The Florida Keys have been one of the premier tourist destinations in the United States for decades. However, if you’re a first-time visitor to South Florida, how do you know which is the best Florida Key to visit?
The answer to “What is the best Key to visit in Florida?”, of course, is in the eye of the beholder. Each Key has unique attractions, but whether you visit the Upper Keys, Downtown Key West, or anywhere in between, you’ll be sure to have so much fun that you’ll want to keep coming back.
A tour we think you'll love
Whether you choose to get a rental car and take a road trip down the Overseas Highway or fly from Miami International Airport, you’ll want to know what each Key offers before you arrive. Here’s a list of seven amazing places to see and visit that are essential for any trip through the Florida Keys.
1) Explore The Tropical Paradise Of Key West With Night Kayaking Key West
Night Kayaking Key West offers some of the best boat tours in the United States, providing our guests the opportunity to see the amazing scenery and wildlife in the pristine waters around Key West. Our current tour offerings include:
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Our night kayak glass bottom boat tours are equipped with LED lights that illuminate the waters and allow you to see the gorgeous marine life on a scenic route through the mangroves like never before.
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Our three or four-hour sandbar hopping tours take you to the best sandbars in Southern Florida; the ones so popular that even the locals can’t stay away.
Remember to bring snacks and sun protection, as these are not provided. We do offer complimentary bottled water, however.
You’ll have to be 100% sober to enjoy the kayaking tour for safety reasons, but if you’re taking the boat for a sandbar excursion, BYOB!
Ready to dive into an unforgettable adventure? Book your tour with Night Kayaking Key West today and experience the magic of the Florida Keys like never before!
2) Explore The Rest Of Gorgeous Key West
In addition to being the birthplace of Key Lime Pie, the amazing locations in Mallory Square and Old Town Key West, the Southernmost Point in the continental United States, and so much more, visiting Key West also offers a trip through history.
The Hemingway House and the old Key West Lighthouse on Duval Street offer the opportunity to better understand how island life has changed throughout the years. There are also several museums, like the one dedicated to sea turtles that can be found on the northwest section of town.
Key West is routinely at the top of the list of “Best Keys in Florida,” so you’ll want to carefully plan your trip to make the most of your visit. Here are some tips to help you:
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Book accommodations early – Popular hotels and vacation rentals can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
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Reserve tours and activities in advance – Ensure you get a spot on popular tours, such as snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, ghost tours, and sandbar hopping tours.
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Check event schedules – Look up local events and festivals happening during your stay to avoid missing out on unique experiences.
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Make dining reservations – Key West has many renowned restaurants, so booking a table ahead of time can save you from long waits.
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Plan your transportation – Decide whether you’ll rent a bike, scooter, or car, or rely on local transportation to get around the island.
Pro Tip: When you arrive at Key West International Airport, consider renting a bike or scooter to explore the island at your own pace. It’s a fun and convenient way to see all the sights and avoid parking hassles!
3) Experience Culture, Snorkeling, And More At Crane Point On Marathon Key
Marathon Key in the Middle Keys is home to the Crane Point Museum, one of the most popular museums in South Florida.
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The Crane Point Museum is a great way to learn about the various types of marine life that live in the Florida Keys.
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There are also many walking trails here that allow you to experience glorious nature at your own pace.
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The Wild Bird Center provides rehabilitation for injured animals and has helped over 16,000 birds return to the sky in the last 30 years.
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Visitors can also enjoy a free fish pedicure by tipping their toes into a tidal pool, leaving their feet looking fresh courtesy of some generous gambusia fish.
Good To Know: If you have mobility issues or for another reason would prefer not to walk on the nature trails, Crane Point does offer guided tours from volunteers in golf carts.
4) Take A Dive And See Stunning Coral Reefs At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park On Key Largo
Besides the Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall film of the same name, Key Largo is probably most known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first undersea park. Divers from around the world come to see the stunning coral reefs living and growing beneath the waters.
You’ll also find canoeing and kayaking available here, with fishing allowed in certain locations as well. They’re available to rent, as are boats and snorkeling equipment. Don’t miss the aquarium in the Florida Keys Visitor Center, either.
Key Largo is also home to a variety of wildlife, both on land and in the water. Bird watchers will love the many bird species in the area, while marine life fans can spot dolphins, manatees, and lots of different fish. The park has nice trails and picnic spots, making it perfect for a family day out or a relaxing time in nature. Whether you’re up for an adventure or just want to unwind, Key Largo has something for everyone.
