Find Exciting Things To Do in Key Largo
The Florida Keys is a string of islands comprised of the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. The islands stretch for 110 miles connected by 42 causeways over the brilliant turquoise waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
Whether you’re activity inclined or beach bound, Key Largo is a vacation destination rich in cultural heritage, natural wonders, world-class water sports, exhilarating family activities with a laid-back island tempo. Explore all that Key Largo has to offer with the help of Playa Largo Ocean Residences, and if you’re planning to visit Key Largo in the near future, be sure to check the availability of our pristine vacation rentals.
Exploring the Florida Keys
KEY LARGO & UPPER KEYS
Historic Key Largo Attractions
Located only an hour south of Miami, Key Largo is the first and largest island of the Florida Keys Archipelago, a sun-drenched paradise of tropical beauty, action-packed adventures and world-class diving and fishing in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Whether you’re diving to historic shipwrecks amidst colorful coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, searching for alligators in the Everglades, chilling out in a Tiki Bar or simply immersing yourself in the laid-back vibe of Key Largo, our tropical getaway will warm your soul, lift your spirits and create life-long vacation memories.
Our Favorite Key Largo Activities
A vacation in Key Largo can be the perfect destination if you’re aim is the trip of a lifetime. From luxury experiences to maximum comfort and relaxation, this dream location has all you could want and more. There’s no shortage of adventures and fun vacation experiences in Key Largo. From trying local cuisines to glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling and diving by the reefs, and picturesque sunset walks – the vacation destination has something for everyone.
Sailing in Key Largo
When looking for things to do in Key Largo, take advantage of some one-of-a-kind specialty vacation packages and hit the water like never before. These inclusive sailing adventures teach you firsthand how to sail the Hobie way. You can spend the morning or afternoon learning how to land and launch boats directly from the beach with expert instruction. Discover the ways angles allow you to sail alongside the wind and soak up some sun before you head back home.
Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School
Sunshine Coast Adventure Sailing is located just north of Tavernier and offers a wide range of sailing lessons and sailboat adventure experiences. This award-winning sailing school offers American Sailing Association certification as you pass each course and advance your skills in manning a sailboat. They provide classes that range from the basics of sailing to advanced cruising and coastal navigation.
Courses can be taken individually or explored in a weeklong live-aboard adventure cruise of education and vacation combined into one. You’ll also love their approach to sailing lessons, which often include a little snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and sipping cool drinks on the water.
American Sailing Academy
The American Sailing Academy is an extension of the Key Lime Sailing Club. They also offer American Sailing Association certification with a fleet of Catalina 22s available for lessons and exploration of the beautiful waters surrounding Key Largo. They are a favored training location both for the British Royal Navy and the Girl Scouts of America, but you don’t have to be part of either organization to sign up for ASA-101 sailing for beginners.
Morning Star Sailing
Morning Star Sailing offers sailboat rentals and lessons to accommodate sailors of every skill level. Whether you are accomplished and want to skip over the water on your own or are looking forward to your beginner to intermediate sailing lessons during your stay in the Florida Keys, Morning Star is a great destination. Lessons include a 22 ft Catalina 22 and a selection of ASA courses to earn your sailboat certifications. They will also take you on sail, snorkel, and kayak tours if you want a more relaxed vacation-style day on the water.
Sea Plane Tours over Key Largo
You’ll be seeing more than crystal blue waters from the sky when you book a seaplane tour. These tours can easily take you to and from neighboring cities and show you all-natural sights that you can’t access on the ground. Take in all of Key Largo’s natural beauty on a private charter with up to 6 guests, and look for the ocean’s wildlife as you coast above the waves. Scenic tours can take you on a journey to see everything from stingrays, sharks, and turtles to nearby lighthouses and the Dry Tortugas. For even more fun on your seaplane trip, spend the day island hopping and maximize the most out of your time by visiting some of the most well-known attractions in Key Largo.
