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 bushes, tiki bars, and coral reefs that can 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 keen about preserving its historical past.
Top Things to Do in Key Largo, Florida
This information will cowl the perfect issues to do in Key Largo. Key Largo is sure to tick many containers, from seashores to scenic street journeys. Let’s get began.
1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the primary underwater park in 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 onerous 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 wonderful ode to Key Largo residents’ shut relationship with the ocean.
We suggest 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 preserve 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 – greatest for these much less assured swimmers.
If you’re into snorkeling then that is one of the best tour to take in Key Largo. You get to go to 2 completely different reef techniques and it consists of principally every little thing. We extremely suggest 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 shocking. One of one of 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 had been stunned to study that Key Largo additionally has the world’s largest synthetic residing 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.
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 admire one of the best of the state’s underwater habitats.
3. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Speaking of underwater worlds, a enjoyable reality about Florida is that its dwelling to the one coral barrier reef in the US. Florida Reef, which is in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a large reserve that’s dwelling to a ton of mangroves, shipwrecks, and coral reefs. The famed Molasses Reef additionally lies throughout the sanctuary’s boundaries. The sanctuary is among the greatest Key Largo sights if you happen to 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 little thing from the floor. We suggest leaping on one of many many snorkeling excursions operating from the Florida Keys mainland. You can spot every little thing from tiny sea urchins to big lobsters, and you might even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two.
4. Harry Harris Beach and Park
Harry Harris Park is a wonderful sheltered seashore. The park is a 10-minutes south of Key Largo by automotive, and it’s the excellent day journey for a peaceable seashore day. If you are feeling like a problem, you can even bike to Harry Harris Park – it’s a 45-minute bike experience. With white sand and palm bushes, it’s that postcard model of Key Largo. But Harry Harris Park isn’t simply someplace to snap photos 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 seashore to swim, eat, and socialize.
Harry Harris Park has picnic areas, public barbeques, and sports activities services. Grab some elements and head down to cook dinner up a storm. Tavernier is far much less busy than Key Largo. Visiting Harry Harris Park is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Key Largo. It’s very good for simply stress-free and having fun with a seashore day. And who doesn’t want a calming 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 greatest skilled from the water. And what’s extra stress-free than crusing down the Port Largo canals to sightsee the attractive area?
The hottest cruise firm has a ship that has grow to be a star. African Queen Canal Cruise makes use of a restored steamboat from 1912 featured in the movie ‘The African Queen’. This firm provides completely different cruise sorts, 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 personal dinner or lunch cruise if in case you have a minimum of 4 individuals.
6. History of Diving Museum
What would the dive capital of the world be with no museum to commemorate its historical past? The History of Diving Museum is among the weirdest and most great issues to do in Key Largo. The attraction is totally devoted to the historical past behind diving – showcasing every little thing from relics and historic gear. The helmet assortment is probably the most spectacular. It nearly 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. Children, veterans, and present navy get to enter without spending a dime. On a wet day, it is best to make the History of Diving Museum prime 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 National Park
Everglades National Park is among the most well-known nationwide parks in 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 National Park is run by the animal kingdom – which is unimaginable not to love.
In Everglades National Park, you possibly can hike the Anhinga Trail, take a ship or kayak experience, and even be part of a ranger-led tour. And in phrases of reaching the Everglades from Key Largo, it’s a complete breeze by automotive. 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 lovers. It provides a platform for native artists and a channel of tradition that balances out the island’s give attention to ocean-related actions. The art work 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 art work. A gorgeous sketch or portray is a beautiful memento from Key Largo.
While there isn’t a official tour, Key Largo Art Gallery workers are rumored to be very educated. You ought to discover them completely happy to reply your questions and provides an excellent perception into among the art work.
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 fastidiously monitor coral reefs’ well being and assist development the place vital. You can go to the middle to study extra via reveals and academic lectures. It is among the most significant issues to do in Key Largo.
If you’ve got a bit longer in Key Largo, contemplate volunteering with the Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center. You can assist 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 fowl hospital is simply 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 saved in pure enclosures, and it falls to volunteers to assure their day by day enrichment. Other birds in 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. Visitors stroll alongside an enormous boardwalk and might take part in day by day actions like pelican feeding.
11. Florida Keys Brewing Company
Florida Keys Brewing Company is an excellent microbrewery positioned in Islamorada. The microbrewery is only a 25-minute drive away – or 45 minutes by bus if you happen to plan on consuming. Florida Keys Brewing Company has a beer backyard, funky multi-colored decor, and brewery merch, and it’s canine pleasant. Honestly, what extra may 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 among the greatest issues to do in Key Largo.
Visitors, prepare to pattern an enormous vary of craft beers on faucet. There is tons to attempt, from gentle 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 time out, 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 wonderful 2,421-acre park. The trails 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. 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 wonderful morning exercise. Try to get there early so that you beat the noon solar. And convey some binoculars for one of the 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 widespread on Key Largo; you possibly can catch some monstrous-looking fish. Tarpon, sailfish, sea trout, and mahi mahi are all truthful recreation.
