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A Florida Keys street journey is a bucket listing merchandise to do in america. Vacationers come from everywhere in the world to take pleasure in a once-in-a-lifetime drive between Key Largo and Key West! It’s wonderful what number of sights there are to see in only a quick 113 miles!
So what’s there to see between Key West and Key Largo? From making an attempt native seafood to serving to rescued turtles, listed here are one of the best stops to make within the Florida Keys!
Key Largo to Key West (or Vice Versa)
These stops concentrate on touring from north to south (Key Largo to Key West), however clearly, it will also be achieved in reverse if you wish to begin in Key West and drive north to Key Largo. Each are well-liked choices!
In case you don’t have your personal automobile for this journey it’s finest to hire one in both Key West, Key Largo, or Miami. We seek for one of the best offers on automobile leases on Uncover Vehicles.
Touring the Abroad Freeway on a florida keys street journey
How far is Key Largo from Key West? The Abroad Freeway is a 113-mile freeway connecting Southern Florida to the Southernmost Level of the US (Key West). It’s known as “The Freeway That Goes to Sea” since drivers cross coral and limestones islet all through the way in which.
It’s a singular a part of the world that’s typically laborious to imagine exists. There are a whole bunch of islands alongside, known as “keys” that make up The Florida Keys.
The gap from Key Largo to Key West is beneath 100 miles and with out stops, you possibly can count on the drive to take you about 2.5 hours; nevertheless there’s no enjoyable in that! This publish goes into one of the best Florida Keys stops it’s best to make!
Key Largo
Snorkel in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is positioned proper in Key Largo and was established in 1963 to guard the one dwelling coral reef in your entire nation. This state park is nicely price a go to because it’s the primary and one of many solely undersea parks within the US.
The park encompasses 70 nautical sq. miles of pure, protected magnificence. There are many issues to do within the park right here that households and people may simply spend your entire day and never get bored. Most guests enterprise out on a glass-bottom boat tour or go scuba diving or snorkeling.
One of the well-liked spots is the Christ of the Deep statue. A present from Italy within the 60s, this nine-foot-tall bronze Christ statue sits 25 ft underwater! It’s fairly the sight for snorkelers! Different actions embody kayaking, canoeing, and there may be some fishing allowed in designated areas.
Tour the Coral Restoration Basis Training Heart
The Coral Restoration Basis (CRF) is a tremendous nonprofit headquartered proper in Key Largo and nicely price a cease when you find yourself driving from Key Largo to Key West.
Do you know that we’ve misplaced 50% of the world’s shallow-water coral reefs within the final three many years? It’s estimated by 2100, we may lose all of them if humanity doesn’t act quick. Did you additionally know that coral is an animal (not a plant)? As these animal numbers decline, their genetic variety and inhabitants resiliency are misplaced.
It’s estimated that 500 million individuals depend on coral reefs for survival, accounting for nearly 10 trillion {dollars} in enterprise. Their significance on this planet is astounding, and that’s why we’re so grateful for the Coral Restoration Basis who work with the reefs, and assist of their restoration course of. They’ve large-scale cultivation and outplanting course of and really plant new coral reefs within the ocean! It’s primarily volunteers that perform these duties of working within the “coral nurseries.”
Guests can enterprise into their Key Largo heart to find out about their tasks, or divers can go underwater and really plant new coral themselves! There’s nothing higher than feeling like you’re giving again on trip, and this can be a nice trigger to offer again to!
Dive The Spiegel Grove Wreck
Key Largo is the dive capital of the USA, so if you’re a diver, you possibly can’t go to the Florida Keys and never go for at the least one dive underwater. Horizon Divers runs epic dive journeys each morning and afternoon.
We spent the total day with them and beloved each minute of our time diving. We have been even fortunate sufficient to see two eagle rays and some turtles finishing making our journey!
Over 100 common dive places can take you out, with all dive websites being positioned lower than 45 minutes from shore. We loved diving into the Metropolis of Washington and the Undersea Freeway, however undoubtedly, essentially the most well-known place to dive in Key Largo is the Spiegel Grove Wreck.
