If you are designing a vacation to Key Largo, we have collected some of the top things to do.
This has everything from offbeat adventures to calm, relaxing options. The beauty about the Florida Keys is that you can choose either.
This is a bucket list, so more than likely it won’t be realistic to do every single thing on this list in one trip. You can add as many or as few of these activities to your itinerary in order to create the best time for you!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this bucket list travel guide are affiliate links (including links to Amazon) providing us with a small commission if you make a qualifying purchase – at no extra cost to you. We greatly appreciate your support! As always, we share our honest opinion and everything is written by us.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was established in 1963 as the first underwater park in the United States.
It is famous for its natural beauty and coral reefs and marine life such as tropical fish, sea turtles, and more.
It’s also famous for its underwater statue appropriately named “Christ of the Abyss” which is a popular scuba diving spot. You can still see the statue by snorkeling here as long as conditions are good.
If you don’t want to dive or join a snorkel tour, you might be interested in a glass bottom boat tour. It is exactly what it sounds like – a boat with a glass bottom. You can see the bottom of the sea from the boat without getting wet.
There are also kayaking and canoe rentals, some fishing spots, and small beach areas.
One of my favorite things about John Pennekamp is their Visitor’s Center, which has a 30,000 saltwater aquarium and several other small aquariums. The aquariums feature species native to the waters near Key Largo and the Florida Keys. Our kids love the aquarium here and it’s also a nice break from the heat since the building is air conditioned.
Diving or Snorkeling
Key Largo is known as one of the best places to scuba dive in the world and is often referred to as the Dive Capital of the World. Some of the most popular spots to dive in Key Largo are:
- Molasses Reef
- French Reef
- Elbow Reef
- Carysfort Reef
- USS Spiegel Grove Wreck
Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
This is a nonprofit that rescue and rehabilitates injured birds. When possible, they release the birds back to the wild. If the birds are unable to be released due to their injuries, they can have a permanent home here.
When you visit, you might see pelicans, hawks, ospreys, or more. I personally loved the owls!
The rehabilitation center likes to provide education so while you are there, you can learn more about the birds, common injuries, the importance of wildlife conservation, and how to protect the birds.
Kayak Through the Mangroves
Kayaking through the mangroves is such a unique way to explore nature. The mangroves offer calm water making kayaking the mangroves great for any level of experience.
Spotting wildlife is a highlight of this adventure as well. It’s always amazing to see wildlife in their natural habitats. You might see different birds such as egrets and herons as well as marine life such as manatees, sea turtles, and more.
The African Queen
The African Queen is a historic boat. It was made famous in The African Queen film which debuted in 1951 featuring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.
The boat is now docked in Key Largo and has been restored. It still has its original steam engine!
You can take an African Queen canal cruise. It’s around 90 minutes long. You’ll also learn more about the African Queen’s history throughout the cruise.
Go Shopping
There are some great spots for shopping in Key Largo. Here are some great spots:
- Mother Ocean – a marine thrift store with a little bit of everything such as life jackets, fishing poles, surf boards, coolers, and much more
- Shell World – one of the biggest tourist shops you’ll ever see. This place is HUGE and has absolutely everything. You’ll find postcards, home decor, books, kids’ items, coffee mugs, and literally everything in between
- Old Road Gallery: An art shop with locally made pottery, jewelry, ceramics, and more
- Randy’s Florida Keys Gift Company: A fun gift shop with t-shirts, jewelry, and other items, featuring local and handmade items
- Sandal Factory: This is a chain, but it’s fun to stop at with a large selection of souvenirs, sandals, shoes, and T-shirts.
Glass Bottom Boat
If you want to take a glass bottom boat tour, you don’t have to go to John Pennekamp State Park to do it. This glass bottom boat tour leaves from the Key Largo Holiday Inn Marina.
The tour is two hours long and you have the option of both indoor and outdoor seating. You’ll see the coral reef and sea life. The tour guide will point out different sea creatures like fish, sea fans, sea plumes, and more.
Go Fishing
Key Largo is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. You can go deep sea fishing, backcountry fishing, or fish from the shore.
