I often travel alone and again I was out for a month or two to cover some spots within Florida. But guess what? My family wanted to come along too lol. Getting going on a family trip requires a different level of energy, and you all can relate. Anyway, I started digging what are the best places to visit in the Florida Keys.
Since I have covered the most popular places in Florida, I knew exactly where my mom could breathe. And about staying in the Florida Keys? Well, they are ready to break the bank as well. I gave them a bunch of options but they chose to stay in luxury vacation rentals in Florida. Before I move forward, here’s a sneak peek of the best places to visit in the Florida Keys we covered.
- Duval Street
- Southernmost Point Buoy
- Big Pine Key
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
Table of Content
Best Places to Visit in the Florida Keys
When it comes to the Florida Keys, there’s no shortage of incredible spots to explore, including vacation rentals in Florida. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting many of them, and while every place has its charm, there are a few that have especially captured my heart. In this blog, I’m excited to share the 5 best places to visit in the Florida Keys.
Our adventurous trail begins in Key West on Duval Street and goes south to the famous Southernmost Point Buoy. After reaching the Southernmost Point, turn to north to Bahia Honda State Park by following the U. S. Route 1 North which is an arterial north-south highway. Keep going straight on US-1 N to Big Pine Key. Last, go back to Key West and rent a ferry or take a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. In a few minutes more, I will state what exactly we have done throughout our entire vacation trip.
1. Duval Street
I was super excited as our adventure began on July 29. We hopped into the car and drove to Key West, where the first stop was Duval Street. It’s like the heart of Key West, and boy, is it lively. You will see that this street with lots of colorful shops, fun people, and yummy food. We grabbed a slice of pizza at a place called Sloppy Joe’s, which was so tasty it felt like a party in my mouth. We also strolled through street performers and quirky art galleries.
You know what was the best part? We stayed at Hampton Inn Key West Fl, a pretty ocean-view hotel on Duval Street. Mom loved the ocean view, overall my mom gives Duval Street a big thumbs-up.
The Best Time to Visit Duval Street
The best time to visit the place is during evening time as this is when the street is highly active. I arrived at Duval Street in the afternoon. It was a great start of the trip since the street was full of energy and people.
Pro tips: The best way to go
If you’re thinking of driving, be aware that parking is scarce—consider walking or using public transportation to avoid the hassle.
2. Southernmost Point Buoy
Basically Duval Street to Southernmost Point Buoy – these are very close to each other, located in the same area of Key West. It’s a short walk of about 1 mile. We could have visited in one day if we wanted, but we went for relaxation, so we visited the Southernmost Point Buoy the next morning.
It’s a big colorful buoy that says you’re at the southern tip of the U.S. We took a bunch of silly pictures, and I was tired of trying to get my mom’s best model pose. We also chatted with other travelers who were just as excited about the spot. We then walked around Key West’s old town and had lunch at Blue Heaven, a quirky spot with chickens roaming around. The food was so good, that Mom even asked for the recipe.
The Best Time to Visit Southernmost Point Buoy
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit Southernmost Point Buoy. We visited the Southernmost Point Buoy early in the morning to avoid long lines for photos. It was a great decision. Getting a photo with the iconic buoy was a lot of fun, though the area was busy. Timing your visit to avoid peak times can make a big difference.
3. Big Pine Key
On July 31, we made our way to Big Pine Key. The drive from the Southernmost Point Buoy to Big Pine Key is approximately 30 miles (48 km) and takes about 40 minutes. It’s a quieter spot where you can see lots of wildlife, like tiny Key Deer. We took a leisurely bike ride around and enjoyed the scenic beauty of the island. At The No Name Pub, we had a BBQ with the best burgers, and the walls were covered in dollar bills signed by past patrons.
We stayed at one of the best hotels in Big Pine Key, unfortunately, I can’t remember the name, but there are many vacation rentals in the Big Pine Key, you can check and book according to your preference.
Big Pine Key is the most visited place in the Florida Keys, I will tell you what we did when we did. With the sun setting over the peaceful waters, we ended our third day feeling happy and excited for tomorrow.
The Best Time to Visit Big PIne Key
We explored Big Pine Key in the morning to enjoy wildlife spotting and a laid-back vibe. If you ask me what is the best time to visit Big Pine Key? The answer will be “early morning”.
Things to Do in Big Pine Key
1. National Key Deer Refuge
We start the day with a visit to the National Key Deer Refuge. I drive through and stop at observation points to spot the endangered Key deer and enjoy the natural scenery.
2. Blue Hole
We head over to the Blue Hole, a freshwater lake in the refuge. It’s a good spot to see various wildlife, including alligators and birds. We take a leisurely walk around and enjoy the surroundings.
