Final Up to date
When most People consider jetting off to a tropical paradise, they most likely consider locations like Jamaica, Cancun, or The Bahamas. However do you know there's a gorgeous tropical vacation spot near residence that you just don’t have to pack your passport for?
For People itching to get a style of the tropics with out leaving the nation, they don’t need to look far, as the proper vacation spot lies inside simple attain — The Florida Keys ????.
![Footbridge on beach over sand](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Footbridge-on-beach-over-sand.jpg.webp)
Combining a number of unimaginable locations in a single, The Florida Keys deserves a high spot in your journey bucket listing.
From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are countless alternatives to make your tropical goals come true in The Florida Keys.
The Good Florida Keys Itinerary
There are such a lot of unimaginable locations to remain when visiting the Keys it may be troublesome to select one. The straightforward answer to that is, in fact, to select all of them! There's something in The Keys for everybody, and each Secret's value trying out.
It’s additionally extremely simple to see every thing The Florida Keys has to supply with out breaking the financial institution.
For the final word Keys journey, we extremely counsel flying into Miami, renting a automotive, and road-tripping by The Keys. Better of all, there’s no have to make the trek again to Miami when the holiday sadly involves an finish. Merely drop your rental automotive off at Key West Worldwide Airport and fly residence from there!
![Beach in Key Largo](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Beach-in-Key-Largo.jpg.webp)
Key Largo & Islamorada
The primary cease in your journey might be Key Largo, probably the greatest locations to name residence for a number of nights on a journey by the Keys.
For an ideal spot to name residence base, you may’t go unsuitable by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.
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@traveloffpath Reefhouse Resort & Marina – The proper residence base to discover Key Largo???? #floridakeys #onlyinthekeys #keylargo #florida #travellife #traveloffpath #summervibes #traveling ♬ Me gustas tú – Tbp????????????
The resort is central to Key Largo’s high sights, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has lots to do on the property, with an incredible pool, a personal seaside, and scrumptious meals. Plus, you’re only some minutes away from Islamorada, which means you may expertise 2 Keys in a single throughout a keep on the Reefhouse Resort.
One of many high issues to do in Key Largo (and the remainder of the Keys for that matter) is to go diving or snorkeling. Don’t fear in the event you forgot your masks; the Reefhouse Resort & Marina has a dive store proper on web site!
Get Underwater
Talking of diving, don’t let your self go on the chance to get underwater whereas in Key Largo. This space is residence to among the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling spots within the U.S. and isn't to be missed!
You probably have by no means tried scuba diving and wish to be taught, there is no such thing as a place higher. If you're already licensed, you'll love attending to discover the distinctive underwater panorama the Keys supplies.
The typical depth when diving within the keys doesn’t sometimes transcend 30 toes or so, which means you’ll be capable to spend loads of time on the underside saying howdy to sting rays and turtles.
Should you’re questioning the place to strive diving, give Horizon Divers a name and inform them what you're in search of. You possibly can simply get your self on a morning 2-tank dive to discover the shallow reefs and shipwrecks within the Higher Keys Nationwide Sanctuary, and also you’re assured to have time.
@traveloffpath There’s a lot extra to see underwater in The Keys! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel ♬ Explore The World 2.0 – Brainheart & Sis
Don’t Neglect To Eat
You'll not go hungry within the Keys. There are such a lot of unimaginable locations to seize a chunk to eat that we may write a novel itemizing all of them out. Nonetheless, there are a number of that you just undoubtedly shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has probably the greatest locations to seize a chunk, the well-known Fish House.
The Fish Home has domestically sourced seafood that's to die for, all served in a unusual “keys-style” restaurant. Simply give them a go to and also you’ll see what we imply. That is the proper spot to seize lunch after a morning dive and it ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of must-dos.
Plus, there are many alternatives to seize some photographs with family and friends.
@traveloffpath Finest spot for an after-dive lunch within the Keys. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel #foo ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
An Night In Islamorada
If you're staying on the Reefhouse or someplace close by, make sure you schedule a day/night to go to Islamorada. That is the Key immediately beneath Key Largo and is shut sufficient that you may test it out with out having to swap motels.
There are 2 belongings you undoubtedly want so as to add to your listing of must-dos in Islamorada, and each are scrumptious.
Firstly, no go to to the Keys is full with out spending a while at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. As you may think about, house is a prized commodity within the Keys, which is a part of what makes this brewery so particular.
The Florida Keys Brewing Firm brews all of their beer proper on-site and is without doubt one of the solely native breweries that may actually say their beer is made proper within the Keys.
