native) Captain Dave Perry , who has been fishing the Keys for decades and runs charters out of the Hawks Cay Marina with Captain Justin Brunk. In addition to blue water hunting, the two specialize in fishing the reef for snapper and grouper, fish that can later be blackened, grilled, or fried for a hyper-local meal at Angler and Ale , the resort's dockside restaurant.

Connecting Marathon to the Lower Keys, the Seven-Mile Bridge is a highlight of any Keys road trip and driving it feels like being immersed in an ocean-themed movie. But before you do, take a ferry out to picturesque Pigeon Key for a dose of Keys history.

In the early 1900s, Florida tycoon Henry Flagler envisioned an Overseas Railroad linking mainland Florida to Key West. The project was nicknamed Flagler's Folly — no one believed his ambitious plan would come to fruition — yet, despite naysayers, the rail line was finished in 1912 complete with the engineering marvel that became the Seven-Mile Bridge. During the railroad's construction, more than 400 workers lived on Pigeon Key, which is now listed on the National Historic Register. Tours of the tiny island leave three times daily from the Pigeon Key Visitor's Center and offer a deep dive into the story of the railroad, its ill-fated demise, and the scenic highway travelers drive today.

The Lower Keys

Take a detour for some beach bliss at Bahia Honda State Park , a 524-acre swath of nature tucked between the Atlantic and the Gulf. Don't forget to drop by Sandspur Beach, long considered one of the best in the Keys.

On Big Pine Key, stop into the new Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, which features exhibits spotlighting the Keys' four wildlife refuges including the nearby National Key Deer Refuge . Established in 1957, the refuge protects approximately 9,200 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys that serves as habitat for endangered Key Deer. Stick to the speed limit around here — the diminutive creatures have been known to dart into the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

About 30 minutes south, you'll find authentic, Old Keys spirit on the docks of Geiger Key Marina at The Fish Camp . Founded by local restaurateurs Michelle and Bobby Mongelli, also behind the well-loved Hogfish Bar and Grill on nearby Stock Island, this open-air tiki bar and seafood joint claims to be on "the back side of paradise," which certainly feels accurate when you're sitting waterside with a plate of succulent Key West pink shrimp and a cold beer. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is legendary.

Head out to explore the labyrinth of waterways around Stock Island on a guided kayak tour with Lazy Dog Adventures . Trips leave from a tiny inlet on Cow Key Channel and wind through the mangrove tunnels and saltwater creeks hugging the edge of the Atlantic. The vibrant ecosystem provides a habitat for manatees, sea stars, tropical fish, and all kinds of shorebirds — many of which you'll encounter while paddling through the Keys' backcountry wilderness.

Key West exudes the same anything-goes bonhomie it did back in the day of rumrunners and speakeasies — only now it's infused with a shot of modern flair. Colorful conch cottages line the streets of Old Town, swank cocktail salons mingle with celebrated watering holes on Duval, and feral fowl give new meaning to free-range as they strut along the sidewalks crowing with carefree abandon. It also has an eclectic mix of top-rated hotels to suit every traveler.

Find respite from the downtown bacchanalia at the Parrot Key Hotel and Villas . The entire property breathes Old Key West charm. Walkways edged with white-picket fences wind through tropical gardens past hidden swimming pools and quaint, two-story clapboard bungalows. Bright-blue Adirondack chairs sit on covered porches, hammocks swing beneath shady palms, and ceiling fans spin lazily overhead at The Grove, the resort's new open-air restaurant. Parrot Key's complimentary shuttle delivers guests throughout the day to either a private beach club at Smathers Beach or to the heart of Old Town. For a DIY adventure, a fleet of single-speed beach cruisers invites exploration.

At four miles long and two miles wide, Key West is made for biking. Pedal through dappled sunlight along Whitehead Street to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum . Inside, passionate docents supply a glimpse into the profound yet tragic genius of one of the Lost Generation's most colorful characters. Pay further tribute to Papa at the Hemingway Rum Company , which produces the award-winning Papa's Pilar, named for the author's beloved fishing boat. The company's flagship headquarters, housed in a former tobacco warehouse, is part distillery, part tasting room, and part museum. Find a spot at the bar and sample delicious, dark and blonde Solera-blended rums amidst all variety of Hemingway-themed ephemera.