There are plenty of fishing charters in Key Largo to cater to whatever you want. Book a charter fishing for tarpon or customize your fishing experience.
Eat at a Waterfront Restaurant
I have entire post dedicated to the best waterfront restaurants in Key Largo, so definitely check that out for more detailed information.
Some great waterfront restaurants in Key Largo are:
- Alabama Jacks – a bit more off the beaten path with good bar-type food
- Caribbean Club – great for live music, sunsets, and good but casual food
- Key Largo Fisheries – fresh seafood with a casual atmosphere
Explore Nature
There are so many ways to explore nature in Key Largo. I already mentioned kayaking and boating above, but you can also consider these parks:
-John Pennekamp
-Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
-Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
-Harry Harris
-Sunset Point Park
Hang Out at the Beach
The Florida Keys aren’t exactly known for nice beaches. Seagrass can wash up and start to smell when it sits in the sun. And it can be “rocky” due to the coral. I still love the beaches in the Florida Keys. This doesn’t bother me, but you don’t want to expect long, sprawling white sand beaches.
Here are the public beaches you can visit in Key Largo:
- Cannon Beach and Far Beach at John Pennekamp State Park
- Harry Harris Park
- Friendship Park (this would be my last choice, it’s less “beachy”)
Enjoy Your Resort
Key Largo has some very nice properties (we really like Playa Largo and Baker’s Cay). Many resorts in Key Largo have nice pools, on site activities, and even rentals such as kayaks and stand up paddle boards. If you’re staying at one of these properties, you might want to carve out some time to enjoy the property.
Key Largo Art Gallery
The Key Largo Art Gallery is a great spot to visit if you appreciate art and/or want to bring home some artwork. There is a wide range of different pieces because the artwork comes from over 20 different local artists.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Locals will tell you that one of the best ways to experience the Florida Keys is from the water. And a sunset cruise in Key Largo is a magical way to do it. Usually, sunset cruises are a little cheaper than other charter options.
But you still get amazing views. If you are lucky, you may see some wildlife as well. Plus, a sunset cruise is perfect for any occasion. It can be romantic and peaceful or it can be a good family activity. If you want it to be a party, it can be that, too. Overall, it’s just a really great way to end the day.
Pinfish Entertainment
Pinfish Entertainment is a video arcade in Key Largo that’s honestly great for any group size or age.
They have beer and food. There are also plenty of games. You’ll find mini bowling, video games, axe throwing, and more. On Thursdays, they have half off all games.
Get a Drink
Here are some of my favorite spots to grab a drink in Key Largo:
- Keys Meads: A winery with tastings; They have their own bees and make the honey right on site
- Sharkey’s Pub and Galley: A great place for beer with more than 30 beers on tap
- Rent your own tiki bar and get out on the water
- Caribbean Club: The oldest bar in the Florida Keys with live music and events
- Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill
Get Key Lime Pie
If you are coming to the Florida Keys, you need to try at least one slice of key lime pie! Here are some great spots for key lime pie in Key Largo:
- Key Largo Fisheries
- Blond Giraffe
- Mrs. Macs (also consider their unique take on key lime pie with one of their key lime pie freeze)
Bike or Walk the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
There is a paved trail that stretches 90 miles from Key Largo to Key West. And the longest continuous section happens to be in Key Largo. This longest continuous section starts at mile marker 106 and goes to mile marker 72 in Islamorada.
The trail used to be part of the Overseas Railroad but was converted to a trail for all to enjoy in 2022.
It is great for walking, jogging, running, biking, and skating. There are also sections that are great for fishing and enjoying gorgeous water views.
Take a Day Trip
Key Largo is absolutely a destination in itself with tons of things to do. But it’s also perfectly situated for a day trip to Miami, the Everglades National Park, or Islamorada. You can also go take a full Florida Keys road trip and end in Key West if you have the time.
Key Largo in itself is a bucket list vacation for many. Whether they are activities you have already done and want to do again or something new entirely, I hope that this helped you discover some of the best things to do in Key Largo!