3. Looe Key Reef
I make my way to Looe Key Reef for some snorkeling or diving. I arrange this activity in advance, as it typically requires a boat trip. I spend a couple of hours exploring the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
4. Kayaking Adventure
After lunch, we rent a kayak from Big Pine Kayak Adventures and explore the waters around Big Pine Key. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and spot more wildlife.Truly speaking my mom was super excited for kayaking.
5. Old Wooden Bridge
I visit the Old Wooden Bridge, a historic landmark and a great spot for photos, especially as the sun starts to set.
6. Sunset Viewing
We find a good spot to watch the sunset. We return to the old wooden bridge.
4. Bahia Honda State Park
The distance between Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park is about 23 miles (37km) with a drive time of approximately 30 minutes. But on the last day, we did not feel like going around, roaming all the places of Big Pine Key, so we could not go to the Bahia Honda State Park which is one of the prime attractions on the island. So The next day, we woke up early to head to a place we had chosen for the day which was Bahia Honda State Park.
It is so vast and appears to be like a big, sandy playpen. In the morning we swam in the clear blue water. The beach was so clean and the sand was so powdery like walking on powdered sugar. Some of the park’s scenic trails were also shown and I was able to pick lovely birds within the area. For lunch, we actually sat down for a picnic of sandwiches from Mom. Mom even told me that it is the perfect place to relax.
The Best Time to Visit Bahia Honda State Park
The best time to visit Bahia Honda State Park is early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Things To Do in Bahia Honda State Park
1. Beaches
We both enjoyed relaxing on the beautiful beaches, particularly Loggerhead Beach and Sandspur Beach. They were perfect for unwinding, swimming, and snorkeling. My mom and I had a great time soaking up the sun.
3. Snorkeling
We took advantage of the snorkeling opportunities and rented equipment. It was exciting to explore the underwater world, and my mom said it was a great part of our trip. Despite some weather challenges, we managed to make the most of it.
5. Hiking and Trails
On the Overseas Railroad Trail, we hiked and biked, exploring historical remnants of the old Florida East Coast Railway and enjoying scenic coastal views. On the Old Highway Trail, we walked. Both trails offered a blend of outdoor recreation and historical exploration.
4. Kayaking
Again my mom’s excitement for kayaking. We rented kayaks and paddled around, although the water was a bit chilly at times. Despite the cool temperatures, we both found it enjoyable.
5. Dry Tortugas National Park
The next adventure was on August 2nd. First, we came to Key West from Bahia Honda State Park, which took about 30 minutes because it was about 23 miles. Then, there were 2 options – Ferry or Seaplane from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park. We choose Seaplanes, like those operated by Key West Seaplane Adventures, which take about 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Then we took a boat ride to Dry Tortugas National Park, which is one of the most popular places in Florida. It’s a beautiful, remote place with an old fort and lots of cool birds. The snorkeling was amazing with colorful coral reefs and fish, which I loved. Mom decided to stay on the boat and enjoy the view from there while I snorkeled. We had to pack our own snacks because there’s not much food there, but the adventure made up for it. The boat ride was a bit bumpy, so I held onto Mom’s hand tight.
By the way, I must mention our stay at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Beach House Key West. Staying at this hotel was our last night of the trip in the Florida Keys and it upped the last-night experience to the next level.
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park
The best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is early in the morning, as it allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures and avoid midday crowds.
Pro Tips: Be sure to check out any ranger-led programs or educational talks that may be available during your visit. They provide insight into the park’s natural and historical significance.
Now, If you asked me which places in Florida I prefer to visit again and again, I would not hesitate to point to the Florida Keys area in the southern part of Florida and some areas in the eastern part of Florida with attractions like Palm Beach Sightseeing Boat Tours, Cocoa Beach Sightseeing and Cape Coral Sightseeing trip.
Conclusion
So, that’s it. I am glad that I planned my vacation to the Florida Keys because it was awesome, and now you know all that you need to know to go check out on the beautiful and appealing places to visit in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re looking for adventure, family fun, or just some great spots for photos, my blog has you covered. I hope my experiences help you have the best vacation ever in the Florida Keys.
FAQs
The best time to visit the Florida Keys is from December to March
The “Seven Keys” in Florida refer to a group of islands in the Florida Keys. Here are the seven notable keys included in this grouping:
- Key Largo
- Islamorada
- Marathon
- Big Pine Key
- Key West
- Sugarloaf Key
- Little Torch Key
The Florida Keys are famous for their stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, scenic drives, and relaxed island atmosphere.
When planning a trip to the Florida Keys, it is advised to avoid traveling from mid-year through November, as this period is prone to hurricane formation.
Yes, traveling alone to Florida can be safe if you stay in well-populated areas and follow local safety guidelines.
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