The Florida Keys are one of the best spots in the US to go on a road trip. In just 100 miles, hop from key to key, go snorkeling, dine at seafood restaurants, try key lime pie, go shopping, and enjoy endless views of brilliant aquamarine water. It’s a gorgeous drive with lots to do.
But with so many things to see and do between Key Largo and Key West, which stops are actually worth your time?
In this guide, we share our favorite things to do in the Florida Keys, including the must-see sights, a few quirky surprises, and some fantastic places to eat. We also give you our recommendations for what to prioritize if you only have one day to drive through the Keys.
This guide focuses on Key Largo through Big Pine Key. For things to do once you arrive in Key West, see our separate guide Things to Do in Key West.
Our Experiences in the Florida Keys: Tim and I explored the Florida Keys on two road trips, in February 2018 and December 2021. It took both trips to visit everything on this list. Along the way, we sampled plenty of key lime pie, visited wildlife sanctuaries, explored state parks, went snorkeling, and tried many of the waterfront restaurants. Our recommendations are based on these firsthand experiences, including what we loved most and what didn’t quite live up to our expectations.
Florida Keys at a Glance
LOCATION | Key Largo to Big Pine Key, along the Overseas Highway
BEST TIME TO VISIT | December through May for generally pleasant temperatures and lower rainfall
HOW MUCH TIME | One day to sample the highlights; two or more days to enjoy a wider variety of experiences
TOP EXPERIENCES | Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s, visit Bahia Honda State Park, tour the Turtle Hospital, and enjoy the drive across Seven Mile Bridge
DON’T MISS | Key lime pie at Blond Giraffe and a waterfront meal in Islamorada
Our Favorite Things to Do in the Florida Keys
With so many places to visit in the Florida Keys, it helps to narrow down the list. After two road trips exploring these islands, these are five of our favorite experiences.
- Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s. This is one of the most entertaining things we did in the Keys. It’s quick, inexpensive, and a little intimidating when an enormous tarpon lunges out of the water for its next meal.
- Visit Bahia Honda State Park. For beautiful beaches, turquoise water, and views of the historic Bahia Honda Bridge, this is one of the most scenic stops along the Overseas Highway.
- Tour the Turtle Hospital. Learn how staff rescue, rehabilitate, and return injured and sick sea turtles to the ocean. It’s one of the most interesting wildlife experiences in the Keys.
- Have lunch at Morada Bay Beach Café. Dining with your toes in the sand, palm trees overhead, and views across Florida Bay is a quintessential Florida Keys experience.
- Try the key lime pie at Blond Giraffe. We sampled plenty of key lime pie during our visits, and this was our favorite. Their shaded garden is also a wonderful place to take a break from driving.
And of course, don’t miss the drive across Seven Mile Bridge, with its sweeping views of the turquoise water.
Only Have One Day? Here’s What We’d Prioritize
If you’re driving from Miami to Key West in one day, don’t try to squeeze in everything on this list. Some experiences, such as snorkeling trips and the Turtle Hospital, take several hours or require advance reservations.
Instead, we’d focus on a few stops that give you a taste of what makes the Florida Keys special.
Start with a slice of key lime pie at Blond Giraffe in Tavernier, have lunch overlooking the water at Morada Bay Beach Café in Islamorada, and stop at Robbie’s to feed the tarpon. Farther south, enjoy the views as you cross Seven Mile Bridge and make time for Bahia Honda State Park, where you can see the historic bridge and relax on the beach.
This gives you a nice mix of food, wildlife, and some of the best scenery in the Florida Keys without spending the entire day rushing from one attraction to the next.
Our advice: Start early and be selective. If traffic is heavy or you’re getting a late start, choose two or three stops rather than trying to fit in all of them.
For a complete trip plan that includes Key West, Miami, and the national parks, see our 7- to 10-day Florida Keys Itinerary.
Quick Facts about the Florida Keys Overseas Highway
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is 113 miles in length, joining the mainland of Florida (starting in Florida City, just south of Homestead) to Key West.
To drive directly from Key Largo to Key West, it takes roughly 2.5 hours to travel a distance of 100 miles.
