I have to start off by stating how truly blessed I am to live in such a beautiful state and city! If you’re in Miami and need ideas of things to do and see, check out my Things to do in Miami before Summer is Over post. Just a few hours drive south from Miami, you’ll find the Florida Keys!
Key Largo
The Florida Keys Overseas Highway is 113 miles long, starting at the Miami-Dade County line and ending in Key West. The first key is Key Largo. This is the key I visit the most often since it’s not too far of a drive for me and it’s home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater preserve. I absolutely adore exploring John Pennekamp. There’s so many activities to do there! I enjoy the snorkeling tours which (if you’re lucky) take their visitors to the Christ of the Abyss II.
It’s a mesmerizing underwater statue that you can swim up to and just immerse yourself in the marine life surrounding it. I would recommend going early on in summer or during the earlier hours of the day, since the area gets crowded around August when everyone takes their boats out to explore.
You can also rent paddle boards and kayaks at John Pennekamp, or just lounge by the beach and take in the sunshine. Before ending my day, I usually grab a late lunch at Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill which is a near by restaurant and sports bar.
Islamorada, Marathon & on
Islamorada is the next location and it’s known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World! Take a day trip to Robbies Marina in Islamorada to feed the Tarpons that anxiously await visitor treats. Once you head down south further you’ll find Marathon, which is famous for the Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest segmental bridges. You’ll also find The Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Here, you’ll get to interact with sea turtles and can donate to the center to help them continue their quest of helping these magnificent creatures. I just want to add, you don’t want to miss Florida Keys sunsets! Grab a glass of wine and just take in the views.
Key West
A few keys further and you’ve made it to Key West, the southernmost populated island in the Florida Key. It’s only 90 miles north of Cuba. In Key West you can enjoy beautiful architecture, visit Ernest Hemingway‘s home, and down a few drinks at the bars on Duval Street. Many cruise lines also make Key West a stop on their itinerary; it’s a wonderful place to explore and just enjoy the sights.
If you’re looking for more water sports, you can take a day trip or even camp out in Dry Tortugas National Park. Tourists can take a private charter plane or a ferry boat down to Dry Torugas; it’s no more than a few hours boat ride. While there, you can spend your time snorkeling, camping or just sightseeing and taking in the ocean breeze.
I just can’t get enough of all there is to do in the Florida Keys! It’s so vibrant and filled with so many water activities for the whole family.
