Things To Do In The Florida Keys
Things to Do in the Florida Keys
There are a lot of fun things to do in the florida keys, including feeding tarpons at Robbie’s on Islamorada, and touring the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. You can also visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon and enjoy a meaningful experience at Island Dolphin Care.
You can learn something new on your Florida Keys vacation by visiting a half-dozen distinguished museums, including the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and the Shipwreck Museum.
1. Kayaking Key Largo
Florida Keys kayaking is a great way to explore the area’s stunning natural environment and wildlife. There are many kayaking tours available in the area, from guided group experiences to private excursions. You can even rent your own kayak, but it’s always best to go with a guide for safety reasons.
One of the best places to kayak in Key Largo is Curry Hammock State Park. This area is home to beautiful mangrove forests and is a sanctuary for local birds, reptiles, fish, and other wildlife. The park also has a variety of kayak trails, including a 1.2-mile loop through the mangroves and another 1.3-mile trail around Deer Key.
Kayaking in Key Largo is a fun and relaxing activity for people of all skill levels. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and respect the animals and other boaters. It’s also a good idea to bring water, sunscreen, and a camera with you. You should always wear a life jacket, as well. Other activities to enjoy include snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, feeding tarpons at Robbie’s, camping at Dry Tortugas National Park, taking a glass-bottom boat tour, and brewing your own beer at the Florida Keys Brewing Company.
2. Snorkeling Key Largo
The crystal blue waters and coral reefs off the Florida Keys are a wonderland for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can see sea turtles, tropical fish and a variety of marine life in this aquatic ecosystem. A snorkel tour can take you to sites like Dry Rocks and Christ of the Abyss, as well as other spots such as Molasses Reef or Grecian Rocks.
For a more tranquil experience, visit Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, which has a six-mile network of pleasant walking trails through preserved West Indian hardwood hammock. The park is home to a number of wildlife species including crocodiles, rare snails and butterflies, as well as migratory birds.
The Keys’ laid-back towns, secluded beaches and top attractions make them a destination to remember. Toast the sunset with a cocktail on Duval Street, or explore the Florida Keys’ rich history thanks to its pirate and smuggler past. For something unique, check out the Hemingway House, where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote during his time in the Florida Keys in the 1920s and 1930s.
3. Visit Dagny Johnson Key Largo State Park
One of the most important things to do in the Florida Keys is experience the natural beauty of these islands. A day of scuba diving to explore a shipwreck, strolling through a hardwood forest, or swimming with dolphins are all great ways to appreciate the environment.
For a more casual outdoor activity, head to Robbie's on Islamorada for a bucket of fish and the opportunity to feed the tarpon that linger by the docks. This roadside attraction is a rite of passage for first time visitors to the Keys, and it's sure to leave you feeling exhilarated!
Another fun way to experience nature is to take a hike through the wild tamarind trail at the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This hiking trail is dog-friendly and offers beautiful views of the Florida Keys ecosystem.
If you prefer to see the sights on foot, a bike ride around the island is perfect. Rent bikes at Mallory Square to visit Smathers Beach, the Reach Hotel pier, the Southernmost Point, Hemingway House, the 'Mile One' sign, and the rum distillery.
4. Fishing Key Largo
A true fisherman’s paradise, Key Largo is a year-round fishery that should be at the top of any angler’s bucket list. From pristine backcountry waters to the open Gulf and Atlantic, the area’s diverse habitats offer an abundance of fish for every angler.
Rent a charter boat to fish the reef, mangroves, or flats and experience the thrill of a fish on the line. Whether you’re looking to reel in sailfish, tarpon, spotted seatrout, or amberjack, there’s something for everyone in Key Largo.
Alternatively, you can take to the water on your own with a kayak or paddleboard to explore the mangrove canals. You can also visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first undersea park, and go snorkeling to discover the thriving Florida Keys marine life.
Another fun way to experience the Keys is by taking an eco-safari tour with snorkeling and diving on a private, small-group adventure. This experience lets you explore the islands on a private vessel that’s dedicated to just your group, meaning you can relax and enjoy.
5. Visit the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is one of the most popular family-friendly things to do in the Florida Keys. This unique attraction allows visitors to walk around a glass-enclosed, climate controlled conservatory filled with plants and 60 species of butterflies from all over the world. There is also a learning center, an art gallery and a gift shop.
Trekaroo Tip: It’s best to visit this attraction early in the day before the heat and humidity set in. If you do, you’ll get to see the tropical garden at its best. You’ll find a variety of flowers and shrubs throughout the 84-acre park. It’s also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including full-time residents and migratory birds.
It can be crowded at the Conservatory, especially on weekends. Plan ahead and bring a camera to capture the magic of this place. It’s also a good idea to start at the Learning Center before entering the conservatory. This 15-minute film will help you understand the life cycle of a butterfly and better appreciate the amazing display that awaits you.
6. Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands sprinkled across the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The southeastern corner of the state is famous for water sports, but getting out on the water here doesn’t have to be an action-packed thrill ride. Glass-bottom boat tours offer visitors a chance to see what lies beneath the surface of the Keys’ crystal clear waters.
The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is home to a vibrant coral reef and an underwater ecosystem that’s teeming with hundreds of different species of fish. While snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in the Keys, a glass-bottom boat tour provides visitors with an opportunity to observe North America’s only living coral reef without disturbing the habitat.
The National Key Deer Refuge in Bahia Honda is one of the best places to spot endangered white-tailed deer in their natural habitat. This family-friendly attraction focuses on rehabilitating and educating guests about the wildlife they encounter. A stop at the Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery in Marathon is another must-do activity in the Keys. This quirky spot has an array of wind chimes, Tiki heads and other fun souvenirs that make it the perfect place to shop in the Keys.
7. Visit Grassy Key Dolphin Research Center
Located on Grassy Key, the Dolphin Research Center is a dolphinarium that promotes marine animal care. It is home to a collection of bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, each with its own unique personality and history. It also serves as the final resting place for Mitzi, the famous dolphin who was featured in the film and television series, Flipper. Spend a day or longer engaging in the fun at this dolphin and sea lion attraction. Interact with the mammals during narrated behavior sessions and enjoy other activities such as splashing in the family sprayground or watching a theater presentation.
This nature-oriented activity is perfect for families and those seeking a little bit of adventure during their Florida Keys vacation. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park to spot wildlife and admire rare native species and West Indian hardwood hammocks. You’ll find a wide array of plants, as well as a host of animals including crocodiles, rare snails, butterflies, and migratory birds. There are many trails, including a six-mile network of pleasant walking paths that are paved and accessible for those in wheelchairs.
8. Visit the Florida Reef
One of the Florida Keys’ best-known attractions, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must-visit for snorkelers and divers. It’s a huge underwater tropical paradise that’s home to a thriving ecosystem and a multitude of species.
Aside from coral, you’ll also see sharks, dolphins, manatees, fish, jellyfish, tarpon, and even sea turtles! If you’re a photographer, this is the perfect place to see beautiful invertebrates like coral-building worms.
You can visit the park on your own, but if you want to learn about the park and its ecosystems, it’s better to take a guided tour from a local company. Some eco-friendly options in Islamorada include Honest Eco (which uses lithium-ion plug-in hybrid boats) and Keyz Charters.
To get a true taste of the Keys, you should also visit Duval Street in Key West. Here, you’ll find a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and souvenir stands to enjoy. You can even watch a sunset at Mallory Square! The Hemingway Home & Museum is another popular attraction.
