Things To Do
in Key Largo
Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys, located in the southern part of Florida. It is known for its beautiful coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching in the area.
Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the United States.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided snorkeling tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Experience the vibrant marine life and beautiful coral reefs of the Florida Keys.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach while soaking up the sun. Afterward, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the protected mangroves.
Head to a local seafood restaurant for fresh catches of the day. Enjoy the sunset views over the water while sipping on a tropical drink.
Take a scenic drive along the Overseas Highway to explore the nearby islands. Stop by the beautiful beaches for some morning relaxation.
Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center to learn about local wildlife. You can even participate in feeding the rehabilitated birds.
Attend a beach bonfire hosted by local resorts. Enjoy smores and music as you mingle with fellow travelers and locals.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and clear waters.
- Great opportunities for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, fishing, and boating.
- Rich marine life and proximity to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
- Relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, ideal for vacations and escape from city life.
- Pleasant tropical climate year-round.
- Potentially high cost of living and tourist prices, especially during peak season.
- Hurricane risk during the Atlantic hurricane season.
- Limited job opportunities in certain fields beyond tourism.
- Increased traffic and congestion, particularly during holiday periods or peak tourist seasons.
- Environmental concerns such as coral reef degradation and water pollution.
Best Activities in Key Largo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the first underwater park in the U.S. with beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Enjoy guided boat tours that take you to some of the most stunning locations in the National Marine Sanctuary for sightseeing and wildlife spotting.
Paddle through the serene mangrove forests and spot native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Join a fishing charter to experience some of the best deep-sea fishing in the area, with opportunities to catch a variety of fish.
Learn about dolphin conservation and get up close with these intelligent creatures through interactive experiences.
Cycle along the scenic routes of Key Largo and take in breathtaking views of the coastline and natural surroundings.
Experience beautiful sunsets over the water with a relaxing cruise, often accompanied by food and drinks.
Take a historical cruise on the famous boat from the classic film 'The African Queen' through the canals of Key Largo.
Dive into the clear waters of Key Largo to explore vibrant coral reefs, wrecks, and diverse marine life.
Discover Florida’s ecosystem by hiking the trails that wind through tropical hardwood hammock.
Tours
Uncover the best of Key Largo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Key Largo
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its underwater coral reefs and marine life, this park offers stunning views from glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling spots.
This historic waterfront bar provides breathtaking sunset views over the bay, perfect for a relaxed photo opportunity.
Driving along this highway offers numerous picturesque spots, including bridges with panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding keys.
A popular dive site that offers incredible underwater photography opportunities, as well as views of various marine species.
Protected marine areas provide beautiful vistas of both land and sea, ideal for capturing nature and wildlife photos.
This park features a beautiful waterfront area and is an ideal location for capturing vibrant sunset photos over the water.
This iconic underwater statue, located near Key Largo, is a popular dive and photo spot, particularly for underwater photography.
Offering outdoor seating with views of the bay, this cafe is a great spot to relax and take photos of the beautiful scenery.
Food in Key Largo
Key Largo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local delicacy made from fresh conch meat, diced onions, bell peppers, and a savory blend of spices, deep-fried to golden perfection. Best enjoyed with a tangy dipping sauce.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the iconic tangy-sweet dessert, with a graham cracker crust and a luscious filling made from Key lime juice. Look for authentic versions at local bakeries and restaurants.
Savor the delicate, sweet meat of stone crab claws, often served with a zesty mustard dipping sauce. Local seafood markets and restaurants offer this seasonal delicacy.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Key Largo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this renowned seafood market to discover fresh catches, including locally sourced fish, stone crab claws, and other seafood delights. You can also savor freshly prepared ceviche and fish tacos from their food truck.
Seek out this vibrant food truck to relish authentic conch fritters, perfectly seasoned and served hot. The truck often frequents popular spots along the waterfront and at local events.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Key Largo is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and marine life. It's important to show respect for the environment by not littering, following designated paths, and adhering to local regulations regarding wildlife and conservation areas.
In Key Largo, as in many parts of the United States, it is polite to greet others with a smile and a simple 'hello' or 'good morning'. Engaging in small talk is common and can be a great way to connect with locals.
