Key Largo Travel Guide

A perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Last Updated
:
September 8, 2024
Aerial view of Buttonwood Bay Key Largo Florida Keys
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We know life can be downright stressful. Traffic jams, annoying coworkers, way too many emails piling up in your inbox. Some days making it to happy hour feels like an accomplishment worthy of a medal! When the chaos of real life gets to be too much, it’s time to take a breather. Allow us to suggest sunny Key Largo as the ultimate refuge for restoring your sanity.

Down here, the dress code doesn’t go beyond a simple question – bikini or board shorts? The most important decision of the day is choosing between an orange juice or regular soda. And a packed schedule means an arduous agenda of snorkeling with rainbow-colored fish, interrupted only by the occasional beach nap when the mood strikes. Add in fiery red sunsets best enjoyed from a waterfront table stacked with plates of freshly caught seafood–and you’ve got a recipe for paradise.

While this island escape sits just an hour from the real world of Miami, arriving feels transportive, like you’ve slipped into island time. Once across that scenic bridge onto Key Largo, shed the shackles of reality like an itchy business suit. In a place whose unofficial motto is “stress less” and where the living is as easy as the breezy beach waves, what’s not to love? Just don’t get too attached to wearing shoes – because why bother when flip-flops or barefoot will do!

So leave that never-ending to-do behind for a few days of tropical therapy in Key Largo, where the locals excel at making sure the toughest choice you make is which icy beverages most deserve your attention! Let this guide show you how to make the most out of this hideaway haven that remains the undisputed capital of relaxation in the fabulous Florida Keys!

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About Key Largo

Aerial view of Key Largo in Florida, USA
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Key Largo is a census-designated place in Monroe County, Florida, in the upper Florida Keys. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,447. The city’s name comes from the Spanish word Cayo Largo, which means “long key”. It is home to several Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges.

The story revolves around Frank McCloud, a former soldier, who comes to Key Largo to visit his late war buddy’s family’s hotel. There, Frank develops an allegiance to his late friend’s family and prepares to put an end to the senseless violence in the hotel. As he tries to console his late friend’s widow and father, he discovers that a gang of mobsters are hiding out in the hotel. While Frank tries to make things right with the gangsters, he also finds himself at odds with Johnny Rocco, who has commandeered the hotel with a group of his associates.

John Huston, who also directed San Pietro, directed “Key Largo.” Filming took 78 days on the Warner Bros. lot, and the film was inspired by a Maxwell Anderson play of the same name. It opened at the Ethel Barrymore Theater on November 27, 1939, and ran for 105 performances.

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Why Go to Key Largo

Key Largo welcome street
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If you love the water, Key Largo is a great place for scuba diving. With the largest artificial reef in the world and crystal clear waters, it’s one of the most popular dive destinations in the world. The local beaches are also ideal for snorkeling, fishing, and water sports. You can soak up the sunny Florida sun while enjoying the clear blue water. This unique island offers a unique blend of serenity and vibrancy.

For dining in Key Largo, the best options include local seafood and steaks. The island is famous for conch, and if you’re a foodie, you can indulge yourself in local conch dishes at local restaurants. Some of the most popular seafood restaurants include Pilot House, a small family-friendly eatery in the heart of Key Largo.

When to go: The best time to visit Key Largo is between December and March. This is the best time to visit because it’s not too hot, yet warm enough for outdoor activities. During the holidays, the island holds several fun holiday events such as a holiday boat parade and a cook-off. There are also two popular food festivals held during this time.

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Best Time to Go

Card Sound Road toll plaza from bridge, route from Key Largo, Florida Keys to Miami, USA
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Whether you’re planning a getaway for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the best time to visit Key Largo depends on your preferences. Generally, locals agree that the best time to visit is from November until March. The weather is mild and pleasant during this time, and the beaches are less crowded than in the summer. If you’re planning to visit during the summer months, however, remember that the Florida Keys are prone to hurricanes.

September and October are the cheapest months to visit Key Largo. October brings cooler temperatures, so the weather is perfect for strolling along Duval Street. October is also the end of school, and the weather is great for sightseeing. Also, you can get great lodging deals during this time.

August is also an excellent time to visit the Florida Keys. It’s not too hot, but it’s still a nice time to spend time on the beach and pool. You’ll also find room rates to be relatively low in August, which is an added bonus.

