Key Largo is without doubt one of the most visited locations within the Florida Keys, and it’s no secret why. With world-class diving, stunning seashores, and loads of scrumptious locations to seize a conch fritter there isn’t a scarcity of issues to do in Key Largo!
Whether or not you’re on a Florida Keys highway journey or spending a complete week in Key Largo, let’s dig into the perfect Key Largo actions to attempt.
On this Key Largo journey information, we’re going to check out:
- The place is Key Largo
- Why Key Largo is a Should Go to
- Issues to do in Key Largo
- Greatest Eating places in Key Largo
- Tips on how to Get to Key Largo
- Tips on how to Get Round Key Largo
- The place to Keep in Key Largo
- Key Largo Climate
The place is Key Largo?
Key Largo is the primary island you’ll come throughout within the Florida Keys from the mainland. It’s the northernmost key, related by US Freeway 1. Key Largo is simply 60 miles from downtown Miami.
It’s one of many high locations within the Florida Keys, coming in an in depth second after Key West. It’s among the finest locations in the complete United States for diving and snorkeling and is residence to the world’s largest synthetic reef.
Why is Key Largo a must-visit? Key Largo is without doubt one of the greatest small cities within the US, and incredible for these after a tropical trip with loads of seafood, island vibes, and world-class diving.
The Greatest Issues to do in Key Largo
1. Island Dolphin Care
Island Dolphin Care hosts dolphin remedy packages for individuals with particular wants. On-site, you’ll discover the remedy and training middle, a pure lagoon, a number of aquariums, a contact tank, gardens, and reveals.
The easiest way to expertise this incredible place is with a guided tour that’ll mean you can watch a dolphin coaching session and work together with the dolphins.
- Location: 150 Loreland Place.
- Tip: Be part of a Dolphin Float tour and float round within the lagoon on a raft because the dolphins swim round you.
- Value: Reservations required to tour Island Dolphin Care/ A dolphin float begins at $150.
2. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is the proper place to spend a day should you’re serious about combining academic experiences with outside actions.
There are six miles of nature trails within the park and as you discover the park, you’ll study native vegetation and animal species. It’s an important habitat for the endangered Key Largo Cotton Mouse and greater than 80 different protected species. You’ll discover many informative panels alongside the paths throughout your self-guided tour.
3. Abroad Heritage Path
The Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path is a 90-mile multi-use path located alongside an previous railbed that was as soon as utilized by the Abroad Railroad. It’s a well-liked path with hikers and bikers, and whereas many guests discover the complete path, an ideal method to get some contemporary air and train is to discover a bit or two of it whilst you’re within the space.
- Location: Begins on the customer middle at MM 106.
- Tip: Alongside the best way, be sure you try a few of the sights, together with academic panels, scenic picnic areas, lookouts, piers and paths resulting in the water.
- Value: Free.
4. Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge
Among the finest issues to do in Key Largo is go to this refuge! Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge is an enchanting place to go to the place you’ll be able to earn in regards to the tropical vegetation, mangrove forest and salt marshes which can be residence to those large creatures and different protected species such because the Key Largo Woodrat, cotton mouse, and Jap Indigo Snake.
5. Go Scuba Diving
As a dive capital, among the finest issues to do in Key Largo is get out on a dive – even in case you are a newbie! A number of the greatest diving websites in North America are in Key Largo. Horizon Divers runs epic dive journeys each morning and afternoon.
A variety of diving excursions can be found, together with Molasses Reef, the place you may see small sharks, stingrays, barracuda, and different colourful fish species. And French Reef, which takes you a bit deeper the place you’ll see moray eels, canyons, caves and Elkhorn coral.
Different excursions for rookies embody the Christ of the Abyss statue and The Benwood wreck.
- Location: 99222 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: Superior divers can dive to the unimaginable Spiegel Grove Wreck.
- Value: Dives begin at $95.
6. Strive Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a more recent water sport that has been taking the world by storm not too long ago and at PADDLE! in Key Largo, you’ll embark on an incredible paddling expertise on calm waters close to scenic mangroves.
Even should you’ve by no means been on a board earlier than, the skilled coaches are there to show you the fundamentals earlier than embarking on a two-hour eco-tour.
- Location: 90773 Outdated Freeway #1, Tavernier.
- Tip: PADDLE! presents SUP Yoga lessons and night-time SUP excursions on particular boards that mild up. Kayaks and skateboards can be found to hire.
- Value: Excursions begin at $60. SUP and Kayak leases begin at $35.