Harry Harris Seashore and Park
If you’re searching for an fulfilling day on the seashore whereas having fun with your time in Key Largo, Henry Harris Park is a superb possibility. This can be a well-liked hangout for locals and vacationers alike, particularly on a pleasant day.
The park has a number of good facilities like a tidal pool, boat ramp, grills, picnic tables, showers, playgrounds, and a motorcycle path! It’s a typical spot for fishers and snorkelers to come back to! Be aware that there’s a parking price of $5 per individual on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays.
What to Deliver to the Seashore? 50 Seashore Should Haves
Have Lunch at Key Largo Conch Home
Tucked away off proper off the Abroad Hwy is that this chilled-out lunch and dinner spot. They dish up scrumptious conch meals (which you must attempt when within the Florida Keys), in addition to different seafood dishes. It’s finest to name forward and make reservations – this place can get busy!
Eat at The Fish Home
There’s arguably no higher spot to really feel like you’re eating within the keys than at The Fish Home Key Largo. The Fish Home is likely one of the finest Key Largo eating places and is a unusual place with scrumptious native seafood each night time. Their grouper could be served in a mess of how, and their drinks are enjoyable and nice to take pleasure in with a bunch of mates or household in your Florida Keys street journey.
Though the meals was nice, my favourite half was the environment that made me wish to return. If you concentrate on what the Florida Keys have been 40 years in the past – this place might come to thoughts!
Examine into Baker’s Cay
The most effective place to remain in Key Largo is Baker’s Cay. This 13 acre, 200 room personal resort is likely one of the most comfy locations we’ve stayed in america. Baker’s Cay has an ideal location off the Abroad Freeway, with a big personal seashore large enough for your entire household to take pleasure in.
In true Florida Keys style, the water is calm and welcoming, and there are many actions to take pleasure in in the course of the day.
The Baker’s Cay seashore has enjoyable toys like stand-up paddleboards, clear kayaks, and jet skis. Or should you don’t really feel like spiking your adrenaline, simply sit back with a guide and a pina colada from the tiki bar.
The rooms at Bakers Cay are trendy and romantic. We loved an oceanfront room and actually loved falling asleep to the sound of the ocean close by.
In case you’re bringing the fur infants relaxation assured as Baker’s Cay is pet pleasant and even has canine tiki huts! There are additionally two swimming swimming pools with a waterfall, an attractive marina space, and a romantic dock to take pleasure in drinks on whereas the solar goes down. Relaxation comfortably right here earlier than persevering with your Key Largo to Key West journey.
Islamorada
Constitution a Fishing Boat
Islamorada is an enthralling small American city often called the “sport fishing capital of the world,” In case you’re a fisher, you probably already know that. We’re not fishers, so we didn’t constitution a fishing boat. Nonetheless, it’s a classy factor to do in Islamorada!
Scuba Dive
Islamorada isn’t simply identified for fishing, but in addition diving! Among the finest diving within the Florida Keys could be discovered right here. The Davis Reef, Alligator Reef, Pickles Reef, and lots of extra dive spots are close to Islamorada. Try the Islamorada Dive Heart to take pleasure in a full-service PADI scuba diving journey!
Have a Sundowner at Lorelei
The Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar is likely one of the finest locations to move for a drink after an extended time out. They’ve nightly sundown leisure and Completely satisfied Hour (4-6) specials on cocktails. On stunning nights come ready to attend for a spot or to squeeze in with the locals on the bar.
Catch Sundown at Morada Bay
One among my favourite sundown spots in all of the Florida Keys is Morada Bay, and should you head right here for sundown you’ll see why. It’s an attractive location on the seashore, with limitless palm bushes, and gorgeous sundown views. Certain, drinks could also be $15 a chunk, but it surely’s nicely price it to observe the solar set in such a perfect location.
Have Dinner at Chef Micheals
If there’s just one factor you do in Islamorada, it must be to have a meal at Chef Micheals. Palms down the most effective seafood meals we’ve ever had, this upscale restaurant affords an inspiring menu filled with recent fish.
