Just an hour from the bustling streets of Miami, a laid-back island escape awaits.
Just an hour south of bustle about Miami sits a tropical pip that feels a man aside — yet does n’t command a passport . The Caribbean - esque Florida Keys are a vacation destination for people from all over , but Miami local are lucky to have all that beauty and tropic experience right in our backyard .
Key Largo is an peculiarly bang-up weekend pickup thanks to its place as the northmost island in the string of Keys and therefore its close law of proximity from South Florida and the Miami International Airport . Home to tropic hardwoods , winding creeks , two country parks , a interior park , and a part of a interior leatherneck sanctuary , Key Largo boasts some of the most fascinating botanical scene in the country .
Once a tranquil seaport for scuba plunger and snorkel enthusiasts , Key Largo has transformed into a vivacious destination that caters to a divers stove of interests , include water sports , nightlife , culinary delight , and of course of instruction , some of the most breathtakingoutdoor experiences in Florida .
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park|Photo courtesy of Visit Florida
Once you escape feverish Miami and hit the route , you ’ll be on the scenic Overseas Highway , one of themost scenic drivesin the area and your passport to an island getaway .
Travel time:
1 hour from Miami by car1 hour and 15 Min from Miami International Airport via Keys Shuttle
If you don’t do anything else: Visit the country’s first underwater state park
Known for its unspoiled natural beauty , John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park , is the epitome of maritime biodiversity cover 70 nautical substantial miles . The star of the show is undoubtedly the park ’s coral reef ecosystem , home to the Christ of the Abyss , an iconic subaquatic bronze statue depicting Jesus Christ with outstretched weaponry that serve as a popular destination for divers .
The park ’s lechatelierite - cleared waters offer splendid profile for snorkeling and kayak but if you ’d rather stay dry , you’re able to opt for a glass - bottom boat tour . Above the waterline , you ’ll determine tropic hardwood hammocks , mangrove swampland , and coastal strand wood .
The ballpark ’s educational exhibit and interactive displays provide valuable insight into the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems . And if you ’re up for something wholly one - of - a - kind , arrest out the annual Pennekamp Underwater Music Festival in July , where musicians dive in wearing scuba gear and jam out underwater while diddle their instrument .
Fill your days:
Outdoor activities in Key Largo
Key Largo ’s best plus is its buffet of outdoor adventure . you could spend the morning paddle embarkation through the plush mangrove tunnels or fishing the backcountry urine for snook , redfish , tarpon , and Albula vulpes , and be hike up inJohnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Parkby the afternoon .
If kicking back is more your style , the Caribbean - style beach are sure to wow you . AtJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Beach , sandlike shores meet rocky alcoves that are perfect for picnics . Do n’t missCannon Beach , also nestled in John Pennekamp , where an honest-to-goodness carom plays defender to the shoring , inviting you to turn off your phone notifications and enjoy the view .
Founders Park Beachin Islamorada is a hidden gem . In this area , you may float at a put - back sand bar withIslander Girl Tours , a local mother - daughter duo that know the waters like the back of their hands , while sipping on the mathematical group ’s touch rum punch .
Christ of the Abyss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park|Photo courtesy of Florida State Parks
Nightlife in Key Largo
Some island lam offer bumping clubs where you could trip the light fantastic the night away . But Key Largo does n’t want you to leave behind its sensational shoreline for a second , so the outdoor activity persist in into the nighttime hours .
Nothing flap a sunset sail with unparalleled views of the area ’s vibrant water . Companies likeCaribbean Watersports , Playa Largo ’s on - site excursion wheeler dealer , offer a Carolina Moon Catamaran Sail where they take charge of the drive and serve mimosas and a cheese and sweet yield platter .
And allow ’s not forget the simple pleasures of Key Largo nights . Evening kayak enlistment will have you coast along peaceable weewee . The tranquil ambience is also pure for stargazing , so lapse your toe into the Baroness Dudevant and rent the wafture and twinkle genius soothe you . You wo n’t need to remind up ocean wave sounds here , you ’ll get the real pile .
Photo by Patrick Farrell
Ca n’t sleep without dancing the night away?Coconuts Restaurant & Night Clubis your go - to spot . At night , the popular seafood restaurant transforms into a dance party so , when the sun sets here , your escapade is just beginning .
Eat, drink, and sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Key Largo
The island vibes continue on the solid food front in Key Largo , where you ’ll determine seafood , tropical cocktails , and the island ’s namesake sweet .
Make your way of life toMarker 88 . A mainstay since 1967 , the restaurant offers handcrafted cocktails , local brews , and an all-embracing menu that shows off the fresh seafood , make this a complete position to enjoy the sight properly after a morning of snorkeling . Conch and other fish are staple fiber of Key Largo cooking , and there ’s no effective plaza to try it thanThe Fish Housewhere the menu compensate signature chowders , fried fish , and daily stop .
For a dining experience like no other , check outSol by the Sea . The seafood restaurant offer body of water tabular array dining , where you ’ll sit at a board that ’s literally at the water ’s boundary . With your toes in the warm tropic waters , you ’ll feast on Caribbean - inspired lulu with unpaired view as the backdrop .
Photo courtesy of Sol by the Sea
For laid - back drink , Snook ’s Bayside Restaurant and Grand Tiki Baris the spot . With alive music and an enticing boozing menu , it ’s a party all the prison term . And , of course , you ca n’t leave the Keys without attempt to iconic Key Lime Pie at theBlond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory .
Where to stay in Key Largo
Situated on the historical ground of a former Ananas comosus plantation , Playa Largo Resort & Spacaptures the easygoing vibration of the Florida Keys with a playful beach - chic design . The private beach area is a rightful cut of paradise , while the Ocean Spa offers a variety of treatments to whisk you away from the external world , complete with champagne treatment when you finish your massage .
Photo courtesy of Playa Largo Resort & Spa