7. Do Some Snorkelling
Whereas snorkeling might be performed from nearly any shore in Key Largo, the perfect and most secure method to snorkel is with a guided tour like those supplied by Snorkel Key Largo if it’s your first time. Having fun with a half-day snorkel tour is definitely among the finest issues to do in Key Largo. Head out on a 50-foot catamaran to a few of the greatest snorkel spots round.
On board, there are shaded areas, bogs, solar decks, drinks and snacks. Mosquito Financial institution, White Banks and Patch Reef are a few of the excursions out there and through a tour, you’ll see over 600 marine species together with coral.
- Location: 90311 Outdated Freeway & Plantation Drive, Tavernier
- Tip: The corporate additionally presents sundown cruises.
- Value: Excursions begin at $55.
8. Gallery of Kona Kai
On the Gallery of Kona Kai, you’ll see a wide range of distinctive and exquisite artworks. This gallery contains creations by each native and worldwide artists.
9. Harry Harris Park and Seaside
Harris Park and Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest locations to have a picnic on Key Largo. As you take pleasure in your lunch or swim within the clear, heat waters, you’re surrounded by stunning surroundings. The park can also be residence to different amenities that make it an incredible place to spend a day together with a playground, basketball courtroom, restrooms and baseball fields.
- Location: 38 Seaside Street.
- Tip: On weekends, be certain to reach early if you wish to get a great parking spot. The park opens at dawn so it’s an incredible place to start out the day’s adventures.
- Value: $8.
10. Historical past of Diving Museum
Sure, it’s a museum about scuba diving however even should you don’t take pleasure in scuba diving, you’ll discover the Historical past of Diving Museum fairly fascinating. The reveals take you from the very starting of ocean exploration to the present day. As you discover them, you’ll study diving pioneers, how underwater respiratory developed, tools by the years, and the evolution of the game itself.
Additionally on show are gadgets that have been present in shipwrecks. There’s even an exhibit that means that you can take a look at how lengthy you’ll be able to maintain your breath underwater. This museum is in Islamorada so it’s greatest performed when driving between Key Largo and Key West.
- Location: 82990 Abroad Freeway, Islamorada
- Tip: For those who’re touring with youngsters, they’ll love the scavenger hunts and different actions that the museum hosts.
- Value: $12.
11. Robbie’s Dock
It’s a 45-minute drive from Key Largo, however Robbie’s Dock is well worth the journey to Islamorada! This legendary attraction’s important draw is the chance to feed the large tarpons that hang around beneath the dock and sometimes leap out of the water to retrieve meals.
Throughout your go to, you may as well purchase contemporary fish, embark on a cruise, browse the memento store or hire water tools comparable to kayaks, parasail, and jet skis.
- Location: 77522 Abroad Freeway, Islamorada
- Tip: Get pleasure from contemporary seafood and different scrumptious dishes on the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, adopted by signature cocktails on the deck of the Thirsty Tarpon Bar.
- Value: $2.25 to entry the pier and $4 per bucket of fish to feed the Tarpons.
12. Go Deep-sea Fishing
Fishing is an enormous trade in Key Largo, and you’ll embark on a deep-sea fishing tour with Key Largo Fishing Adventures. The waters off the Florida Keys are stated to be the perfect fishing grounds on earth, and through certainly one of these journeys, you’ll have an opportunity to land a wide range of species together with marlin, dolphin, tuna, sailfish, kingfish and wahoo.
Your tour contains steering from professional crewmembers who guarantee your security whereas making a enjoyable atmosphere.
- Location: 99701 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: Key Largo Fishing Adventures presents discounted charges for a number of accommodations together with Bayside Inn, Vacation Inn, Marriott Courtyard, Marina Del Mar and Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort.
- Value: Beginning at $725 for a half-day and $1,475 for a full day.
13. Florida Keys Brewing
For those who’re a craft beer lover, you probably take pleasure in tasting native brews impressed by the native tradition. The brews created at Florida Keys Brewing replicate native island life! Even the tasting room has an island vibe! There are 20 beers out there together with Hibiscus Kolsh, Grapefruit to be Alive, and Bayside Espresso Blonde.
You possibly can take pleasure in your drinks within the beer backyard the place you’ll discover desk and garden video games and maybe have an opportunity to hearken to some dwell music. Brewery excursions can be found.
- Location: 81611 Outdated Freeway, Islamorada.
- Tip: Make sure to examine the brewery’s calendar of occasions as many occasions are occurring all year long.
- Value: Flights begin at $16.
14. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
The Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a bit of land made from limestone and fossilized coral as soon as utilized by the Florida East Coast Railroad. Right this moment, you’ll be able to stroll alongside an 8-foot-high quarry and study its historical past and what it was used for.
The park is a well-liked spot for bird-watching and picnicking. Make sure to examine the 5 nature trails which can be on web site.