Keys Seaplanes
Keys Seaplanes offers stunning seaplane flights all along the Florida Keys and much of the nearby mainland coastline. While they specialize in directional travel, they also offer local sightseeing flights for the Ocean Reef community and the Key Largo area. Don’t be fooled by their Google Maps location in Key West. You can snag a gorgeous flight over the water for a sightseeing adventure right here in Key Largo. They also offer a quick shuttle service from Miami and Fort Lauderdale directly to your luxury vacation rental in Key Largo, emphasizing a seamless transition to your getaway.
Key West Seaplane Adventures
While based in Key West at the Key West International Airport, Key West Seaplane Adventures has been the sole National Park Service-approved seaplane service providing transportation into Dry Tortugas National Park since 2010. They are privileged to operate what many consider a bucket list tour, aiming to provide guests with an experience of a lifetime while educating them about the cultural and natural resources of this unique and remote park. Their highly skilled and trained staff, including pilots with significant experience, often in Alaskan bush flying, ensures a safe visitor experience.
Dinner with A Unique Chef Experience
After a day of catching some rays and working up an appetite, it’s time to eat like you’re royalty. Have you ever wanted to dine with a private chef? You certainly can on vacation in Key Largo. Indulge in mouthwatering dishes and delight your tastebuds as you get to know a local chef that’ll elevate your travel experience. Choose to learn from a pro and pick up a few foodie tricks to take back home and impress your friends, or sit back and relax as you eat some of the most delicious food you’ve ever tasted.
Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar
Saunter into an open-air tiki paradise at Snook’s. This delightful restaurant and bar is everything you could hope for to make your Key Largo vacation feel complete. Delight in perfectly grilled fresh-caught fish and drink cocktails from an actual coconut with a little umbrella in the top. Dine in your swimsuit or show up dressed to the nines for a casual lunch or a night of live music and torch-lit dancing as you watch the sunset over the water.
Hariette’s Restaurant
For breakfast in Key Largo, you can’t beat the adorable Hariette’s Restaurant. You can’t miss the bright yellow with blue trim or the gingerbread man waving from the door. Take your pick from breakfast bagel sandwiches, fresh muffins and pastries, gorgeous omelettes, chicken and waffles, or a platter of pancakes ready to be drenched in butter (among so much more)
When you’re craving a hearty breakfast, you can’t beat the delicious classics and cozy vibe of Harriette’s.
The Buzzard’s Roost
It is one of Key Largo’s best seafood restaurants, offering elegant indoor seating and casual tiki-style outdoor seating. The Buzzard’s Roost is a trendy and delicious must-try stop for any Key Largo vacation. Try the fresh oysters, the stunning salmon salad, the homemade waffle sweet potato fries, or a slice of pie that is a work of art. Not to mention the perfectly blended drinks and stunning views.
Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
In the mood for something sweet with gorgeous garden seating? Stop by the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory. This cute little pie shop includes an incredible selection of fresh-made key-lime pies, including pie on a stick, slices with cream, extra meringue, drizzled with flavors, and drizzled with cream. They also have an assortment of packaged sweets you can enjoy on the go. You can pick up individually packaged pie by the slice or an entire pie to share back at your lodgings or out on the water with your party of friends. Linger in the garden or wander off into the Key Largo sunshine, snacking on delicious pie.
Sol by the Sea
Sol by the Sea pairs award-winning Florida Bay views with artfully prepared seafood dishes and American favorites in Key Largo. Inviting driftwood benches, vibrant accents, and panoramic water views create a memorable dining experience as you take in the famous Florida Keys sunsets or celebrate any occasion with a casual and delicious dinner. Indulge in weekend brunch favorites including waffles, lobster eggs benedict, poke bowls, and brioche French toast, or join us for lunch and dinner to experience our seafood-forward menu. Try our lobster mac ‘n cheese, fresh salads, a lobster roll, hot chicken sandwich, or a slice of Key Lime pie as you enjoy your meal at one of the best restaurants in Key Largo. Whether you’re a local, traveling from Miami to Key Largo, or making your way to Key West, Sol by the Sea offers a perfect setting for a memorable meal, embracing the relaxed and friendly lifestyle of the Key Largo community with meals made from locally sourced ingredients and served with warm hospitality.