There are hundreds of islands, also called “keys,” that make up the archipelago of the Florida Keys. These small islands are joined by a series of bridges. The longest bridge is Seven Mile Bridge, which joins Knights Key in the Middle Keys with Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys.
Before the construction of the Overseas Highway, the Keys were linked by the Overseas Railway. Portions of this railway were destroyed a powerful hurricane that made a direct hit on the Florida Keys in 1935. The railroad bridges were then transformed into roadways. In the 1980’s, new highways were constructed but the old railway bridges can still be seen today. Some of these have been converted into fishing bridges.
Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys
There is A LOT to do from Key Largo to Key West, so don’t expect to do everything we list in this guide in just one day (it took us two trips to the Florida Keys to do everything we have listed). You will have to choose the things that look the most interesting to you or split the drive into two or more days.
This list is only includes things to do from Key Largo through Big Pine Key (one of the last major Keys before you reach Key West). We have a separate article about the Best Things to Do in Key West.
This list of things to do in the Florida Keys is ordered geographically, starting in Key Largo and ending in Key West.
How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.
To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
1. Go Snorkeling or Diving in Key Largo
Key Largo is world famous for its diving and snorkeling. The best place to go is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are numerous dive companies and snorkel companies that will take you out for a few hours or longer.
We hired Keys Diver (which has since gone out of business) to take us on a 4-hour snorkel trip to the John Pennekamp reef. We were extremely lucky that our excursion went on schedule. Boats did not leave Key Largo for 6 consecutive days before our trip due to high winds and rough water. For our scheduled tour, we could go out on the water, but the crew was limited where to take us because of the rough conditions.
We booked this excursion because you have the opportunity to visit multiple reefs as well as a famous statue called “Christ of the Deep.” Because of the rough seas, the crew could only take us out to one snorkel spot.
Snorkeling in Key Largo
Tim and I had a good time, but not a great time. The snorkeling did not live up to our expectations. Either the rough waters impacted the quality of the snorkeling, or we have just done this at too many other spots around the world for Key Largo snorkeling to thrill us. We saw lots of barracuda and assorted tropical fish, but nothing “Wowed!” us. For a four hour trip, with half of that a boat ride to and from the reef, we were honestly disappointed.
However, I want you to know that this was in no way any fault of Keys Diver. They were wonderful, offering a safe, fun, comfortable experience. We have no complaints about their service and highly recommend them. However, it’s the quality of the snorkeling that left Tim and I disappointed.
If you have never been snorkeling before, and the waters aren’t too rough, this is still a very worthwhile experience.
2. See Rescued Birds at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
Location: 93600 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, mile marker 93.6
Cost: Free but donations are appreciated
This sanctuary is home to more than 100 birds that cannot be released back into the wild. Owls, pelicans, vultures, hawks, and other species native and migratory to the Florida Keys have a home here. The sanctuary is free to visit but donations are appreciated.
Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
3. Go Shopping at the Rain Barrel Village
Location: Plantation Key, Mile Marker 86.7
For another quirky spot in the Keys, make a quick stop at the Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery. You know you are in the right spot when you see the gigantic lobster out front.
Rain Barrel Village
This gallery is a collection of small shops selling everything from wind chimes to Tiki heads to clothing and jewelry and arts and crafts. It’s a fun place to browse, go souvenir shopping, or to simply buy something strange and unusual. This was our favorite weird place to go shopping in the Florida Keys.
4. History of Diving Museum
Location: Islamorada, Mile Marker 83
Website: www.divingmuseum.org
If you have an interest in scuba diving, this is a cool museum to visit. Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer have spent the last 40 years assembling the largest collection of dive helmets, scuba gear, armored suits, and diving memorabilia in the world. Immerse yourself in diving history in this very well designed and informative museum.
History of Diving Museum
5. Feed a Tarpon at Robbie’s
Location: Islamorada, Mile Marker 77.5
This is a must do in the Florida Keys…if you dare!
A tarpon is a large fish that can grow up to 8 feet in length. At Robbie’s you can hand feed these big guys.
