Top 8 Most Scenic Places to Visit in the Florida Keys

Top 8 Most Scenic Places to Visit in the Florida Keys

Unlike anything you’ll see on the mainland, the Florida Keys are peppered with state parks, museums, and wildlife. If you’re planning a visit, check out some of these spots. They’re the best places in the Keys and some of the most beautiful places in Florida. At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we ensure your trip is relaxing, memorable, and fun. Here are some must-see spots in the Florida Keys.

The Best Places to Stop in the Florida Keys

When you live in a tropical paradise, it’s hard to pick the most scenic places in the Florida Keys, but here are a few that will take your breath away.

Bahia Honda Key

Home to the Bahia Honda State Park, this island is remote and one of the most beautiful places in Florida. Here, you’ll find one of the deepest natural channels in the Keys, along with its prettiest beach. It’s a naturally beautiful island perfect for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and camping.

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum

Ernest Hemingway wrote over 70% of his well-known literature in the Keys. Visit his historic home, recognized by the Library of Congress for its importance in U.S. history.  Explore the gardens, take an educational tour, and watch out for the world-famous polydactyls, the six-toed cats!

History of Diving Museum

This museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of diving equipment from over 30 countries, illustrating the rich history of diving and how it has impacted our world. It’s a great place to visit to explore how diving helmets and armored suits have evolved and to view videos of diving excursions across the globe.

Islamorada

Translated as the “village of islands,” Islamorada is known as the sports-fishing capital of the world. Avid anglers, snorkelers, and people looking to view unique wildlife also frequent Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and Indian Key Historic State Park, which are just a stone’s throw away. It’s the best Key to visit in Florida if you’re looking for a place to drop a line.

Key Largo

This island is best known for the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which boasts 70 square miles of Atlantic Ocean waters and is home to the only living reef in the continental United States. Snorkelers, scuba divers, campers, and anglers trek to this island to observe its magnificent wildlife and take in the breathtaking beauty. The reef is also famous for its underwater statue of Jesus Christ.

Key West

Key West is lively and fun, with excellent food and friendly locals. It’s the best spot in the Florida Keys for outdoor enthusiasts who want to find great boating opportunities, snorkeling spots, and other outdoor activities. 

Marathon

The island of Marathon is home to a fishing village and The Turtle Hospital, a non-profit organization that cares for injured sea turtles. While visiting the island, you can also explore the Dolphin Research Center to learn about dolphins and swim alongside them. It’s also one of the most scenic places in the Florida Keys.

Seven Mile Bridge

Aptly named, the bridge measures seven miles and connects the mainland of Florida to Key West. Travelers love the spectacular ocean and wildlife views as they drive off into the sunset toward paradise. Portions of the original bridge are still standing, and locals use them for fishing, bird watching, and sightseeing.

Make a Trip to the Florida Keys Today

Are you planning a trip to the Florida Keys? At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we know the most beautiful places to visit in Florida, and we can help you plan a vacation packed with breathtaking views, delicious food, and memories that will last a lifetime. Make a reservation today to have a luxurious place to stay while taking in the best parts of the Florida Keys.

Image Credit: Martin Valigursky / Shutterstock

Florida Keys Wildlife Guide

The Florida Keys is a tropical paradise unlike anywhere else in the world. Here, you’ll find various fish, birds, and marine life that have made the Keys their home for centuries. At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we’re happy to make your stay relaxing and memorable. Let’s look at a few Key West animals you can expect to spot on your next trip to the Keys.

The Types of Animals in the Florida Keys

Our unique ecosystems are home to many Florida Keys animals, including crabs, coral, and sea turtles. Here are some of the most common and popular animals on the islands.

Birds

Nearly 300 different species of birds call the Florida Keys home. Their diversity in color and size makes the Florida Keys a bird watcher’s dream. The Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge has designated places for these birds to nest and forage that are protected from human disturbance.

