Key Largo is the longest island in the Florida Keys archipelago. As top-of-the-line locations to go to in Florida, it has that idyllic attract – with palm timber, tiki bars, and coral reefs that may widen even probably the most skilled diver’s eyes. Key Largo sights are largely associated to marine life and the underwater world. However, there are additionally loads of historic and cultural issues to do in Key Largo. The Florida island is a hotspot for native artists and is obsessed with preserving its historical past.
Top Things to Do in Key Largo, Florida
This information will cowl the easiest issues to do in Key Largo. Key Largo is sure to tick many packing containers, from seashores to scenic street journeys. Let’s get began.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the primary underwater park in the US. The state park covers 70 sq. miles with stunning coral reefs and marine life galore. One incredible factor about Key Largo is how laborious it really works alongside the opposite Florida Keys to protect its underwater habitat. While guests can get pleasure from John Pennekamp State Park, there are laws and restrictions on actions like fishing. The state park is a good looking ode to Key Largo residents’ shut relationship with the ocean.
We advocate a glass backside boat tour, snorkeling tour, or scuba diving expertise to get pleasure from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to the fullest. We’ll cowl these actions individually because the state park is such an icon and attraction in its personal proper. But maintain them in thoughts as intelligent methods to get probably the most out of this attraction. There’s additionally the Mangrove Nature Trail, the place you possibly can admire the state park from an overwater boardwalk – finest for these much less assured swimmers.
If you’re into snorkeling then that is the very best tour to take in Key Largo. You get to go to 2 completely different reef techniques and it contains mainly every part. We extremely advocate it.
2. Scuba Diving
Considering Key Largo’s nickname of the ‘scuba diving capital of the world’, seeing this exercise in our information is hardly stunning. One of the very best issues we did in Key Largo was to get beneath the water and take a look at the marine life. We noticed sea turtles, manatees, and sharks and have been shocked to study that Key Largo additionally has the world’s largest synthetic dwelling coral reef – the USS Spiegel Grove wreck. Spiegel Grove is an enormous ship sunk in 2002 and is the world’s third largest deliberately sunk boat.
Aside from the USS Spiegel Grove wreck, scuba diving excursions go to Canon Patch Reef and John Pennekamp Coral Reed to expertise extra of the underwater world and sea life. Key Largo even has an underwater statue of Jesus Christ. Key Largo is the place to respect the very best of the state’s underwater habitats.
3. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Speaking of underwater worlds, a enjoyable truth about Florida is that its house to the one coral barrier reef in the US. Florida Reef, which is in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is an enormous reserve that’s house to a ton of mangroves, shipwrecks, and coral reefs. The famed Molasses Reef additionally lies inside the sanctuary’s boundaries. The sanctuary is likely one of the finest Key Largo sights for those who fancy a day journey by boat.
You don’t want to scuba dive to benefit from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Just seize your fins and snorkel as a result of you possibly can actually see every part from the floor. We advocate leaping on one of many many snorkeling excursions working from the Florida Keys mainland. You can spot every part from tiny sea urchins to large lobsters, and chances are you’ll even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two.
4. Harry Harris Beach and Park
Harry Harris Park is a good looking sheltered seaside. The park is a 10-minutes south of Key Largo by automobile, and it’s the good day journey for a peaceable seaside day. If you’re feeling like a problem, you may as well bike to Harry Harris Park – it’s a 45-minute bike journey. With white sand and palm timber, it’s that postcard model of Key Largo. But Harry Harris Park isn’t simply someplace to snap footage for social media; its shallow waters are family-friendly and supreme for the much less assured swimmer. Locals and handfuls of vacationers congregate on the seaside to swim, eat, and socialize.
Harry Harris Park has picnic areas, public barbeques, and sports activities services. Grab some components and head down to prepare dinner up a storm. Tavernier is far much less busy than Key Largo. Visiting Harry Harris Park is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Key Largo. It’s very good for simply enjoyable and having fun with a seaside day. And who doesn’t want a relaxing day from time to time?
