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 can widen even essentially the most skilled diver’s eyes. Key Largo sights are largely associated to marine life and the underwater world. Nevertheless, 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 street journeys. Let’s get began.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the primary underwater park within the US. The state park covers 70 sq. miles with lovely coral reefs and marine life galore. One unbelievable factor about Key Largo is how laborious it really works alongside the opposite Florida Keys to protect its underwater habitat. Whereas guests can take pleasure in John Pennekamp State Park, there are laws and restrictions on actions like fishing. The state park is a stupendous ode to Key Largo residents’ shut relationship with the ocean.
We suggest 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 preserve them in thoughts as intelligent methods to get essentially the most out of this attraction. There’s additionally the Mangrove Nature Path, the place you 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 finest tour to soak up Key Largo. You get to go to 2 totally different reef methods and it consists of mainly every part. We extremely suggest 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 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 residing 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.
Other than the USS Spiegel Grove wreck, scuba diving excursions go to Canon Patch Reef and John Pennekamp Coral Reed to expertise extra of the underwater world and sea life. Key Largo even has an underwater statue of Jesus Christ. Key Largo is the place to understand the perfect of the state’s underwater habitats.
3. Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary
Talking of underwater worlds, a enjoyable reality about Florida is that its residence to the one coral barrier reef within the US. Florida Reef, which is within the Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is an enormous reserve that’s residence to a ton of mangroves, shipwrecks, and coral reefs. The famed Molasses Reef additionally lies throughout the sanctuary’s boundaries. The sanctuary is without doubt one of the finest Key Largo sights if you happen to 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 possibly can actually see every part from the floor. We suggest leaping on one of many many snorkeling excursions operating from the Florida Keys mainland. You may spot every part from tiny sea urchins to massive lobsters, and you could even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two.
4. Harry Harris Seashore and Park
Harry Harris Park is a stupendous sheltered seaside. The park is a 10-minutes south of Key Largo by automotive, and it’s the excellent day journey for a peaceable seaside day. For those who really feel like a problem, you may as well bike to Harry Harris Park – it’s a 45-minute bike trip. With white sand and palm bushes, it’s that postcard model of Key Largo. However Harry Harris Park isn’t simply someplace to snap photos for social media; its shallow waters are family-friendly and perfect 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 amenities. Seize some components and head all the way down to prepare dinner up a storm. Tavernier is far much less busy than Key Largo. Visiting Harry Harris Park is well probably the greatest issues to do in Key Largo. It’s very good for simply stress-free and having fun with a seaside day. And who doesn’t want a relaxing day sometimes?
5. African Queen Canal Cruise
One of the crucial 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 stress-free than crusing down the Port Largo canals to sightsee the attractive area?
The preferred cruise firm has a ship that has develop into a celeb. African Queen Canal Cruise makes use of a restored steamboat from 1912 featured within the movie ‘The African Queen’. This firm provides totally different cruise sorts, together with dinner cruises to the Pilot Home Marina. African Queen Canal Cruise operates from the Marina del Mar. Each day cruises run at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. You may all the time request a non-public dinner or lunch cruise you probably have no 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 part from relics and historic tools. The helmet assortment is essentially the most spectacular. It virtually seems like some nod to area journey and provides 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 navy get to enter at no cost. On a wet day, you need to make the Historical past of Diving Museum high of your to-do checklist. There are only a few high-quality indoor actions in Key Largo, so preserve 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 chosen world heritage website. Spanning a staggering 1.5 million acres of wetlands, the Everglades are most well-known for his or her mangroves and resident crocodiles. If you’re fortunate, you may as well spot leatherback sea turtles, dolphins, Florida panthers, and manatees. Everglades Nationwide Park is run by the animal kingdom – which is unimaginable to not love.
In Everglades Nationwide Park, you possibly can hike the Anhinga Path, take a ship or kayak trip, and even be a part of a ranger-led tour. And when it comes to reaching the Everglades from Key Largo, it’s a complete breeze by automotive. It’s only a 45-minute drive alongside the scenic overwater freeway and alongside the Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Space.
8. Key Largo Artwork Gallery
Key Largo Artwork Gallery is an absolute should for artwork fans. It provides a platform for native artists and a channel of tradition that balances out the island’s deal with ocean-related actions. The paintings comes from a set of round 30 native artists and has loads of vary. You may browse the items on show. And if you’re feeling frivolous, you possibly can head to the ‘on the market’ part to deal with your self to some paintings. A good looking sketch or portray is a beautiful memento from Key Largo.