Coral

Over 45 different species of stony coral and 35 soft coral are located in the waters around the Florida Keys. Restoration efforts have been underway since the 1970s when they began to decline in growth. Grab a snorkel and goggles and see these beautiful life forms for yourself.

Crocodiles

The American crocodile lives in the mangrove and estuarine areas of South Florida and the Florida Keys and is currently listed on the Federal endangered species list. These massive, toothy animals eat fish, crabs, snakes, turtles, birds, and small mammals but are not interested in humans. Keep an eye on the ground and still waters; you may see one when you visit.

Manatees

Manatees are aquatic mammals that are fondly referred to as “sea cows.” They’re slow-moving, massive animals that eat around 100 pounds of seagrass daily. Because seagrass supplies are low due to compromised water quality, many manatees are starving. Many organizations cooperate to protect these loveable creatures and secure their food source.

Shrimp

If you like shrimp, you’re visiting the right place. The Florida Keys is home to an enormous commercial shrimp fishery that catches various shrimp, including brown, white, royal red, pink, and rock shrimp. Visit a local restaurant to taste the rainbow of these fresh crustaceans right from the waters surrounding the Keys.

Stone Crab

Stone crab is a modern delicacy best known for being harvested off the South Florida coast. Strict regulations surround the harvesting of stone crab claws, but the good news is that it’s a 100% sustainable food. One claw is harvested while the other remains so the crab can defend itself until a new one regenerates.

Turtles

Marine turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act, and it’s an honor to see these animals in Key West. You can find loggerhead, green, and hawksbill sea turtle nests in the seagrass beds on each island.

Fish

Fish are in abundance throughout the waters surrounding the Florida Keys. These sea animals in Florida offer the perfect opportunity for snorkeling and fishing enthusiasts. See if you can spot the following fish.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Perhaps the most popular animal around the Keys, the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, is as intelligent as it is adorable. They travel in pods; if you listen closely, you can hear them communicating through high-pitched squeaks and squeals.

Nurse Shark

Most often spotted by snorkelers, nurse sharks spend most of their time hanging out on the seafloor. They feed on fish and small crustaceans; if you don’t bother them, they will let you observe them in their natural habitats.

Queen Conch

“Conch” is a common name that many Key-dwellers call themselves. The queen conch is a soft-bodied sea snail with a distinguished-looking shell. It’s royalty around the islands and a protected species that many organizations work to repopulate.

Best Spots to See the Wildlife

You don’t have to look far if you visit the Florida Keys to see some of its most touted fish and animals. Here are some of the best ways to see your favorite Key West animals:

  • Visit one of the many State Parks located throughout the Keys.
  • Take a snorkel boat tour to see the coral reefs.
  • Kayak or paddleboard through the extensive mangrove paths.
  • Order a cocktail and watch the birds fly across the sunset from one of our many oceanside restaurants.

Visit the Florida Keys Today!

Are you ready to plan your trip to the Florida Keys? Check out our website today and see the Key West animals for yourself!

Image Credit: lunamarina / Shutterstock

Best Beaches in the Florida Keys

If you plan a vacation in the Florida Keys, you’re probably looking forward to spending time on the beach. Whether your goal is to relax and take in the ocean views or dive into active fun, this is the place to enjoy everything the beach offers.

Of course, being a string of beautiful islands, the Florida Keys have plenty of white sandy beaches. Wondering where you should begin? Here are some of the most popular options to consider.

WHAT BEACHES ARE THE MOST POPULAR IN THE FLORIDA KEYS?

As you travel down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, you will pass a wealth of beaches, and choosing which ones to visit can get a little overwhelming. Fortunately, we can help you start with some of our favorite recommendations.

Harry Harris Park – Key Largo

This beach is free during the week, but you will be charged a $5 entry fee on the weekends. It’s a great place for kids, with a man-made lagoon, shallow swimming areas, and plenty to do. Picnic tables, barbecue stations, a boat launch, and public toilets.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Key Largo

Admission runs from $2 to $8. The beach isn’t the primary draw here; what’s special is what lies underneath the water. You can scuba dive and explore a WWII shipwreck or a two-ton statue of Jesus on the ocean floor. Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see breathtaking sea life.