5. African Queen Canal Cruise
One of probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Key Largo is to cruise down the Port Largo canals. The Florida Keys are undoubtedly finest skilled from the water. And what’s extra enjoyable than crusing down the Port Largo canals to sightsee the gorgeous area?
The hottest cruise firm has a ship that has change into a celeb. African Queen Canal Cruise makes use of a restored steamboat from 1912 featured in the movie ‘The African Queen’. This firm gives completely different cruise varieties, together with dinner cruises to the Pilot House Marina. African Queen Canal Cruise operates from the Marina del Mar. Daily cruises run at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. You can all the time request a non-public dinner or lunch cruise if in case you have not less than 4 folks.
6. History of Diving Museum
What would the dive capital of the world be with out a museum to commemorate its historical past? The History of Diving Museum is likely one of the weirdest and most great issues to do in Key Largo. The attraction is completely devoted to the historical past behind diving – showcasing every part from relics and historic gear. The helmet assortment is probably the most spectacular. It nearly seems like some nod to area journey and gives a much-needed perspective on scuba diving as a type of historic exploration.
Entrance costs are comparatively modest, at $15 for adults as of 2023. Children, veterans, and present army get to enter totally free. On a wet day, it is best to make the History of Diving Museum prime of your to-do record. There are just some high-quality indoor actions in Key Largo, so maintain this one in thoughts.
7. Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is likely one of the most well-known nationwide parks in the US and a delegated world heritage website. Spanning a staggering 1.5 million acres of wetlands, the Everglades are most well-known for his or her mangroves and resident crocodiles. If you’re fortunate, you may as well spot leatherback sea turtles, dolphins, Florida panthers, and manatees. Everglades National Park is run by the animal kingdom – which is not possible not to love.
In Everglades National Park, you possibly can hike the Anhinga Trail, take a ship or kayak journey, and even be a part of a ranger-led tour. And in phrases of reaching the Everglades from Key Largo, it’s a complete breeze by automobile. It is only a 45-minute drive alongside the scenic overwater freeway and alongside the Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area.
8. Key Largo Art Gallery
Key Largo Art Gallery is an absolute should for artwork fanatics. It gives a platform for native artists and a channel of tradition that balances out the island’s concentrate on ocean-related actions. The paintings comes from a set of round 30 native artists and has loads of vary. You can browse the items on show. And in case you are feeling frivolous, you possibly can head to the ‘for sale’ part to deal with your self to some paintings. An attractive sketch or portray is a beautiful memento from Key Largo.
While there isn’t any official tour, Key Largo Art Gallery employees are rumored to be very educated. You ought to discover them completely satisfied to reply your questions and provides a superb perception into a number of the paintings.
9. Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center
Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center is run by just a few locals bold about ocean conservation. The not-for-profit restores coral reefs and educates on the significance of the ocean. Its passionate volunteers rigorously monitor coral reefs’ well being and help progress the place vital. You can go to the middle to study extra by reveals and academic lectures. It is likely one of the most significant issues to do in Key Largo.
If you will have a bit longer in Key Largo, take into account volunteering with the Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center. You will help partake in dive applications and perform scientific outreach actions. The work is massively rewarding and important for the survival of Key Largo’s reefs.
10. Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is Key Largo’s nearest animal hospital. Located only a 10-minute drive away on the neighboring island of Tavernier, it’s a straightforward half-day exercise from Key Largo. And whereas the wild chicken hospital is simply too busy with wildlife emergencies to cater to guests, the adjoining sanctuary and rehabilitation middle welcomes company year-round.
Sadly, some birds by no means get better sufficient to be launched. These are stored in pure enclosures, and it falls to volunteers to assure their every day enrichment. Other birds in the sanctuary and rehabilitation middle are ready to be match for launch. The spacious environment, filled with greenery, are the proper place for birds to get better earlier than returning to the tougher wilderness. Visitors stroll alongside an enormous boardwalk and might take part in every day actions like pelican feeding.