Good To Know: Key Largo is the most popular of the Upper Keys and is closer to Miami (roughly 60 miles) than Key West (about 100 miles), so you’ll want to plan as much as possible before visiting.
5) Stay At Hawk’s Cay Resort On Duck Key
On the small, secluded island of Duck Key, you’ll find Hawk’s Cay Resort, one of the best places to stay and explore in the Middle Keys. It’s a versatile location, perfect for weddings, romantic getaways, and the whole family.
In addition to various marine-based adventures you can undertake, there are also amazing restaurants, bars, pools, and more available here. Due to its central location, it’s also perfect for longer stays, allowing you to take day trips throughout the Florida Keys.
Good To Know: There are also great event spaces here, making it the perfect location for a corporate retreat or annual meeting that’ll boost employee morale and productivity for months.
6) Explore The Seven Mile Bridge Between Marathon And Little Duck Key
The name is actually a misnomer, as there are two Seven Mile Bridges in the Florida Keys running along the same route. The new bridge is only open to vehicle traffic, while the older bridge is reserved for bicycles and pedestrians.
Marathon, in the Middle Keys, is a lively community with beautiful beaches and lots of fun activities. You can visit the Dolphin Research Center, the Turtle Hospital, and Sombrero Beach, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. There are also many places to eat, from casual seafood spots to fancy restaurants, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the local cuisine.
At the western end in the Lower Keys, you’ll find Little Duck Key, home of Veterans Memorial Beach. The shallow waters here are perfect for wading, as you can walk about 500 feet away from the shore to one of several nearby sandbars. On the beach, enjoy a meal or a snack at one of the many picnic tables.
Veterans Memorial Beach is a great place for snorkeling, too, but it’s one of the few places in the Florida Keys where equipment isn’t available for rent, so you’ll want to make sure to bring your own.
Fun Fact: The Seven Mile Bridge was one of the longest bridges in the world when it was first built, and it remains an engineering marvel to this day.
7) Take In A Gorgeous Sunset At Bahia Honda State Park
Found in the Lower Keys, the stunning and gorgeous 524-acre Bahia Honda State Park, which features three beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters, kayak journeys, and much more. Birding enthusiasts flock here year-round to catch a glimpse of many amazing species.
The park is also a great spot for hiking and picnicking, with several trails offering breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding nature. The Silver Palm Nature Trail near Sandspur Beach, in particular, is a favorite for its scenic beauty and easy access to the beach.
Thankfully, you can skip bringing snorkeling gear or kayaks, as these are available to rent. They also offer snacks for purchase, parking for only $8, and a few lodging options if you’d like to relax here for a night or two (or longer!) before heading back on the Overseas Highway.
Good To Know: The day-use areas close when they reach maximum capacity. You’ll want to get here early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Discover More About The Southern Tip Of Florida
There are a few important tips to keep in mind that will apply no matter which Keys you visit:
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Hurricane season runs from June to November. The Keys are prone to major storms, but interestingly enough, hurricanes are more likely to hit the western side of the state. Still, you should always be prepared and pay attention to the news.
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Be ready for cell phone dead spots. Most of the more populated areas have pretty good service, but you should keep in mind that you won’t get full reception everywhere, especially if you’re taking a boat trip.
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When possible, always book excursions online in advance. There’s nothing wrong with spontaneity, but due to the lack of availability, it’s a good idea to reserve your spot before you travel.
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Pack plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated. The Florida sun can be intense, and it’s easy to get sunburned or dehydrated while enjoying outdoor activities.
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Respect the local wildlife and environment. The Keys are home to many unique species and delicate ecosystems, so be mindful of your impact and follow all guidelines to help preserve the natural beauty.
Pro Tip: Consider visiting during the off-peak season (late spring or early fall) to enjoy fewer crowds and better rates on accommodations and activities.
Experience The Best Of The Florida Keys With Night Kayaking Key West
No matter which one you think is the best key to visit in Florida, it’s a good idea to see as many as possible. You’ll be sure to have such great fun that you’ll want to make traveling to Southern Florida a yearly tradition (or maybe even more often!).
You’ll especially want to make sure to experience the amazing glass-bottom kayak tours offered by Night Kayaking Key West. Many of our customers call their adventures with us the highlight of their visit to one of the best Keys in Florida.
However, these tours do sell out fast, especially during peak tourist seasons, so don’t get left behind – book your next exciting adventure with us today!