Anne’s Beach – Lower Matecumbe Key

This free, natural sandy beach isn’t large but dotted with private coves. It is surrounded by mangroves and has a charming wooden boardwalk. It’s popular with kite surfers, especially beginners. Although Anne’s Beach isn’t officially designated as a clothing-optional beach, people sometimes visit it nude. If you’d rather not participate, avoiding others in one of the private coves is easy. Nudity isn’t common, but be aware that it’s a possibility. 

Higgs Beach – Key West

Admission is free. You’ll find plenty of options here if you’re looking for an active day of play. Swimming, snorkeling, volleyball, tennis, kayaks, and paddle boards are all available. You can even bring your dog to join you in the fun. There is a restaurant on the beach so you can refuel with a beautiful ocean view.

Sombrero Beach – Marathon

Free admission. This classically beautiful beach has white sand and calm, blue water. It’s great for families, with picnic areas, barbecue stations, volleyball nets, places to snorkel, and public showers. However, watch inexperienced swimmers because the water is deeper than some beaches.

WHAT TO DO AT THE BEACHES

When picking the beaches you want to visit, it’s a good idea to plan what you want to do. Your goals for the day will help you decide which beach is calling your name. Do you want to spend the day playing or relaxing? Are you interested in swimming and snorkeling, or do you just want to cool your feet in the waves? There’s no wrong answer here; this is your vacation, and you should spend your time doing what brings you joy. 

PLAN A TRIP TO THE FLORIDA KEYS TODAY!

At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we are here to help our guests have the vacation of their dreams. Our beautiful residences offer a comfortable place to relax and rest, so you can get everything you dreamed of from your Florida Keys experience. Whether you’re hitting the beach or indulging in delicious food, we would love to show you what this beautiful part of the world has to offer. 

Planning a Trip to the Florida Keys

Known for its pristine beaches and balmy weather, Key Largo, Florida, is a hotspot for beach lovers of all ages and interests. Playa Largo Ocean Residences is one of Florida’s top vacation destinations and a hub of top Key Largo activities. Whether your ideal day includes time at the day spa or exciting watersports, we have something to suit. Check out our top things to do in Key Largo and discover how to build your perfect day at Playa Largo Resort & Spa.

Introduction to Key Largo

Located in the upper Florida Keys, Key Largo is known as the “Diving Capital of the World.” An ideal spot for snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving, Key Largo is a top pick for families, couples, and anyone looking to enjoy warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Playa Largo Ocean Residences is an all-in-one resort just minutes from downtown Key Largo that offers guests endless opportunities to stay, play, and relax on 14 stunning acres of beachfront property.

Ocean Spa

The Ocean Spa at Playa Largo offers indulgent skincare and body services for resort guests. Whether you’ve spent the day on the water or are enjoying a full day of indoor relaxation, our spa has something to satisfy.

Services

The Ocean Spa offers a menu of services designed to provide ultimate pampering and relaxation. Some of our top services include massages, facials, detoxifying body wraps, and scrubs. We also offer specialized treatments to satisfy sensitive skin or specific needs.

Club Playa

If you’re searching for what to do in Key Largo, look no further than Club Playa. An exclusive club for guests of our resort, Club Playa provides the perfect spot to relax by the beach and catch some rays.

Amenities

Club Playa features a chic island feel, with inviting decor and cozy chairs designed for guests to unwind and unplug. Discover amenities like fresh towels, delicious snacks, and refreshing beverages that will keep you cool. We also regularly host special activities for our guests to enjoy.

Resort Dining

No Florida vacation is complete without delicious food. At Playa Largo Ocean Residences, we have four on-site restaurants to fulfill your every craving. From fresh seafood to succulent meat entrees, we’ve got it all.

