Best Things to do in Key Largo – Nightlife

Best Things to do in Key Largo – Nightlife

Key Largo is famous for everything you can do here during the day. You can sail, swim, snorkel, hike, eat, and visit historical sites. Simply taking in all the natural beauty will take time, and there’s always something else to do next. But the daytime playtime isn’t all we have to offer. Aside from the usual list of things to do in Key Largo, there’s plenty more to do once the sun goes down.

KEY LARGO NIGHTLIGHT ACTIVITIES

The nightlife in Key Largo offers a whole new playground, with many places to dance and enjoy the ocean-side vibe. If you’re interested in going out after hours, rest assured that the fun in Key Largo is just getting started when the sun goes down. If you’re just getting going when other people are heading to bed, here are a few places to see.

TOP NIGHTLIGHT RESTAURANTS IN KEY LARGO

The Fish House

The Fish House is a beloved local institution renowned for its fresh seafood and breathtaking waterfront views. Nestled amidst lush tropical foliage, this charming restaurant offers a casual yet upscale dining experience focusing on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. From succulent grilled fish to delectable seafood platters, The Fish House consistently delivers mouthwatering dishes that capture the essence of the Florida Keys.

Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant

The Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant is a casual and family-friendly seafood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious fresh catches. Known for its friendly staff and affordable prices, Lazy the Lobster is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, including lobster, shrimp, and fish, all prepared with a simple yet flavorful approach that highlights the natural tastes of the ingredients.

C&C Wood Fire Eats

C&C Wood Fire Eats is a casual and inviting eatery specializing in delicious wood-fired cuisine. With a menu featuring juicy burgers, flavorful pizzas, and other grilled delights, C&C offers a satisfying and satisfying dining experience. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

Hobo’s Cafe

Hobo’s Cafe is a charming and eclectic eatery known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious breakfast and lunch options. With a menu featuring classic American dishes like pancakes, omelets, and burgers, Hobo’s Cafe offers a satisfying and affordable dining experience. The restaurant’s friendly staff and casual ambiance make it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

The Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory is a must-visit destination for those with a sweet tooth. This charming bakery specializes in delicious key lime pies made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From classic to creative variations, the Blonde Giraffe offers a variety of mouthwatering flavors that will satisfy any craving. In addition to their pies, the bakery also serves other sweet treats, such as cookies and cupcakes.

KEY LARGO NIGHTCLUBS & MORE

Aqua Bar and Nightclub

You can dance late into the night at this busy establishment. It has an informal vibe but high-energy fun. Aqua Bar & Nightclub has a range of shows and parties to keep things fresh, including their popular drag shows. To keep you going through the night, you can choose from a great selection of food at the bar, even a poké bowl.

Take a Sunset Cruise

It’s not a bar, but a sunset cruise may be the perfect start to an evening of a lifetime. Some cruises include dinner, live music, and even dancing, all as the sun sinks low and the water glitters with sunset colors. You can make a sunset cruise your first stop on an evening of fun or your entire night’s plan, but it’s certainly an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Key Largo.

EXPERIENCE KEY LARGO NIGHTLIGHT LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Key Largo has you covered whether you’re more interested in playing all day or partying all night. At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we offer beautiful homes where you can relax as you prepare for your next activity. We love Key Largo, and we think you’ll love it too. Come see everything this remarkable region offers–even after the sun goes down!

How To Get to Key West, FL

Updated: August 30, 2024

What is the Best Way to Get to Key West, FL?

If you’re longing to leave ordinary life behind and bask in the warmth of a tropical vacation, then Key West is calling your name. This beautiful island is the perfect place to de-stress and reset. But what’s the best way to travel here? Don’t worry; although Key West feels like another world, getting here from where you are is not hard.

At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we would love to welcome you to this tropical paradise. Let us start by telling you the best ways to travel here. 

Getting To Key West By Land

If you’re starting your journey in Florida and love a scenic drive, this is a great time to hit the open road. The drive from Miami is roughly three hours long, while you’ll spend about four hours behind the wheel if you’re coming from Fort Lauderdale. Along the way, you’ll pass some gorgeous scenery, including the coastal portion of the Everglades. You’ll also cross several long bridges that span cerulean expanses of water.

The Florida Turnpike and the Overseas Highway

The most direct route to the Keys starts on the Florida Turnpike. This is a toll road, but you won’t have to stop at a booth to pay tolls. They’ll be automatically charged using your license plate number. If you’re driving a rental car, check with the rental company about how they handle tolls. 

