Key Largo is the first key off of the mainland on the Overseas Highway. Surrounded by stunning blue waters, Key Largo is about an hour from Miami depending on traffic (you know what I’m talking about MM 110!). Home to two state parks filled with tropical hardwood forests. Key Largo is known as the dive capitol of the world and once you immerse yourself in the clear water you’ll know why. But wait! There’s more. Key Largo boasts awesome fishing, spectacular snorkeling, is located in a national marine sanctuary, and even a National Park. If you’re looking for fantastic accommodations, they have everything from world class waterfront resorts and dining to out of the way homey motor inns and tiki hut bars.

State Parks

Relax on one of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park’s beaches, snorkel right off the beach to 17th century shipwreck relics or jump on a tour and snorkel at the third largest coral reef in the world.

If you’re more of a land lover and want something to do on dry land, the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park might be what you’re looking for. Follow the self-guided nature trail in this hammock (or forest for the tragically unhip) and see migratory birds and butterflies be sure to bring a lunch so that you can enjoy a picnic in the park.

Above and Below the Water in Key Largo

You don’t get to be known as the dive capitol of the world without shipwrecks, living coral reefs, or the Christ of the Abyss statue. Lucky for you there just so happens to be dive shops, tour boats, and charters to help you get your underwater fix in.

Want to stay on top of the water? Fantastic, when you’re surrounded by water and reefs, you know that there are going to be fish hanging around just waiting for you to catch them. There is a thriving fishing industry on Key Largo just waiting to take you out on the fishing trip of your dreams.

Accommodations in Key Largo

You decide what kind of Florida Keys vacation that you want to have, a family event at a resort that you never have to leave, a romantic getaway for just you and that special someone, or get down and dirty with fellow campers. Key Largo has big resorts, small family-owned motels, condos, vacation homes, you can drive down in your RV, or pitch a tent on a waterfront campsite, yeah, they’re all here.

More Things to do in Key Largo

Take a ride on the African Queen! That’s right, the old steamer boat from the move of the same name. Recreate history and sleep one off in the same place Bogey did! The African Queen was rebuilt and takes tours and dinner cruises throughout the canals of the key.

For more Bogey nostalgia you can go to the Caribbean Club where some scenes of the first key’s namesake movie were filmed.

If swimming with dolphins is your thing, you are in luck! There are multiple places to jump in the water and hang out with flipper. Dolphins Plus will let you swim with them, plus they have a summer camp. The Keys Swim with Dolphins also has a sea lion that you can swim with. Or you can visit Island Dolphin Care and find out how dolphins are used by the non-profit for therapy for children and adults with special needs.

There are so many things to do, how to choose which ones? You’re covered right here with our Key Largo to Key West road trip suggestions.