Four on-site restaurants

Sol by the Sea offers beachfront dining, including the best seafood in Key Largo, as well as steak and chicken dishes, while Stop by Sand Bar has light bites and delicious cocktails. La Marea is our on-site Mediterranean restaurant, with the chefs taking inspiration from Florida flavors and adding a dash of European sophistication. Looking to explore a wide variety of flavors? Check out Las Olas Ceviche Bar for tapas, ceviche, and sushi.

White Sand Beach

Staying at Playa Largo Ocean Residences grants you easy access to Key Largo’s white, sandy beach. Powdery, soft, and peaceful, the beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. You’ll want to stroll them day in and day out!

Bayfront Resort Pool

Discover endless opportunities for fun at the Bayfront Resort pool. Not only does the pool feature a tranquil, inviting design and crystal-clear water, but from almost anywhere in the pool you’ll enjoy direct views of the ocean.

For a unique vacation, unlike any other, consider the Florida Keys. From Key Largo down the 125 miles of 800 keys to its lower tip, Key West, there is so much to see and do. Let us share some of our Florida Keys vacation ideas for you from your home base in one of our Playa Largo Ocean Residences.

Florida Keys Vacation Itinerary Ideas

Depending upon what you want to see and do, here are just a few itinerary ideas for a week-long sightseeing tour, although you will likely want to stay longer to relax and unwind in one of our comfortable vacation rental homes.

Day 1-3: Key Largo & Islamorada

You will find the Upper Florida Keys, including Key Largo and Islamorada, some of the busiest areas in the Keys. With Key Largo known as the diving capital and Islamorada known for its sport and saltwater fly fishing, the snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing opportunities in the Upper Keys are incomparable.

Day 4-5: Marathon

Known for its location in the Middle Keys, Marathon is home to the Seven Mile Bridge. One other Marathon highlight attraction is the Turtle Hospital, with its veterinary practice devoted solely to the treatment of endangered sea turtles from around the world. Reservations are highly recommended for a 90-minute educational tour of the hospital area and the sea turtle rehabilitation area.

Day 6-7: Key West

At the bottom of the Keys, Key West is known for its vast sandy beaches and is the former home to some of America’s best-known writers, including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams.

Activities and Attractions in the Florida Keys

The variety of water sports for all ages in the Florida Keys is incredible, but beyond that, there is such a variety of nature and wildlife to explore, historical sites, museums, and galleries to see, and cafes, restaurants, and nightlife activities to explore. 

Water Sports

Key Largo is considered one of Florida’s top watersport destinations with diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, and more. The Upper Keys is also home to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, well-known for excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating activities.

Nature & Wildlife

State parks and wildlife refuges abound, including the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, known as the first undersea park in the U.S. But you don’t have to swim to see everything; canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are available for rent, and glass-bottom boat tours are offered.

The National Key Deer Refuge, located on Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys, is home to a nature center dedicated to the tiny, unique Key deer native to the area and other threatened or endangered local species of animals and plants. There is much to explore in the forest, hardwood hammocks, marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests.

Cultural Attractions

Cultural attractions are in abundance, from the vibrant historic district in the Lower Keys to the Middle Keys’ Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, and more.

The Crane Point Museum and Nature Center features 63 acres of trails through its hardwood hammock, along with a museum of natural history and a nature reserve revealing evidence of a local pre-Columbian civilization.

A draw to avid readers, history buffs, and cat lovers, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is in Key West. Recognized by the Library of Congress, it is here in the grandiose architecture and lush gardens that Hemingway lived with his beloved cats for 10 years while writing 70 percent of his life’s works. The museum is open daily with tours offered between 9 am and 5 pm. 

Dining & Nightlife

There is no shortage of places to eat, with four on-site restaurants amongst our Ocean Residences Vacation homes in Key Largo. But all up and down the Keys, you will find a wide array of grilles, tiki bars, breweries, and waterfront restaurants offering a quiet table for two or accommodating a party of family and friends.

