A scuba diver diving coral reefs. There is text on the image that reads, "Best things to do in Key Largo".

15 Best Things To Do in Key Largo According To Locals

ByJoseph Duff Hours

If you find yourself in Florida, you should definitely drop by Key Largo. It’s the first Florida Key – and longest of the Florida Keys – and it’s widely known to be the dive capital of the world. So, if you love diving and snorkeling, Key Largo is a must-stop destination.

A girl snorkeling under water with orange fish around here.
(Photo courtesy of Playa Largo Resort)

With that said, Key Largo offers way more than just diving. It’s also one of the best Florida Keys to go hiking, do some bird watching, and take a glass-bottom boat tour. Plus, it is also more affordable compared to the other islands in the Florida Keys.

A coastline with an airplane in the water.
(Photo courtesy of CN Traveler)

While each island in the Florida Keys has its own offerings, Key Largo is a must-see and it’s super accessible. In fact, if you land at Miami International Airport, Key Largo is less than an hour’s drive away! So, let’s not waste another second, let’s jump into the 15 best things to do in Key Largo!

1) Explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

You may be surprised to hear that Key Largo is home to the very first underwater park in America – the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The park was first established in 1963 and has a wide variety of marine life in the area. Also, for what it’s worth John Pennekamp Coral Reef is part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Fish swimming through coral.

If you visit the state park you can get a stunning view of life under the sea in a variety of different ways. They offer a glass-bottom boat tour at the park, but they also have scuba diving and snorkeling areas as well.

There are other fun ways to enjoy the park though including going kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. Plus there’s also a beach area where everyone can go for a relaxing swim.

Oh, and it’s worth noting that John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers a wide variety of dry activities too. There are short trails available for hiking and you can hang out in their picnic areas and eat lunch.

The Visitor Center has a theater that shows videos of the National Marine Sanctuary. The main attraction there though is the 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium where you can observe a wide variety of marine life. It’s definitely worth stopping in and checking out.

2) Dive and investigate the Spiegel Grove Wreck

If you love scuba diving, exploring the USS Spiegel Grove Wreck is a must when you are in Key Largo. The site of the wreckage is as large as two football fields giving divers a lot of room to explore the colorful coral reef and molasses reef in the area.

Scuba Jay holding up flags underwater in Key Largo.
Scuba Jay on the USS Spiegel Grove, her colors still flying.

There are also a lot of opportunities to interact with the many fishes that have turned the shipwreck into their home. If you’re lucky you might even be able to spot some barracudas while exploring Key Largo’s USS Spiegel Grove wreck.

There are also guided scuba tours available. So, if you want to make the most of it, you should definitely book one of those! Just make sure you make your arrangements early since the USS Spiegel Grove is not only one of the most popular Key Largo attractions, but it’s also a top sight to see in all of the Florida Keys in general.

3) Swim with dolphins at Dolphins Plus

Dolphins Plus is a worthy stop in Key Largo – especially if you have kids with you. Dolphins Plus gives you the once-in-a-lifetime experience of swimming and interacting with dolphins.

2 dolphins ascending out of water. There is a person in between them in the water.

However, if you don’t want to get wet, you can still have a dolphin encounter from a floating platform where you can get dolphin kisses and handshakes. There will be splashes but it’s bound to be minimal.

You can also get a tour and learn how the specialists in Dolphin Plus take care of the dolphins. There is also the Florida Keys Marine Invertebrate Experience where you can touch and observe certain marine invertebrates – such as sponges, starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins.

4) Spend the night underwater in Jules Undersea Lodge

In Key Largo, you can spend a night underwater in a very comfortable room. The catch is that you have to be a scuba diver to do so.

A living quarters with a window that looks out to water.

Jules Undersea Lodge is the only underwater hotel in the world where you actually have to scuba dive in a lagoon to get to your room. It is definitely the pride of Key Largo and Florida Keys when it comes to unique attractions.