Chef Micheal himself creates essentially the most tantalizing dishes consisting of Hogfish, Grouper, and the invasive Lionfish. You may as well herald your recent catch for the time out, and Chef Micheal will blacken, grill, or put together your fish any approach you need!
Marathon
Feed the Tarpon’s at Robbies
One of the well-liked issues to do on any Florida Keys street journey is feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s Marina. On the marina is a faculty of over 100 tarpons that hang around close to the marina day by day. It’s no secret why, for simply $2.25 an individual, vacationers can hand-feed a tarpon and watch its highly effective mouth snatch a fish. Whereas admission to the dock is $2.25, it’s an additional $4 per fish bucket.
Go to the Marathon Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospitals slogan is – Rescue, Rehab, Launch, and that’s precisely what they do. Based in 1986 as a hospital for injured sea turtles, this group is doing improbable work.
Situated at mile marker 48.5 works to rescue injured turtles and rehab them to be launched again into the wild safely. This small nonprofit educates guests on the significance of sea turtles and the human impacts on the species all through this course of.
The Turtle Hospital additionally assists with analysis assist to sea turtles and works towards environmental laws to make the seashores and water safer for sea turtles.
Guests can cease in and get a look at what goes right here behind the scenes. They run day by day excursions of the amenities, that are very academic and enjoyable! You’ll even get an opportunity to feed sea turtles, making it an ideal factor to do within the Florida Keys for households. These Instructional Packages run day by day at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm and value $27.00 per grownup and $13.00 per little one.
Drive the Seven Mile Bridge
Anybody driving from Key Largo to Key West has to drive alongside the Seven Mile Bridge, however I nonetheless needed to make particular point out of it as a result of it’s actually one of many coolest roads on the earth.
Simply driving throughout it makes you actually notice what a outstanding piece of civil engineering the bridge is. The bridge connects Knight’s Key within the Center Keys to Little Duck within the Decrease Keys; when it was first constructed, it was one of many longest bridges on the earth.
50 Vital Street Journey Necessities You Want in Your Automotive
Bahia Honda State Park
When driving the Seven Mile Bridge, save slightly time to cease on the Bahia Honda State Park. It’s a beautiful spot for sunbathing and having fun with the salty air. It’s positioned at mile marker 37 and affords among the finest snorkeling within the keys.
Key West
Get pleasure from a Espresso from Cuban Espresso Queen
An iconic factor to do in Key West is seize a fast cafe con leche from Cuban Espresso Queen close to the harbor. They’re fast and simple, so if you’re working quick on time relaxation assured you possibly can seize a fast chunk and occasional right here. And snap a “Key West picture” whilst you’re ready.
Paddleboard Yoga with Lazy Canine Charters
For a simple morning out why not attempt some yoga, besides make it Florida Keys fashion and apply your down canine on the water. Lazy Canine Excursions runs paddleboard yoga excursions proper on Inventory Island. Excursions sometimes final about two hours, one hour of yoga and one-hour of paddling. If you’re fortunate you’ll get to see some manatees beneath your board! Make certain to placed on a lot of sunscreen and canopy up with an outside hat as there may be little shade.
Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Tour with Sincere Eco
In case you enterprise off just a bit off the coast of Key West, you’ll probably see some wild dolphins within the distance. Actually, it’s so probably the Sincere Eco Sustainable Nature Excursions virtually assure a sighting with them!
Guide a visit with them, and also you’ll get to take pleasure in SQUID, Key West’s first electric-powered constitution boat. We’ve solely been on one electrical boat in Zambia earlier than, so we have been ecstatic to take a journey on the hybrid constitution boat.
SQUID will take guests out on a four-hour dolphin-watching tour each morning and night. You’ll additionally get the possibility to hop within the water for a snorkel to see what different superior marine life you’ll find. I really like that Sincere Eco focuses on seeing wild dolphins of their pure habitat reasonably than dolphin exhibits or dorsel fin rides that are unethical animal tourism actions.
