The Florida Keys is arms down top-of-the-line locations to go to in Florida – particularly so when you’re within the temper for the right sunshine-filled trip. Stretching from Biscayne to Dry Tortugas Nationwide Parks, there’s a heap of the perfect issues to do within the Florida Keys dotted all throughout the islands. This all makes the archipelago an ideal vacation spot when exploring Florida.
We had a very epic time when visiting, and drove down after exploring Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the gorgeous spots within the Everglades. They had been all wonderful and the Florida Keys had been the icing on our cake when exploring Southern Florida.
Sure, they is likely to be small however they pack a mighty punch with all of the locations to see. Better of all, there’s one thing to please everyone within the Florida Keys. Wanna celebration? Head to the nationwide parks? chill on sun-kissed seashores? Belief me, these islands have all of it.
Now, for us, we discovered the easiest way to get to the islands was by automobile. We rented a car from Miami (tremendous simple) and adopted the Abroad Freeway. Connecting so lots of the little islands, t was such a cool drive and an ideal option to cease off at key spots alongside earlier than arriving in Key West.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey, I needed to share some gorgeous locations you must cease alongside the best way.
Have a look, under, at the perfect issues to do within the Florida Keys. Have a tremendous journey!
1.) John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The US’ very first undersea park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is gorgeous. Not solely that, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do within the Florida Keys when you love exploring.
To discover the attractive coral reef, you possibly can strap on some snorkels or scuba diving gear (with a information) and leap into the crystal waters across the park itself.
Now, In the event you’re a licensed scuba diver, you possibly can head out on a booked tour. Alternatively, hop on some scuba resort programs to get you up to the mark.
If that’s not your factor, keep above the surf and hire a kayak and paddle by way of mangrove forests. And when you don’t even wanna get within the water, you possibly can even hire your individual boat for the day.
Getting peckish? Cease off on the well-known Fish House for his or her catches of the day which can be caught regionally. Completely casual (and generally actually busy), their blackened mahi-mahi is so scrumptious to attempt.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida
2.) Bahia Honda State Park
Simply off Seven-Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park is a spot to go to that’s good for nature lovers. You see, you’ve acquired lots of of various kinds of crops and animals that decision Bahia Honda State Park residence.
This makes it a very in style spot to go to and even camp for a couple of days, too.
Not solely that, as soon as in Bahia Honda State Park you possibly can hire your individual boat to discover extra of the gorgeous waters across the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Although, keep in mind, you’re not allowed to enterprise a lot past the marina space, particularly when you’re inexperienced.
Better of all, the waters in Bahia Honda State Park are completely clear, which implies they’re nice for a swim.
You would possibly even spot the resident turtles or rays that decision this park residence.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do within the Everglades, Florida
3.) Islamorada
Consisting of round six completely different islands throughout the Florida Keys, Islamorada is a superb little stopping level to discover while driving down in the direction of Key West.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to cease on the Keys Historical past and Discovery Heart that’s an awesome little spot to be taught all in regards to the Florida Keys and their histories. It’s fascinating.
Afterwards, head to the Historical past of Diving Museum which’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do within the Florida Keys when you like to dive. Properly, perhaps the diving is healthier however it is a shut second. Holding the world’s largest assortment of diving paraphernalia with historic artefacts and reveals that date again centuries!
If it’s a tipple you’re after, pop into the Islamorada Brewery who’ve some ice-cold and crisp brews proper from the keys. Simply you’ll want to seize some grub from the BBQ truck, too!
Alternatively, head out into the attractive waters with Aqua Blue Adventures. They know their stuff in the case of sandbar journeys!
Learn extra: Enjoyable issues to do in Miami
4.) Ernest Hemingway House and Museum
Nestled inside Key West, the Ernest Hemingway House and Museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do within the Florida Keys if you wish to find out about this unbelievable writer.
Constructed throughout the 1800s, it’s a home the place Hemingway spent years of his life which you’ll be able to discover in the present day. Not solely that, you would possibly even get to see the long-lasting cats that decision the museum residence? In the event you spot them, they’re the direct descendants from the six-toed cat that was given to Hemingway approach again when!
Oh, and don’t neglect to wander across the attractive gardens, too. It’s a welcome respite after partying it up on Duval Avenue.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Fort Lauderdale
5.) Huge Pine Key
Round a 40-minute drive from Key West, Huge Pine Key is a superb place to spend a day exploring.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to head to the quieter spots round Coupon Bight Aquatic Protect for some snorkelling and pop to see the views from the Blue Hole Observation Platform the place you would possibly even spot some deer. Like, I had no thought there was any deer within the Keys earlier than we visited!
Oh, and don’t neglect the No Name Pub, which could simply be the coolest pub within the Florida Keys. You’ll completely see what makes this place particular as quickly as you stroll inside! You see, the ceiling and partitions are plastered greenback payments throughout each tiny house accessible.
This distinctive look, together with the pub’s fascinating historical past as a bar and brothel opened again within the Nineteen Thirties, makes the No Identify Pub a can’t miss cease throughout your journey.
Oh, and don’t neglect to take a greenback to tac to the wall!
Learn extra: Finest locations to see in Hollywood, Florida
7.) Key Largo
Being the largest island within the Florida Keys, Key Largo is very easy to go to and the primary actual island you’ll go to if driving from Miami.