It sounds simple…hold a small, dead fish in your hand, dangle it just above the surface of the water, and drop it into the mouth of a tarpon when it comes charging up out of the water.
But it’s not so easy.
First of all, there are the pelicans. If you’re not careful, those darn pelicans will eat your bucket of fish before you get a chance to even try to feed a tarpon. The pelicans surrounded us, getting very close and even a little aggressive, trying to steal our fish. We quickly learned that if you stomp your feet and advance on them, they will fly away.
I really was not trying to feed the pelicans. They just had me cornered!!
The pelicans also linger in the water and they will steal your fish out of your hand before the tarpon does. The trick is finding a spot of open water that is pelican-free. The enclosed “pool” on the deck of Robbie’s is the perfect spot for this.
Now, you have your chance to feed the tarpon. Dangling your hand over the water the first time can feel a little alarming. In a blink of an eye, the tarpon rushes out of the water, snatching the fish from your hand. If you don’t let go of it quick enough, you will feel their tiny, sharp teeth.
But it’s tons of fun and Tim and I loved every minute of it, even chasing away those pesky pelicans!
Just as a side note, Islamorada is known as the “sport fishing capital of the world.” Robbie’s also offers numerous fishing excursions if you are interested.
6. Explore Long Key State Park
Location: Long Key, mile marker 67.5
Long Key State Park is one of several state parks that you can visit on a Florida Keys road trip.
Activities include kayaking, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. You can also hike the Golden Orb Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that goes through mangroves, the coastline, and hammock trees. We did this in 2021 and part of the mangroves have died, from damaged sustained during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Golden Orb Trail
7. Visit the Dolphin Research Center
Location: Grassy Key, mile marker 59
Website: dolphins.org
Rather than hosting dolphin shows, this research center focuses on education, research, and rescue of marine animals. The animals at the Dolphin Research Center come from rescue centers or are born here.
General admission tickets allow you to walk around the facility, observe dolphins and sea lions in training sessions, and attend the educational programs. You can also swim with dolphins or spend the day with the trainers and researchers, all for an additional fee.
8. Kayak or Relax at Curry Hammock State Park
Location: Mile marker 56
Curry Hammock is a beautiful park in the Florida Keys. This makes a great spot for a picnic lunch, but you can also kayak through mangrove swamps and go kiteboarding and snorkeling. Kayak and SUP rentals are available at the ranger station.
Curry Hammock State Park
9. Visit Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Location: Marathon, mile marker 53
If you are traveling with kids, this is a great place to add to your Florida Keys road trip.
In various aquariums and touch tanks, visitors can see starfish, turtles, tortoises, sting rays, horseshoe crabs, moray eels, sharks, alligators, and tropical fish. You can also feed and interact with stingrays and nurse sharks.
10. Sombrero Beach
Location: Marathon, mile marker 50.5
Sombrero Beach
This gorgeous stretch of beach is a short detour off Overseas Highway. It makes a great place to spend an afternoon. From April through October, you might get to see Loggerhead turtles nesting on the beach (do not approach sea turtles if you see them on the beach).
11. Tour the Turtle Hospital
Location: Marathon, Mile Marker 48.5
The Turtle Hospital rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured sea turtles so they can be returned to the wild. Some turtles are now permanent residents, since they have conditions that do not allow them to return to the wild. But most turtles that enter the Turtle Hospital are rehabilitated and returned to sea.
Sea Turtle Center
The Turtle Hospital rescues turtles that have fibropapillomatosis, a disease that causes large tumors. These tumors are removed and the sea turtles spend several months at the hospital before being returned to the ocean.
Physical therapy session.
Guests can take a 90-minute tour of the hospital facilities. It’s one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys and great for all ages. I recommend making your reservation in advance, because tour times do fill up, particularly those midday.
Learn more on their website.
12. Drive Across Seven Mile Bridge
Seven Mile Bridge is the longest bridge in the Florida Keys, joining Knights Key in the Middle Keys with Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. This is the one thing you can enjoy without leaving your car.
