Key West and Key Largo are great destinations for a family vacation offering many options for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and relaxation. They offer beautiful beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere for families to enjoy.
Key West is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. There are many activities for families to enjoy such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking. Additionally, there are several museums and historical sites that can be interesting for families, like Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum.
Key Largo is also known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which offers glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling trips to see the coral reef and marine life. It is also a great spot for fishing and kayaking. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a must-visit spot, where families can see a variety of birds, including pelicans, herons, and egrets.
Fun facts
- Key West is the southernmost point of the continental United States. It is located about 90 miles from Cuba and is closer to Havana than to Miami.
- Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for over 10 years and wrote some of his most famous works there, including “The Old Man and the Sea.” His former home is now a museum that is open to the public.
- Celebrating the jaw-dropping sunset in Key West is a major event.
- Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the coral reef and marine life through glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling trips.
- Key Largo is also home to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, which is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wild birds. Visitors can see a variety of birds, including pelicans, herons, and egrets.
- The name “Key Largo” is derived from the Spanish word “cayo largo,” which means “long key.”
Travel tips
- Hurricane season runs from June – November. However, the heaviest storms are likely to occur in August- October. Mid to late November is a good time to visit if you want a good deal.
- Plan ahead: Both Key West and Key Largo are popular tourist destinations, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and book accommodations and activities in advance. This will help ensure that you have a place to stay and activities to do during your visit.
- Bring comfortable shoes: There’s a lot of walking to do in both destinations, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes.
- Bring sunscreen: The Florida sun can be intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen and wear it regularly to protect yourself from sunburn.
- Be prepared for the heat: The temperatures in Key West and Key Largo are generally warm year-round, so be prepared for hot and humid weather. Bring light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.
- Be aware of the tides: Many of the activities in Key West and Key Largo, like snorkeling and kayaking, are tide dependent. Be aware of the tide schedule and plan accordingly.
- Be mindful of the marine life: Both Key West and Key Largo are home to a wide variety of marine life. Always be mindful of the creatures and their environment, and be sure to follow any rules or regulations.
- Explore the local culture: Both Key West and Key Largo have a rich culture and history. Take the time to explore the local museums, historical sites, and art galleries.
- Enjoy the food: Both destinations are known for their seafood, so be sure to try some local favorites like conch fritters, stone crab, and key lime pie.
- Be prepared for traffic: Key West and Key Largo can be crowded, especially during peak season, so be prepared for traffic and plan accordingly.
Recommended daily itinerary
Day 1
First day of the trip, check in to your hotel and get settled.
- Fly into Key West International airport.
- Checkin to The Ocean Breeze Resort. This hotel features a pool, a sundeck, and a restaurant. It is located close to the beach and several popular tourist attractions. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with kitchenettes and balconies.
- Take a trolley tour of the island to get an overview of the sights and history of Key West.
- After the tour, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about the famous author’s life in Key West.
- In the evening, take a sunset sail on a catamaran to see the island from the water.
Day 2
Southernmost Point marker and the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Rent a bike or scooter and explore the island on your own, visiting sights such as the Southernmost Point marker and the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
- After your island tour, take a dip in the ocean and enjoy the sun at a local beach.
- In the evening, enjoy a casual dinner at a seafood restaurant.
Day 3
Dry Tortugas National Park & Key West Lighthouse
- Take a full day snorkeling trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park, where you can see coral reefs and marine life
- If you have energy left in the evening, attend a sunset celebration at Mallory Square to see street performers and watch the sunset over the water.
Day 4
Coral Reef tour and Key West Aquarium
- visit the Key West Aquarium to see a variety of marine life up close.
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral reef and marine life.
- End the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5
Arrive at Key Largo
- Check in to The Key Largo Bay Marriott Beach Resort. This hotel features a pool, a sundeck, and a restaurant. It is located close to the beach and several popular tourist attractions. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with kitchenettes and balconies.
- Visit the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you can take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the coral reef and marine life.
- After the tour, head to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center to see a variety of birds, including pelicans, herons, and egrets.
- In the evening, enjoy a sunset dinner cruise on a catamaran.
Day 6
Fishing
- Rent a boat or take a guided fishing charter to explore the waters of Key Largo and try your hand at catching fish.
- After fishing, take a dip in the ocean and soak up the sun at a local beach.
- In the evening, enjoy a casual dinner at a seafood restaurant.
Day 7
Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State Park & Florida Keys History of Diving Museum
- Take a guided kayak tour or rent a kayak to kayak through the mangrove forests of the Key Largo Hammocks Botanical State Park.
- After the tour, visit the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum to learn about the history of diving in the area.
- End the day with a sunset stroll along the beach.