After arriving, head off the Abroad Freeway and discover John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (talked about earlier) for a bit of time within the surf. Alternatively, for some pretty seashore time, chillout at Harry Harris Seashore which is near certainly one of my favorite dessert spots, Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Manufacturing unit.
Now, a number of folks know that the Florida Keys are well-known for his or her Key Lime Pie, proper? Although, that doesn’t imply that each spot makes them equally properly! Oh no, when you’re in search of the perfect Key Lime Pie within the Florida Keys, head straight down Key Largo till you attain the Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Manufacturing unit. Right here, you’ll get to attempt their home made key lime pie or pie on a stick. Each are extremely tasty!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Jacksonville, Florida
6.) Marathon
Though Marathon is taken into account a metropolis, it doesn’t actually really feel like a metropolis as you’d think about. Consider it as a comfy little metropolis that’s unfold round a couple of islands.
Regardless, visiting Marathon is likely one of the greatest issues to do within the Florida Keys is you’ve acquired a hankering for good seashores and a while exploring.
After arriving, you’ll want to discover Sombrero Seashore which is completely gorgeous and some of the attractive seashores within the Florida Keys. You would possibly even see the resident Loggerhead turtles, too.
In the event you’ve had sufficient of all that sand in your pants, pop over to Crane Level Hammock. Right here, you’ll be capable to ramble the paths and pop within the museum that’s nice for a bit of gander.
Really, if it’s a hike you’re after, head out on the Curry Hammock State Park Trail that goes proper by way of Fats Deer Key. It’s nice for a bit of wander, simply you’ll want to keep away from noon when that solar might be intense!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Port Charlotte, Florida
7.) Duval Avenue, Key West
For thus many causes, Duval Avenue jogs my memory of Bourbon Avenue in New Orleans.
In the event you’re trying to have a good time (and a sore head the following morning), then the Keys’ notorious Duval road is non-negotiable! Lined with in style Floridian eateries, bars and golf equipment, Duval road is the place the celebration is at and an awesome place to chill out, seize some tasty frozen cocktails and simply celebration into the wee hours.
Seize some drinks at Willie T’s for his or her speciality Mojitos (I swear we drank all of them) and cease by the Green Parrot Bar (simply off Southard Avenue) that’s held reside music and pumped beer because the 1800s.
Each are establishments in Key West!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in New Orleans
8.) Mile Marker Zero
When in Key West, you possibly can’t miss driving out to Mile Marker Zero. Sure, it will likely be a fleeting go to and nothing particular to take a look at, it’s value a fast peek as a part of a wider highway journey.
For these not within the know, Mile Marker Zero is the spot the place Freeway 1, certainly one of America’s most pushed highways begins or ends, relying in your perspective.
Both approach, a 5-minute cease is all you’ll want and you’ll’t actually miss when in your highway journey.
This was formally the place to begin for our drive from Key West to Los Angeles and nonetheless, do not forget that second properly!
Learn extra: Finest nationwide parks to go to within the USA
10.) Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is usually omitted from Florida Keys itineraries for the easy motive that it’s a good 70 miles from Key West itself. This makes it tougher to get to nevertheless it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line issues to do within the Florida Keys when you’ve acquired loads of time to discover.
Regardless of being a bit out of the best way, Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park has lots to supply on its seven islands and I believe you’ll find it irresistible. For me, the largest draw is the wonderful Nineteenth-century hexagonal fortress, Fort Jefferson (from the 1800s).
That being stated, the reefs are simply unbelievable, too. Each very completely different however wonderful all on the identical time.
To get right here, you have to to both board the “Yankee Freedom III Dry Tortugas Ferry” from Key West or be a part of a Seaplane Tour to get you to the park. These might be pricey for a day journey, so plan all the pieces prematurely.
In case you are feeling flush or fancy a extra personal expertise, you possibly can hire your individual constitution and discover the islands by yourself vessel.
Although, when you do constitution a ship to go to, remember that you will want a allow to enter any of the waters throughout the nationwide park. So, you’ll want to have all these in place earlier than you set out.
Learn extra: Finest nationwide parks to go to within the USA
11.) Boca Chita Key
One of the vital northerly keys to go to, Boca Chita Key (inside Biscayne Nationwide Park) is far quieter to go to than the extra southerly keys. This makes it top-of-the-line issues to do within the Florida Keys when you’re in search of a extra chilled out island to go to.
Finest explored as a part of a guided boat tour or constitution, you’ll get to wander across the tiny key that seems like one million miles away from Florida. Now, you possibly can moor your boat right here for the night (by paying the mooring charge) and spend so long as you need on this extra distant key.
Although keep in mind, there are not any services in any respect and you have to to take all the pieces you want with you.
12.) Southernmost Level Buoy
After exploring Duval Avenue, the Hemingway Museum and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, you’ll want to discover the Southernmost Level Buoy in Key West.
It’s top-of-the-line issues to do within the Florida Keys for a bit of picture op, particularly when strolling the shoreline.
I imply, the buoy itself is extra symbolic than something however properly value seeing because it’s essentially the most southerly level within the USA – and solely 90 miles from Cuba!
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Florida
12 Finest Locations In Florida To Go to