Have Dinner at Matt’s Inventory Island
Matt’s Inventory Island is positioned on Inventory Island at The Perry Lodge. Head right here for dinner round sundown so you possibly can take pleasure in craft beer with laid-back consolation meals because the solar goes down over the marina.
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
If you end up achieved having fun with the seashore or a recent seafood meal, head to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to chill out in nature. The conservatory has loads of stunning birds, flowering vegetation, and naturally, butterflies.
The spotlight of the conservatory is their two resident flamingos, Rhett and Scarlett. This well-known Key West couple charms all guests with their mating calls, foot patting dance, and mesmerizing pink coloration.
Land’s Finish Sundown Sail with Sebago Key West
I didn’t know what to anticipate once we boarded the Sebago Catamaran, however their sundown boat tour ended up being a spotlight of our time in Key West. The Sebago sundown sail is really for those who wish to let free and take heed to island music whereas ingesting rum punch because the solar units on the water.
Reserving a night with Sebago begins at 6:30 and ends after sundown; a ticket consists of all-you-can drink, appetizers, and loads of leisure. Oh yea – and epic views because the solar units within the stunning Florida Keys.
Get pleasure from Cuban Delicacies at El Siboney
If you’re a bit bored with the limitless scrumptious seafood, head to El Siboney for genuine Cuban delicacies. We beloved our meal right here and will inform it was true Cuban residence cooking in an inviting and pleasant environment. One among their finest dishes is the roast pork with black beans and rice and candy plantains. Make certain to pair your meal with their home made sangria and finish it with their signature Flan.
Catch the Sundown at Mallory Sq.
Among the best free issues to do in Key West is catch the sundown at Mallory Sq.. Round 5 pm each night time, this space comes alive with avenue distributors, performers, artists, and naturally, meals and drinks to soak within the ambiance collectively.
There aren’t many higher locations to have a good time the tip of an superior day within the Florida Keys than on Mallory Sq.. Even when crowds aren’t your factor (they don’t seem to be mine), it’s nonetheless an environment you must take in at the least certainly one of your days in Key West!
Tacos at Fisherman’s Café
An ideal lunch spot to move is Fisherman’s Cafe proper on Lazy Approach Ave. It’s a enjoyable takeaway spot with scrumptious lobster tacos!
Get pleasure from Key Lime Pie on a Stick at Kermit’s Key Lime Café
You possibly can’t go to the Florida Keys and never have a style of the well-known Key Lime Pie! There are many locations promoting Key Lime Pie in Key West! Nonetheless, none stand out as a lot as our FROZEN key lime at Kermits. Kermits is well-known within the Key Lime world. Kermit Carpenter himself nonetheless bakes among the pies himself, even after 28 years in enterprise.
To say this place is an establishment is an understatement, and even should you’ve already had Key Lime Pie within the keys, it’s nicely price popping in right here. There at the moment are two places, the unique at 200 Elizabeth Road and one proper off Duval Road.
Southernmost Level Buoy
Though it’s not essentially the most thrilling factor to do in Key West, it’s price venturing to the Southernmost Level within the US to snap a photograph and say you could have been there!
Smathers seashore
Surprisingly Key West actually isn’t identified for its seashores. Most guests hang around at their resort swimming pools, the marina, or the notorious Duval Road. Nonetheless, there are a number of locations you possibly can head for some seashore time. Our favourite was Smather’s Seashore! It’s an attractive sandy seashore with loads of idyllic palm bushes for shade. There’s a volleyball court docket and locations you possibly can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboard boards as nicely.
Different Nice Key West Seashores Embrace
- Higgs Seashore
- Relaxation Seashore
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Slurp Up Oysters at Half Shell uncooked Bar
The Half Shell Uncooked Bar is rated as the most effective Key West Seafood Eating places. Set in alongside the harborfront on the historical past seafront, they dish up recent meals and, after all, loads of shellfish.
We needed to order a dozen oysters and have been shocked by how massive and engaging they have been. They’re additionally the one seafood restaurant in Key West that owns its personal fish market – so you already know you’re getting the freshest catch!
