16 Amazing Things to Do in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is a string of idyllic islands off the southern tip of Florida. It offers many indoor and outdoor activities suitable for the entire family. The Florida Keys, located south of Miami, are a chain of coral islands. These islands vary in size, and each is jam-packed with activities, making them some of Florida’s most popular vacation destinations.

There are activities for all ages, from exploring underwater parks to observing native wildlife in a nature conservatory, snorkelling, camping, meeting marine mammals, and riding a conch train. Just go through our tips to plan a stress-free Florida Key vacation.

   Organizing the trip

The Keys have a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winter temperatures. The Keys’ winter months are peak seasons, with mild weather, low humidity, and little rain. This time of year has the best climate, but it is also the busiest.

Make a list of the items you believe you will require. Now that you’ve made a list choose the best bag for the job, your style, and the activities you’ll be doing.

Consider mixing and matching clothing. Bring your swimsuits, sunglasses, hats, cover-ups, beach bag, and sunscreen. Take less than you believe you require. For example, take two pairs of shoes, pack one, and put one on. Pack both your emergency and personal items safely.

16 Key activities

1. Underwater park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef is the country’s first underwater park on Key Largo. The subaquatic park offers visitors a unique look at one of the world’s most diverse coral reefs.

2. Key West’s Duval Street

Another popular attraction in Key West is Duval Street, which runs from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point marker and is lined with souvenir shops, museums, cafes, and galleries.

3. Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital, located in Marathon and open daily, is one of Florida’s leading rescue facilities. The center typically treats injured turtles and rescues stranded turtles caught in tropical storms.

4. Bahia Honda State Park’s beach

It is one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, located within the Bahia Honda State Park. The park has two beaches, one facing the open water and the other overlooking an old railroad bridge.

5. Mallory Square

Because of its lively activities after sunset, this bubbly neighborhood in Old Town Key West is the place to spend your evening. Every evening in evening, vendors and performers congregate in the square to create a festive atmosphere. Mallory Square is also the final stop for the Conch Tour Train, which takes tourists on an hour-and-a-half sightseeing tour of the neighborhood.

6. Home and Museum of Ernest Hemingway

This home of the well-known author Ernest Hemingway, also located in Key West near Duval Street, is a must-see for anyone vacationing in the Florida Keys. In addition, this two-story house is significant in the state’s cultural history.

7. Islamorada

In 1946, Islamorada’s Theater of the Sea opened as a marine mammal park. It has become the most popular thing to do in the Florida Keys with kids. It combines the glitz of a marine park with the relaxed atmosphere of a family-run resort.

8. Dry Tortugas National Park by boat

Dry Tortugas National Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline and is only accessible by seaplane or boat. The park, comprised of seven beach-looped islands, is also known for Fort Jefferson, a long nineteenth-century wall covering the island.

9.Camping

You can check the availability of Florida Keys RV parks and campgrounds, view their amenities, find website addresses, read reviews, and make your reservation in various ways. The simplest and quickest way is to visit https://www.reserveamerica.com/articles/camping/best-florida-keys-rv-parks-campgrounds-and-camping-sites, which has the most extensive inventory of Campgrounds, RV Parks, and Campsites in the United States.

10.Key Deer National Refuge

The National Key Deer Refugee, located between Key West and Marathon, was established in 1957 as a haven for the endangered Key deer, nearly wiped out by hunters in the 1950s. Within the park, you’ll also find Blue Water Hole, a quarry-turned-pond home to alligators and turtles.

11.Harry Truman’s Small White House

This tiny White House in Key West was built to be the naval hub of the Spanish-American War. Still, it was later used as the Winter White House during President Harry Truman’s reign.

12.Go fishing at Marathon

Marathon is well-known as the Middle Keys’ sportfishing and commercial center. Visitors can book reef tours, deep-sea fishing, and flats fishing here. You can also enjoy thrilling watersports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing.

13.Everglades National Park

It is one of America’s most visited public parks, covering over one million acres. It is home to 14 threatened or endangered species, including the West Indian Manatee, Florida Panther, and American Crocodile.

14.Drive to the Keys

Driving is the best way to enjoy your trip to the Keys. The 18-mile highway known as “The Stretch” by the locals is a two-lane freeway with numerous passing zones. It is one of the most tranquil drives you will ever have.

15.Fort Taylor

This waterfront fort on Key West’s southern tip houses the most extensive collection of seacoast cannons in all of America. It is also well-known for its beautiful beach, ideal for swimming and picnics.

16.Dolphin Research Institute

You will learn a lot about California sea lions and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center through adventurous sessions and by watching the trainers interact with different types of dolphins.