The Best Land-Based Things to Do from Key Largo to Key West
If you’ve been following the news or social media, you’ve probably seen photos of sargassum seaweed washing onto beaches throughout Florida and the Caribbean. If you’re planning your first trip to the Florida Keys, you may be wondering if you should cancel your vacation.
Our answer is simple: Don’t.
As local captains at Coral Keys Adventures, we spend hundreds of days on the water every year. One of the biggest misconceptions about sargassum is that it covers the entire ocean. In reality, it is primarily a shoreline issue that can affect some Atlantic-facing beaches and marina edges depending on winds and currents.
Once you’re offshore, you’ll often find the beautiful blue water the Florida Keys are famous for. Even better, the Keys have always been about much more than beaches. From wildlife and museums to state parks, waterfront restaurants, scenic drives, and unforgettable boat adventures, there’s something to enjoy on every island.
Whether you’re staying in Key Largo for a weekend or road-tripping all the way to Key West, here are some of our favorite stops.
Florida Keys Quick Planning Guide
| Region | Attraction | Mile Marker | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Keys | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | MM 102.5 | About $9 per vehicle |
| Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center | MM 93.6 | Free | |
| Rain Barrel Village | MM 86.7 | Free | |
| Founders Park | MM 87 | Non-resident fee varies | |
| Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park | MM 84.9 | About $2 per person | |
| Theater of the Sea | MM 84.5 | About $50 adults | |
| Coral Keys Adventures – Whale Harbor Marina | MM 83.4 | Private Charters from $350 | |
| History of Diving Museum | MM 83 | About $17 | |
| Florida Keys History & Discovery Center | MM 82 | About $15 | |
| Robbie’s Marina | MM 77.5 | Free to visit | |
| Middle Keys | Long Key State Park | MM 67.5 | About $8 per vehicle |
| Dolphin Research Center | MM 59 | About $35–40 | |
| Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters | MM 53.5 | About $30 | |
| Crane Point Hammock | MM 50 | About $18 | |
| Sombrero Beach | MM 50 | Free | |
| Turtle Hospital | MM 48.5 | About $40 | |
| Old Seven Mile Bridge | MM 47 | Free | |
| Lower Keys | Bahia Honda State Park | MM 37 | About $8 per vehicle |
| National Key Deer Refuge | MM 30–33 | Free | |
| Blue Hole | MM 30 | Free | |
| No Name Pub | MM 30 | Food & drinks | |
| Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve | MM 20–25 | Free | |
| Key West | Southernmost Point Buoy | Whitehead St. | Free |
| Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum | Whitehead St. | About $19 | |
| Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory | Duval St. | About $18 | |
| Harry S. Truman Little White House | Front St. | About $25 | |
| Mel Fisher Maritime Museum | Greene St. | About $18 | |
| Mallory Square Sunset Celebration | Wall St. | Free | |
| Duval Street | Downtown | Free |
*Prices are approximate and subject to change.
Upper Florida Keys (MM 107–72)
The Upper Keys are where many visitors begin their Florida Keys adventure. From Key Largo to Islamorada, you’ll find world-famous coral reefs, waterfront restaurants, fascinating museums, unique wildlife, and some of the best boating in the country.
Coral Keys Adventures – Whale Harbor Marina (MM 83.4)
If you’re concerned about sargassum, one of the best things you can do is spend the day on the water.
At Coral Keys Adventures, our private charters depart from Whale Harbor Marina in Islamorada and are customized for your group. Within minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll often find yourself surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, even if there is some seaweed near the shoreline.
Whether you’re snorkeling, relaxing at the Islamorada Sandbar, sightseeing, or looking for dolphins and sea turtles, you’ll quickly discover why so many of our guests tell us their boat day was the highlight of their vacation.
Private charters start at $350 for two hours, with longer excursions available.
Other Upper Keys Favorites
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5) – America’s first underwater state park with nature trails, picnic areas, and visitor exhibits.
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center (MM 93.6) – Meet rescued pelicans, owls, hawks, and other native birds. Free admission.
- Founders Park (MM 87) – Walking paths, sports facilities, and family-friendly recreation.
- Rain Barrel Village (MM 86.7) – Browse local art galleries, tropical gifts, and snap a photo with Betsy, the giant lobster.
- Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park (MM 84.9) – Discover how the Florida Keys were formed while walking through an old fossil quarry.
- Theater of the Sea (MM 84.5) – Meet dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and other marine life.
- History of Diving Museum (MM 83) – One of the world’s finest collections of diving history and equipment.
- Florida Keys History & Discovery Center (MM 82) – Learn about the Overseas Railroad, wrecking industry, hurricanes, and the history of the Keys.
- Robbie’s Marina (MM 77.5) – Feed the famous giant tarpon, browse local shops, and enjoy waterfront dining.
🌴 Captain’s Tip
Don’t judge the Florida Keys by what you see at the marina. Sargassum often collects along docks and shorelines, but just a few minutes offshore, the water is frequently clear and beautiful.
Middle Florida Keys (MM 72–40)
The Middle Keys are centered around Marathon and are known for family attractions, wildlife conservation, waterfront dining, and one of the most scenic drives in America.
Whether you’re traveling from Islamorada or heading toward Key West, Marathon is well worth spending a full day exploring.
Long Key State Park (MM 67.5)
Stretch your legs with a walk through this peaceful state park featuring nature trails, kayaking, birdwatching, and beautiful ocean views.
Dolphin Research Center (MM 59)
Observe dolphins and California sea lions while learning about marine mammal research and conservation. Interactive experiences are also available.
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (MM 53.5)
A favorite for families, this interactive aquarium offers touch tanks, stingray encounters, tropical fish exhibits, and optional animal experiences.
Crane Point Hammock (MM 50)
Explore more than 60 acres of tropical hardwood hammock with walking trails, butterfly gardens, birdwatching, and a small natural history museum.
Sombrero Beach (MM 50)
Even if seaweed is present from time to time, Sombrero Beach remains a popular stop for its picnic areas, playground, walking paths, and beautiful ocean views.
Turtle Hospital (MM 48.5)
One of the Florida Keys’ most inspiring attractions, the Turtle Hospital rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles before releasing many of them back into the wild. Guided tours are available daily.
Old Seven Mile Bridge (MM 47)
Take a walk on one of the most iconic bridges in Florida and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf waters. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful here.
🌴 Captain’s Tip
If you’re driving from Islamorada to Key West, leave early and spend the day exploring Marathon. Many visitors are surprised to discover it’s much more than just a stop along the Overseas Highway.
Lower Florida Keys (MM 40–4)
If you’re looking for a quieter, more natural side of the Florida Keys, you’ll love the Lower Keys.
From Bahia Honda to Big Pine Key and the islands leading into Key West, this stretch of the Overseas Highway is filled with wildlife, scenic overlooks, and hidden local gems. It’s a great place to slow down, take in the scenery, and experience a side of the Keys that many visitors miss.
Bahia Honda State Park (MM 37)
Often ranked among Florida’s most beautiful state parks, Bahia Honda is worth the stop for its natural beauty alone.
Even if beach conditions vary because of seasonal sargassum, visitors still enjoy:
- The historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge overlook
- Walking trails
- Kayaking
- Picnic areas
- Wildlife viewing
- Incredible photo opportunities
National Key Deer Refuge (MM 30–33)
One of the most unique experiences in the Florida Keys is seeing the endangered Key deer, found nowhere else in the world.
Drive slowly through Big Pine Key, especially around sunrise or sunset, and you may spot these miniature deer grazing along the roadside.
Please remember: Never feed or approach Key deer. Watching them from a respectful distance helps keep them wild and safe.
Blue Hole (MM 30)
Blue Hole is a former limestone quarry that has become a freshwater habitat surrounded by tropical vegetation.
It’s one of the best places in the Keys to spot:
- American alligators
- Turtles
- Ospreys
- Herons
- Native fish
A short walking trail makes this an easy stop for families and nature lovers.
No Name Pub (MM 30)
No visit to the Lower Keys is complete without lunch at this legendary local favorite.
Known for its delicious pizza, laid-back atmosphere, and walls covered with signed dollar bills, No Name Pub is a true Florida Keys tradition.
Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve (MM 20–25)
If you enjoy nature and photography, Coupon Bight is a peaceful place to appreciate the untouched beauty of the Lower Keys.
