Things to do in Florida Keys

The Florida Keys begin some 15 miles south of Miami and well worth a visit, with some of the very best beaches you will visit and some great activities to take part in. A trip to the Florida Keys is truly an amazing tranquil experience.

John Pennekamp State Park

John Pennekamp State Park The KeysBizarrely, the first of its kind in the USA,) John Pennekamp State Park is an underwater national park located in the closest of the Florida Keys (to Miami,) Key Largo. Attracting over 1 million visitors each year, there's something for all the family, including snorkelling tours, glass bottom boats which get you up close and personal with all the diverse wildlife and for any divers out there, yep there's fantastic scuba tours also on offer. A must do when visiting the Keys.

Duval Street

Duval Street Key West Florida - Perhaps the most famous or should we say 'infamous' street in the Florida Keys and for young adults a must do! Duval Street in Key West is quaint and picturesque by day before night falls and it's party time with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs on offer. We recommend a visit to Sloppy Joe's as part of a crazy pub crawl - you'll be spoilt for choice!

Theatre of the Sea

Established way back in 1946, Theatre of the Sea is a marine mammal park located on perhaps the best stretch of the Florida Keys, Islamorada. Swim with bottlenose Dolphins, Sea Lions and stingrays. At 17 acres it's not a small park either. Glass bottom boat tours are excellent, as is the snorkelling on offer. A great day out for families of all ages.

Everglades

A tour into the wild on board a Hovercraft. There's some great walks throughout the Everglades and why not consider camping for a night or 2. Fascinating but fun for everyone.

Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is around 68 miles west of Key West and has some of the most diverse and undisturbed coral reefs in the Florida Keys. Attracting up to 80000 visitors each year, there's fantastic picnics, snorkelling, camping, fishing and of course scuba diving. Well worth a visit on your Florida Keys holiday.

Key West Aquarium

This historic aquarium began building in the great depression of 1933. It took some 2 years to complete. A hurricane in 1935 caused havoc and destruction in its path but some 10 years later, it was restored to its former glory and a roof added to this open air aquarium. A great day out for the family, expect to see loads of diverse species, including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and lots of tropical fish.

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

Located on famous Duval Street in Key West, it's well worth a visit. Home to some 60 species of butterfly and over 20 exotic species of bird in a climate controlled glass habitat, learn more about the butterfly anatomy, feeding and breeding habits.

Caribbean Shipwreck Museum & Research Institute

A fascinating insight into rare maritime artefacts and treasure found on the ocean floor. Included in the exhibits are items from the first slave shipwreck discovered in Florida waters, the Henrietta Marie. One of Key Largo's best attractions and if you've got the time, it's well worth a visit!

Deep Sea Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing on The Keys - Islamorada, one of the lesser known of the Florida keys, is known to many as the sport fishing capital of the world. The warm waters of the Keys mean it's possible to combine fishing in 5-90ft depths with scuba diving & snorkelling. Charter a boat and make a day of it, this stretch of water surrounding the keys is teeming with fish of all shapes and sizes....literally!

Dolphin Adventure Tours

This is swimming with Dolphins but on another level to the mass market parks like Discovery Cove. Take a 2 day tour which includes overnight accommodation, plus the opportunity to swim in a natural ocean water lagoon with these docile magnificent animals. The trip guarantees you will see and swim with dolphins and incorporates sightings of Manatees and a wild airboat ride into the Everglades. Great fun!

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years. Calling Key West home, he found solace and great physical challenge in the turquoise waters that surround this tiny island. Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens or even take a guided tour.

Conch Train Tour

The Conch Train Tour is a popular attraction of Key West giving you a conches eye view of all the wonderful Key West attractions, journey back in time, make stops along the way and make a day of it, operating since 1958 this little train has certainly seen some changes over the years. Everyone loves a Train and this little chap captures your heart.

Sunset at Mallory Square

Mallory Square Key West - This is certainly a "must do" no trip to Key West is complete without an evening experience of Mallory Square, celebrate the end of the day at Mallory Square where every evening you can enjoy free live music and street entertainers, art and craft stores and enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down, the end to a perfect day.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Fort Zachary State Park Key West Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Florida's southernmost state park is popular for recreation, as well as U.S. military history. The fort was one of a series built in the mid-1800s to defend the nation's south eastern coastline. Completed in 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Guided tours of the fort are available daily. Key West's favourite beach, located at the southern end of the park, provides opportunities for picnicking, swimming, snorkelling, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy a short nature trail and bicycling within the park.

Turtle Hospital

Florida Keys Marathon Turtle Hospital Marathon gives the opportunity to visit the Turtle Hospital and see how they rehab injured sea turtles and return them to their natural habitat, learn how they conduct and assist with research aiding to sea turtles and work toward environmental legislation making the beaches and water safe and clean for sea turtles.

Dolphin Research Centre

Florida Keys Dolphin Research Centre Marathon is home to the Dolphin Research Centre they will welcome you to see and visit with the dolphins and sea lions, educational for all the family. The centre offers several exciting daily presentations of the life as a dolphin to help us learn and understand these magnificent mammals. You can even take part in a dolphin swim and become a dolphin researcher for a whole day along with the team.

African Queen Boat Trip

Key Largo African Queen - If visiting Key Largo Florida then a great place to pay a visit is the iconic vessel the African. Made famous in the 1951 movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn she still remains a timeless classic. This famous steamboat is available for daily canal cruises and dinner cruises in the Port Largo Canal area.

Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area

Bahia Honda State Park with its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches and snorkelling in America. Take a look at the historic bridge or simply sit back and unwind in paradise.