GREAT THINGS TO DO IN KEY LARGO, FLORIDA

If you’re visiting the Florida Keys, you’ll definitely want to stop in Key Largo. That’s why you shouldn’t miss this guide on great things to do in Key Largo.

We’ve visited the Keys a few times now, and up until now we usually just drove through Key Largo to reach Key West as soon as possible. This time, however, we decided to give Key Largo more time, and we’re really glad we did! These are some of the best things to do in Key Largo, so make sure you try out at least a few of them!

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WHERE IS KEY LARGO

Key Largo is the first island you reach in the Florida Keys, only about an hour south of Miami. That means you can easily visit on a day trip from Miami or stop here while driving from Miami to Key West. It’s known for its clear water, coral reefs, amazing snorkelling and diving spots, as well as beautiful beaches and great sunset views. It’s not a big island, but there’s still plenty to do, so it’s perfect for a day or two of fun, relaxing activities.

IS KEY LARGO WORTH VISITING

Key Largo is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy nature and spending time on the water. If you love to snorkel, Key Largo has some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys. It’s even home to an entire state park dedicated to underwater activities, which is the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

The island is calm and very laid-back, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or want to escape the Miami crowds. It’s not known for nightlife, but rather for its clear water, quiet beaches, and incredible wildlife!

WHERE TO STAY IN KEY LARGO

You can visit Key Largo on a day trip, spend just half a day there on your way down to the Lower Keys, or stay for a few days. It really depends on how many activities you want to try and how relaxed you want your trip to be.

If you’re looking for great places to stay, Key Largo has plenty of amazing options. There are beautiful hotels, beachfront resorts, and cute inns for every budget. Check out my recommendations below!

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN KEY LARGO

VISIT THE JOHN PENNEKAMP STATE PARK

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is absolutely the best thing you can see and enjoy in Key Largo. This is the first underwater state park in the United States, and it covers about 70 square miles, most of which is underwater. It’s truly incredible and famous for its coral reefs, sea life, and calm mangrove areas.

It’s open every day from 8:00 AM until sunset, and the entrance is ridiculously affordable. If you have the Florida State Park Pass, entrance is free. Otherwise, a multiple-occupant vehicle is $8 plus 50 cents per person, and pedestrians or cyclists pay just $2.50!

GO SNORKELLING 

If you’re visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkelling is an absolute must because it’s the best way to experience the beauty of Key Largo. There are daily boat trips that take you out into the clear, blue water, about 6 miles off the coast, where you can float above colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and even see the famous Christ of the Deep statue.

The snorkel tours run 5 times a day between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., last around 2.5 hours, and cost $50. If you don’t have your own gear, you’ll need to pay an extra $5 for a mask rental and $5 for fins. If you prefer staying closer to shore, you can do some beginner snorkelling at Cannon Beach. However, the real magic definitely happens out on the reef.

GO KAYAKING

If you don’t want to get in the water but still want to enjoy it, kayaking at the state park is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the nature around you. The park has easy, well-marked trails that take you through quiet mangrove tunnels, where you might spot fish, birds, manatees, and even small sharks in the shallow, clear water.

You can rent kayaks right inside the park, and the calm conditions make this a great activity for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Single kayaks go for $30–50 and double kayaks for $35–60, depending on how many hours you want to use them. Paddleboards cost the same as double kayaks. Kayaking gives you a close-up look at the Florida Keys that you just can’t get by boat or on foot.

ENJOY THE BEACHES

This state park has two small but beautiful beaches, Cannon Beach and Far Beach. Both are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the calm side of Key Largo. Cannon Beach is great for families, with shallow water, picnic spots, and old cannons along the shoreline for fun photos. You can even do a bit of practice snorkelling here. There’s no reef, but you’ll still spot some fish and grass beds. Far Beach is a little quieter, with palm trees and soft sand.

If you’re visiting just for the beaches, I’ll be honest, there are nicer beaches elsewhere in the Keys, so don’t go out of your way for these ones. One really lovely nearby option is Harry Harris Beach, so check that out if you’re not planning on snorkelling at the state park!

VISIT DOLPHIN LIFE

Visiting Dolphin Life in Key Largo is a fun and educational experience, perfect for families and animal lovers. We had an incredible time, and the staff there went out of their way to make sure we enjoyed it. You can learn about dolphins, watch training sessions, and take part in safe, guided encounters where you can get close to these amazing animals. We chose a tour ($20) where we learned everything about how they care for the dolphins, from what they eat to the medicine they take.

The staff really focuses on care, research, and conservation, so you’ll learn how dolphins live and how they’re protected. They house dolphins that are unable to survive in the wild or those that have only ever lived in human care. Our tour lasted about 30 minutes. We went through the whole facility and then met the dolphins at the end. They’re absolutely adorable, and I highly recommend it!

VISIT THE WILD BIRD SANCTUARY

If you want to experience even more animal encounters, you can visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary. It’s a small, free sanctuary that cares for injured and rescued birds, including pelicans, owls, herons, egrets, and other native species.

You’ll walk along a peaceful boardwalk by the water, where you can see the birds up close and learn how the staff works to heal and release them back into the wild whenever possible. It’s a quiet, relaxing stop and a really lovely way to support local wildlife!

STOP AT BLOND GIRAFFE KEY LIME PIE FACTORY

After all those activities, a sweet treat is the perfect way to rest and enjoy something delicious. Stop at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory. This famous shop is known for its creamy, tangy key lime pie made fresh every day, along with chocolate-dipped slices and other sweet treats. We got a piece of key lime pie for around $9 and enjoyed it in their garden in the back. You can get a whole pie (from $31) to take with you or just a slice. Either way, you’re going to love this stop!

DRIVE DOWN TO ROBBIE’S TO FEED THE TARPON

Finally, just a short drive from Key Largo you’ll find Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada, one of the most iconic and must-visit spots in the Florida Keys. It’s famous because you can walk out onto the dock and hand-feed massive tarpon. Some of them are over six feet long! They jump right out of the water to grab the fish from your hand, which is both exciting and a tiny bit scary, but such a fun experience and perfect for photos. Keep in mind there are angry pelicans around and they’ll try to steal your fish!

The entrance to the dock is $2.50 per person, and a bucket of fish to feed the tarpon is $5. If feeding big fish isn’t for you, don’t worry! Robbie’s also has local craft stalls, a waterfront restaurant, and plenty of other activities you can enjoy. It’s a classic Florida Keys stop and definitely worth adding to your day!

CONCLUSION: THINGS TO DO IN KEY LARGO

Overall, Key Largo is perfect no matter what kind of trip you’re looking for. That can be adventure, nature, or a relaxing beach holiday. Whether you stay for just one day or an entire week, make sure you don’t miss out on snorkelling and enjoy the beautiful nature as much as possible. Our favourite experience was definitely the Dolphin Life visit, so try to include it in your itinerary!