Florida Keys Travel Guide

Traveling to the Florida Keys

Florida Keys Travel Guide

Photo by Charles Jackson on Unsplash

The Earth offers little pockets of paradise tucked away in places you’d never expect. Some are forest wonderlands full of wildlife and plants, and some are beach paradise islands surrounded by open water and full of bright colors. When a traveler seeks these little pockets of paradise, they are seeking to add joy, fulfillment, and adventure to their soul. Traveling is the very essence of life itself, and without it our souls would burn with unmet needs and desires. 

Here in this article, we would like to help aid your curious soul to find new places full of adventure, beauty, and excitement. On today’s agenda we will be exploring the world-famous Florida Keys and everything there is to do, see, and experience in this pocket of paradise. We have taken the time to research all the need-to-know information for the Florida Keys that will help you explore it with knowledge and ease. We have found the most-raved-about sights, restaurants, hotels, tours, and so much more that will fill your travels with endless adventure. All you need to do is follow the links and plan your trip in advance to make the trip easy and nothing but enjoyment. Safe travels and be sure to plan in advance.

Need to Know Information, Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a string of islands that sit off the southern coast of the Florida peninsula. Some of the most visited and most popular of the islands of the Florida Keys are Key West, Marathon, and Key Largo. We will be exploring those in full depth and finding the best things to do and see for most of the islands. Here is a list of things you need to know before you go to the Florida Keys that will help you explore with less stress and more knowledge. 

How Do You Get to the Florida Keys?

How do I get to the Florida Keys? This is a frequent question that has more than one answer. You can fly to most of the islands from one of the Florida airports. Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami offers great airports that allow you easy access to the Florida Keys. However, if you were looking for a more scenic route of travel that is unlike anything you have ever experienced, then we highly suggest you take the driving route. Yes, there is the ability to drive to almost every island of the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys Overseas Highway stretches out over 113 miles and is one of the most beautiful and unique drives you can ever experience on this planet. If you are looking for an opinion as to which option for traveling is the best, then we highly suggest the driving route if you have the ability. The drive is out of this world and will supply you with such great stories to tell for the rest of your life. 

Best Time to Visit, Florida Keys

When is the best time to visit the Florida Keys? This is yet another frequent question that many travelers have. The best time of the year to visit the Florida Keys is during the dry seasons of the year. Typically, November–April are the dry seasons where you will avoid most of the rain and dodge their summer hurricane season. You can expect temperatures that are still in the eighties which is perfect for beach bumming and swimming in the beautiful ocean. 

The highest traffic for tourists usually is from late December through May, so if you wish to ditch the crowd then we highly suggest visiting during November and October. 

How to Get Around, Florida Keys

If you are without transportation and wish to call a ride, fear not because Uber and Lyft are readily available on most of the islands of the Florida Keys. Travel smart and plan your transportation while on vacation. If you are out drinking and need a ride, then download the Uber or Lyft app to access easy and safe transportation. Before entering the Uber or Lyft make sure to ask the driver what the name is on the ride and wait for them to say your name. A second safety tip is to always travel with a trusted companion. 

Best Islands to Visit, Florida Keys

The Florida Keys is composed of many islands that each have unique experiences and adventures to offer. Here in this section of the article we will be exploring a few of the best island options for you to visit while in the Florida Keys. With the highway that connects all the islands it is very easy and accessible to visit multiple in one trip. 

Key Largo

The biggest island of the Upper Keys is Key Largo. If you were looking for an island that has both the most land and water activities and adventures, then this is by far the best option for your island adventures. Key Largo is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which is a massive, protected sea spot that is very popular for scuba divers and snorkelers that wish to see the true beauty of the sea. If you are looking for land adventures, then worry not because Key Largo is also home to Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This colossal natural plot of land has tons of hiking trails that visitors have been drawn to for ages. Overall, Key Largo is a great island for those searching for both water and land adventures. Perfect for the family and lone travelers seeking a bit of thrill and endless beauty.

Islamorada

Islamorada is the perfect island for those who enjoy deep sea fishing and art. The island is home to an abundant source of desired fish to catch and is a hot spot for sport fishing and overall casual fishing for those looking for a thrill in the ocean. If fishing doesn’t have you biting at the hook, sorry for the fishing pun, then maybe the art scene will catch your interest. 

Islamorada is home to a great scene for art lovers and creatives as well. You and your family can gallery hop through the Morada Way Arts and Cultural District which displays some great art galleries and events for visitors to enjoy. Every third Thursday of the month the district holds an event that encompasses an evening art walk along with live music and fun festivities. 

Marathon

Marathon is known for its insanely beautiful beaches. If you were looking to beach bum it for the entirety of your trip then this is by far the best island to visit due to its highly desired beach beauty and overall appeal to sunbathers, surfers, and ocean lovers. Not only does this island have some of the best beaches out of all the Florida Keys, but it also has some great places to stay that offer top of the line hotel and resort experiences. 

Key West

Were you looking for a more fun, exciting, and city-like energy that also happens to be located in paradise? Perhaps you were looking to socialize, party, and let loose? If so, then Key West is by far the best option for the traveler that seeks a party. The tourists and locals enjoy a great street party and love to go all night long. If you want to party and enjoy some relaxation as well, then we highly suggest visiting this island as a pit stop for a single day and heading down the highway to explore more relaxed and secluded islands of the Florida Keys.