Enjoy An Evening Chimenea Experience
After a day of fun excursions and exploring all that Key Largo has to offer, wind down and simmer the adrenaline rush with a comfortable chimenea experience. Opt for a romantic night stargazing and sharing a bottle of wine as you keep warm, or toast marshmallows and make s’mores with the family. The elegant glow from the chimenea will keep your spirits high, and the natural oaky smells of burning wood will keep you feeling cozy well into the night.
Looking for more advice on the best things to do in Key Largo, don’t hesitate to call and speak with our Concierge today to start planning your ultimate Key Largo Vacation.
Key Largo is Home to the First Underwater Park in the United States
John Pennekamp State Park was the first underwater park in the United States. Stretching approximately 25 miles along the coastline and extending three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, this remarkable park is a sanctuary for marine ecosystems, most of which thrive beneath the waves. Established in 1963, the park was aptly named after John Pennekamp, a passionate advocate for South Florida’s natural environment. Pennekamp’s role as a newspaper editor was interwoven with his dedication to preservation. His efforts were instrumental in protecting Everglades National Park and the marine preserve that now bears his name.
Protecting Key Largo’s Marine Ecosystems
Pennekamp’s foresight recognized the urgency of safeguarding sensitive marine ecosystems. From intricate coral formations to vibrant marine life, shorebirds, and intricate natural systems, he understood the need to shield these treasures from unchecked development.
Adjacent to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, John Pennekamp State Park collaborates to safeguard about 178 square nautical miles of vital marine ecosystems. These areas are a poignant reminder of the imperative to protect against loss and degradation. Within this protective haven, a rich tapestry of ecosystems thrives. From mangroves and coral reefs to seagrass beds, pristine beaches, and dynamic living shorelines, a harmonious balance between nature and preservation is palpable. If you have any more questions, please feel free to Contact Us.
What to Know When Visiting Key Largo
How Large is Key Largo?
Key Largo is the largest island in the Florida Keys archipelago in southern Florida. The island’s dimensions have sparked discussions, yielding varying figures. Key Largo has an approximate land area of 15 square miles, roughly 20,000 acres. Yet, historical records offer conflicting reports, with some suggesting an expanse of over 23,000 acres. The U.S. Census, meanwhile, states it’s 12.05 square miles, around 7,712 acres.
What is Key Largo's Weather Like?
Key Largo’s climate seamlessly aligns with its fellow Florida Keys, offering a blend of warmth and natural beauty that beckons travelers year-round. In January, the island’s temperature drops to just below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, setting a mild tone for the year. As August rolls in, Key Largo enjoys daily highs around 85 degrees, welcoming visitors with open arms. The yearly average temperature hovers at a comfortable 77 degrees, providing an inviting backdrop for all seasons.
The island’s landscapes are painted with an average of 3,000 hours of sun annually to create a golden embrace, highlighting its vibrant flora and inviting waters. Summer brings rain showers to Key Largo, averaging 5 to 8 inches from June to October. These showers nurture the island’s lush greenery, adding a touch of nature’s artistry to its charm.
How Do I Get to Key Largo from Miami?
Positioned at the doorstep of the Upper Keys, Key Largo serves as your entry point to the Florida Keys paradise. Key Largo is also the northernmost town in the Florida Keys and is the first island found along the Overseas Highway.
The drive from Miami to Key Largo is approximately 69 miles. Under ideal conditions, the drive takes roughly 1.5 hours. However, traffic, bridge delays, and ongoing road construction can lead to varying travel times. While en route, the Overseas Highway treats you to picturesque vistas over glistening waters, enhancing the anticipation of your Key Largo experience.
Should your dreams lead you to the Florida Keys, your journey will likely commence at Miami International Airport (MIA), where you’ll begin your drive. From there, your drive will lead you beyond Florida City and onto the renowned Seven Mile Bridge, a gateway that introduces you to the distinct charm of the Keys. It’s worth noting that this one-lane bridge experiences heavy traffic, especially during popular weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. You can learn more with our FAQs.
Want More Information About Visiting Key Largo?
Do you have any more questions about Playa Largo Ocean Residences? Please make sure to Contact Us today!