Mangrove forests, shallow waters, and abundant birdlife make this a wonderful stop for anyone who wants to experience the Keys beyond the typical tourist attractions.
🌴 Captain’s Tip
The Lower Keys aren’t about rushing from one attraction to another. They’re about slowing down, taking the scenic route, and enjoying the wildlife, peaceful surroundings, and Old Florida charm that make this area so special.
Key West
No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without visiting Key West.
While Duval Street is famous for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife, there’s so much more to explore in this colorful island city.
Southernmost Point Buoy
One of the most photographed landmarks in Florida, this iconic buoy marks the southernmost point in the continental United States and is a must-have photo for first-time visitors.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Tour the home where Ernest Hemingway lived during the 1930s and meet the famous six-toed cats that still roam the property today.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
Step into a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of butterflies, colorful birds, waterfalls, and lush gardens. It’s a peaceful escape from the busy streets of downtown.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Learn about the presidential retreat that served as President Harry Truman’s winter White House and discover an important piece of American history.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Explore shipwreck treasures, Spanish galleons, and fascinating stories of treasure hunting in the Florida Keys.
Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
Every evening, locals and visitors gather at Mallory Square to watch one of the world’s most famous sunsets.
Street performers, local artists, musicians, and food vendors create a fun atmosphere that’s become a Key West tradition.
Duval Street
Whether you’re shopping, enjoying fresh seafood, listening to live music, or simply people-watching, Duval Street is the heart of Key West.
Take your time and enjoy the lively island atmosphere.
🌴 Captain’s Tip
If you’re making a day trip from Islamorada, leave early in the morning. The drive alone is part of the adventure, and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy everything Key West has to offer before heading back north.
Why You Shouldn’t Cancel Your Florida Keys Vacation Because of Sargassum
Every year, we hear from guests who are worried after seeing photos of sargassum online.
The truth is, sargassum is a natural part of the marine environment, and conditions can change from day to day depending on wind, tides, and currents. While some Atlantic-facing beaches and shorelines may experience seaweed, that doesn’t mean your entire vacation will be affected.
The Florida Keys have always been about much more than beaches.
They’re about boating.
Wildlife.
State parks.
Fresh seafood.
Historic sites.
Island sunsets.
And making memories with the people you love.
At Coral Keys Adventures, we’ve welcomed countless guests who almost canceled their trip because of sargassum—only to leave saying their day on the water was the highlight of their vacation.
In fact, one of the things we love most is seeing the surprise on first-time visitors’ faces when we leave Whale Harbor Marina and, just a few minutes later, they’re looking out at clear turquoise water. It’s a reminder that shoreline conditions don’t always reflect what you’ll find offshore.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys, don’t let a few photos on social media convince you to stay home.
Come explore the islands.
Meet the wildlife.
Watch the sunsets.
Enjoy fresh local seafood.
And if you’d like to experience the incredible waters of Islamorada for yourself, we’d love to welcome you aboard Coral Keys Adventures for a private charter.
Paradise is still here—we can’t wait to share it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting the Florida Keys during sargassum season?
Absolutely. While sargassum can collect along some shorelines, there are hundreds of activities to enjoy throughout the Keys, including state parks, museums, wildlife refuges, scenic drives, shopping, waterfront dining, and private boat charters.
Is the water offshore still clear?
Very often, yes. As local captains, we’ve seen many days when there’s seaweed near the marina or along parts of the shoreline, but the water offshore is clear, calm, and beautiful. Conditions vary with the weather, winds, and currents.
Which part of the Florida Keys is best?
That depends on what you’re looking for.
- Upper Keys: Boating, snorkeling, museums, and waterfront dining.
- Middle Keys: Family attractions, sea turtles, dolphins, and the Seven Mile Bridge.
- Lower Keys: Wildlife, quiet nature, and scenic drives.
- Key West: History, nightlife, museums, shopping, and the famous sunset celebration.
How many days should I spend in the Florida Keys?
If possible, plan at least 4–7 days. That gives you enough time to explore each region without feeling rushed and to experience everything that makes the Florida Keys such a unique destination.
We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable Florida Keys vacation. If you’re staying in Islamorada, we’d love to show you why getting out on the water is one of the best experiences the Keys have to offer. We look forward to seeing you aboard Coral Keys Adventures!