@traveloffpath It’s not possible to not have time right here! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #beer ♬ Don't Stop Me Now – Remastered 2011 – Queen
Apart from how unimaginable the beer is, the property itself is eclectic and welcoming. Everybody you meet might be pleasant and good, and also you’ll be surrounded by unimaginable paintings, superb beer, and a welcoming vibe.
After a beer or two, you’ll really feel like a daily and doubtless begin considering a transfer to the Keys ????.
After a tour of the brewery, head proper throughout the road for an incredible sundown dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was one among our favourite dinners within the Keys. Not solely was the meals unimaginable, it was stunning. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!
![Dinner plate at Morada Beachside Cafe](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Dinner-plate-at-Morada-Beachside-Cafe.jpg.webp)
And never solely was the meals scrumptious and delightful, the surroundings was attractive as effectively. We discovered ourselves pulling out the digital camera to attempt to seize the sundown as it might paint a unique image of the night for you each couple of minutes.
If you wish to really feel like you're consuming dinner in a gorgeous portray, that is the place to do it.
Heading South
The higher Keys are stunning, and we already can’t wait to return, however you're lacking out on among the most iconic sights within the Keys in the event you finish your journey there.
After spending a while trying out Key Largo and Islamorada, make sure you pencil in a number of days to move down probably the most stunning stretch of freeway within the U.S. to Key West.
![Overseas highway in the florida keys](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Overseas-highway-in-the-florida-keys.jpg.webp)
And there’s no have to rush; there are nice locations to cease off for a chunk to eat or take within the surroundings alongside the best way.
We left proper at round lunchtime, so we made a cease in Islamorada for a scrumptious meal on the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — make sure you strive their particular Mojito with recent mint!
It’s the proper option to cap off your lunch and can go away you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
![Mojito at oceanside resort restaurant](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mojito-at-oceanside-resort-restaurant.jpg)
In your method all the way down to Key West, it's possible you'll end up staring out of the window on the ocean round you.
There isn't any different freeway within the U.S. that offers fairly the identical feeling because the Abroad freeway, and also you’ll be glad you determined to drive by the Keys.
Be sure you cease off on the finish of a bridge or two to take all of it in and seize some photographs.
@traveloffpath That is the prettiest the drive within the USA arms down. #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
Earlier than you make all of it the best way to Key West, take into account stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a seaside break. There are award-winning seashores and beautiful stretches of sand to arrange camp for a number of hours. You probably have snorkeling gear, undoubtedly make sure you discover what’s within the water as effectively!
Choose The Good Lodge For You
After catching some solar and sand, you’ll be prepared to move into Key West to your resort (of which there are lots!).
Relying on what you're in search of throughout your keep in Key West, there are tons of resort choices to fit your wants. A lot of Key West’s motion is centered round Duval Road, so in case you are coming for the nightlife which may be the place you wish to look.
Nonetheless, we needed to be shut sufficient to the motion to take pleasure in all Key West has to supply with out being proper within the thick of it. We needed to take pleasure in Key West however keep someplace that felt like its personal secluded space away from the remainder of the island.
The Capitana Key West was the proper place to name residence that achieved precisely what we have been in search of.
@traveloffpath The Capitana is the very best residence base for exploring Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ My Addiction – Alex Guesta
From the second you test in you may really feel the calm and enjoyable power of The Capitana.
If you're staying in the principle resort constructing, you’ll have unimaginable views of the pool and seaside out of your room, however for a extra intimate expertise, we opted for the Two Bed room Cottage.
Many individuals who come to Key West dream of packing up and shifting there after visiting. Staying in a cottage lets you really feel such as you already do!
![View of back patio at The Capitana Key West, FL](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/View-of-back-patio-at-The-Capitana-Key-West-FL.jpg)
The property is a superb escape that you can spend your entire journey having fun with in the event you needed to, and it's nice for each kind of traveler and social gathering measurement.
Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get lively and take a look at your hand at some badminton. Both method, you’ll love your keep at The Capitana.
Key West Is Limitless Enjoyable
You’ll have hassle deciding what to do with your self as a result of there are countless alternatives to have an incredible time in Key West, however allow us to enable you to out by sharing some can’t-miss experiences:
Sundown Sail
There are many firms providing sundown sails, and in the event you stroll to the Marina, you’ll see indicators for all of them. We determined to move out with Sebago Key West and would completely do it once more!
You’ll head out to the beat of a reside musician whereas the (included) drinks begin to move, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down earlier than taking in a beautiful sundown from a novel perspective.
Hold an eye fixed out for dolphins and turtles. If you're affected person, you’ll possible spot a number of.