These Florida Keys are some of the most popular and most visited islands and for good reason. If you were looking for the best islands to visit, then these are the ones. We highly suggest visiting multiple and getting the full experience of both nature and social life. While these islands are full of insane sights to see and incredible natural beauty, there are some great resorts that deserve mentioning. In this next section we have found you the perfect stay options in the Florida Keys that will be sure to take your travels to the next level.  

Best Places to Stay, Florida Keys

The most important item on the agenda for any travel experience is to find the perfect place to stay. We have researched the most raved about and top-rated hotels and resorts, so you don’t have to search the vast web and waste some of your precious time. Sit back, relax, and simply follow the links we have provided to further plan your stay. 

Pier House Resort & Spa, Key West

If you were looking to explore and spend some time down in Key West, that is known for its nightlife and historical streets, then we highly suggest taking a look at the luxury resort Pier House Resort & Spa. Some of the accommodations look like: Beach Bar, glorious ocean views, ocean access, city walkability, private beach, relaxing spa onsite, and some great restaurants within the resort. This luxury resort really gives you zero reason to want to leave. It has everything inside it's resort that you could ever want. This resort is perfect for the couples seeking a romantic getaway. Feel free to follow the link provided to book your room. 

Bungalows Key Largo

Key Largo is home to some of the greatest reefs that bring visitors from around the world to snorkel, dive, and experience the underwater beauty of this island. Here on this famed island of Key Largo we have found one of the best resorts for the couples, adults, and lone travelers who seek some privacy, a touch of luxury, and some phenomenal comfort in paradise. The Bungalows Key Largo is a beautiful luxury resort that caters only to adults, so if you were expecting to stay here with the family, this is not the hotel for you. The Bungalows Key Largo only accept guests over twenty-one years of age, so the atmosphere is one of higher class, more mature, and lacking annoying noise. Feel free to follow the link if you wish to find more booking options and further plan your stay.

Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa, Marathon 

Marathon is a beach lover’s paradise. With beaches that bring tourists from around the world to lounge in the warm sun, bask in the clear waters, and walk on the golden sands. Here on this beautiful island is the famed resort Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa which is one of the ultimate locations for stay in the Keys. It has five swimming pools, onsite restaurants that range from finer flavors to beach bars and a café where you can get your daily dose of coffee and breakfast. The resort even has its own spa that will help you melt away your worries and revitalize you. For more information on rooms and prices, please feel free to follow the link above. 

Best Things to do, Florida Keys

Next item on the agenda for our travels to the Florida Keys is to find some of the best activities, sights, and food bites to fill your bucket list full of unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime. We have found the must-do things and must-see sights, so you don’t have to spend your time wondering and looking for things to do while you are on vacation. Feel free to follow the links below and fill your agenda of all the things we have listed below. Each experience is sure to bring your absolute joy and allow you to experience once in a lifetime excitement. 

Duval Street, Key West

Number one on your list of things to do and see in the Florida Keys should be to spend a couple hours strolling this beautiful street in Key West. Duval Street is full of fun museums, unique sights, tasty cafes, galleries, and is always busy with social life. Strolling the streets should take a couple of hours depending on what interests you. Perhaps you will do some shopping, sight-seeing, chatting with others who also had the idea to take a stroll, or having some delicious bites at a café. This item on your agenda will provide lots to see and do, so make sure to set aside one to two hours to make it happen. Also, if you find yourself in Key West during October, do not miss the Hemingway Days festival that is a ten-day festival where attendees dress up and socialize. For more information on what there is to do and see on Duval Street, please be sure to follow the link above. 

 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo

If you were looking for some aquatic adventures and wanting to do a bit of swimming and snorkeling, then you cannot miss out on the opportunity to see John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can expect to find an abundance of marine wildlife, incredibly beautiful coral reefs that are literally begging to be explored, and so much aquatic fun to be had. When visiting just make sure to not destroy any natural habitats and always be aware of your effect on the world around you. Do not disturb the natural and fragile ecosystem. For more information on events and things to know about this state park, please make sure to follow the link above.

The Fish House, Key Largo

The first stop on your restaurant hunt should be The Fish House in Key Largo. This is both a restaurant that specializes in some of the freshest and tastiest seafood you will find in the Keys and as a seafood market for those who are looking to purchase the fresh catch of the day and take it home and cook it. If you are a seafood enthusiast that seeks a great taste of the ocean, then this is the spot for you. For menus and more information on The Fish House, please make sure to follow the link above. 

Ciao Hound

When visiting the Keys, Italian food is most likely not on your radar. However, on the island of Islamorada there is one of the best Italian kitchens and bars that serves up some incredible flavors. Lobster ravioli, famous flatbread pizzas, and so much more to take your food experiences to the next level while on your Florida Keys vacation. The restaurant is family friendly with a laid back atmosphere, but also elegant enough for a romantic date night with your significant other. If you were looking for a great place to eat some authentic Italian cuisine and sip on some great wine that will melt your worries away, then this is the restaurant for you. Feel free to follow the link above to take a look at their full menu and book a reservation. 

Florida Keys Travel Guide
Click to read more

Our Airports

Book a great deal on multi-day airport parking. Compare prices, shuttle times and more at hundreds of facilities nationwide.

Our Monthly Parking

Looking for a great deal on monthly parking? You've come to the right place! We've done all the searching for you, and put together the best locations at the best rates. All you have to do is book it!