Dreaming of turquoise clear waters, natural beauty, laid-back vibes, and unforgettable adventures in the Florida Keys?
Key Largo, the first island you’ll hit when driving south from Miami, is the perfect mix of tropical beauty and family-friendly fun.
It’s a special place and whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or adding it to a longer Florida Keys road trip, this Key Largo itinerary will help you make the most of your time in paradise.
This itinerary is three full days. It doesn’t really count for a long travel day if you’re not getting in until later in the day. And if you’re going to be in Key Largo longer, check out my Key Largo bucket list post for more ideas.
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Why Visit Key Largo?
Known as the “Diving Capital of the World,” Key Largo is part of the upper keys. It is closest to the mainland so if you are flying into Miami for a road trip to Key West or the lower keys, you’ll naturally go through Key Largo.
Key Largo is home to the only living coral reef in the continental U.S. It’s the gateway to world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and stunning sunsets.
Beyond the water, you’ll also find nature trails, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to slow down and soak up island life. It’s a great spot to relax in paradise!
3-Day Key Largo Itinerary
This list is really confined to Key Largo. A lot of posts you’ll find on things to do in Key Largo will include a lot of activities in the nearby keys (like Islamorada) that aren’t actually Key Largo.
While that makes sense since Islamorada is a short drive away, I made a completely separate list of things to do in Islamorada. I personally feel that there is enough to do in both Key Largo and Islamorada that they each deserve their own post!
But feel free to mix and match – Key Largo is a great base for visiting both!
Day 1: Arrive, Enjoy Your Resort, and Dinner
Morning: Arrive in Key Largo and check into your hotel or vacation rental.
Depending on when you are arriving in Key Largo, I also recommend lunch at Alabama Jack’s. It’s a must visit, a quintessential old Florida spot on the water with good food. It’s on Card Sound Road, not the Overseas Highway/US-1. So if you’re planning to stop there, you’ll want to plug it into your GPS because you’ll take a different route to get there.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon getting settled and acquainted with your accommodations. Enjoy the pool or the beach where you are staying – a lot of the resorts have amazing pools! If you are looking for recommendations on where to stay, I listed my choices below.
Evening: On your first night, dine waterfront at a local favorite like Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Café. Fresh seafood with a sunset view is the best way to kick off your trip.
After dinner, head to the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory (technically in Tavernier) for a wide array of key lime pie. If there is anything that can be flavored as key lime pie, they sell it. My go-to is a chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick. Make sure you take it out to their courtyard, which is a peaceful spot decorated in string lights (perfect at dusk). You can also buy a lock to write on and put on their fence.
Day 2: Get on the Water, Bird Rehabilitation Center, Sunset Sail
Morning: Get breakfast at Harriette’s Restaurant. They offer a full breakfast menu but they are famous for their muffins! Stick with the Florida Keys theme and get a key lime muffin or get my favorite, double chocolate. They also have tons of other flavors if neither of those are your style.
After breakfast, take a scuba diving trip or a snorkel tour to iconic spots like the Christ of the Abyss underwater statue or Molasses Reef. You’ll want to book these trips in advance. I recommend doing these as early on your trip as possible in case it ends up getting postponed due to weather.
Click here to check out the snorkel trip I recommend!
If diving isn’t your thing, kayaking through mangrove tunnels at is a peaceful and unique experience.
Click here to book your kayak tour through the mangroves!
Afternoon: Visit Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center to see rescued pelicans, herons, and owls up close. It’s free to enter and makes a fun stop.
Evening: Book a relaxing sunset sail to cap off your trip – to me, one of the best places to see a sunset is from the water. Then grab a drink at Caribbean Club, a historic bar famous from the movie Key Largo. It’s always a fun time with live music.
Click here to book a sunset sail in Key Largo
Day 3: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Morning: Grab breakfast at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. There are two locations, but only the original location is open for breakfast (99336 Overseas Hwy). It’s a kitschy restaurant with license plates on the walls and good breakfast. I also recommend their key lime freeze for a unique take on key lime pie (yes, I have absolutely ordered this dessert for breakfast).
After breakfast, head straight to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the crown jewel of Key Largo. A glass bottom boat tour is a great way to see the reef without getting wet, or book a snorkeling trip to swim among colorful coral and tropical fish. There are vendors inside the park that you can book with. There are also opportunities to rent kayaks.
If you’re traveling to Key Largo with kids, you can enjoy the shallow beach at the park.
Afternoon: Rent paddleboards (or use them at your resort if they are included) or enjoy the pool at your resort.
Evening: For your last night, go big with a romantic dinner at Snook’s Bayside. A great place to dine right over the water and toast to a memorable getaway.
Where to Stay in Key Largo
Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton is a beautiful place for a mid to upscale stay. They have two pools (a family friendly pool and an adults only pool). They also have a nicer beach area than most places in the Keys. There are a few on site restaurants including including Calusa (Creole-Caribbean cuisine), Dry Rocks (upscale beach dining), a pool bar (simple poolside food and cocktails), and a tiki bar (frozen drinks and beachside service).
Bungalows Key Largo – an adults only all-inclusive. Do note that these accommodations are fairly expensive and personally, I like eating at some of the local restaurants rather than taking advantage of the included food at an all inclusive.
Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo a great option for a more affordable hotel. It has a great pool and located on a marina.
If you’re looking for more reasonably priced accommodations, check out this post on budget friendly stays throughout the Florida Keys.
Tips for Your Key Largo Itinerary
Getting There: Key Largo is about a one-hour drive from Miami International Airport, making it an easy first stop in the Keys.
Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring bring the clearest waters and mild temperatures, but summer and fall can mean fewer crowds and lower prices. Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30 with the peak typically being August and September.
What to Pack: Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, a dry bag, and snorkel gear if you prefer using your own. Check out my Florida Keys packing list so you don’t forget anything.
With Kids: Many excursions, like glass-bottom boat tours and kayaking, are family-friendly. Bring plenty of snacks, hats, and water for little travelers.
Final Thoughts on Planning a Key Largo Itinerary
Key Largo offers a perfect place to enjoy your vacation because whether your personal preference is relaxing or being a little more adventurous, you’ll be satisfied. Key Largo has it all – water activities, plenty of options for happy hour, and wildlife viewing.
Key Largo also has easy access to the mainland so it’s easy to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
This Key Largo itinerary balances snorkeling, exploring, and relaxing, so you can leave the island feeling refreshed. If this is your first time to Key Largo, it’s bound to become one of your new favorite places.