15. Sundowners Restaurant
Sunsets within the Florida Keys are wonderful and in Key Largo, among the finest locations to take pleasure in certainly one of these epic sunsets is at Sundowners Restaurant. Sit all the way down to a scrumptious meal of contemporary seafood within the eating room overlooking the harbor.
Stick round for drinks as you watch the solar slip beneath the horizon. Reside music is usually featured as this is without doubt one of the greatest eating places in Key Largo.
- Location: 103900 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: Go to the again dock and feed the resident tarpons.
- Value: Common value per meal is $30.
16. Cannon Seaside
Cannon Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest seashores on Key Largo to take a dip within the ocean. Not solely is the water very heat however it’s additionally protected for swimmers of all talents as a result of the water is shallow and calm. Snorkelers see a wide range of tropical fish and beachcombers take pleasure in trying out the Seventeenth-century cannons resting within the sand.
- Location: 102601 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: Extra skilled divers and snorkelers can head out to deeper water the place they’ll see an previous Spanish shipwreck.
- Value: $9.
17. Schnebly Redland’s Vineyard
At Schnebly Redland’s Vineyard, a wide range of wines, together with purple, dessert, rose, glowing and tropical fruit wines, can be found to attempt. Get pleasure from a tasting in a good looking location surrounded by lush greenery and coral waterfalls adopted by a tour of the wine-making amenities.
- Location: 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead.
- Tip: Native delicacies and craft beers are served on the on-site restaurant.
- Value: Final Wine Tasting Reserving is $30. Vineyard excursions are $16.
18. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
A lot of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is underwater, so snorkeling or scuba diving are the perfect methods to expertise this park’s wonders. Nevertheless, a lot of the 25-mile-long park will also be explored by kayak or glass-bottom boat tour so you’ll be able to see the wonders above water.
As you discover the park, you’ll see coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, marine vegetation, sea creatures and a wide range of birds.
- Location: 102601 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: There are climbing trails you can discover by yourself or with a ranger-guided stroll.
- Value: $8 per car or $2 for pedestrians.
19. The Pilot Home
On the Pilot Home, you’ll take pleasure in scrumptious meals in a laid-back environment however essentially the most distinctive factor about this place is the placement inside a marina that enables visitors to reach both by boat or automotive. Seafood is well-liked however you may as well discover a choice of burgers and sandwiches.
- Location: 13 Seagate Boulevard.
- Tip: Head to the glass-bottom bar the place you’ll discover a choice of wine and beer. The bar hosts dwell music a number of days per week.
- Value: Common $20 – $35 per meal.
20. African Queen Canal Cruise
The African Queen Canal Cruise is a 1.5-hour stress-free journey by the Port Largo Canals onboard a historic steamboat that was featured within the movie “The African Queen”.
- Location: U.S. Hwy 1 at mile marker 100 Vacation Inn Docks.
- Tip: Make certain to inquire about having a flip on the helm.
- Value: $59
21. Florida Keys Wild Chook Rehabilitation Middle
The aim of the Wild Chook Rehabilitation Middle is to rescue injured birds, nurse them again to well being and launch them. The Laura Quinn Wild Chook Sanctuary is the place you’ll see the birds that aren’t capable of be launched. Observe these birds, which embody herons, owls, vultures and hawks, in habitats identical to their pure ones.
22. Jules Undersea Lodge
For those who’re in search of a novel place to remain whereas in Key Largo, look no additional than Jules Undersea Lodge. Not solely is that this lodge underwater, however you’ll additionally must scuba dive to get to your room!
The environment is a bit eerie at first however as soon as you compromise into your remoted little nook beneath the waves, it turns into a soothing retreat the place you’ll be able to watch colourful fish swim throughout you.
- Location: 51 Shoreland Drive.
- Tip: You possibly can embark on three-hour mini adventures with out staying the night time.
- Value: Beginning at $1,125 for Jules’ Undersea Luxurious Bundle.
23. Go Parasailing
Parasailing is an adrenaline-pumping exercise and a good way to see the encircling surroundings from a distinct angle. With Key Largo Parasail, you’ll sail excessive above the panorama with professional instruction from an expert group who make your security and delight priorities.
- Location: 103900 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: Mix a parasailing journey with a glass-bottom boat tour.
- Value: Begins at $99.
24. Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary
The Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary is an unlimited space that was set as much as shield a wide range of sea creatures and coral reefs and it’s residence to most of the high diving websites within the area together with French Reef and Grecian Rocks.
As you discover this distinctive ecosystem, you’ll see the third largest coral barrier reef on earth, seagrass fields, mangrove forest and shipwrecks.