At the end of the Turnpike, you’ll take US 1 and the Overseas Highway. Follow the posted speed limits because local law enforcement keeps looking for speeders. Because Key West is the farthest island to the west, the trip will take you past the other islands, so enjoy all the gorgeous coastal scenery along the way. You know you’re there when you arrive at mile marker 0 and the beauty of Key West.

Getting to Key West by Sea

If you’d rather arrive at the island by sea, you have several options. You can catch a high-speed passenger ferry from Fort Myers. The trip takes three and a half hours, and you will travel comfortably. You can spend that time in the air-conditioned interior or try out the sun deck to take in the scenery and breathe in the sea air. 

You can sail to Key West alone if you’re an experienced boater. You can approach from the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to make a reservation at a local marina before you arrive. 

Getting To Key West By Air

It may feel like you’re leaving the world behind when you arrive at Key West, but don’t worry – you still have easy access to it all by plane. Several airlines offer nonstop flights to Key West International Airport. Check with your preferred carrier, but here are some convenient options for nonstop flights.

Airlines that Fly to Key West

  • Delta Airlines – Atlanta and New York La Guardia
  • United Airlines – Chicago and Newark
  • American Airlines – Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Washington DC
  • Silver Airways – Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando

Once you land, several options get you where you’re going, including shuttles, taxis, ferry service, car rentals, bike rentals, and more. No matter what transportation you choose, the island isn’t very big, so it won’t take long to get there.

Interested in visiting Key West? Let Playa Largo Ocean Residences help you plan your vacation!

If you’re ready to come enjoy the play land of Key West, you owe it to yourself to look at our vacation rentals at Playa Largo Ocean Residences. We have beautiful residences to give you the feel of Old Florida with the comforts of home. Look at the packages we have available and book your vacation home today!

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Best Local Fish to Eat in the Florida Keys

Fresh seafood is one of the best things about being near the ocean. When your fish has been swimming past you just a few hours ago, the flavor is better than anything you’ll ever get inland. In the Florida Keys, we have a wealth of native fish to enjoy. Here’s a look at some of the delicious fish you can sample while you’re here.

WHAT FISH ARE NATIVE TO THE FLORIDA KEYS?

With the ocean all around, it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of seafood to indulge in. Florida is home to diverse wildlife, and the fish are no exception. Here are some of the fish that are native to the region.

Grouper

This category includes several varieties of grouper, including red, black, scamp, and gag. Grouper generally has firm flesh with large flakes and is delicately flavored.

Mahi Mahi

This tasty white fish is also known as Dorado or Dolphin fish (don’t worry, this isn’t the loveable ocean mammal). The flavor is mild and faintly sweet.

Wahoo

A lean, firm, flaky fish with excellent flavor.

Red Snapper

Kids often enjoy Snapper because it doesn’t have a “fishy” flavor. It has a delicate, almost nutty taste.

Hogfish

A beloved fish in Florida, hogfish isn’t well known elsewhere, but it’s simply delicious. The flavor is delicate and adaptable to many dishes. 

Triple Tail

It has a sweet, mild flavor and firm, flaky flesh. Some diners even prefer the taste of Triple Tail to the popular Grouper. 

WHAT FISH ARE THE TASTIEST?

Ultimately, the best seafood is the freshest, so it’s always a good idea to opt for a native fish (with one exception– we’ll get to that in a minute). 

You should choose the fish with the flavor profile you prefer. Do you like a mild, flaky fish? Stick with Mahi Mahi, Grouper, or Red Snapper. If you’re more adventurous, try Wahoo, Triple Tail, or Florida’s beloved Hogfish. 

One option that we recommend that isn’t native to Florida is Lionfish. It’s found in Florida waters, so you can still have it fresh from the sea. The flesh is flaky and somewhat firm, with a buttery flavor. Lionfish is an invasive species, so people are encouraged to dine on it as much as possible to help keep the population in check. It’s an opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious fish dinner and simultaneously help out beautiful Florida Keys. 

WHAT ARE SOME MEALS THAT ARE SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA KEYS?

The unique blend of cultures in the Florida Keys has produced cuisines that make the most of local fish. You can tuck into Mahi Mahi tacos, a mouth-watering take on the popular street food. Grilled, blackened, or battered fillets are tucked in a tortilla, along with your favorite salsa and toppings. 

Restaurants often serve pan-seared fillets with a wealth of flavorful additions, from bright citrus notes to earthy mushrooms. Fish also makes a delicious addition to chowders and fritters. 

At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we have four restaurants on the resort property to help you enjoy the Florida bounty of seafood. Try Sol by the Sea for classic seafood meals or Las Olas Ceviche Bar to indulge in ceviche, tapas, and sushi. La Marea marries local flavors with Mediterranean cuisine. Try Sand Bar, which specializes in drinks and tempting small bites, for a lighter nibble. 