Whereas there is no such thing as a official tour, Key Largo Artwork Gallery workers are rumored to be very educated. You must discover them blissful to reply your questions and provides an excellent perception into a number of the paintings.
9. Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart
Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart is run by a couple of locals formidable 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 support development the place essential. You may go to the middle to study extra via displays and academic lectures. It is without doubt one of the most significant issues to do in Key Largo.
You probably have a bit longer in Key Largo, think about volunteering with the Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart. You may assist partake in dive packages and perform scientific outreach actions. The work is vastly rewarding and important for the survival of Key Largo’s reefs.
10. Florida Keys Wild Hen Rehabilitation Heart
Florida Keys Wild Hen Rehabilitation Heart is Key Largo’s nearest animal hospital. Positioned only a 10-minute drive away on the neighboring island of Tavernier, it’s a straightforward half-day exercise from Key Largo. And whereas the wild chook hospital is just too busy with wildlife emergencies to cater to guests, the adjoining sanctuary and rehabilitation heart welcomes company year-round.
Sadly, some birds by no means recuperate 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 heart are ready to be match for launch. The spacious environment, filled with greenery, are the proper place for birds to recuperate earlier than returning to the more difficult 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 a superb microbrewery positioned in Islamorada. The microbrewery is only a 25-minute drive away – or 45 minutes by bus if you happen to 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 finest issues to do in Key Largo.
Guests, get able to pattern an enormous vary of craft beers on faucet. There’s tons to strive, from mild and fruity IPAs to heavy darkish ales. Florida Keys Brewing Firm’s bartenders are all the time all the way down to information you thru the choices with their experience. It’s a enjoyable day trip, particularly for these eager about brewing craft beer.
12. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a stupendous 2,421-acre park. The paths embody over 80 protected crops and animals – from wild cotton to crocodiles. The park is mountain 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.
Positioned within the heart 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 stupendous morning exercise. Attempt to get there early so that you beat the noon solar. And produce some binoculars for the perfect 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 common on Key Largo; you possibly can catch some monstrous-looking fish. Tarpon, sailfish, sea trout, and mahi mahi are all honest sport.
To take pleasure in fishing in Key Largo, head to a chosen fishing spot alongside the shore. Sure areas exist in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Lengthy Sound. Alternatively, you possibly can splash out on a deep-sea fishing tour. If you need 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, that means passengers get a front-row seat to the tropical fish and different lovely marine life. Even higher, you see all of the animals of their pure habitats – a way more moral encounter than an aquarium provides. Glass backside boat excursions are pretty methods to expertise the underwater world with out swimming. As such, aged guests, kids, and non-swimmers will lap up this exercise in Key Largo.
These excursions are throughout Florida Bay, together with from Marina del Mar, however that is the one we suggest. It’s normally solely an hour or two’s lengthy expertise. Enable round half a day for a glass boat expertise, together with all of the embarking and disembarking.
15. Have A Drink At Cruisin’ Tikis
Cruisin’ Tikis is the best factor ever. This can be a bar that you simply’ll bear in mind. The tiki bar is a tiny boat with a working bar within the heart and seating on the surface. You float alongside the water – partying, snapping images, and admiring the surroundings with a drink in hand. Neglect paying extortionate cash to hearken to stay music on a non-public seaside; Cruisin’ Tikis has an intimate and extra unique ambiance. Simply six passengers are allowed on Key Largo’s most particular vessel.
Mix sightseeing and blissful 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 associates, not meals”? The Tarpon Feeding Deck in Key West lets you 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 generally attain 150 lbs – making feeding tarpon probably the most thrilling issues to do in Key Largo.
You may feed tarpon most bait sorts. Purchase the bait once you attain Key West since it’s a 2-hour and 20-minute drive south from Key Largo. For those who plan to drive the size of the Florida Keys, plan to feed the tarpon on the finish. The feeding deck is true on the finish of the keys, however fortunately it’s a worthy street journey with loads of issues to do en route.
17. Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart
Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart is positioned 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 data it offers wholly justify a day journey. The middle whisks guests via displays on every part 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 finest exercise choice.