To get pleasure from fishing in Key Largo, head to a delegated fishing spot alongside the shore. 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 among the most enjoyable issues to do in Key Largo. The backside of the boat is totally 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 in 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, 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 suggest. 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 best factor ever. This is a bar that you simply’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 photographs, and admiring the surroundings with a drink in hand. Forget paying extortionate cash to hear to reside music on a personal seashore; 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 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
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 big and generally attain 150 lbs – making feeding tarpon some of the thrilling issues to do in Key Largo.
You can feed tarpon most bait sorts. Buy the bait if you attain Key West since it’s a 2-hour and 20-minute drive south from Key Largo. If you intend 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 street journey with loads of issues to do en route.
17. Keys History and Discovery Center
Keys History and Discovery Center is positioned 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 heart whisks guests via reveals on every little thing 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 greatest exercise possibility.
The heart makes use of traditional reveals and artifacts. It additionally incorporates 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 History and Discovery Center. The place is alive with its historical past and a unbelievable time out – 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, seashore hopping is a should. There are tons of lovely seashores in Key Largo. Some of one of the best embrace Cannon Beach, Far Beach, and Harris Beach and Park (which we talked about earlier). Key Largo’s expanse of white sand makes up among 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 Beach is positioned 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 among the dreamiest experiences in Key Largo. You all the time keep in mind your first dolphin. And recognizing wild dolphins is among the most therapeutic and memorable experiences of a lifetime. The waters round Key Largo are teeming with wild dolphins. Our recommendation is to keep away from all of the dolphin encounters that contain preserving dolphins in captivity and head out to the wild. Instead, head out on an moral boat experience.
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 saved in captivity. Plus, seeing a pod of wildlife dolphins is a lot extra thrilling because it has the aspect of suspense.
20. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Rather than operating 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 a large personal, 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 among the most enjoyable issues to do on the Florida Keys in order for you a calming exercise. You can stroll amongst the colourful butterflies and flowers, lapping the pure magnificence. If you’ve got further time, you would additionally volunteer on the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This is a wonderful method to expertise the habitats not open to the general public, and you would do something from python patrol to habitat restoration.
21. Parasailing
Parasailing is among the hottest water sports activities, and it’s simple to see why. You are launched off the again of a dashing boat, rising till BAM. You attain the rope’s finish and are suspended lots of of toes above the ocean. The panoramic views you get are unmatched. If you thought Key Largo was lovely earlier than, wait till you see it from the sky.
Parasailing is among the greatest methods to get a vantage level of Key Largo and the Florida Keys. It can be the proper adrenaline rush for an journey seeker.
22. Cycle the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Before leaving Key Largo, it’s essential to take a look at the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. 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. Using the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, you possibly can discover all of the islands on two wheels with no automotive. Is it a problem? Yes. Is it price it? Definitely.
If you need a scenic cycle experience however aren’t up for 106 miles, contemplate splitting the route into little sections. You may 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 nicely. Take your decide.
23. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a wonderful pure attraction on the neighboring island of Islamorada. Just 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. But the historical past Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park encapsulates in its rocks is unequalled in ocean historical past.
Walking round Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, you’ve got info boards describing scenes round you alongside the way in which. This considerate contact means you could take impartial excursions if you want. The mountain climbing trails are simple to comply with, with plenty of important particulars. Otherwise, you possibly can e book one of many ranger-led excursions for some further path.
Things To Do in Key Largo: FAQs
Now that we’ve lined one of the best issues to do in Key Largo, let’s take a look at some important FAQs. Here are all the main points 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 automotive. You fly immediately into Miami International Airport after which decide up a rental automotive from the airport. It is an hour’s drive from the airport throughout the attractive Overseas Highway. This route is fast and straightforward. Plus, you get the liberty to cease wherever you need alongside the way in which – why not benefit from the drive?
Otherwise, you possibly can catch a shuttle bus to Key Largo. Shuttles run from vital departure locations like Miami and the worldwide airport. You may 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 possibility most closely 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 automotive. You can use shuttles and taxis, however that may get costly and you’ll miss out on rather a lot. 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, contemplate getting a motorbike rental. This possibility is greatest suited to people who find themselves in form however price a attempt if in case you have the stamina.
The Best Time To Visit Key Largo
The greatest 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 seashore hopping. In this space of Florida, December to April is the dry season.
For these on a price range, you would go to in June, October, or November. These are throughout the hurricane season, so be conscious of climate warnings. However, these are the most cost effective and hottest months to go to Key Largo. It is one thing to contemplate in case you are pinching pennies and might prepare 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, contemplate an underwater resort referred to as Jules Undersea Lodge. Guests scuba dive to their rooms day by 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 among the greatest locations to keep in the Florida Keys is that it’s ideally positioned 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 greatest sights (and all its surrounding day journeys), and have an exquisite journey.