Don’t have the time to spend the night? You can still enjoy this unique Key Largo experience for three hours. You can have a taste of their famous pizza, have a nap, view some coral reefs, and watch marine life in their natural environment through the underwater room’s huge windows.

You can also explore the lagoon itself while staying at the Jules Undersea Lodge. But this option is only allowed for certified divers.

5) Explore the Everglades National Park

Key Largo is very close to the Everglades National Park. The park is the largest subtropical wilderness in America, it’s a World Heritage Site, and it’s also an International Biosphere Reserve.

The sun setting over a body of water that has greenery growing out of it and around it.

Most of Everglades National Park consists of grasslands, swamps, and wetlands and it’s home to rare and endangered species like the Florida panther, American crocodile, and manatee. If you are lucky enough, you may even get to see them in their natural habitat.

You can go on a full-day kayak excursion with a guide to explore the Everglades National Park. There will be a brief orientation then you can choose between a single or double kayak and be out on the water all day and experience the thrill of spotting some crocodiles.

If crocodiles scare you and you don’t want to be in the water, you probably would be better off taking the tram tour. On it, you’ll explore the Shark Valley region of Everglades National Park. The tram tour lasts for two hours and you can even spot some wildlife on the way.

6) Harry Harris Park

If you want a great day on the beach where you can soak up the sun underneath the palm trees, then you should head to Harry Harris Park. The beach and park area is a great location for bonding with family and friends during a clear sunny day.

People playing in the water of a beach.

Although Harry Harris Park is a popular Key Largo Florida hangout, you might be surprised that when you’re there it never feels crowded at all. It has a relaxed and laid-back ambiance – especially on quiet days – and it gives you a private beach feel.

Also worth mentioning is that there’s a tidal pool at Harry Harris Park that kids can enjoy if they get tired of the beach. There is also a boat ramp in the area that divers and fishermen can use. The park comes with amenities like picnic tables, grills, showers, a ballpark, bike paths, and playgrounds.

7) Go On The African Queen Canal Cruise

The African Queen is an iconic steamboat in Key Largo that takes visitors on a sightseeing tour of the Port Largo canals and the Atlantic Ocean from Marina del Mar. The fully restored 1912 steamboat is the same one used in the 1951 film The African Queen, starring Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

A boat traveling through a channel of water.

The canal cruises run every day except for times when the steamboat is rented out for private occasions. The Key Largo African Queen boat ride lasts for an hour and a half and will take you down the Port Largo Canals until the Atlantic Ocean then it returns to the Marina Del Mar.

At first glance, the boat may not seem like much but its value lies in its history. After all, not everyone gets to ride a classic steamboat these days. This is why it is one of the most famous Key Largo attractions and the boat itself is considered an icon in the Florida Keys.

8) Hit The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

One of the fun things to do in Key Largo Florida is to check out the multi-use track in the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

A roadway that runs on top of a large body of water.

The track is created for fun and recreation and you can see people using the space for activities like walking, biking, jogging, skating, and many more.

The whole trail spans 90 miles, connecting Key Largo to Key West. Completing the trail lets you pass through Key Largo’s national parks so it is one of the coolest places to go sightseeing for free. The trail is particularly popular with cyclists because of its beautiful scenic views.

9) Explore Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

For nature lovers, hikers, bird watchers, and bikers, the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a worthy stop.

The area is home to 84 protected animal and plant species and you can get a chance to see them while exploring one of the park’s trails. John Pennekamp State Park is also home to one of the biggest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammocks in the country.

Worth noting is that most of the John Pennekamp State Park trails are paved so they are accessible for bikes and wheelchairs. The trails are also filled with signs to guide visitors and provide information. You can also take a guided tour where a ranger will lead you around the tropical hardwood forest of Key Largo.

10) Drop by the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

If you love birds and you are in Key Largo, you should definitely take a day trip to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. It’s just 7 miles away from the center of Key Largo and it’s within Key Largo’s mangrove forests.

A sign on the side of the road that says, "Florida Keys Wild Bird Center".