The water in the Florida Keys is a vibrant aquamarine color. It really is beautiful to see. As you drive over this long bridge, enjoy the views of this technicolor water and keep a lookout for Fred the Tree, a small tree that is growing on the old Seven Mile Bridge. In December, he is decorated for Christmas.
Drone photo of Seven Mile Bridge
As you head south you will see the old bridge to your right. This was the original railway bridge that was later converted into a road and more recently is a bridge for pedestrians and fisherman. The old bridge does not continuously span the seven miles so you cannot walk one way along this entire distance.
Portions of the Old Seven Mile Bridge are currently closed for renovation. We were able to walk out onto the southern portion from Little Duck Key, although you cannot walk too far because you reach a large gap in the bridge. The northern section of Old Seven Mile Bridge is expected to reopen for pedestrians in 2022.
13. Walk or Bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Key
For a different perspective of Seven Mile Bridge, you can walk or bike along a restored 2.2-mile section of the Old Seven Mile Bridge. Originally part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, this section reopened in 2022 and is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge stretches from Marathon to Pigeon Key, offering beautiful views of the turquoise water and the modern Seven Mile Bridge running alongside it. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and other marine life in the water below.
At the end of the bridge is Pigeon Key, a small island that once housed workers building the Overseas Railroad. Today, you can visit its historic buildings, explore a museum, and take a guided tour. There is also a tram service, the Pigeon Key Express, for those who prefer not to walk.
Good to Know: Walking or biking the bridge is free, but visiting Pigeon Key requires paid admission. The full walk is 4.4 miles round-trip, with very little shade, so bring water and sun protection. For tour information and reservations, visit the official Pigeon Key website.
We haven’t visited Pigeon Key ourselves, but this is an interesting option for those who want to experience more than just the drive across Seven Mile Bridge.
14. Visit Bahia Honda State Park
Location: Big Pine Key, mile marker 36.8
Bahia Honda State Park is a gem of a state park in the Florida Keys. Home to three beautiful beaches and a short but sweet walking trail, this is one of the best places to visit on a Florida Keys road trip.
Sandspur Beach is the longest natural sandy beach in the Florida Keys. It was wiped out by Hurricane Irma in 2017 but is currently undergoing a renovation project. Visit the official website for projected dates of when it will reopen.
In the meantime, you can also visit Calusa Beach (a small beach on Florida Bay) and Loggerhead Beach (a thin strip of sand with a large sandbar on the Atlantic Ocean).
Calusa Beach and the Old Bahia Honda Bridge
Loggerhead Beach
One of the best things to do in Bahia Honda State Park is to walk to the end of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. This trail was once part of the Overseas Railway. In 1938, the railway was converted into a road, and this was used as part of the Overseas Highway until 1972, when a replacement bridge was constructed.
Old Bahia Honda Bridge
Here is the view from the top.
15. Look for Key Deer in Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key is a large island, at least for the Florida Keys. It was also hit hard by Hurricane Irma. In February 2018, we still saw extensive hurricane damage here, including piles of rubble, flattened buildings, and trees that are leaning and dangerously close to falling over.
Key Deer call Big Pine Key home. The population of these tiny deer are endangered due to poaching and habitat destruction. Drive slowly while you are on the Lower Keys to avoid hitting them with your car.
You can also visit the National Key Deer Refuge, an 8,000+ acre refuge that is home to the Key Deer.
Best Places to Eat and Drink in the Florida Keys
One of our favorite things about visiting the Florida Keys is dining at waterfront restaurants, sampling local seafood, and trying different versions of key lime pie. During our two road trips, we visited quite a few restaurants and bars, from casual breakfast spots to beachfront cafés with fantastic views.
Below are ten places we visited and recommend, listed geographically from Key Largo to Big Pine Key.
Key Largo and Tavernier
16. Caribbean Club
Location: 104080 Overseas Highway, mile marker 104.1
The Caribbean Club’s claim to fame is that it was a filming site for the movie Key Largo (starring Humphrey Bogart) in 1947. It is the oldest bar in the Upper Keys.
This bar and restaurant sit on Florida Bay. Chairs and tables sit on the sand under the shade of palm trees and the sunsets are unbeatable. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, there is live music on their waterfront stage.
