23 Finest Issues to Do in Key Largo, Florida in 2023

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 timber, 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. 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 enthusiastic about preserving its historical past.

High Issues 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

Best Tjhings to do in Key Largo Florida 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 incredible factor about Key Largo is how laborious it really works alongside the opposite Florida Keys to protect its underwater habitat. Whereas guests can get pleasure from John Pennekamp State Park, there are laws and restrictions on actions like fishing. The state park is a good looking ode to Key Largo residents’ shut relationship with the ocean.

We advocate a glass backside boat tour, snorkeling tour, or scuba diving expertise to get pleasure from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to the fullest. We’ll cowl these actions individually because the state park is such an icon and attraction in its personal proper. However preserve 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 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 one of the best tour to absorb Key Largo. You get to go to 2 completely different reef methods and it consists of principally all the pieces. We extremely advocate it.

2. Scuba Diving

Top things to do in Key Largo Florida Scuba Diving

Contemplating Key Largo’s nickname of the ‘scuba diving capital of the world’, seeing this exercise in our information is hardly shocking. Probably the greatest 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 had been shocked to be taught 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.

Sieigel Grove Scuba diving in Key Largo florida

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 one of the best of the state’s underwater habitats.

3. Florida Keys Nationwide Marine Sanctuary

Best Things to do in Key Largo Parasailing Florida Keys National 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 inside the sanctuary’s boundaries. The sanctuary is among the finest Key Largo sights in the event you fancy a day journey by boat.

Best-things to do in Key Largo Molasses Reef Snorkeling

You don’t must 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 all the pieces from the floor. We advocate leaping on one of many many snorkeling excursions operating from the Florida Keys mainland. You possibly can spot all the pieces 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 Seaside and Park

Best things to do in Key Largo Harry Harris Beach and Park

Harry Harris Park is a good looking 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 happen to really feel like a problem, you too can bike to Harry Harris Park – it’s a 45-minute bike trip. With white sand and palm timber, 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 best 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 elements and head all the way down to cook 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 very good for simply enjoyable and having fun with a seashore day. And who doesn’t want a relaxing day on occasion?

5. African Queen Canal Cruise

Best Things to do in Key Largo African Queen-Tours

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 enjoyable than crusing down the Port Largo canals to sightsee the attractive area?

The preferred cruise firm has a ship that has change into a celeb. African Queen Canal Cruise makes use of a restored steamboat from 1912 featured within the movie ‘The African Queen’. This firm gives completely different cruise sorts, together with dinner cruises to the Pilot Home Marina. African Queen Canal Cruise operates from the Marina del Mar. Every day cruises run at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. You possibly can all the time request a personal dinner or lunch cruise you probably have at the least 4 individuals.

6. Historical past of Diving Museum

Cool things to do in Key Largo Diving Museum

What would the dive capital of the world be with out a museum to commemorate its historical past? The Historical past of Diving Museum is among the weirdest and most great issues to do in Key Largo. The attraction is solely devoted to the historical past behind diving – showcasing all the pieces from relics and historic tools. The helmet assortment is probably the most spectacular. It virtually seems like some nod to house journey and gives a much-needed perspective on scuba diving as a type of historic exploration.

Entrance costs are comparatively modest, at $15 for adults as of 2023. Kids, veterans, and present army get to enter free of charge. On a wet day, it’s best to make the Historical past of Diving Museum high of your to-do record. There are only a few high-quality indoor actions in Key Largo, so preserve this one in thoughts.

7. Everglades Nationwide Park

Best Things to do in Key Largo Everglades National Park

Everglades Nationwide Park is among 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 too can spot leatherback sea turtles, dolphins, Florida panthers, and manatees. Everglades Nationwide Park is run by the animal kingdom – which is not possible 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 by way of 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.

Key Largo Artwork Gallery is an absolute should for artwork fanatics. It gives a platform for native artists and a channel of tradition that balances out the island’s give attention to 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 if you’re feeling frivolous, you possibly can head to the ‘on the market’ part to deal with your self to some art work. A stupendous sketch or portray is a stunning memento from Key Largo.

Whereas there isn’t a official tour, Key Largo Artwork Gallery workers are rumored to be very educated. You must discover them comfortable to reply your questions and provides a superb perception into among the art work.

9. Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart

Best Things to do in Key Largo Coral Restoration foundation

Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart 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 support development the place vital. You possibly can go to the middle to be taught extra by means of displays and academic lectures. It is among the most significant issues to do in Key Largo.

If in case you have a bit longer in Key Largo, think about volunteering with the Coral Restoration Basis Exploration Heart. You possibly can 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 Chicken Rehabilitation Heart

Best Things to do in Key Largo Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Florida Keys Wild Chicken 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 simple half-day exercise from Key Largo. And whereas the wild chicken hospital is simply too busy with wildlife emergencies to cater to guests, the adjoining sanctuary and rehabilitation heart welcomes friends year-round.

Sadly, some birds by no means get better sufficient to be launched. These are saved in pure enclosures, and it falls to volunteers to ensure their day by 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 get better earlier than returning to the tougher wilderness. Guests stroll alongside an enormous boardwalk and might take part in day by day actions like pelican feeding.

11. Florida Keys Brewing Firm

Best Things to do in Key Largo Florida Keys Brewing Company

Florida Keys Brewing Firm is an excellent microbrewery positioned in Islamorada. The microbrewery is only a 25-minute drive away – or 45 minutes by bus in the event you 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 among the finest 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 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 time out, particularly for these taken with brewing craft beer.

12. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

Fun things to do in Key Largo 12. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a good looking 2,421-acre park. The paths embody over 80 protected crops and animals – from wild cotton to crocodiles. The park is mountaineering 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 good looking morning exercise. Attempt to get there early so that you beat the noon solar. And produce some binoculars for one of the best probabilities of wildlife sightings.

13. Fishing

Fishing in Key Largo is one of the fun things to do

Key Largo is way from simply someplace to fish; it’s a fisherman’s dream. Deep sea fishing is equally standard on Key Largo; you possibly can catch some monstrous-looking fish. Tarpon, sailfish, sea trout, and mahi mahi are all truthful sport.

To get pleasure from 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 would like deep-sea fishing, persist with the offshore season – November to March.

14. Glass Backside Boat Excursions

Family things to do in Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Tour

A glass-bottom boat tour is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Key Largo. The underside of the boat is solely clear, that means passengers get a front-row seat to the tropical fish and different stunning marine life. Even higher, you see all of the animals of their pure habitats – a way more moral encounter than an aquarium gives. Glass backside boat excursions are pretty methods to expertise the underwater world with out swimming. As such, aged guests, youngsters, and non-swimmers will lap up this exercise in Key Largo.

These excursions are throughout Florida Bay, together with from Marina del Mar, however that is the one we advocate. It’s often 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

Best Things to do in Key Largo Cuisin Tikis

Cruisin’ Tikis is the good factor ever. This can be a bar that you just’ll keep 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. Overlook paying extortionate cash to hearken to stay 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 comfortable 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

Best Things to do in Key Largo Feed Tarpon

Keep in mind 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 typically attain 150 lbs – making feeding tarpon one of the vital thrilling issues to do in Key Largo.

You possibly can feed tarpon most bait sorts. Purchase the bait if 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 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

Best Things to do in Key Largo Keys History and Discovery Center

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 supplies wholly justify a day journey. The middle whisks guests by means of displays on all the pieces 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 traditional displays and artifacts. It additionally includes a movie show the place documentaries are performed on a schedule. Some discovery facilities may be so primary 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 incredible time out – whether or not visiting as a household, or a single traveler.

18. Seaside Hop

Top things to do in Key Largo Beach Hopping

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. Among the finest embrace Cannon Seaside, Far Seaside, and Harris Seaside 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 Seaside is positioned inside John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Far Seaside is close to mile marker 120, and Harris Seaside and State Park are in Tavernier. Harris Seaside is probably the most family-friendly, with loads of sports activities amenities.

19. Dolphin Watching Tour

Best Things to do in Key Largo Dolphin Watching
Credit score: Patrick Farrell

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 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 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 Nationwide Wildlife Refuge

Best Things to do in Key Largo Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Credit score: Russell Mick

Quite than operating a zoo-like refuge, Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge runs solely for the advantage of the animals. This operations mannequin signifies 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 among 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. If in case you have further time, you could possibly additionally volunteer on the Crocodile Lake Nationwide Wildlife Refuge. This is a superb strategy to expertise the habitats not open to the general public, and you could possibly do something from python patrol to habitat restoration.

21. Parasailing

Best Things to do in Key Largo Parasailing

Parasailing is among 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 lots of of ft 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.

Parasaling in Key Largo Florida

Parasailing is among the finest methods to get a vantage level of Key Largo and the Florida Keys. It is usually the proper adrenaline rush for an journey seeker.

22. Cycle the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail in Key Largo florida

Earlier than leaving Key Largo, you could try the Florida Keys Abroad Heritage Path. This beast of a mountaineering 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 with out a automotive. Is it a problem? Sure. Is it price it? Undoubtedly.

If you would like a scenic cycle trip however aren’t up for 106 miles, think about 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 selection. It has the potential to be leisure or sensible as properly. Take your choose.

23. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Things to do in Key Largo Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is a good looking pure attraction on the neighboring island of Islamorada. Only a 20-minute drive away, the limestone quarry gives cross-sectional views of fossilized coral. Key Largo would 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 will have data boards describing scenes round you alongside the way in which. This considerate contact means that you could take impartial excursions if you want. The mountaineering trails are straightforward to observe, with a number of important particulars. In any other case, you possibly can guide one of many ranger-led excursions for some further route.

Issues To Do in Key Largo: FAQs

Best Things to do in Key Largo FAQ

Now that we’ve coated one of the best 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

How to get to Key Largo

The simplest strategy to attain Key Largo is by aircraft after which a rental automotive. You fly immediately into Miami Worldwide Airport after which choose 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 profit from the drive?

In any other case, you possibly can catch a shuttle bus to Key Largo. Shuttles run from vital departure locations like Miami and the worldwide airport. You possibly 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 a number of time and is an actual journey for these up for the problem.

Getting Round Key Largo

Key Largo Car Rentals

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, think about getting a motorbike rental. This selection is finest suited to people who find themselves in form however price a attempt you probably have the stamina.

The Finest Time To Go to Key Largo

Best Time to visit Key Largo Florida

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 seashore hopping. On this space of Florida, December to April is the dry season.

For these on a finances, you could possibly go to in June, October, or November. These are inside the hurricane season, so be aware 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 might prepare the journey responsibly.

Enjoyable Issues to Do in Key Largo Florida

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 taken with 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. Visitors scuba dive to their rooms day by 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.

When it comes to further inspiration, there are many day journeys that you could take to different islands within the Florida Keys. One of many important causes Key Largo is among 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.

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