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