On March 5th this year, we headed to the Florida Keys for a family vacation. We chose this month for its pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower costs compared to the peak winter months. When planning a visit to the Florida Keys, make sure to experience the best things to do in the Florida Keys—otherwise, your trip might not feel complete. 

We spent a total of 13 days in the Florida Keys. Before we left, we created a detailed vacation road map to ensure a hassle-free tour and make the most of our trip. 

Today, I’ll take you through each day of our trip, sharing what we did, where we ate, what we did, where we ate, and where we stayed—including the luxury vacation rentals in the Florida Keys we chose, which places we loved, which ones didn’t meet our expectations, and which spots are truly worth a visit.

10 Best things to do in the Florida keys

If I had to describe my Florida Keys vacation in one line, I’d say, Our Florida Keys vacation was a blast. Here’s a quick rundown of the top 10 highlights from our family vacation:

  1. Key Largo and Tavernier
  2. Plantation Key and Long Key
  3. Duck Key and Conch Key
  4. Grassy Key and Marathon
  5. Big Pine Key
  6. Sugarloaf Key and Lower Sugarloaf Key
  7. Summerland Key and Geiger Key
  8. Shark Key Bridge and Key West
  9. Key West – Old Town
  10. Skydive Key West

From serene spots to high-flying fun, the Keys had something amazing for everyone. So, let’s dive in!

1. Key Largo and Tavernier

Our family kicked off our Florida Keys adventure on March 5th, and Key Largo was the perfect place to start. With sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back vibe, we knew we were in for a treat.

Key Largo - Discovering Nature's Wonders

We booked a lovely little spot at The Pelican Key Largo Cottages, which was perfect for our family. It was cozy, close to all the key attractions, and had a charming, tropical vibe that set the mood for our adventure.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Doc’s Diner. The kids devoured their pancakes, while I couldn’t get enough of the crispy bacon—it was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring!

Our first stop was John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, just a 5-minute drive from our cottage. This place is amazing! My family and I snorkeled in the coral reefs, where we spotted colorful fish swimming by. The kids were in awe, and honestly, so was I. If you’re seeking adventurous things to do in Florida, snorkeling in these reefs is an unforgettable experience.

From there, we made our way to the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, about a 15-minute drive. While we didn’t see any crocodiles, we did get to spot some fascinating birds. The kids were all about trying to “birdwatch,” and it was a fun, educational stop. For families seeking kid-friendly activities in South Florida, this spot offers the perfect opportunity to explore nature and create unforgettable memories together.

Next up was Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, just 12 minutes away. This was a shaded, easy hike, which was a relief after the heat. The park is full of unique plants and trees, and it was a great way for the family to get closer to nature.

After working up an appetite, we grabbed lunch at Hobo’s Café. Their seafood platter was to die for, and even the kids enjoyed it. We then drove to Anglers Park, only 10 minutes from the café, where we strolled along the water and watched boats sail by.

To wrap up our day, we hit Cannon Beach and Rowell’s Waterfront Park. Both were within 10 minutes of each other and gave us the perfect spots to watch the sun go down. We took in the stunning sunset as a family, and it was a beautiful end to Day 1 in Key Largo.

Top Spots in Key Largo

On Day 2, after a light breakfast, we drove to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, about 20 minutes away. We walked through ancient fossilized coral reefs, and it felt like walking through time—something even the kids thought was cool.

From there, we made our way to Founders Park, just 5 miles down the road. It was a perfect family spot! The kids splashed in the pool, and we even wandered around the marina. It’s a nice break if you need some downtime in your itinerary.

Lunch was at Island Grill, which was just next to the park. Their fish tacos were incredible, and the kids enjoyed their chicken fingers. With full bellies, we headed to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary, just a 10-minute drive away. We spent time watching the rescued birds, and the kids were so excited to see them up close.

Next, we ventured to Islamorada, about 5 minutes away. The laid-back, artsy vibe of this town had us browsing art galleries and enjoying some beach time.