Keep at Oceans Edge Marina and Resort
In case you don’t thoughts not being within the heart of all of the Key West motion, Oceans Edge Resort is a superb place to remain on Inventory Island. This secluded resort permits friends to take pleasure in peace and tranquility in Key West, all in an attractive setting.
All rooms at Oceans Edge have ocean views and entry to the marina. There are six swimming swimming pools to take pleasure in with bar service to all! Oceans Edge additionally has kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and bicycles at no cost on-site. If you end up prepared to move into Key West, there’s a free shuttle that runs hourly downtown, which implies you don’t should take care of the hectic parking state of affairs in Key West.
The oceanfront rooms all have a balcony, high-speed WiFi, and enormous flat-screen tv. The rooms are bigger than common and embellished with trendy seashore decor. We stayed three nights right here and by no means needed to go away!
how Many Days Do You want within the Florida keys?
We spent 5 nights and 6 days within the Florida Keys, and I assumed it was the right period of time to spend touring the Florida Keys. The drive from Key Largo to Key West could be achieved in someday because it’s solely 97 miles (about two hours drive), although to take advantage of out of your Florida Keys street journey, it is likely to be price breaking apart the drive in Marathon or Duck Key.
The place are one of the best locations to remain within the florida Keys?
When planning out your Florida Key street journey, chances are you’ll notice that there are solely a plethora of accommodations and lodging choices in Key Largo and Key West. That’s to not say there aren’t locations to remain on different elements of the Keys, however there are positively fewer choices. Each Islamorada and Marathon have quite a few choices, after which there are a number of accommodations and resorts on the Keys.
I might recommend staying a number of nights primarily based out of Key Largo at Baker’s Cay, spending one night time in Islamorada or Marathon, and staying three nights in Key West for the whole Florida Keys expertise.
Is it Higher to Fly into Miami or Key West?
I might extremely recommend taking a look at choices for flying into both Miami or Key West and flying out of the other, making your street journey a method; typically, it may well work out higher and never price far more! We flew into Miami, rented a one-way automobile rental for cheaper than a spherical journey automobile rental, and flew out of Key West.
This gave us extra time to discover every Florida Keys cease on our approach driving from Key Largo to Key West and allowed us extra time on our ultimate day within the Keys as we didn’t should drive all the way in which again as much as Miami to fly out.
Which is best Key West or Key Largo?
Neither are higher than each other, however one could also be higher for you and what you wish to do! Key Largo is improbable for seashores, diving, and snorkeling. It’s nearer to Florida’s Barrier Reef and is the place a lot of the underwater motion occurs within the keys. Key Largo can be nearer to Marathon and Islamorada, making day journeys right here simpler.
Key West has extra issues to do, and also you’ll discover it laborious to get bored right here! Key West has a extra relaxed “Jimmy Buffet” environment with loads of eating places, bars, and retailers. If you wish to have a celebration vacation with mates, you’ll most likely discover that Key West is extra your scene. Don’t take my phrase for it – be sure to take a look at each!
Is there a shuttle from Key Largo to Key West?
There is no such thing as a shuttle, however the Greyhound Bus Service does function a route between Miami, Key Largo, and Key West. It solely serves these few stops, so it’s not superb for many vacationers. Nonetheless, it’s an possibility for these that may not drive. If you need personal transportation, you possibly can rent an organization like Florida Keys Specific Shuttle.
How a lot are Automotive Leases within the florida Keys?
Anticipate to pay about $100 per day for a automobile rental within the Florida Keys. The additional out prematurely you guide, sometimes the cheaper charges you’ll find. Learn our automobile rental suggestions for extra details about renting a automobile.
Search and Evaluate Costs for Rental Vehicles
Do I would like a automobile in Key West?
Whereas a automobile is fairly important for getting from Key Largo to Key West as soon as you’re in Key West, I truly discovered you don’t want a automobile rental in any respect. All Key West is fairly walkable, and there are Ubers and Lyfts on the island ought to you must go additional. A preferred factor to do is hire a bicycle throughout your keep and get round Key West that approach!
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