Florida Keys Florida, USA Travel Guide
If time is very limited, focus on West's most iconic experiences. Arrive and check into your Old Town accommodation. Walk to Duval Street and explore its shops and historic buildings.
Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Later, walk or cycle to the Southernmost Point Buoy for a photo opportunity. Have dinner at a local restaurant and experience the live music scene on Duval Street.
Tailored plans for various trip durations, from quick getaways to immersive explorations.
This plan mainly focuses on West, allowing for exploration of its charm. Day 1: Explore Old Town on foot or by bicycle. Visit Hemingway Home, West Lighthouse, and Southernmost Point. End with the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, dinner, and live music on Duval Street.
This itinerary allows for discovery of the diverse character of the entire Florida Keys chain. Days 1-2 (Upper Keys): Arrive at FLL/MIA, rent a car, drive to Largo. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (snorkeling/diving), Dagny Johnson Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. Islamorada: History of Diving Museum, Robbie's Marina (tarpon feeding).
Days 3-4 (Middle Keys): Marathon: Dolphin Research Center, The Turtle Hospital. Walk/cycle Seven Mile Bridge. Day 4: Bahia Honda State Park, National Deer Refuge. Days 5-7 (Lower Keys - West): West: Ernest Hemingway Home, Lighthouse, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square Sunset. Water activity (snorkel/dive/Dry Tortugas), Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. Day 7: Final West breakfast, museum/gallery, depart.
Combine the one-week Keys itinerary with an extension to Everglades National Park (2-3 days) and/or Miami/South Florida (3-4 days). This has a exploration of each area and more time for specific activities like multiple dive trips, fishing excursions, or simply more relaxation.
Consider renting a vacation home or condo in a specific for a month or longer. Marathon has a central location for accessing various Keys. Big Pine offers quiet nature immersion. This allows for a slower pace, integration into local life, and discovery of lesser-known spots at your leisure.
Ideal for extended stays and a home-like experience.
Marathon is good for exploring different Keys.
Big Pine for a tranquil, natural setting.
Tailor your itinerary to your specific passions, from history to culinary delights and adventure.
Concentrate your time on West. Dedicate days to the Ernest Hemingway Home, West Shipwreck Museum, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Custom House, and Fort Zachary Taylor. Wander through West Cemetery and explore Old Town's architecture.
Focus heavily on West for its diverse dining scene and food tours. Seek out local seafood shacks throughout the Keys for authentic tastes. Participate in "cook your catch" experiences with fishing charters. Look for happy hour specials and local markets.
Prioritize Largo for world-class diving and snorkeling (John Pennekamp). Head to Islamorada for sportfishing. Marathon has a range of water sports. Bahia Honda State Park offers exceptional beach activities and snorkeling. Kayaking in mangrove tunnels is a must throughout the Keys.
Include visits to The Turtle Hospital (Marathon), Dolphin Research Center (Marathon), and the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park. Take a glass-bottom boat tour at Pennekamp. Explore West by bicycle or take the Conch Tour Train. Visit the West Aquarium.
Focus on West Old Town for its unique Conch architecture and numerous art galleries. Explore the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District in Islamorada for a growing scene of galleries and studios. Discover local artists and street art.
Adjust your travel style to match your budget, from backpacking to luxury experiences.
Stay in hostels in West or budget motels/campgrounds in other Keys. Cook meals from grocery stores to save money on dining. Utilize the free Duval Loop bus and bicycle rentals in West for transportation. Focus on free attractions like beaches, sunset celebrations, and walking tours. Limit paid tours.
Stay in mid-range hotels or guesthouses. Enjoy a mix of casual and sit-down dining. A rental car offers flexibility for exploring. Select 2-3 paid tours or attractions that interest you (e.g., a snorkel trip, the Hemingway House).
Indulge in high-end resorts and fine dining. Arrange private charters for fishing or diving excursions. Consider a seaplane trip to Dry Tortugas for an exclusive experience. Enjoy spa treatments and luxury amenities.
Travel in the low season (summer) for significantly lower prices. Stay in the Upper or Middle Keys where accommodations are generally more affordable, and make day trips to West. Take advantage of happy hours for dining deals.
Different seasons present unique experiences in the Florida Keys. Summer (wet season) offers warmer water, lower prices, and fewer crowds, but with afternoon rain. Winter (dry season) features ideal weather, but expect higher prices and larger crowds.