- Location: 95230 Abroad Freeway.
- Tip: Go to one of many native dive outlets to rearrange a dive.
- Value: Free
25. Go on a Street Journey
The 105-mile drive by the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West is without doubt one of the high highway journeys in the USA. Journey alongside the Abroad Freeway by Marathon, Islamorada, and Huge Pine Key.
See high sights together with Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, Ernest Hemingway Home, Key West Lighthouse, Key West Aquarium and the Seven Mile Bridge.
- Location: From Key Largo to Key West
- Tip: Cease at Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe and check out the well-known Key Lime Pie.
- Value: Free minus the worth of gasoline.
Key Largo to Key West: 30 Florida Keys Street Journey Stops to Make
26. Tour the Coral Restoration Basis Schooling Middle
The Coral Restoration Basis (CRF) is an incredible nonprofit headquartered proper in Key Largo and nicely value a cease when you find yourself driving from Key Largo to Key West.
Do you know that we’ve misplaced 50% of the world’s shallow-water coral reefs within the final three a long time? It’s estimated by 2100, we might lose all of them if humanity doesn’t act quick. Did you additionally know that coral is an animal (not a plant)? As these animal numbers decline, their genetic variety and inhabitants resiliency are misplaced.
It’s estimated that 500 million individuals depend on coral reefs for survival, accounting for nearly 10 trillion {dollars} in enterprise. Their significance on this planet is astounding, and that’s why we’re so grateful for the Coral Restoration Basis which works with the reefs, and assist of their restoration course of. They’ve large-scale cultivation and outplanting course of and truly plant new coral reefs within the ocean! It’s primarily volunteers that perform these duties of working within the “coral nurseries.”
Guests can enterprise into their Key Largo middle to study their tasks, or divers can go underwater and truly plant new coral themselves! There’s nothing higher than feeling like you’re giving again on trip, and it is a nice trigger to provide again to!
Greatest Issues To Do In Key Largo Map
Greatest Eating places in Key Largo
Key Largo has a few of the greatest bites within the Florida Keys, solely rivaling Key West! There are many choices for locations to eat – particularly should you like seafood! Irrespective of the place you go in Key Largo be certain to attempt Stone Crab, Conch Chowder, and undoubtedly Conch Fritters!
- Conch Home: Household-owned and operated and has a robust concentrate on sustainability. The ambiance is laid again and homey, with a specialty of, in fact, conch.
- The Fish Home: Eclectic eatery that’s nice for dinner out. Most gadgets are bought from native business fishermen. This implies you all the time get the freshest seafood, but additionally means availability all the time depends upon circumstances and season.
- C&C Wooden Fireplace Eats: If you’re all fished out and in search of one thing a bit completely different, C&C dishes up essentially the most scrumptious wood-fired pizzas you’ll find.
20 DELICIOUS Key Largo Eating places to Strive in 2022!
Tips on how to Get to Key Largo
To get to Key Largo it’s greatest to fly straight into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and hire a automotive from there. It’s simply over an hour to get from Miami Worldwide Airport to Key Largo on US-1 S. From the Fort Lauderdale Airport it is going to take 1.45 hours to get to Miami.
For those who begin your journey in Key West, it is going to take 2 hours (97.6 mi) by way of US-1 N to succeed in Key Largo. Although it’s a incredible drive with nice stops, so it is going to probably take you longer than 2 hours.
Tips on how to Get Round Key Largo
There’s a bike path in Key Largo that runs alongside the freeway, although this isn’t the easiest way to get round because it’s not very nice. We really useful selecting up a automotive rental in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Key West to highway journey across the Florida Keys. Uncover Automotive Rent is our favourite place to go looking and evaluate automotive leases in Florida.
The place to Keep in Key Largo
One of the best place to remain in Key Largo is Baker’s Cay. This 13-acre, 200-room personal resort is without doubt one of the most snug locations we’ve visited in the USA.
Baker’s Cay has an incredible location off the Abroad Freeway, with a big personal seaside large enough for the complete household to take pleasure in. They’ve an incredible lagoon and swimming space with stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and an incredible seaside bar to sit back out at. Make certain to get a sunset-facing room!
Test Room Charges!
Greatest Time to Go to Key Largo
One of the best time to go to Key Largo is between the months of December and March. That is when Key Largo is the dryest and temperatures are bearable. Don’t fear – they may nonetheless be loads nice sufficient in your trip.
We visited Key Largo in early Might and had incredible climate, although it was typically hotter throughout the center of the day than we’re used to. The worst time to go to Key Largo is throughout the Atlantic hurricane, which begins in June and runs by November, with the best probability of a hurricane being throughout August and September.