When the sun starts to set, climb aboard Danger Charters ' elegant, three-masted schooner for a wine-tasting sail that offers a polished alternative to the nightly circus — think fire juggling acrobats and hoop-jumping cats — at Mallory Square. Or take a quick jaunt on the private ferry to Sunset Key for a gastronomical adventure overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Latitudes , the signature restaurant at Sunset Key Cottages . There, you'll dine on yellowtail, grouper, or cobia by the light of tiki torches with your toes in the sand. Innovative cocktails, crisp white tablecloths, and dreamy island views round out a memorable evening.

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Florida Keys Boating Guide

Table of Contents

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Boatsetter Team

The Florida Keys are surrounded by crystal clear waters with the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.

For someone who loves boating, fishing, watersports, or just about anything having to do with fun on the water, few spots on Earth have the same irresistible draw as the Florida Keys. This 125-mile-long archipelago of about 1,700 islands, commonly divided into the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys, is world famous for its clear emerald waters, diverse wildlife, and laid-back attitude. Millions of visitors flock here every year, many renting a boat to gain unfettered access to the countless bays, sandbars, and fishing hotspots.

Explore boat rentals in the Florida Keys

Boating in the Upper Keys

The Upper Keys begin with Key Largo, the northernmost key connected to the mainland by the overseas Highway, which is also the largest of this island chain at 33 miles long. Since it’s just about 90 minutes south of Miami, Key Largo is a very popular destination. It’s perhaps best known for the amazing diving opportunities, and is often called the “Diving Capitol of the World.” Several famous dive spots are found here, like the Christ of the Abyss statue, Molasses Reef, and the undersea John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Many of these are accessible by snorkelers as well as divers (see 8 Snorkeling Spots in Key Largo to find out where).

From Key Largo the Upper Keys stretch south down to Lower Matecumbe Key. But don’t drive down the Overseas Highway too fast, or you’ll pass another top destination: Islamorada. This grouping of six keys (Plantation, Windley, Upper and Lower Matecumbe, Indian, and Lignumvitae Keys) also has fantastic diving and many people come here just for that reason, but fishing may be an even bigger draw. From Islamorada there’s easy access to mangroves, islands, and flats providing magnificent inshore fishing to the west.

Meanwhile, the famed Islamorada Hump to the east will satisfy the urges of offshore anglers. You can check out the many possibilities in our Fishing in Islamorada Guide and remember, there are plenty of options to rent a fishing boat in Islamorada . If, on the other hand, kicking back and relaxing at a sandbar known for its festive atmosphere is more to your liking, note that Islamorada is also home to one of the top ranked sandbars in the Florida Keys .

Boating in the Middle Keys

Long Key down to the Seven Mile Bridge is generally considered the Middle Keys, and the top hotspot in this stretch is Marathon. This 10-mile-long town consists of 13 different islands and once again its easy access to crystal clear waters and natural reefs makes diving a huge draw. The fishing is awesome here, too. But Marathon has an added attraction that sets it apart thanks to a number of unusual eco-touring opportunities. Marathon is home to a dolphin research center where you can swim with the dolphins, a sea turtle hospital where you can experience guided educational programs, the Florida Keys Aquarium, and the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center.

See our Marathon, FL Boating Guide to learn about more of the options and activities you can enjoy here, from finding dock-and-dine restaurants to snorkeling at coral reef parks. Also be sure to check out the 5 Best Marathon Key Beaches .

Boating in the Lower Keys

From Big Pine Key heading south there’s plenty to see in the Lower Keys, but there’s no doubt that the biggest draw of all is Key West. Life here revolves around the water, boats, and all things aquatic, so get your trip started off right by renting a boat in Key West and taking in the sights. Key West is the southernmost point in the United States and the four-mile-long island is famous for its laid-back attitude and free-spirited vibe.

Again, like the rest of the Keys, diving, snorkeling, and fishing are huge attractions for boaters visiting Key West. The town also has an aquarium, a vibrant night life (who hasn’t heard of Duval Street?), and some of the best beaches around. On top of those draws Key West is a venue of choice for powerboat racing. In fact, this is where the Race World Offshore World Championship is held, and international boat racing teams from across the globe compete here to earn the title of fastest in their class.

Check out Key West Water Activities You Must Experience and Boating in Key West, FL: Everything You Need to Know to learn more about everything from snorkeling in and around Key West to sunset cruising opportunities.

Spectacular surroundings, endless aquatic activities, and tropical winters make the Florida Keys one of the top destinations for boaters worldwide. And whether you visit the Upper Keys, the Middle Keys, or the Lower Keys, one thing is for sure: however long your visit may be, it won’t be long enough.

About us

Boatsetter  is the leading online marketplace for boat rentals and on-water experiences. Download the Boatsetter app ( App Store  |  Google Play ) and follow us on  Instagram .

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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