Your Guide to Key Largo, Florida
From a swim with the dolphins to a cruise on a famous steamboat, the unique experiences you’ll find in this part of The Sunshine State reflect the isle’s quirky past. So, grab some good walking shoes, a pair of shades, and your snorkel (just kidding), and get ready to explore Key Largo! Staying at Reefhouse Resort & Marina? We’ve got a host of ideas for an unforgettable getaway. Here are our top picks for a vacation on the Florida Key known as the most laid-back and beautiful of the bunch.
TOP KEY LARGO LANDMARKS
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
A designated National Scenic Highway and All-American Road, this multi-use trail stretches for more than 90 miles from Key Largo to Key West via paved pathways and 23 historic bridges. Along the way, you’ll find roadside picnic areas, scenic overlooks, fishing piers, water access points, national parks, and scenic overlooks with amazing views of the Atlantic.
Begins in Key Largo at Mile Marker 106 by the Visitors Center and parallels the Overseas Highway (US 1) to Mile Marker 0 in Key West.
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Tropical hardwood hammock, mangrove forest, and salt marsh are among the varied habitats contained within this natural sanctuary, which is home not only to the American crocodiles it’s named for but also to the Key Largo woodrat, Key Largo cotton mouse, Eastern indigo snake, Keys tree cactus, and Florida semaphore cactus. Visit the Community Butterfly Garden, attend a special event like a bird or botanical walk, or volunteer for tree-planting projects or “python patrol.”
10750 County Rd. 905
Key Largo, FL 33037
The USS Spiegel Grove
The largest ship ever intentionally sunk to create a new reef, this 510-foot vessel was set to be scuttled off Key Largo in 2002 when it unexpectedly sank on its own and rolled over. Then Hurricane Dennis came along and somehow lifted the massive shipwreck to the perfect upright position. Snorkelers can get a good birds-eye view; advanced scuba enthusiasts can dive for a closer look at the encrusted nooks and crannies that serve as home to all sorts of marine wildlife.
Dixie Shoal, 6 miles (10 km) off the Florida Keys in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
John Pennekamp State Park
Just minutes from your stay, this renowned park offers a front-row seat to the beauty that makes the Florida Keys so famous. As the first underwater state park in the U.S., it’s home to more than 70 square miles of protected coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Snorkel or dive to see the famous Christ of the Abyss statue, glide over reefs on a boat tour, or paddle through peaceful mangrove channels. Onshore, you’ll find shaded picnic areas, sandy beaches perfect for an afternoon swim, and walking trails through lush tropical hammocks.
102601 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
MOST POPULAR THINGS TO DO IN KEY LARGO
Take a Cruise on the African Queen
Made famous by the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, this iconic steamboat still takes on passengers daily for sightseeing cruises through the Port Largo Canal out to the ocean and back. Registered as a National Historic Site, the vessel was built in England in 1912 for the East Africa British Railways company and has been afloat in Key Largo waters since 1968.
99701 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL 33037
Kayak through the Mangrove Tunnels
Journey through this gorgeous protected ecosystem just offshore of Key Largo, while learning about the birds, fish, turtles, and manatees swimming in the calm, crystalline waters beside your kayak. The three-hour tour with Florida Bay Outfitters offers an option to snorkel through some of the tour to experience the world beneath the mangroves. Ideal for beginner or intermediate paddlers.
104050 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL 33037
Swim with the Dolphins
There’s nothing like getting a kiss from a dolphin, or hanging on to this magical marine creature’s dorsal fin while they pull you through the waves. In addition to your dolphin encounter, the 1.5-hour Signature Swim Program at Dolphins Plus includes an educational segment in which visitors learn about dolphin physiology and behavior, time for browsing in the gift shop, and lots of photo ops.
101900 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037
Key Largo Princess Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Experience the vibrant coral reefs of the Florida Keys without getting wet on Key Largo Princess‘ two‑hour cruise over the Molasses Reef in John Pennekamp State Park. Peer through crystal-clear panels as tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful corals drift by beneath you – all while enjoying the comfort of a shaded deck, guided narration, and perhaps a tropical cocktail or two. Perfect for all ages and a relaxing way to take in the Keys’ underwater beauty.
99701 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN KEY LARGO
Key Largo Conch House
This family-owned and operated Key Largo eatery is known for its conch fritter appetizer (it’s been featured on the Travel Channel) and for a commitment to sustainably sourced seafood. For the full experience, start with the fritters and follow up with a bowl of lobster bisque and a house specialty like Caribbean Shrimp and Plantains.
100211 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo FL, 33037
The Fish House
A Key Largo institution for decades, The Fish House has earned national acclaim via the Food Network and Diners, Drive‑Ins & Dives (Guy Fieri notably praised their Matecumbe‑style baked fish). So come see what the buzz is about and dive into favorites like house‑smoked fish dip, buttery baked yellowtail, and freshly filleted local catch – all served fresh from the dock, just the way locals like it.
102401 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
Digiorgio’s Café Largo
When Pasquale DiGiorgio and JoAnn Maiani met, a South Florida culinary empire was set in motion, including this elegant establishment. The traditional Italian menu is derived from centuries-old family recipes, with an extensive wine list and a menu that changes according to the daily catch.
99530 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo FL, 33037
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
From fluffy breakfast omelets, to shrimp and grits, to homemade chili and a basket of Cajun shrimp, the comfort-food menu at this local favorite has continuously garnered the title of Best Hometown Café and been voted “The Best” in the People’s Choice Awards. Key Largo’s longest-running restaurant, it’s housed in a charming 1947 building painted in shades of tropical pink and pastels.
99336 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo FL, 33037
Skipper’s Dockside
This oceanfront oasis at Mile Marker 100 brings visitors back in time with its old-fashioned ice house and 1940s original filling station. Inside, it’s back to the 21st century, with indoor sports, interactive games, and an oversized media wall for all the big games. The menu is as colorful as the atmosphere, from Baked Blue Crab Dip and Bahamian Red Conch Chowder to perfect comfort food like Build-Your-Own Burgers and Lobster Mac & Cheese, plus classic tiki cocktails made with fresh fruit purées and hand-picked herbs.
528 Caribbean Dr.
Key Largo, FL 33037
A LOCAL’S FAVORITES IN KEY LARGO
Sunset at Rowell’s Waterfront Park
The Keys are famous for their sunsets, and this eight-acre stretch of sand along Florida Bay is the perfect place to take in the glowing hues. Dog- and kid-friendly, with a launch for kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards, the park is open from 8 a.m. until a half hour past sunset daily, with no admission fee.
Mile Marker 104.5 on Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL 33037
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Home to 84 protected species of plants and animals, this lush nature preserve features more than six miles of trails, most of which are accessible for both bicycles and wheelchairs. Local photographers and birdwatchers are frequent return visitors; for first-timers, self-guided trails with signage and ranger-guided tours are available.
County Road 905, Mile Marker 106
Key Largo FL 33037
Muffins at Harriette’s Restaurant
The oversized muffins at this beloved bakery and café have become a local legend. The breakfast and lunch menus are ginormous, too—but be sure to save room for one of Harriette’s crowning glories, with flavors like Key Lime Coconut, Bacon Maple, Dulce de Leche, and Lychee Pineapple.
95710 Overseas Hwy.
Key Largo, FL. 33037