The middle makes use of basic displays and artifacts. It additionally includes a movie show the place documentaries are performed on a schedule. Some discovery facilities might be so fundamental or bland that they make historical past off-putting. There isn’t any 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, seaside hopping is a should. There are tons of lovely seashores in Key Largo. A few of the finest 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 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 Seashore is positioned 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 essentially 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 all the time bear 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 retaining dolphins in captivity and head out to the wild. As a substitute, head out on an moral boat trip.
Dolphin-watching excursions embark from everywhere in the Florida Keys. Most excursions depart from Islamorada or Key West. It’s price touring the additional distance since Key Largo has plenty of unethical dolphin exhibits that use animals stored in captivity. Plus, seeing a pod of wildlife dolphins is a lot extra thrilling because it has the factor of suspense.
20. Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Quite than operating a zoo-like refuge, Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge runs solely for the good thing about the animals. This operations mannequin implies that the refuge is closed to the general public. As a substitute, it runs day and evening to offer pure habitats for crocodiles and different native animals. The refuge is an enormous personal, protected land the place animals are assured peace.
Nevertheless, guests can go to the adjoining Group Butterfly Backyard. The specimen of butterflies is gorgeous, and it is without doubt one of the most enjoyable issues to do on the Florida Keys if you need a calming exercise. You may stroll amongst the colourful butterflies and flowers, lapping the pure magnificence. You probably have further time, you could possibly additionally volunteer on the Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. This is a wonderful method 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 without doubt one of the hottest water sports activities, and it’s straightforward to see why. You’re launched off the again of a dashing boat, rising till BAM. You attain the rope’s finish and are suspended a whole lot of ft above the ocean. The panoramic views you get are unmatched. For those who thought Key Largo was lovely earlier than, wait till you see it from the sky.
Parasailing is without doubt one of the finest methods to get a vantage level of Key Largo and the Florida Keys. It’s also the proper adrenaline rush for an journey seeker.
22. Cycle the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path
Earlier than leaving Key Largo, you need to take a look at the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path. This beast of a mountain 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 possibly can discover all of the islands on two wheels and not using a automotive. Is it a problem? Sure. Is it price it? Positively.
If you need a scenic cycle trip however aren’t up for 106 miles, think about splitting the route into little sections. You can 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 properly. Take your decide.
23. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a stupendous pure attraction on the neighboring island of Islamorada. Only a 20-minute drive away, the limestone quarry provides cross-sectional views of fossilized coral. Key Largo could be the diving capital of the world. However the historical past Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park encapsulates in its rocks is unequalled in ocean historical past.
Strolling round Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, you’ve data boards describing scenes round you alongside the way in which. This considerate contact means you can take impartial excursions if you want. The mountain climbing trails are straightforward to observe, with numerous important particulars. In any other case, you possibly can e book one of many ranger-led excursions for some further route.
Issues To Do in Key Largo: FAQs
Now that we’ve lined the perfect issues to do in Key Largo, let’s have a look at some important FAQs. Listed here are all the small print you want earlier than you go to Key Largo.
How To Get To Key Largo
The best method to attain Key Largo is by aircraft after which a rental automotive. You fly instantly 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 straightforward. Plus, you get the liberty to cease wherever you need alongside the way in which – why not take advantage of the drive?
In any other case, you possibly can catch a shuttle bus to Key Largo. Shuttles run from important departure locations like Miami and the worldwide airport. You can additionally street 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 selection most accurately fits these with numerous time and is an actual journey for these up for the problem.
Getting Round Key Largo
Getting round Key Largo requires a automotive. You should utilize shuttles and taxis, however that may get costly and you’ll miss out on quite a bit. We suggest 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, think about getting a motorbike rental. This selection is finest suited to people who find themselves in form however price a strive you probably have the stamina.
The Finest Time To Go to Key Largo
The very best time to go to Key Largo is March. March is filled with festivities, together with St Patrick’s Day and Conch Republic Independence Celebration. The climate is heat however not exhaustingly sizzling, and it’s dry, so excellent for seaside hopping. On this space of Florida, December to April is the dry season.
For these on a price range, you could possibly go to in June, October, or November. These are throughout the hurricane season, so be conscious of climate warnings. Nevertheless, these are the most affordable and hottest months to go to Key Largo. It’s one thing to think about if you’re pinching pennies and 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 eager about 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, think about an underwater lodge known as Jules Undersea Lodge. Company 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 can take to different islands within the Florida Keys. One of many foremost causes Key Largo is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain within the Florida Keys is that it’s ideally positioned 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 finest sights (and all its surrounding day journeys), and have a beautiful journey.