Tipping is customary in restaurants and for service staff in Key Largo. A tip of 15-20% of the total bill is standard practice. This shows appreciation for good service and is considered a part of the dining experience.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Key Largo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Key Largo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Key Largo, tipping is generally expected in the service industry. It is customary to tip servers in restaurants between 15% to 20% of the total bill, depending on the quality of service. Bartenders also typically receive tips ranging from $1 to $2 per drink served. In other service areas such as hotels, it is common to tip hotel staff (bellhops, housekeepers) a few dollars for their assistance. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service.
Payment methods in Key Largo typically include cash, credit cards, and mobile payment options. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and it is recommended to check in advance, especially in more remote areas. Some smaller businesses may only accept cash, so it's wise for visitors to carry some on hand. Additionally, mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted at various locations.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Key Largo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter (December to February) is considered the peak season in Key Largo due to mild temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. Expect pleasant weather for outdoor activities, abundant sunshine, and vibrant marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Spring (March to May) is also a great time to visit, with warm weather and fewer crowds compared to winter. Visitors can enjoy blooming landscapes, excellent fishing, and opportunities for water sports. April and May often see the least rainfall.
Summer (June to August) brings hot and humid weather with temperatures often reaching the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. It's also the rainy season, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. However, there are many water-related activities to enjoy, and the area can be less crowded.
Fall (September to November) is the shoulder season. Early fall may still have summer-like heat and humidity, but conditions improve by late October. This period offers a good chance for fewer tourists and lower prices, but be cautious of hurricane season, particularly in September.
Key Largo at Night
Hiking in Key Largo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
This park offers beautiful trails through mangroves and tropical hammocks, along with stunning views of the coral reef. It's perfect for hiking and eco-exploration.
A scenic trail that stretches for miles, offering opportunities for both hiking and biking, with views of the ocean and surrounding nature.
While a bit further from Key Largo, this area provides hiking trails through the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Features trails that wind through a former limestone quarry, showcasing fossilized coral and offering a unique hiking experience with historical significance.
A less crowded option featuring trails through one of the largest remaining tropical hardwood hammocks in the U.S., with diverse plant and wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Key Largo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Key Largo by plane.
The main airport serving Miami, Florida, and one of the largest international airports in the United States.
Located in Fort Lauderdale, this airport is a major hub for international and domestic flights.
An airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, that serves as a gateway for international and domestic travelers.
Located near Fort Myers, this airport serves a variety of international and domestic flights.
An international airport located in Tampa, Florida, offering flights to various destinations around the world.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Key Largo, making up a significant portion of the population.
A prominent demographic group that includes individuals of various Hispanic and Latino backgrounds.
A smaller but notable demographic group in Key Largo, contributing to the community's diversity.
A minority group in Key Largo, comprising individuals from various Asian ethnic backgrounds.
Includes individuals who identify as part of mixed or other racial categories that are not specifically mentioned.
The Soul of Key Largo
Discover the essence of Key Largo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Key Largo is known as the diving capital of the world, offering vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making snorkeling a popular activity among tourists and locals alike.
With numerous dive sites, including the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, scuba diving is a favored sport for exploring underwater ecosystems.
Both deep-sea fishing and inshore fishing are popular in Key Largo, attracting anglers to the area's rich waters for species like tarpon, snapper, and grouper.
Kayaking through the mangroves and coastal waters provides an enjoyable way to explore the natural beauty of Key Largo while engaging in physical activity.
Boat tours, whether for leisure or eco-tours, are a common sport in Key Largo, allowing participants to experience the scenic waters and wildlife.
SUP has gained popularity in Key Largo, offering a unique way to enjoy the calm waters and to do a full-body workout.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Key Largo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Key Largo offer creative and satisfying vegetarian options, including fresh salads, vegetable curries, and plant-based burgers.
Several eateries feature delectable vegan dishes, such as coconut-infused rice bowls, hearty quinoa salads, and flavorful veggie wraps, showcasing the region's vibrant culinary diversity.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can delight in gluten-free versions of Key Largo's signature dishes, along with gluten-free pizzas, seafood ceviche, and tantalizing fruit smoothies available at various dining establishments.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Key Largo with these cultural adventures.