Our final big stop of the day was the Theater of the Sea, just 12 minutes from Islamorada. This was hands down the highlight of Day 2 for the kids! They loved seeing the dolphins and sea lions perform, and it felt personal and intimate compared to larger parks.

We wrapped up the day by stopping at the Key History and Discovery Center in Islamorada. It gave us a peek into the fascinating history of the Florida Keys, and it’s a great stop if you have curious kids who love learning new things.

Based on our family trip to Key Largo, we found plenty of hotels that met all our needs, such as The Pelican Key Largo Cottages, Bayside Inn Key Largo, Coconut Bay Resort Key Largo, and Largo Resort.

For a more familiar experience, the Hampton Inn Key Largo Manatee Bay also offers excellent accommodations. Whichever hotel you choose, you’ll have easy access to explore the best nearby attractions and top spots in the area.

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Coconut Bay Resort
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Call +18883550343 to book your hotel in Key Largo
Tavernier in the Florida keys

Our third day was a half-day adventure in Tavernier, just a 10-minute drive from Islamorada. We visited Harry Harris Beach and Park, which was the perfect place to relax after two days of action-packed fun.

The kids swam in the lagoon, played in the sand, and we spent some quality family time under the shade of palm trees. It was a peaceful and relaxing way to round out our Key Largo and Tavernier experience.

2. Plantation Key and Long Key

After saying goodbye to Key Largo, we headed south to Plantation Key, which is only a short 10-15 minute drive from Key Largo. We spent about 2-3 hours exploring Plantation Key, known for its scenic views and great fishing spots.

My family and I tried our hand at fishing again, and the kids were thrilled to catch their first fish! It was a peaceful, low-key start to the day. We brought along snacks and some sandwiches from a local deli, making for a perfect mini-picnic by the water.

We chose to stay in Islamorada, just a short drive away from Plantation Key. This area had some fantastic family-friendly accommodations with ocean views and easy access to the surrounding keys. Having visited Cape Coral Florida, not long before this trip, I couldn’t help but compare the laid-back atmosphere of both locations. Both places offered wonderful waterfront experiences, though the Keys had that unique tropical vibe that made it special.

After Plantation Key, we hit the road for Long Key, which is about a 20-minute drive further south. Our main stop was Long Key State Park—a beautiful spot with hiking trails, kayaking, and beach relaxation. We spent a total of 3-4 hours exploring this natural wonder. The kids loved the kayaking experience, and we even spotted some unique birds while walking the trails.

After working up an appetite, we grabbed dinner at Lazy Days Restaurant in Islamorada, just a short drive from Long Key. Their fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere were perfect after a day in the sun. The kids went crazy for their fish tacos, and we enjoyed the waterfront view.

3. Duck Key and Conch Key

The following day, we set out for Duck Key, about a 30-minute drive from Long Key. We spent most of the day at Sea Forever at Vaca Cove, enjoying water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding. We were lucky enough to snag a spot by the pool, and it was pure paradise for 3-5 hours. The resort was perfect for families, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained while we relaxed.

We had lunch at Hawks Cay Resort, where the poolside café served up delicious bites. Their burgers and tropical smoothies hit the spot!

After Duck Key, we made a quick drive (just 10 minutes) over to Conch Key. This small, charming key didn’t take much time to explore—we spent about 1-2 hours driving through, admiring the quaint houses, and taking in the beautiful surroundings. It’s a peaceful place, ideal for a relaxing family drive and some great photos.

4. Grassy Key and Marathon

On Day 6, we headed to Grassy Key, about a 15-minute drive from Conch Key. The highlight here was our visit to the Turtle Hospital, a must-see for families. We spent about 2-3 hours on a guided tour, learning about the sea turtles being rehabilitated. The kids were captivated, and we all left feeling inspired by the hospital’s mission to help these amazing creatures.

Next up, we drove about 10 minutes to Marathon, where we planned to spend the rest of the day. Our first stop was Sombrero Beach, one of the most family-friendly beaches in the area. We spent about 2-4 hours swimming, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. The clear, shallow waters were perfect for the kids to safely splash around.

