Best Things To Do in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a slice of paradise that offer a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages. This popular vacation destination spans over 120 miles and can be a bit daunting when planning your first trip. Here are some great idea for things to do in the Florida Keys to inspire your next trip.

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Did you know? The Florida Keys consist of 800 small islands. Given the vast area to explore, renting a boat and island hoping can also be a great way to spend a day.

Explore the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo

As the first undersea park in the United States, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must stop for nature lovers. The park is located in Key Largo and offers a number of watersport activities including kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There is also a glass bottom boat tour available that offers a unique perspective of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Experience the Beauty of Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park offers pristine beaches and nature trails. It is a great location for snorkeling and bird watching. The idyllic view at sunset easily secured Bahia Honda a spot among my favorite state parks I’ve had the chance to visit. There are also campgrounds available if you’d like to stay in the park though reservations need to be made in advance to ensure availability.

Visit the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA

The iconic concrete bouy marker of the Southernmost Point of the Continental USA can be found near the beach area of Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park at the intersection of South Street and Whitehead Street. The state park offers beaches, nature trails, and a Civil War era fort to explore while you’re there. While I found the beach to be quite rocky, it was a spectacular spot to watch the sunset.

Climb the Key West Lighthouse & Visit the Museum

I’m never one to pass up climbing a lighthouse, and the view from the top of the Key West Lighthouse provided an incredible view of the island. There is a museum you can tour while you’re there providing an in-depth look at the history of the lighthouse and its keepers. A discount is available if you book your admission tickets online.

Take in the Atmosphere of Duval Street & Tour a Historic Home

Duval Street is at the heart of Key West and very much a bustling center that provides a taste of the unique charm this island has to offer. Shops and restaurants are plenty here so take a stroll and see experience the vibe yourself. There is no shortage of historic sites to tour in Key West. I’ve listed a few below to consider checking out during your visit. Or if you prefer, take a guided walking tour for information on several of the historic buildings located in Key West.

Historic Homes to Tour in Key West

• The Hemingway Home and Museum
  • Earnest Hemingway’s home in the 1930s
• Audubon House
  • A historic home built on the site where naturalist John James Audubon lived while staying in Key West.
• The Oldest House Museum & Garden
  • A landmark on Duval Street dating to 1829

Have More Time in Key West? Take a Day Trip to Dry Tortugas National Park

Home to historic Fort Jefferson, this national park is only accessible by boat or sea plane. The park is a great location for wildlife viewing and watersport activities. Visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park requires some planning ahead, and while I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting yet, it is definitely on my list of things to do on my next trip to Key West.

Planning a Weekend Getaway to Key West?

Check out this guide to the ultimate weekend in Key West.