11. Florida Keys Brewing Company
Florida Keys Brewing Company is an excellent microbrewery situated in Islamorada. The microbrewery is only a 25-minute drive away – or 45 minutes by bus for those who plan on ingesting. Florida Keys Brewing Company has a beer backyard, funky multi-colored decor, and brewery merch, and it’s canine pleasant. Honestly, what extra might you ask for? It is a far cry from the stiff-lipped breweries and distilleries you discover worldwide. Florida Keys Brewing Company is wholeheartedly enjoyable, and visiting is likely one of the finest issues to do in Key Largo.
Visitors, prepare to pattern an enormous vary of craft beers on faucet. There is tons to strive, from mild and fruity IPAs to heavy darkish ales. Florida Keys Brewing Company’s bartenders are all the time down to information you thru the choices with their experience. It’s a enjoyable day trip, particularly for these in brewing craft beer.
12. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a good looking 2,421-acre park. The trails embody over 80 protected crops and animals – from wild cotton to crocodiles. The park is climbing and biking-friendly, so select your mode of exploration. Most of the paths are paved, with just a few rougher paths with uncovered tree roots and the odd stumble-sized rock.
Located in the middle of Key Largo, the park is straightforward to squeeze into your itinerary. It is called after Dagny Johnson, a poignant environmental activist in the Florida Keys area. Visiting is a good looking morning exercise. Try to get there early so that you beat the noon solar. And deliver some binoculars for the very best possibilities of wildlife sightings.
13. Fishing
Key Largo is much from simply someplace to fish; it’s a fisherman’s dream. Deep sea fishing is equally standard on Key Largo; you possibly can catch some monstrous-looking fish. Tarpon, sailfish, sea trout, and mahi mahi are all honest sport.
To get pleasure from fishing in Key Largo, head to a delegated fishing spot alongside the shore. Certain areas exist in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Long Sound. Alternatively, you possibly can splash out on a deep-sea fishing tour. If you need deep-sea fishing, stick to the offshore season – November to March.
14. Glass Bottom Boat Tours
A glass-bottom boat tour is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Key Largo. The backside of the boat is completely clear, that means passengers get a front-row seat to the tropical fish and different stunning marine life. Even higher, you see all of the animals in their pure habitats – a way more moral encounter than an aquarium gives. Glass backside boat excursions are pretty methods to expertise the underwater world with out swimming. As such, aged guests, youngsters, and non-swimmers will lap up this exercise in Key Largo.
These excursions are throughout Florida Bay, together with from Marina del Mar, however that is the one we advocate. It is normally solely an hour or two’s lengthy expertise. Allow round half a day for a glass boat expertise, together with all of the embarking and disembarking.
15. Have A Drink At Cruisin’ Tikis
Cruisin’ Tikis is the good factor ever. This is a bar that you just’ll keep in mind. The tiki bar is a tiny boat with a working bar in the middle and seating on the skin. You float alongside the water – partying, snapping pictures, and admiring the surroundings with a drink in hand. Forget paying extortionate cash to pay attention to stay music on a non-public seaside; Cruisin’ Tikis has an intimate and extra unique environment. Just six passengers are allowed on Key Largo’s most particular vessel.
Combine sightseeing and completely satisfied hour by reserving an expertise at this tiki bar. Bar cruises final between an hour and two hours. And for an much more memorable expertise, reserve the bar for sundown.
16. Feed Tarpon
Remember that Finding Nemo quote, “Fish are friends, not food”? The Tarpon Feeding Deck in Key West permits you to channel the identical sentiment in actual life. Here, locals and guests flock to feed the native tarpon. Tarpons know the rating, and teams of up to 200 can hover across the deck at a time. These fish are large and typically attain 150 lbs – making feeding tarpon one of the crucial thrilling issues to do in Key Largo.