After a beach day, we couldn’t miss the chance to drive across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. It’s one of those “must-do” experiences in the Florida Keys, and we took our time—driving slowly to enjoy the incredible views and stopping for photos at one of the lookout points. The entire experience took us about 1-2 hours.

We ended the day with a casual dinner at Florida Keys Country Club in Marathon, where we also took a quick look at their golf course. The kids had fun trying out the mini-golf course while we enjoyed a relaxing evening.

Finally, we made our way to Sunset Park for a stunning end to our day. We spent about 1-2 hours here, watching the sun dip below the horizon. It was the perfect way to close out our adventure-packed day in the Florida Keys.

5. Big Pine Key

We started Day 7 with an early morning drive to Big Pine Key, which was about a 30-minute drive from our accommodation in Marathon. Big Pine Key is renowned for its lush wildlife and peaceful atmosphere.

Our first stop was Big Pine Key RV Park. It’s a great spot for camping or RV travelers, but since we weren’t staying here, we spent 1-2 hours relaxing and exploring the grounds. The kids loved walking around and seeing the different RV setups, imagining what it would be like to camp here.

Next, we ventured into the National Key Deer Refuge, which was just a 10-minute drive from the RV Park. We spent 2-3 hours hiking through the trails, with the highlight being the rare sight of the endangered Key deer. They were so gentle, and we made sure to take lots of photos. The refuge also offers plenty of bird-watching opportunities, so bring your binoculars if you’re a nature lover.

For lunch, we stopped by No Name Pub, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the area, located just 5 minutes from the National Key Deer Refuge. Their pizza is amazing, and we couldn’t resist the fun atmosphere, with dollar bills lining the walls.

6. Sugarloaf Key and Lower Sugarloaf Key

On Day 8, we set out for Sugarloaf Key, about a 20-minute drive from Big Pine Key. We spent 2-3 hours enjoying Sugarloaf Beach, a quiet and secluded spot perfect for a relaxing family day. The kids swam in the shallow waters while we soaked up the scenic beauty.

Afterward, we took a short 10-minute drive to Lower Sugarloaf Key. This was more of a quick drive-through stop for us—about 1-2 hours just to take in the beautiful views and stop for some family photos.

Next, we explored Big Torch Key, Middle Torch Key, and Ramrod Key, which are located close together. It took us around 3-4 hours to explore all three keys. These areas are more remote, and we found them to be less populated, making for a peaceful drive and time to reconnect with nature.

Our final stop for the day was Cudjoe Key, about a 10-minute drive from Ramrod Key. We spent 1-2 hours here, doing a scenic drive and enjoying some light water activities like paddleboarding.

7. Summerland Key and Geiger Key

On Day 9, we started at Summerland Key, about a 15-minute drive from Cudjoe Key. We spent 2 hours exploring the area, mostly walking around the scenic waterfront. It’s a quiet key, perfect for nature lovers who want to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Next, we headed to Geiger Key, about a 10-minute drive from Summerland. We spent 1-2 hours here, enjoying the outdoor scenery. We even stopped at the Geiger Key Marina & Smokehouse, where we had a fantastic meal—fresh seafood and cold drinks in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

That night, we stayed at Ocean’s Edge Key West Hotel & Marina on Stock Island, just 20 minutes from Geiger Key. This luxurious resort offered stunning ocean views, and the kids loved the large pool area.

As we relaxed by the pool, we fondly recalled our Destin evening tour, which beautifully showcased the area’s vibrant nightlife and breathtaking scenery after sunset. By the way, Destin is highly recommended for enjoying nightlife

8. Shark Key Bridge and Key West

Day 10 was filled with excitement as we crossed the Shark Key Bridge, just 5 minutes from Stock Island. We spent about 1 hour stopping to take pictures and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding waters, which reminded us of the breathtaking sightseeing cruise of Biscayne Bay we had taken earlier in the trip.