Visit Playa Largo Ocean Residences for a memorable stay 

There are endless sways to spend time in Key Largo when you stay at Playa Largo Ocean Residences. Our world-class amenities and one-of-a-kind service will make your vacation one to remember. Contact us today to learn more about how to play your dream vacation!

Build the Ultimate Florida Keys Vacation Itinerary

The team here at Playa Largo Ocean Residences is excited to be a part of your journey from start to finish with a goal to turn your Florida Keys vacation dream into a reality!

Our knowledgeable staff, exceptional customer and concierge services and an effortless and secure and booking process, from reservation to check out, ensures you have a dream vacation with a personalized touch. Our Local Area Guide is at your fingertips with insider tips, pet-friendly attractions, and all you need to start planning the vacation of your dreams. If you have any more questions about Playa Largo Ocean Residences, please Contact Us today!

Image Credit: Paulo Miguel Costa / Shutterstock

Miami to Key Largo: A Scenic Road Trip

Updated: February 27, 2025

When booking a vacation, you’re looking for it to meet your expectation.  Look no further than a perfectly curated Key Largo trip for the ultimate island living experience. Get ready to rejuvenate your senses with some much-needed rest and relaxation in this tropical paradise.

From Miami to Key Largo, your dream vacation awaits, offering endless opportunities for unforgettable adventures and the luxurious experience you deserve.

If you’re curious about where to start and what to do, we’re here to help you out today. Prepare to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle and immerse yourself in the beauty of life by the water. Key Largo has some of the best excursions available, guaranteed to make your trip truly special. To make your planning easier, we’ve handpicked a list of our favorite activities for you to share with your loved ones. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

The Miami to Key Largo Drive Is One Of The Most Extraordinary Florida Road Trips

There are options available to suit your traveling style, from renting a charter to flying into the keys or packing your bags in anticipation of a memorable yet short road trip. The drive from Miami to Key Largo is reported to be about an hour and ten minutes to an hour and a half. With Key Largo being located around 60 miles South of Miami, you’ll have plenty of time to make exciting pit stops along the way.

One option common among visitors is the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. The center is not just a popular rest stop but also acts to introduce visitors to the Everglades National Park. Once there, you can find options to book an airboat ride, or a wildlife boat tour is also available for those who wish to do additional sightseeing.

As an added tip, tolls can be avoided on the drive by taking FL-826 S until you get to US-1, which will then take you directly into Key Largo.

Where to Stay When You Arrive at Key Largo: Key Largo Vacation Packages

On vacation, there’s nothing better than having your own space. Hotels and resorts are great, but having a place just for you can make your trip even more special. That’s why, when you plan your trip to Key Largo, you should choose one of the many options at the Playa Largo Ocean Residences.

These homes are fully furnished and have everything you need, including a full kitchen for when you want to cook a meal from home. Staying here will give you the feeling of living in a luxury residential community. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation in style and comfort, at a home away from home.

Top Things to Do in Key Largo

When planning your trip to Key Largo, it’s time to explore the fantastic excursions available. There is plenty of activities in this vacation destination. You can learn to sail the Hobie way with a personal instructor or go island hopping on a seaplane. Snorkeling and renting a tiki boat for a day on the water are also options.

If you prefer a more relaxed or romantic experience, you can book packages that include a private chef coming to your home. Our goal is to make sure you have an unforgettable experience in Key Largo.

Choose Playa Largo Ocean Residences – The Top Vacation Rental Experience in Key Largo

This quick guide only covers the surface of all the incredible things Key Largo offers when you want to elevate your next vacation experience. As you plan your trip from Miami to Key Largo and prepare to embrace island living, see what vacation packages are available at Playa Largo Ocean Residences. We’ll keep updating you with the best luxuries available and provide easy tips to make your trip unique.

Image Credit: Tudoran Andrei / Shutterstock

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