Things to See and Do in Florida Keys: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
The Florida Keys form a chain of coral islands linked by the Overseas Highway, about 113 miles of bridges and causeways from Key Largo to Key West. Each section has its own personality: diving in Key Largo, sportfishing in Islamorada, families in Marathon, wild nature in the Lower Keys and Caribbean-style nightlife in Key West.
Don't rush to Key West. Addresses use mile markers (MM), so plan your stops along the road and let the trip itself become the highlight.
Top things to see in Florida Keys
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
America's first undersea park, in Key Largo. Glass-bottom boats and snorkel trips visit living reefs and the submerged Christ of the Abyss statue.
Islamorada
The sportfishing capital of the world. Hand-feed giant tarpon at Robbie's marina and visit the quirky History of Diving Museum.
The Turtle Hospital
In Marathon, a rescue center that treats injured sea turtles; guided tours explain its work and end with the patients' tanks.
Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key
Drive one of the world's longest bridges, then take the ferry to Pigeon Key, where railroad workers once lived.
Bahia Honda State Park
Soft sand, clear shallows and a view over the broken Flagler railroad bridge; often rated one of the best beaches in the US.
Key West
Sunset celebrations at Mallory Square, the Hemingway Home with its six-toed cats, Fort Zachary Taylor's beach and the Southernmost Point buoy.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles west of Key West, the massive brick Fort Jefferson rises from turquoise water. Reach it by ferry or seaplane; book well ahead.
Florida Keys in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Key Largo
Snorkel or ride a glass-bottom boat at John Pennekamp, eat key lime pie and watch the sun set over Florida Bay.
2Day 2 · Islamorada and Marathon
Feed tarpon at Robbie's, browse the diving museum, then tour the Turtle Hospital and relax on Sombrero Beach.
3Day 3 · Seven Mile Bridge to Key West
Cross the bridge, swim at Bahia Honda, look for tiny Key deer on Big Pine Key and arrive for sunset at Mallory Square.
Florida Keys in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Key West
Hemingway Home and the lighthouse, lunch with Cuban coffee, Fort Zachary Taylor's beach and an evening on Duval Street.
5Day 5 · Dry Tortugas
A full day on the ferry to Fort Jefferson: tour the fort and snorkel along its moat wall.
Florida Keys in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Looe Key
Back in the Lower Keys, snorkel one of the best reefs in Florida in the Looe Key sanctuary.
7Day 7 · Mangroves and goodbye
Kayak through mangrove tunnels, eat stone crab or fresh snapper and enjoy a final sunset.
What to do in Florida Keys on a weekend
From Miami, stay in Key Largo or Islamorada: Saturday snorkelling at Pennekamp, Sunday tarpon feeding and the Turtle Hospital, without the long drive to Key West.
What to do in Florida Keys in the evening
Sunset is a daily event in the Keys, celebrated on docks and beaches. In Key West, Mallory Square fills with street performers before the bars of Duval Street take over late into the night.
Elsewhere, evenings are quieter: tiki bars, waterfront fish houses and stargazing in the Lower Keys.
Florida Keys for couples
Take a sunset sail in Key West, stay in a historic guesthouse in Old Town and spend a day at the Dry Tortugas together.
Florida Keys with kids
The Turtle Hospital, the Dolphin Research Center, glass-bottom boats and Bahia Honda's shallow beaches are ideal for children.
Practical tips for Florida Keys
Best time to visit
December to May is dry and pleasant. Summer is hot and humid; hurricane season runs June to November.
Getting around
A car is the best way to drive the Overseas Highway. Key West has its own airport and is walkable or bikeable once you're there.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Miami to Key West?
About 3.5 to 4 hours without stops; plan a full day with stops.
Is the Dry Tortugas worth it?
Yes, but the ferry sells out months ahead in peak season.
Where is the best snorkelling in the Florida Keys?
John Pennekamp in Key Largo and Looe Key in the Lower Keys.