Key Largo

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Key Largo

Key Largo is all about relaxation and unwinding. It’s the nearest Key to mainland Florida and offers a serene contrast to the lively vibe of Key West. The destination caters to vacationers seeking a peaceful getaway, where they can spend leisurely days lounging on the beach, spotting manatees from their rental homes’ docks, or enjoying a slow cruise along the African Queen canal.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to do here as well. The vast and adventure-filled wetlands of Everglades National Park are just a short drive away, providing an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities. For those who prefer underwater exploration, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is even closer. Here, visitors can snorkel and scuba dive amidst a diverse ecosystem teeming with marine life. Key Largo proudly boasts its title as the “Dive Capital of the World,” offering numerous captivating dive sites that attract enthusiasts throughout the year.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your days, it would be a shame not to conclude them with delightful fresh lobster dinners and breathtaking Key Largo sunsets.

When to Visit

Key Largo is best visited from December to March. This period offers dry weather and pleasant temperatures, not excessively hot but still warm for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities. In addition to the favorable climate, this time of year features exciting celebrations such as an annual cook-off and a holiday boat parade. January is particularly noteworthy for hosting two well-attended food festivals. As April and May roll in, temperatures remain comfortable, hovering in the 70s and 80s. It’s a relatively peaceful time to explore Key Largo. From June to November, the summer season brings hotter temperatures, often reaching the 90s, along with hurricane season. However, this period also offers the advantage of fewer crowds and lower hotel rates.

Things to do near Key Largo

Here are some of our favorite things to do near Key Largo. Pick your favorite!

  • African Queen Canal Cruise

    The steamboat, which was built in 1912, gained its fame from its appearance in the classic movie “The African Queen” in 1951, featuring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Its rich history spans over a century and various continents, but it has …

  • Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

    Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore over 6 miles of nature trails on foot or by bicycle. The park is named after Dagny Johnson, a local environmental advocate, and it boasts one of the …

  • Everglades National Park

    Everglades National Park, located in South Florida, covers a vast area of 1.5 million acres of wetland. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast visiting Key Largo, it’s definitely worth considering a day trip to this magnificent park. You can enter the park …

  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

    Key Largo is home to numerous dive sites, which are located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This protected area spans 2,900 square nautical miles and was established in 1990 as a collaborative effort between the National Oceanic …

  • Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

    Located in Tavernier, Florida, just a short 7-mile drive southwest of Key Largo, you’ll find the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. This wonderful place consists of two facilities: an animal hospital that takes care of injured birds and a …

  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

    John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States, was established in 1963. The park spans 25 miles in length and 3 miles in width. It is named in honor of John D. Pennekamp, an esteemed Everglades conservationist …

  • Spiegel Grove

    In June 2002, a retired Navy ship named the USS Spiegel Grove was purposefully sunk near Key Largo’s coast to create an artificial reef and promote the thriving of marine life. This massive ship, measuring 510 feet, holds the distinction of being …