Five Must-Visit Spots in the Florida Keys

Driving through the Florida Keys couldn’t be easier as there’s one road connecting the chain of 800 islands. It takes about three and a half hours from the mainland of Florida to get all the way to Key West. The Keys themselves are broken into three categories: the Upper Keys, Middle Keys, and Lower Keys.

Key Largo

Key Largo is the largest and northernmost of the Keys. Because of its close proximity to mainland Florida, it is a popular weekend getaway. It has been called the Diving Capital of the World for its John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, 70 square miles of beautiful ocean and the only living reef in the continental United States. Explore more of what the island has to offer at the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. Make sure to stop by Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen for delicious seafood and world-famous key lime pie!

Our Hotel Pick: Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection is a refined resort on 14.5 acres of secluded shoreline. There are four onsite restaurants and a luxurious spa.

Islamorada

Islamorada (actually a village of 6 islands) has earned its reputation as a top spot for sport fishing, with the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world and top notch captains and guides. Other top attractions include The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, the History of Diving Museum, and the Theater of the Sea, one of Florida’s first marine mammal parks. For casual outdoor dining and a daily sunset party complete with live music, try Loralei Restaurant & Cabana Bar.

Our Hotel Pick: Cheeca Lodge is a lively beachfront resort with a fishing pier and 9-hole golf course.

Marathon

Water sports are king in Marathon, Florida! Choose from deep-sea or reef fishing, jet ski tours, paddle boarding, kayaking, or just cruising along the crystal blue water. The former fishing village was founded in the early 1800’s, so it’s also one of the most historic spots along the Keys. The Turtle Hospital and the Dolphin Research Center are two of the most popular local attractions. Make sure to grab a Lobster Reuben to-go from Keys Fisheries on your way to one of your island activities.

Marathon is separated by the Lower Keys by the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

Our Hotel Pick: At Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort choose from a beach house or traditional hotel room overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are three outdoor pools as well as a beach side bar.

Big Pine Key

For a low-key, relaxing addition to your trip, head to Big Pine Key. There are great water activities like snorkeling and fishing, as well as some of the best seafood restaurants in the area. Milagro Restaurant & Bar is one you won’t want to miss! Also make sure to stop at the National Key Deer Refuge to see some of the tiny wild key deer native to the Keys.

Our Hotel Pick: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa just reopened after being damaged by Hurricane Irma. The completely renovated resort allows you to unplug with no phones or tv, but plenty of relaxation with fine dining and services.

Key West

Last but not least, we have the most famous Key… Key West! Key West is one of our favorite destinations with its beautiful historical buildings, nightlife, and delicious food. Like the other Keys, it offers great boating, fishing, and snorkeling, and has many other additional things to do. We highly recommend checking out the nightly Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square and a trip to the Little White House (President Truman’s winter home and now a museum). Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum is another cool spot to see amazing artifacts from 17th century shipwrecks. Favorite dining spots include the Cuban Coffee Queen for a Cuban sandwich and authentic café con leche and the Thirsty Mermaid for fresh local fish and a full raw bar. Head to iconic Blue Heaven for “breakfast with the roosters.”

Our Hotel Pick: The Southernmost House is an elegant oceanfront bed & breakfast in a great location. The historic mansion has hosted five U.S presidents!