17. Have a drink at Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grill
Location: 522 Caribbean Drive, just east of Mile Marker 99.7
Located in the marina in Key Largo, Sharkey’s Pub serves pub food and great drinks. If your day is ending in Key Largo, consider ordering one of their jumbo sized rum buckets.
18. Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
Location: 99336 Overseas Highway, Mile Post 99.3
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is one of the most popular places to eat in Key Largo. This is a small restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner. The walls are covered with license plates from the US and around the world and the ceiling is stuffed with dollar bills.
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
This was our first stop in the Keys, arriving here in time for brunch. I had the fish and grits and Tim ate the caramel bacon waffle (yum…sweet and salty!) with a side of alligator sausage.
Note: There is a second Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen II). If you want the quirky, original restaurant, visit Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen at mile post 99.3.
19. Harriette’s Restaurant
Location: 95710 Overseas Highway, mile marker 95.8
If the wait is too long for Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, or if you want to eat at a restaurant that is a little less touristy, it’s a quick drive down Overseas Highway to get to Harriette’s Restaurant.
This small restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. They are known for their Key Lime muffins.
20. Have a Slice of Key Lime Pie at the Blonde Giraffe
Location: Tavernier, Mile Marker 92.2
There are numerous restaurants claiming to have the best Key Lime Pie in the world. Tim and I sampled Key Lime Pie at several restaurants in the Keys (our waistlines got a bit bigger on this trip…we pretty much ate our way through the Keys and Key West) and our favorite spot is the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Factory.
Key Lime Pie Factory
Buy just a slice or a whole pie to go and enjoy one of the Florida Key’s tastiest dishes. The Blond Giraffe has a wonderful outdoor seating area, with tables and Adirondack chairs in the shade of giant trees. They also serve coffee and lots of Key Lime flavored delicacies. Enjoy!
Islamorada
21. Marker 88
Location: Islamorada, mile marker 88
Hours: Get updated hours on the official website.
You will see several beachfront restaurants and bars on this list. Dining al fresco on the beach, under the shade of palm trees, is one of the best things to do in a Florida Keys road trip.
Located on Plantation Key, Marker 88 serves hand-crafted cocktails, fresh seafood, local beer, and, you guessed it, key lime pie. The mojitos are great, and I really liked the blackened tuna sashimi.
Since our visit, Marker 88 underwent a multi-year renovation and property expansion. They now cover 2.5-acres with two dedicated tikis; 10,000 square feet of beach and oceanfront dining; two boat docks for easy access to boaters and fishermen; and a retail space for all Marker 88 merchandise. Marker 88 also has 14,000 square feet of new event space, perfect for weddings and private events of up to 450 guests. They have removed most of the swinging tables and have added beautiful beachfront tables as a replacement.
Marker 88 since the renovation | photo courtesy of Marker 88
Marker 88 on our visit, before the renovation
22. Morada Bay Beach Café
Location: Islamorada, Mile Marker 81
When you think of the Florida Keys, what comes to mind? White sandy beaches, palm trees, crystal clear aquamarine water, and maybe even tropical drinks? If you are looking for those things, you can find them all at Morada Bay Beach Café.
Drinks at Morado Bay
This bay front restaurant is one of our favorite spots along the Florida Keys. The setting is awesome, the food is delicious, and the drinks are even better. Put this café high on your list for lunch or dinner as you road trip through the Keys.
23. Florida Keys Brewing Company
Location: Islamorada, 200 Morada Way, Mile Marker 81.6
Just across Overseas Highway from Morada Bay is the Florida Keys Brewing Company. This is a great spot to sample some local beer.
Florida Keys Brewing Company
We ordered a flight of beer and I drank most of it (and the drinks at Morada Bay!) since Tim was our driver.
24. Midway Café & Coffee Bar
Location: Islamorada, mile marker 80.5
This small restaurant is a great place to stop for coffee, baked goods, snacks, and breakfast or lunch.
Big Pine Key
25. No Name Pub
Location: 30813 Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key
This is the coolest bar in the Florida Keys, at least out of the ones we visited. Located in what feels like the middle of nowhere on Big Pine Key, this pub has the slogan, “a nice place if you can find it.”