Next, we arrived in Key West – New Town, where we spent 2-3 hours shopping, dining, and walking along the waterfront. It was a more modern area, filled with boutique shops and casual restaurants. We grabbed lunch at Hogfish Bar & Grill, a popular spot on Stock Island, before heading back to our hotel.

9. Key West - Old Town

Day 11 was dedicated entirely to Old Town Key West, about 15 minutes from New Town. We started at the Truman Little White House, where we spent about 1-2 hours learning about the history of President Truman’s Winter White House. The guided tour was informative and interesting, especially for history buffs.

Next, we visited The Hemingway Home and Museum, spending another 1-2 hours touring the famous writer’s former residence. The kids loved seeing the six-toed cats that roam the grounds.

We spent our afternoon at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, where we explored the fort and spent time relaxing at the beach for about 2-4 hours. It’s one of the best beaches in Key West, and we highly recommend packing a picnic to enjoy by the shore.
Reflecting on our adventures in the Keys, I couldn’t help but think about how city sightseeing in Miami offers a completely different experience. While Miami buzzes with urban energy and vibrant nightlife, Old Town Key West provides a charming escape into history and culture, blending relaxation with exploration.

10. Skydive Key West

On our final day, we went for an adventure-filled morning at Skydive Key West. The experience took about 3-4 hours, and while only a couple of us were brave enough to jump, it was an unforgettable experience.

Afterward, we made a quick stop at Fleming Key for about 1-2 hours. It was a peaceful way to wind down after the adrenaline rush. Lastly, we spent our afternoon exploring Stock Island, Dredgers Key, and Sigsbee RV Park, spending about 2-3 hours in total. These were quiet, scenic areas, perfect for our final few hours of relaxation before heading back.

As we finished our Florida adventure, we had our last meal at Salute. On the Beach, where we enjoyed tasty pasta dishes and celebrated the wonderful family memories we made. After that meal, we thought about how nice it would be to visit Venice Florida. Its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities would be perfect for a family getaway, so we started planning our next trip!

Conclusion

Our Florida Keys adventure from March 5th was a spectacular 12-day journey. We began in Key Largo, exploring parks and beaches, then relaxed in Tavernier. In Plantation Key and Long Key, we enjoyed scenic views and outdoor activities. Duck Key and Conch Key offered resort fun and charming drives, while Grassy Key and Marathon treated us to turtle tours and beach relaxation.

Big Pine Key’s Key Deer Refuge was a highlight, followed by scenic drives through Sugarloaf Key and surrounding areas. Our final days in Key West were filled with cultural exploration, historic sites, and thrilling skydives. This trip showcased the best things to do in the Florida Keys, blending nature, adventure, and family fun.

FAQs

Key Largo highlights include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, and Anglers Park. Don’t miss Cannon Beach and Rowell’s Waterfront Park.

Plan for about 2–3 hours in Plantation Key for scenic views and fishing. In Long Key, you should spend 3–4 hours exploring Long Key State Park for hiking, kayaking, and beach relaxation.

At Duck Key, enjoy around 3–5 hours at Sea Forever at Vaca Cove for resort fun or water activities. Conch Key is best explored in 1–2 hours for a quick scenic drive and its charm.

Spend 1–2 hours exploring or relaxing at Big Pine Key RV Park. Allocate 2–3 hours to hike and spot Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge.

Visit Shark Key Bridge for scenic views (1 hour), explore Key West – New Town for shopping and dining (2–3 hours), and immerse in Key West – Old Town’s historic sites like Truman Little White House, Hemingway Home and Museum, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, and Fort East Martello Museum (6–8 hours total).

Plan your itinerary to include a mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Book accommodations and activities in advance to ensure you experience the best things to do in each key and make the most of your trip.

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Margaret C. Jones

Margaret C. Jones, a passionate explorer of North America, captivates readers with her vivid tales on Travelarii’s blog. With a keen eye for hidden gems and local culture, Margaret offers expert advice and unique insights to enhance your travel experience. Her stories bring the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of North America to life, inspiring readers to embark on their own adventures.

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