10 Best Things to Do in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys’ best beaches are the main draw of the islands, and it’s not surprising why. The weather is constantly beach-worthy and the water is a sapphire rainbow of blue, green, and turquoise. Most beaches are full of amenities like bars and restaurants. It’s also easy to enjoy watersports like snorkelling and parasailing.

One of the best free beaches is in Harry Harris Park, not far from the mainland in Key Largo. A more secluded free option is Anne’s Beach in Lower Matecumbe Key. If you’d like to stay for a while, it’s worth paying a few dollars to check out the beaches in the state parks.

Mallory Square in Key West is a must-see destination in the Florida Keys. It’s been a centre of social society and commerce for over 200 years. Originally, it was where ships docked with their salvage from shipwrecks and merchants gathered to sell local goods.

Now, the Square is home to some of the best shopping in the Keys. Come here to hunt for souvenirs, browse through beach clothes, buy sunscreen, and more. Don’t forget to have a meal at one of many seafood restaurants. Mallory Square is located on the water, and visitors and locals gather to watch the sunset every evening. It’s a great spot for holiday pics or couples enjoying a romantic moment.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park pleases both beachgoers and history buffs visiting the Florida Keys. The beach here is one of the most accessible, featuring hut rentals, watersports, cafes, and other amenities nearby. Just a few steps away is the historic Fort Zachary Taylor, a sprawling fort used during the American Civil War, The Spanish-American War, and at the heat of the Cuban missile crisis.

The park is easily accessible by car, and it’s quite small, so it’s a convenient outing for families and groups who want to spread out and explore different activities while staying within earshot.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first underwater state park in the USA. The reef on the ocean floor is the park. There are a few ways to enjoy this underwater spectacle. If you’re into diving, you can head down to the depths yourself. Bring your own SCUBA gear or rent it on-site. You can also snorkel and kayak, depending on the weather.

Those who prefer to stay dry can take a glass-bottom boat ride to view the colourful coral and aquatic wildlife in their natural habitat. There are also activities on land, such as a beach for swimming, picnicking, and relaxing in hammocks over the emerald waters.

Bahia Honda State Park is what most imagine when they think of the Florida Keys – white-sand beaches, snorkelling, lazy palm trees, and lapping waves. This 200-hectare State Park is on an island of its own, away from the parties, traffic and hustle of the rest of the Keys.

The park is home to multiple beaches. Walking from one to the other is a great way to explore the entire island. The Bahia Honda Bridge Trail is another popular activity, which takes hikers 1.5 km across the scenic bridge running through the park. When you’re ready for a meal or a break from the sun, you can find concessions and Wi-Fi at facilities around the park.

The Hemingway Home and Museum is an opportunity to learn about one of the world’s most enigmatic writers and to walk the halls of a traditional Key West villa. The beautiful home will thrill fans of art, history, literature, and design. The tour includes the interior, garden, and plenty of stories about the legendary author. You’ll also meet the descendants of Hemingway’s famed 6-toed cat, which was gifted to him by a ship’s captain.

Stop by the onsite Hemingway shop before leaving. The unique memorabilia and book collection make for thoughtful souvenirs.

The Southernmost Point of the Continental US is one spot you can’t post photos of a Florida Keys holiday without. The location is marked by a large colourful buoy (conveniently located on land). It’s also a relaxing spot to enjoy the ocean view and chat with other travellers – there’s usually a line to take photos.

The buoy is located in Key West, so you won’t have to go off the grid to get there. While you wait to take your Instagram-worthy selfie, enjoy a Cuban coffee from the nearby cafe, Cuban Coffee Queen. The black espresso is a popular pick-me-up and a sweet treat all in one.  

The Key West Lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses built on the island, dating back to 1848. This historic site and museum give you a glimpse into the past when the Florida Keys were prone to shipwrecks. Decommissioned 50 years ago, the lighthouse is now used to commemorate the men and women who dedicated their lives to the lost profession of lighthouse keeping.

The well-kept tower is a wonderful spot for a photo. Head inside for the full tour of the lighthouse and the keeper’s quarters. Just be prepared to walk up 88 stairs. The Key West Lighthouse is only a 1-minute walk from the Hemingway House and Museum, making both easy to visit in a day in Key West.

Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe is where you can eat key lime pie, the dessert of the islands. It’s worth trying even if you don’t like lime pies – it’s made the traditional way, with delectable Florida limes. This dish was invented in Key West in the 1800s, and it’s still popular today.

You’ll find Key Lime pie at almost any restaurant and cafe in the Keys, but for the best slice, head to Kermit’s in Key West. Kermit’s specializes in all things key lime pie, but you can also grab a meal there from a full menu of soups, salads and sandwiches. Other popular key lime pie spots include Key Lime Pie Bakery and Old Town Bakery, both in Key West. 

The Seven Mile Bridge, also known as the Florida Keys Bridge, is one of the most popular attractions in the Keys – even though visitors don’t leave their vehicles. This scenic bridge is over 100 years old and stretches from Knight’s Key to Duck Key.

The drive isn’t just full of gorgeous ocean views. You’ll also see many of the Florida Keys’ attractions along the road, including the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, Fred the Tree, and the ruins of the Overseas Railway that was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1930s.