The Florida Keys are a 125-mile-long chain of islands that begins just south of Miami and are connected by the Overseas Highway’s, a stretch 42 bridges over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Keys are divided into five regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, and the Lower Keys, and Key West.
I first visited the Keys three years ago for what was supposed to be a week-long trip and quickly turned into a month-long adventure because I just couldn’t bring myself to leave! I love the Florida Keys for diving, eating, bar hopping, shopping, and experiencing coastal living to the fullest. That’s why I was so stoked when Hotels.com asked me to share my best travel tips for the region. I’ve broken this post down key-by-key to share my favourite spots to stay, eat, and play in the Florida Keys!
Key Largo
Key Largo is regarded as the Dive Capital of the World and is my personal favourite Key. It’s home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater preserve that makes for incredible diving for beginners and advanced divers.
Where to Stay: Bungalows Key Largo
Just an hour drive south of Miami, the Bungalow’s is Florida’s adult-only all inclusive. The intimate adults-only resort sits within a botanical garden edged by 1000 feet of ocean shoreline, just a few miles from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. Rates start at $449 per person
Where to Eat: Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant
Located at Mile Marker 102, Lazy Lobster is the perfect spot to feast on delicious fresh seafood and Keys Style dishes.
Check out more Key Largo eateries here
What to do: DIVING!
As mentioned, Key Largo is highly regarded as the dive capital of the world. It’s a perfect dive location whether you’re a newbie looking for a casual reef dive, or an advanced diver looking to explore some of the wrecks in the Keys. With plenty of highly-rated dive shops in town, this is also a great spot to dip your toes into the world of diving and get scuba certified!
Read more about diving in the Keys
Islamorada
Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing were pioneered.
Where to Stay: Islamorada Beach House
If you’re travelling as a group, or just looking for privacy and seclusion, the Islamorada Ocean Oasis is the spot to be. The oceanfront property can sleep up to 14 people and is just steps away from the beach.
Where to Eat: Islamorada Fish Company
Islamorada Fish Company is the go-to spot on this key. Their waterside outdoor dining is family friendly and their menu features an array of fresh and delicious seafood products that will compliment any vacation to the Keys.
What to do: FISHING!
Islamorada is known for its sport fishing. Even if you’ve never been fishing before, this is the place to try it! Islamorada’s unique location, lying between Florida Bay (the “backcountry”) and the Atlantic Ocean (the “front side”), provides an unrivaled diversity of fishing opportunities.
Marathon
Marathon is famous for the Seven Mile Bridge, which is one of the longest segmental bridges in the world.
Where to Stay: Tranquility Bay Beachfront Hotel & Resort
Nestled in the heart of the Florida Keys, Tranquility Bay is a tropical oasis that’s hard to leave. Their private, standalone beach houses have private entrances with no hallways or elevators—completely apart from the crowd. The resort also features three pools, on-site watersports, and a private beach.
Where to Eat: Butterfly Cafe
The restaurant at Tranquility Bay is the perfect spot to spend a romantic evening in the Keys. They serve unique seafood dinners with a tropical twist in a resort cafe with wicker seats, a patio & bay views.
What to do: Visit the Turtle Hospital
Marathon’s Turtle Hospital is a facility that homes and rehabs injured sea turtles in order to return them to their natural habitat. They also offer guided educational experiences to educate the public about sea turtles and other marine life in the Keys.
Big Pine and the Lower Keys
Big Pine Key is the center of a national refuge for miniature Key deer. The species has come back from near extinction to a thriving population.
Where to Stay: Little palm Island Resort & Spa
These beachfront bungalows with both indoor and outdoor spas, is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the Florida Keys.
Where to Eat: Square Grouper Bar & Grill
The Square Grouper Bar and Grill is one of the Florida Keys most popular destinations for unforgettable fresh & local seafood, with an emphasis on consistency, quality, and sustainability.
What to do: Visit the National Key Deer Refuge
Established in 1957 to prevent the extinction of the diminutive Key deer, the National Key Deer Refuge spans 84351 acres across 25 islands in the Lower Keys.
Key West
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States and lies only 90 miles north of Cuba. It has been home to such literary greats as Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, who wrote some of their best-known works while living on the island.
Where to Stay: The Perry Hotel
The Perry Hotel is my personal favourite accommodation choice in Key West. Located on Stock Island, just outside of the craziness of Duval Street, The Perry Hotel’s easy, laid-back atmosphere has been thoughtfully cultivated to stay true to the seafaring roots of Old Key West.
Read more about The Perry Hotel Key West
Where to Eat: El Siboney Restaurant
El Siboney’s is known as Key West’s top restaurant for authentic Cuban food, Paella, and local seafood. I’m a big fan of their traditional plates of pork, rice, and beans. Plus their espresso is the ultimate hangover cure after a big night out in Key West.
Check out more Key West eateries here
What to do: Visit Ernest Hemingway’s Home
Literary icon Ernest Hemingway is one of Key West’s best-known and well-loved “freshwater Conchs” (a resident who was not born on the island). His former home is located in Old Town and is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark that’s absolutely worth a visit during your time in Key West.
As travel today remains uncertain, please keep your safety and the safety of others in mind at all times. If you are comfortable with traveling, please travel responsibly and within regulation as any travel is at your own risk.