@traveloffpath Superb option to see one other aspect of Key West with Sebago Key West’s Sundown Sail. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #sailing #boat #sail #floridakeys ♬ Sun Goes Down (feat. Jasmine Thompson) [Radio Mix] – Robin Schulz
Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling
Talking of dolphins, in the event you’ve by no means seen them up shut and private, then you need to undoubtedly exit on a dolphin watch. We went with Honest Eco, and can't advocate them sufficient.
They defined a lot about Key West’s dolphin inhabitants and you can inform they cared an amazing deal in regards to the dolphins and ensuring the expertise was an amazing one for each people and dolphins.
We have been fortunate sufficient to have some dolphins come proper as much as our boat to say howdy, and it was a bucket listing merchandise of mine. I’m a little bit of a sucker for animals, and this expertise was surreal. I’ve all the time beloved dolphins and been amazed at their intelligence; I’m not ashamed to say I teared up having them so shut — there’s no expertise fairly prefer it.
If you're on the fence a few dolphin watch, go forward and e book it, particularly if heading out with Honest Eco.
@traveloffpath What an unimaginable expertise with Trustworthy Eco in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #boat #diving #dolphin ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves
Hemingway Home
The Hemingway House is a basic vacationer attraction in Key West, however there’s motive for it. The home itself is attractive, and the historical past behind it's fascinating.
Most individuals comprehend it as Ernest Hemingway’s former residence, however earlier than Hemingway owned it, it as soon as belonged to Asa Tift, one of many richest folks to ever reside in Key West and probably the most well-known wrecker within the space.
Even when the historical past of the house isn’t your factor, it’s enjoyable to see what number of kitties you may spot across the property, all of whom are UNESCO world-heritage protected and allowed to roam the property at will.
@traveloffpath See what number of kitties you may spot on the Hemingway Home in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest #hemingwayhouse ♬ I'm Just a Cat – Simon and the Astronauts
Kayaking Tour
Most of the greatest issues to do in Key West are in or on the water, and a kayak tour is one among them.
You’ll see all kinds of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to be taught in regards to the significance of the mangroves and their significance within the ocean ecosystem.
Kayaking by the mangroves makes you are feeling fully minimize off from the world in probably the most stunning method and is an expertise you need to strive at the very least as soon as. For a one among a sort expertise, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.
@traveloffpath See a novel aspect of Key West throughout a Kayak tour with Lazy Canine Charters. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest ♬ Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay
Meals Strolling Tour
I can’t cease happening meals excursions! Critically, they're the easiest way to find out about a brand new vacation spot and an effective way to get the lay of the land originally of your journey.
Not solely do you be taught in regards to the space geographically, however additionally, you will go away with an enormous listing of all the very best locations to eat and drink. Apart from the meals, you’ll additionally be taught in regards to the tradition and historical past of the realm.
In Key West’s case, you’ll by no means be quick on historical past, tradition, or meals to pattern. Round each nook, there's one other story ready to be advised and a brand new one able to unfold. There may be a lot fascinating historical past in Key West, and it's definitely probably the most distinctive locations within the U.S.
To get probably the most out of this expertise, we went with Key West Food Tours, and the tour didn't disappoint.
@traveloffpath Meals excursions are an effective way to get to know a vacation spot, particularly Key West! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #foodie ♬ Don't Worry Be Happy – The Hit Crew
Meals, Meals, And Extra Meals
We stated above that you just wouldn’t go hungry within the Higher Keys, and the identical holds true in Key West. There are one million meals choices which might be all unimaginable, every with their very own distinctive Key West aptitude. Definitely don’t prohibit your self to our listing, however a few of our favorites embrace:
- Half Shell Raw Bar – Should you love oysters, that is your spot! Proper within the Marina, you may take pleasure in your meal figuring out you're consuming among the freshest seafood cash should buy.
- Milagro – Chef Kevin has labored with Michelin Star cooks for many of his profession and took that have to create a restaurant with 5-star delicacies in an informal, bistro setting. The meals is deliciously decadent in a extra laid-back setting — in true Key West vogue.
- Blue Heaven Key West – The most iconic brunch spot in Key West and a particular should. Not solely is the meals scrumptious, however you’ll really feel such as you stepped into one other world the second you cross the edge of the doorway.
![Blue Heaven, Key West Sign](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Blue-Heaven-Key-West-Sign.jpg)
No Keys Expertise Is The Similar
It’s an unlucky reality of life that each trip should ultimately come to an finish, however some locations are value endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is certainly one among them.
There's a motive so many vacationers come right here time and time once more, and each go to to The Keys will reveal one thing new and thrilling.
We beloved our time in The Keys and, like so many others, might be coming again the primary likelihood we get!
**Journey Off Path was a visitor of The Florida Keys, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and sights. Our opinions, suggestions, and ideas stay our personal.**
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