You can feed tarpon most bait varieties. Buy the bait once you attain Key West since it’s a 2-hour and 20-minute drive south from Key Largo. If you propose to drive the size of the Florida Keys, plan to feed the tarpon on the finish. The feeding deck is true on the finish of the keys, however fortunately it’s a worthy street journey with loads of issues to do en route.
17. Keys History and Discovery Center
Keys History and Discovery Center is situated a 30-minute drive away from Key Largo on the island of Islamorada. So, what precisely makes it top-of-the-line issues to do in Key Largo? Easy. The historical past and native info it offers wholly justify a day journey. The middle whisks guests by reveals on every part from hurricanes to indigenous tradition and an aquarium. If you need to go to Key Largo and perceive the island, Keys History and Discovery Center is your finest exercise choice.
The middle makes use of traditional reveals and artifacts. It additionally includes a movie show the place documentaries are performed on a schedule. Some discovery facilities could be so fundamental or bland that they make historical past off-putting. There isn’t any likelihood of this with Keys History and Discovery Center. The place is alive with its historical past and a incredible day trip – whether or not visiting as a household, or a single traveler.
18. Beach Hop
When in Rome, like they are saying. And when on Key Largo, seaside hopping is a should. There are tons of lovely seashores in Key Largo. Some of the very best embody Cannon Beach, Far Beach, and Harris Beach and Park (which we talked about earlier). Key Largo’s expanse of white sand makes up a number of the island’s most luxurious pure wonders. Pack a seaside towel and loads of water and hit one of many seashores for a day of sunshine, sunbathing, and swimming.
Cannon Beach is situated inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Far Beach is close to mile marker 120, and Harris Beach and State Park are in Tavernier. Harris Beach is probably the most family-friendly, with loads of sports activities services.
19. Dolphin Watching Tour
Dolphin watching is likely one of the dreamiest experiences in Key Largo. You all the time keep in mind your first dolphin. And recognizing wild dolphins is likely one of the most therapeutic and memorable experiences of a lifetime. The waters round Key Largo are teeming with wild dolphins. Our recommendation is to keep away from all of the dolphin encounters that contain protecting dolphins in captivity and head out to the wild. Instead, head out on an moral boat journey.
Dolphin-watching excursions embark from all around the Florida Keys. Most excursions depart from Islamorada or Key West. It is price touring the additional distance since Key Largo has a variety of unethical dolphin reveals that use animals stored in captivity. Plus, seeing a pod of wildlife dolphins is a lot extra thrilling because it has the component of suspense.
20. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Rather than working a zoo-like refuge, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge runs solely for the advantage of the animals. This operations mannequin signifies that the refuge is closed to the general public. Instead, it runs day and evening to present pure habitats for crocodiles and different native animals. The refuge is an enormous non-public, protected land the place animals are assured peace.
However, guests can go to the adjoining Community Butterfly Garden. The specimen of butterflies is beautiful, and it is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do on the Florida Keys if you’d like a soothing exercise. You can stroll amongst the colourful butterflies and flowers, lapping the pure magnificence. If you will have additional time, you could possibly additionally volunteer on the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This is a superb manner to expertise the habitats not open to the general public, and you could possibly do something from python patrol to habitat restoration.
21. Parasailing
Parasailing is likely one of the hottest water sports activities, and it’s simple to see why. You are launched off the again of a rushing boat, rising till BAM. You attain the rope’s finish and are suspended a whole lot of toes above the ocean. The panoramic views you get are unmatched. If you thought Key Largo was stunning earlier than, wait till you see it from the sky.
Parasailing is likely one of the finest methods to get a vantage level of Key Largo and the Florida Keys. It can also be the proper adrenaline rush for an journey seeker.
22. Cycle the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Before leaving Key Largo, you will need to take a look at the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. This beast of a climbing or biking path is 106 miles in size. It was as soon as an abroad railroad, however in January 2022, the path was remodeled right into a route for walkers and cyclists. Using the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, you possibly can discover all of the islands on two wheels with out a automobile. Is it a problem? Yes. Is it price it? Definitely.