The center has two facilities. One is the animal hospital where all the rescued birds are. The second is the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. Just keep in mind that the animal hospital is off-limits to visitors so when you get there head to the bird sanctuary.

Oh, also something cool about the Laura Quinn Bird Sanctuary is that it houses more than 90 birds of different species like owls, hawks, vultures, herons, and pelicans. They also house birds that are unable to survive in the wild because of their injuries. You can read about their rescue stories in front of their enclosures.

While you’re there you might even get a chance to feed some of Key Largo’s birds and get a guided eco-tour from one of their friendly staff members. There are no entrance fees for this stop. Instead, the rehabilitation center welcomes donations.

11) Check out the local art at Kona Kai Resort and Gallery

If you are interested in the local art scene, the Kona Kai Resort is a worthy stop. Aside from having great accommodations for tourists, the Key Largo resort is also famous for its art gallery.

A dock leading out to a large body of water. The sun is setting and the sky is beautiful.

The gallery features different kinds of artwork by local artists. These artworks usually have a tropical life and nature theme so visitors find it a very relaxing and peaceful display.

Also worth noting is that the gallery features art from artists all over the world through various exhibits. The exhibits change from time to time so make sure to check their website to see which artists are being featured at the moment.

12) Visit the History of Diving Museum

Just a 20 minute drive from Key Largo is the History of Diving Museum. There’s a lot on display at the museum from historical diving machines, diving gear, and underwater photography, to even an aquarium that allows you to get a closer look at sea life.

The museum also has a popular interactive exhibit. The exhibit allows visitors to test how long they can hold their breath underwater.

Another popular attraction at the museum is the “Treasure Room”. In it, you’ll find the treasure collection of Art McKee, the father of modern treasure diving. You’ll also be able to take a look at some of the tools he used to excavate his treasure.

13) Grab a Drink At The Caribbean Club

The Carribean Club is one of the most legendary spots in the Florida Keys.

The outside of a building with an entry way that says, "World Famous Caribbean Club" on it.

The bar is known for its rich history, scenic views, and laid-back atmosphere, and it’s been a staple for both tourists and locals of Key Largo for decades.

If you’re a sucker for old-time movies you might even recognize the club. One of the bar’s claims to fame is that it served as a filming location for some of the scenes in the 1948 movie “Key Largo,” which starred Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

14) Have Some Indoor Fun at Kingdom Escape Games

If you are getting tired of all the underwater fun and nature hikes, Key Largo has a super fun indoor attraction that you can check out. Kingdom Escape Games is a castle filled with escape rooms that the entire family can enjoy.

Just make you book your “quest” ahead of time though since their opening and closing hours are totally random. Also, you’ll be asked to arrive 10 minutes before your booked time so that there will be enough time for check-in and briefing. Then, after you’re checked in you are free to go on your quest of finding clues and solving puzzles.

15) Visit Shell World And Get Some Souvenirs

If you’re the type of tourist who loves getting souvenirs from every destination you reach, Shell World is a great stop. As the name puts it, you can expect a lot of shell-based products crafted by locals.

The outside of a building. Written on the building are the words "Shell World".
(Photo courtesy of Expedia)

Aside from the shells, there are also a lot of nautical-themed souvenirs and aquatic items that you can get as well. Some of the stand-out items that you can get are preserved small sharks and dried coral reefs.

If you had a great time in Key Largo, getting a souvenir from Shell World is a great way to take a little bit of the tropical paradise home with you.

Final Thoughts On The Best Activities To Do In Key Largo

Well, there you have it. Those are all of the best things to do in Key Largo!

A bunch of motorboats in a large body of water.
(Photo courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo)

One day is certainly not enough time in Key Largo to do all of the things on the list – so, I hope you’ve got a few days set aside for this magical island. From water activities, nature trips, history, food, and more, there’s something for everyone here.

Someone scuba diving with orange fish around them.
(Photo courtesy of Bungalows Key Largo)

Once you experience the natural splendor and laid-back tropical vibes of Key Largo, you’ll understand why it’s a destination that people vacation in year after year.

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“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay

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