Things to Do in the Florida Keys
Famous for their turquoise waters, coral reefs, and a laid-back island spirit, the Florida Keys are a slice of paradise stretching like a necklace off the southern tip of Florida. On my recent journey down the Overseas Highway, I discovered that each key has its own personality, from bustling marinas and world-class diving spots to quiet backroads, pastel cottages, and hidden beaches. Here are the unforgettable experiences that made my trips over the years so special.
Swim or Snorkel at Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda was an early stop and it set the tone. The park’s famous Sandspur Beach looked like a postcard come to life, fringed with sea oats and seashells. I waded into the water, which felt like silk. From the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, I watched pelicans skim the surface and families spread out beach towels in the shade of sea grape trees. “This might be the best beach I’ve ever seen,” I thought, as a breeze stirred the coconut scent of sunscreen and salt.
Explore Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
In Key Largo, I explored the quiet beauty of the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. While spotting an actual crocodile is rare, knowing they’re protected here adds a wild heartbeat to the place. The trails felt almost untouched, lush, green, and alive with the calls of warblers and the rustle of lizards darting through undergrowth. I walked slowly, breathing in the earthy tang of damp leaves and limestone. “It’s good to remember the Keys aren’t just about beaches,” I thought.
See Protected Plants at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Just a short drive away, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park offered a different flavor of wild. I wandered its paved trails through tropical hardwood hammock, the largest of its kind in the U.S. Interpretive signs told stories of rare plants and endangered species. The air was dense with the scent of damp bark and hibiscus, and I felt like I had entered a pocket of time untouched by development. “This is the Keys at their most secretive,” I thought, lingering in the shade of a strangler fig.
Swim with Dolphins at Dolphins Plus Bayside
Dolphins Plus Bayside brought a joyful shift. Watching dolphins leap and splash up close is a heart-lifting experience, no matter your age. I didn’t swim with them, but standing by the lagoon, hearing their clicks and seeing their playful energy, was enough to make me grin. It smelled like salt and fish, sure, but also like sunscreen and summer.
Lunch at The Fish House
Afterward, I headed to The Fish House in Key Largo. I ordered the grilled mahi-mahi with key lime butter and a side of island rice. The fish was perfectly flaky, brightened by citrus, and the rice carried hints of coconut. The dining room was cozy with nautical touches and the hum of happy diners. “This tastes like the Keys in one bite,” I thought, as I polished off every forkful.
Go On a Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park
Getting to Dry Tortugas National Park isn’t quick, it requires a boat or seaplane, but it felt like arriving at a hidden fortress in the middle of nowhere. Fort Jefferson, with its weathered brick walls and blue-green moat, was surreal. I wandered its echoing hallways, climbed to the top, and looked out at an ocean so blue it almost didn’t look real. “I can’t believe this is Florida,” I thought, as seabirds wheeled overhead. The water was warm and clear, perfect for snorkeling among coral and sea fans. It smelled of salt, sun, and a long day well spent.
Tour the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Back on Key West, I stepped into the literary world of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The house, with its leafy garden and six-toed cats, felt like a glimpse into both history and eccentricity. I stood in Hemingway’s writing studio, where a battered typewriter waited beside a small desk. “This is where it happened,” I thought, “the novels, the drafts, the wrestling with words.” Bougainvillea spilled over stone walls, and the air smelled of dust, blooms, and old stories.
Lunch at Blue Heaven
Afterward, I walked over to Blue Heaven, a whimsical open-air café shaded by banyan trees. Chickens wandered freely underfoot. I ordered the yellowtail snapper sandwich with mango chutney and plantain chips. The fish was sweet and delicate, the chutney added a tropical brightness, and the whole thing felt like vacation between two slices of bread. I sipped ice-cold lemonade and listened to a live guitar strum lazily in the background. “This might be the most Key West moment of all,” I thought, laughing as a rooster strutted past.
Explore the Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center
At the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center , I cooled off while learning more about the ecosystems I’d been walking through. Interactive exhibits brought coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds to life. A replica Aquarius undersea lab made me feel like an explorer. "This is what connects it all,” I thought, standing in front of a vibrant coral reef model, “the science behind the beauty.”
Enjoy the Views from the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Later, I biked a stretch of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. The converted railway path hugs U.S. 1, offering stunning views and historic stops. I pedaled past palms and pelicans, the ocean glittering beside me. It smelled of sun-warmed asphalt and sea breeze. Every so often, I paused to snap a photo or just breathe. "This isn’t just a path, it’s a way to feel the Keys one mile at a time,” I thought.
Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center
In Tavernier, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center was peaceful and moving. I walked shaded boardwalks past pelicans, hawks, and owls recovering from injury. Some would be released; others were permanent residents. One osprey locked eyes with me and held the gaze. “You’ve seen some things,” I whispered. The scent of mangroves and brackish water lingered in the air.
Letting Loose at Fantasy Fest in October
Fantasy Fest wasn’t just a parade, it was a full-on explosion of creativity, boldness, and pure Key West spirit. I’d never seen a celebration that walked the line between wild and welcoming quite like this. I remember thinking, “This is weird, wonderful, and exactly what life needs sometimes.”
What I Loved Most: The costumes, the music, the way the whole island seemed to say, “Come as you are, or whoever you want to be.”
My highlights? Joining the crowd for the Masquerade March with glitter on my face and strangers cheering me on like we were all old friends. Entry was free, only the memories were priceless.
Plan your visit:
- Location: Various locations across Key West
- When: Annually in late October
- Cost: Most events free or donation-based
- Vibe: Bold, playful, totally unforgettable
Florida Keys At a Glance
- Drive Time from Miami: ~1.5 hours to Key Largo; 3.5+ hours to Key West
- Vibe: Laid-back, sun-soaked, and subtly magical
- Highlights: Beaches, wildlife refuges, snorkeling, literary history, fresh seafood
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for warm weather escapes; spring for fewer crowds and ideal temps
- Cost: Ranges from budget (parks and trails) to moderate/high (Key West lodging and Dry Tortugas trip)
- Hours: Parks generally open sunrise to sunset; museums and restaurants vary by season
- Base Camp: Key Largo for nature; Key West for culture and dining
Best Time to Visit
I usually recommend visiting the Florida Keys from late fall to early spring, that’s November through April. You’ll enjoy mild temps, lower humidity, and fewer rain interruptions, which I’ve found perfect for boating and beach days. Summer can still be beautiful (and I’ve been then too), but keep in mind it gets hotter and marks the beginning of hurricane season.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: I’ve driven the scenic U.S. 1 Overseas Highway many times, and I always recommend it. You’ll pass through Key Largo all the way to Key West, crossing jaw-dropping bridges with endless ocean views.
- By Air: You can fly directly into Key West International Airport (EYW), which I’ve done for easy access to the Lower Keys. Or, land in Miami (MIA) and take your time driving the island chain, it’s a road trip I never get tired of.
- By Ferry: If you’re coming from the Gulf Coast, I’ve taken the relaxing ferry ride from Fort Myers to Key West, it’s a scenic and laid-back way to arrive.
Final Thoughts
The Florida Keys stretch like a necklace of experiences, each one distinct but connected by the same sun-drenched string. From swimming in clear blue waters to standing in the silence of a Civil War fort, I felt the tug of past and present, wild and refined, quirky and calm. Every stop along the way gave me a little something different, and by the end, it all added up to a place I didn’t quite want to leave. “Maybe I’ll just keep driving until the road runs out,” I thought. And honestly? That wouldn’t be such a bad plan.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