Just put “No Name Pub” into Google Maps and follow the directions. How did we ever get around before Google Maps?
No Name Pub dates back to 1931 and started off as a bar and a brothel. It’s no longer a brothel, but since the 1980’s visitors have been adding their dollar bills to the walls and ceiling of the pub. Now it looks like every square inch of the No Name Pub is covered with the faces of George Washington, with a few bills from other countries thrown into the mix here and there. We have never seen so many dollar bills in one place. On some spots the walls are covered with 40 layers of bills!
No Name Pub
Just out of curiosity, we asked the staff how many dollar bills they think are stuck to their walls. Their answer: a half million dollars!! That’s a lot of money, but every single bill is written on with permanent ink: names, quotes, dreams, and wishes. It’s controversial if all of these bills are actually worth anything. But what an awesome thing to see.
And the nachos are pretty good, too!
Continuing to Key West?
Key West is the final stop along the Overseas Highway and one of our favorite places in Florida. With its colorful historic homes, lively bars, sunset celebrations, and laid-back atmosphere, it feels quite different from the rest of the Florida Keys.
There is plenty to keep you busy for two or three days, from exploring the historic Old Town and visiting the Hemingway Home to watching the sunset at Mallory Square. Our guide to the Best Things to Do in Key West covers our favorite experiences, based on four visits to the island.
While you’re here, check out our recommendations for the Best Restaurants in Key West and Where to Stay in Key West.
Key West is also the gateway to Dry Tortugas National Park, a spectacular destination known for its turquoise water, snorkeling, and historic Fort Jefferson. Visiting this remote national park is one of the most memorable day trips you can take from Key West.
Best Time for a Florida Keys Road Trip
The months between December and May have pleasant temperatures and low rainfall. December through February is peak season for visitors, so expect larger crowds and more expensive prices, but you also get the best weather. The summer months, from June through October, are hot, humid, and wet, and you have the chance of a hurricane.
Recently, we did this in February and December. On both trips, temperatures were in the low 80’s, which is unusually warm for this time of year. In February, it was very windy. But the weather was sunny and dry on both of our visits.
How Much Time Do You Need in the Florida Keys?
If you want to see the highlights of the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West, you will need a minimum of two days. And even then, it will be a very busy two days.
Most people tend to spend one day road tripping from Key Largo to Key West, visiting a few places along the way. From Key West, you can either fly home or road trip back through the Florida Keys, ending your trip in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale.
By doing this road trip out and back, you get to spend more time in the Florida Keys and rental car prices tend to be cheaper, since you do not have a one-way drop fee.
To plan your trip, take a look at our 7 to 10-day Florida itinerary that includes Miami, Biscayne, Everglades, and Dry Tortugas National Parks, as well as several days in Key West ↓
7–10 Days Florida Keys & National Parks Itinerary: Miami to Key West
Several different ways to spend 7 to 10 days in the Florida Keys and Key West.Florida Keys FAQs
What are the best things to do in the Florida Keys besides Key West?
Some of our favorite experiences are feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s in Islamorada, visiting Bahia Honda State Park, touring the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, and driving across Seven Mile Bridge. We also recommend spending some time at a waterfront restaurant and sampling the local key lime pie.
Can you drive from Miami to Key West in one day?
Yes! You can easily make the one-way drive from Miami to Key West in a day, with time for a few stops along the way. Just don’t expect to see everything. Choose three or four attractions, start early, and allow extra time for traffic. If you’re also driving back to Miami on the same day, you’ll have considerably less time for sightseeing.
How many days do you need to explore the Florida Keys?
One day is enough to drive through the Keys and visit a few highlights. With two or three days, you can add a snorkeling trip, spend more time on the beaches, visit wildlife attractions, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. It took us two separate trips to do everything on this list, so don’t feel like you need to squeeze it all into one visit.
Where are the best beaches in the Florida Keys?
Bahia Honda State Park and Sombrero Beach are two of our favorites. Bahia Honda is particularly scenic, with beautiful turquoise water and views of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. Sombrero Beach, located in Marathon, is another great choice for swimming and relaxing. Sandy beaches aren’t as plentiful in the Keys as you might expect, making these two especially worth visiting.