If you desire a scenic cycle journey however aren’t up for 106 miles, take into account splitting the route into little sections. You might full the entire path in every week or spend an hour or two biking your part of selection. It has the potential to be leisure or sensible as nicely. Take your decide.
23. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a good looking pure attraction on the neighboring island of Islamorada. Just a 20-minute drive away, the limestone quarry gives cross-sectional views of fossilized coral. Key Largo stands out as the diving capital of the world. But the historical past Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park encapsulates in its rocks is unmatched in ocean historical past.
Walking round Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, you will have info boards describing scenes round you alongside the best way. This considerate contact means you could take impartial excursions if you want. The climbing trails are simple to observe, with plenty of important particulars. Otherwise, you possibly can e book one of many ranger-led excursions for some additional path.
Things To Do in Key Largo: FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the very best issues to do in Key Largo, let’s take a look at some important FAQs. Here are all the small print you want earlier than you go to Key Largo.
How To Get To Key Largo
The simplest way to attain Key Largo is by airplane after which a rental automobile. You fly instantly into Miami International Airport after which decide up a rental automobile from the airport. It is an hour’s drive from the airport throughout the gorgeous Overseas Highway. This route is fast and simple. Plus, you get the liberty to cease wherever you need alongside the best way – why not take advantage of the drive?
Otherwise, you possibly can catch a shuttle bus to Key Largo. Shuttles run from important departure locations like Miami and the worldwide airport. You might additionally street journey to Key Largo, relying on the place you depart. Key Largo is nicely mixed with different Florida sights like nationwide parks, barrier islands, and cities like Orlando and Tampa. This choice most accurately fits these with plenty of time and is an actual journey for these up for the problem.
Getting Around Key Largo
Getting round Key Largo requires a automobile. You can use shuttles and taxis, however that may get costly and you’ll miss out on so much. We advocate renting a automobile both on the airport or reserving it beforehand.
If you’re nonetheless deciding whether or not to rent a automobile or spend cash on shuttles and taxis, take into account getting a motorcycle rental. This choice is finest suited to people who find themselves in form however price a strive if in case you have the stamina.
The Best Time To Visit Key Largo
The finest time to go to Key Largo is March. March is filled with festivities, together with St Patrick’s Day and Conch Republic Independence Celebration. The climate is heat however not exhaustingly sizzling, and it’s dry, so good for seaside hopping. In this space of Florida, December to April is the dry season.
For these on a funds, you could possibly go to in June, October, or November. These are inside the hurricane season, so be aware of climate warnings. However, these are the most affordable and hottest months to go to Key Largo. It is one thing to take into account in case you are pinching pennies and might organize the journey responsibly.
Fun Things to Do in Key Largo Florida
By now, you’ll really feel impressed and filled with concepts for issues to do in Key Largo. The ‘diving capital of the world’ is filled with issues, too, from recognizing crocodiles to snorkeling with manatees. Key Largo’s sights and actions are extremely fascinating for vacationers in marine life. It is ranked as an International Biosphere Reserve, formally recognizing its significance to the pure world.
If you’re questioning the place to keep in the Florida Keys, take into account an underwater resort known as Jules Undersea Lodge. Guests scuba dive to their rooms every day, and Jules Undersea Lodge is the one underwater resort in the US. If Jules Undersea Lodge sounds too restrictive, loads of trip leases exist for a self-catered lodging expertise.
In phrases of additional inspiration, there are many day journeys you could take to different islands in the Florida Keys. One of the primary causes Key Largo is likely one of the finest locations to keep in the Florida Keys is that it’s ideally situated to discover different locations in the Keys. There are so many issues to do in Islamorada and issues to do in Key West. Enjoy Key Largo’s finest sights (and all its surrounding day journeys), and have a beautiful journey.