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How to Get Around

Key Largo, FL, USA map
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To see the best of Key Largo, rent a car. The island is not a walking destination, so you can take a taxi or Uber, but a car will allow you to explore at your own pace. Vacation rentals in Key Largo are more affordable than hotels, and they often have more space for families. They also often come with amenities such as docks and kayaks, so you can get out into the water as soon as you arrive.

While Key West is relatively small, it is packed with tourist attractions. Even though it is compact, the streets are not always easy to navigate. Bicycles, scooters, electric bikes, skateboards, and golf carts share the road. There are even novelty vehicle rentals, such as open-air Slingshots, which look like motorcycle-car hybrids. Even if you can’t afford a car, walking through Old Town is the best way to see the sights.

For smaller groups, it is best to rent a car. You can also use a public bus, which costs about $2. You can also hire a private driver to handle larger groups.

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Best Restaurants

Restaurant view of Lazy Lobster
Trip.com

While visiting Key Largo, be sure to try some of the best restaurants in town. Some of the best restaurants in Key Largo feature waterfront views. Some are family-friendly, while others cater to a more formal crowd. In any case, you’re bound to find something you and your family will love!

For seafood lovers, Lazy Lobster is a must-try. Located on the beach, this seafood shack features an extensive menu with plenty of options for everyone. It serves fresh lobster, fried whole snapper, and medium crab claws, among other delicious dishes. The restaurant also has a fresh fish market that features a variety of local and imported fish.

Another great choice for dining in Key Largo is Nine One Five. This historic property boasts an eclectic menu with an excellent wine selection, including many by the glass. The restaurant features the cuisine of award-winning chef Brendan Orr. The menu includes salads, homemade pastas, raw items, and other dishes. The signature dish, the “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook It,” is a delicious way to enjoy fresh fish in Key Largo.

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Things to Do

Key Largo bridge for the Florida Keys
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One of the best Things to Do in Key Largo is to explore the beautiful marine life. Several dive centers offer charter trips that will allow you to explore the beautiful coral reef. At the Jules Undersea Lodge, you can get a taste of the underwater world while soaking up the retro 80s and 90s decor. If you’re hungry, you can even order room service from the chef who scuba dives into your room.

Another great thing to do in Key Largo is to enjoy the fine seafood. There are many restaurants serving seafood, but you can also go to Snook’s Bayside Restaurant, which has an excellent view of the sea. The restaurant also features live music and a beautiful waterfront setting.

Parasailing is another fun activity that will give you a unique perspective of Key Largo. This activity is great for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush while seeing the scenery. You can also rent a glass bottom boat to explore the marine life. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the best diving sites in the world. The Greek Rocks and French Reef are both incredible dive sites.

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Neighborhoods to Know

Aerial drone photo Ocean Reef Club Key Largo Florida an upscale neighborhood
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There are a number of neighborhoods to know about in Key Largo. Some are more touristy and will offer more activities, while others are more local and will offer a more affordable price tag. There are many ways to get to know a neighborhood, so consider using online resources like Trippy to find out what’s popular.

One neighborhood with lots of character is White Street Gallery, near the beach. This area has a lot to offer visitors, from art galleries to fine dining restaurants. The location is convenient but off the beaten path. Another neighborhood to check out is Casa Marina, just north of the Southernmost Point of the Continental US. This area is home to a number of high-end hotels and a number of private beaches.

Key Largo is an island community in the upper Florida Keys. It is a great place to visit and experience the island lifestyle. The community is friendly and welcoming, but it can be nerve-wracking to move to a new environment.

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Weather

Aerial Buttonwood Bay Key Largo Florida Keys
Adobe Stock

The weather in Key Largo, Florida is usually pleasantly warm all year long. The average temperature is in the mid-90s, with only a few days exceeding 100°F. In addition, the city rarely experiences extremes like cold, and temperatures rarely fall below 50°F. The exception to this is January when temperatures can be as low as 40°F.

The average amount of precipitation varies by month, but the average is 87.8% in November. In the previous month, it was 75.4%, and in the following month, it was 77.7%. Key Largo’s average rainfall is about 171mm. The lowest amount of precipitation occurs in February.

The data used to calculate the monthly averages in Key Largo is based on statistical data from previous years. The temperatures can be displayed for the entire month, the middle of the month, or for the first few days of the month. The average daily temperature is also displayed.

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