Is snorkeling in Key Largo worth it?
Key Largo is famous for its coral reefs, and snorkeling is one of the area’s most popular activities. However, conditions make a big difference. On our snorkeling trip, rough seas limited where we could go, and the experience didn’t quite live up to our expectations. If snorkeling is a priority, try to keep your plans flexible and check conditions with the tour operator before your trip.
What are the best things to do in the Florida Keys with kids?
Feeding the tarpon at Robbie’s, visiting the Turtle Hospital, and exploring the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary are great options for families. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park are also worth considering.
Do you need to make reservations for Florida Keys attractions?
For some activities, yes. We recommend booking snorkeling and diving excursions in advance, especially during busy travel periods. The Turtle Hospital also offers guided tours that can fill up, so it’s best to reserve your spot ahead of time. Most quick stops, such as the Blond Giraffe and Rain Barrel Village, don’t require reservations.
Plan Your Trip to the Florida Keys
Planning a trip to southern Florida? Here are more of our guides to help you put together an unforgettable vacation.
- Ready to plan your road trip? → Our 7 to 10-Day Florida Keys Itinerary covers how to plan your route from Miami to Key West, where to stay, and how to fit in the best experiences along the way.
- Continuing to Key West? → Discover the Best Things to Do in Key West, from historic sites and sunset celebrations to some of our favorite experiences in this colorful island town.
- Want to explore more of South Florida? → Our Biscayne National Park Guide covers snorkeling, boat tours, and island visits in this mostly underwater national park.
- Interested in seeing alligators and other wildlife? → Follow our One Day in Everglades National Park Itinerary to explore one of Florida’s most unique ecosystems.
- Looking for an unforgettable day trip from Key West? → Our Dry Tortugas National Park Guide explains how to visit Fort Jefferson, snorkel in crystal-clear water, and plan your trip by ferry or seaplane.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in the Florida Keys or how to plan a Florida Keys road trip, let us know in the comment section below.
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Deciding where to stay in Key West? From luxury waterfront resorts and boutique hotels to historic Victorian mansions and budget-friendly guesthouses, there are plenty of options. But with so many neighborhoods and hotels to choose from, finding the right place to stay can be a challenge. We’ve visited Key West four times, staying in different […]
How to Get to Dry Tortugas National Park: Ferry, Seaplane & Private Charter
Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park is an adventure in itself. Located 70 miles west of Key West, this remote national park can only be reached by boat or seaplane. For most visitors, that means choosing between the Yankee Freedom ferry and a seaplane flight, and these two experiences are very different. The ferry is […]
IRONMAN Florida: 2025 Race Report & What to Expect
Are you interested in racing an Ironman distance triathlon but want a flat and fast course? How about extending your trip with a post-race beach vacation? At IRONMAN Florida, you can do both. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, cycle down long flat Florida highways, and run along the coast […]
7 Awesome Things to Do in Saint John, USVI
This guide covers the best things to do in Saint John, including activities in Virgin Islands National Park and must-have experiences outside the park, such as kayaking spots and scenic dining options. We also include key travel details like where to stay, how to get there, and the best time to visit, complete with weather […]
Best Things to Do in Aruba on Your First Visit
So, you are planning a trip to Aruba? Just so you know, there is more to Aruba than sipping tropical drinks in the shade of a palm tree (although that alone would make for a great vacay). Go snorkeling, learn to kitesurf, explore Aruba’s gorgeous beaches, and take an UTV tour of the island. Whether […]
United States Travel Guide: Places to Visit in the USA
Plan your visit to the United States. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, road trip ideas, and sample itineraries.
US National Park Itineraries & Road Trip Ideas
National Park Itineraries The national parks are best experienced as a road trip and with 56 parks visited between us, we’ve done a lot of them. Whether you’re dreaming of a two-week American Southwest loop, a classic Yellowstone and Grand Teton combo, or a deep dive into Utah’s Mighty 5, we’ve put together detailed itineraries […]
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