COME VISIT THE FLORIDA KEYS TODAY!

Treat yourself to a getaway that will delight the senses! The Florida Keys offers so much to explore, including the bountiful seafood. At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we provide a home-away-from-home experience so you can relax and play. Come see us soon!

Image Credit: Tatjana Baibakova / Shutterstock

Best Food in Florida Keys

Updated: February 27, 2025

When dining in the Florida Keys, the culinary offerings are as vibrant and diverse as the islands. The unique blend of cultures and the abundant marine life provide a rich array of flavors that will delight any food enthusiast. Let’s dive into what makes the cuisine here so special and explore the best restaurants in the Keys to experience these culinary delights.

What Food is the Florida Keys Known for? 

The Florida Keys are renowned for their fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and a mix of Caribbean, Cuban, and Southern influences. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Key Lime Pie: No trip to the Keys is complete without tasting the world-famous Key Lime Pie. This tangy and sweet dessert is made from the intense Key lime, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust, often topped with meringue or whipped cream.
  • Conch Fritters: These deep-fried balls of dough filled with conch meat are a popular appetizer. The conch is a local shellfish, and fritters are often served with a tangy dipping sauce.
  • Stone Crab Claws: Available from October to May, stone crab claws are a delicacy. They are typically served chilled with mustard sauce, allowing the sweet, tender meat to shine.
  • Fresh Fish Tacos: The Keys’ proximity to the ocean means abundant fresh fish. Fish tacos, often made with mahi-mahi or grouper, are a staple, usually topped with fresh salsa and a squeeze of lime.
  • Cuban Sandwiches: Given the Keys’ proximity to Cuba, it’s no surprise that Cuban cuisine significantly influences the culinary scene. The Cuban sandwich, with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, is a must-try.

What Type of Cuisine is Mostly Served in the Key West? 

Key West, the southernmost point of the continental U.S., is a melting pot of flavors. The cuisine here reflects the island’s eclectic cultural heritage, offering a fusion of American, Caribbean, Cuban, and seafood-centric dishes. Key West restaurants often feature:

  • Seafood: The star of many menus, with dishes like grilled lobster, conch chowder, and shrimp ceviche.
  • Caribbean Cuisine: Jerk chicken, plantains, and tropical fruit salsas bring a taste of the islands.
  • Cuban Cuisine: Dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef) and picadillo (ground beef hash) are common.
  • Southern Comfort Food: You’ll find Southern staples like fried chicken, grits, and cornbread, often with a local twist.

Where to Find Some of the Best Restaurants

Exploring the culinary scene in the Florida Keys is an adventure in itself. Here are some top spots to consider:

  • Sol by the Sea: A rustic beach shack with Bohemian charm, offering dockside dining, stunning sunsets, and a menu of American and coastal favorites from mussels to steak.
  • Las Olas: Dive into vibrant energy, fresh ceviche, and creative cocktails. Enjoy tapas, sushi, and authentic sake in a lively Key Largo setting.
  • La Marea: A new wave of Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Karl Stoehr blends classic Italian flavors with fresh Key Largo ingredients for a taste of European seaside living.
  • Sand Bar: Sip, savor, and soak in the sun. Enjoy refreshing drinks, light bites, and stunning ocean views at this chic Key Largo bar.

Come Visit the Florida Keys Today 

With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and flavorful cuisines, the Florida Keys are a paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re enjoying a casual beachside meal or a fine dining experience, the cuisine in the Keys is sure to leave a lasting impression.

There’s no better way to start exploring the depths of the local cuisine than to indulge in the culinary delights of this tropical paradise. For more information on resort access and to start planning your unforgettable culinary adventure, visit Playa Largo Ocean Residences. With our upscale amenities, we’ll help you vacation in comfortable luxury. 

Image Credit: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

Chic Island Resort Vacation Rentals in Key Largo!

Updated: August 15, 2024

Elegant Island Vacation Rentals in Key Largo, FL

The Playa Largo Ocean Residences on Key Largo are sophisticated and stylish with old Florida charm, spectacular ocean views, spacious open concept living, chic island interiors, and outdoor terraces that allow you to embrace island living with ease.

Our Private Community Amenities in Key Largo, FL

Set in a private community of oceanfront and ocean view homes, these pet-friendly Key Largo vacation rental homes were designed with comfort and lifestyle in mind, a true home-away-from-home with high-touch custom features.

Want to know more about us?

If you have any more questions about Playa Largo Ocean Residences, please Contact Us today!