Key Largo is the northernmost developed area in the Florida Keys, situated an hour south of the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area and its two major airports.
The city has been called the dive capital of the world with coral reefs and numerous wrecks to explore, making Key Largo vacation rentals a perfect choice. There is plenty for snorkelers to experience, too. Of course, it’s also a sport fishing destination. There are beaches, nature trails with abundant tropical hardwoods, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary.
Protected natural beauty has made the area a premier destination for eco-tourists and for those also interested in exploring the Everglades to own Key Largo vacation rentals.
Travel Times
Key Largo to Miami International Airport: 1.75 hours
Key Largo to Ft. Lauderdale International Airport: 2 hours
Key Largo to Islamorada: 25 minutes
Key Largo to Marathon: 65 minutes
Key Largo to Big Pine Key: 1 hour 30 minutes
Key Largo to Key West: 2.5 hours
Weather
Key Largo’s average temperatures show a range of 79 to 90 degrees in July and August, the two warmest months, to 62 to 75 in January.
Visit our Key Largo vacation rentals website and book the perfect vacation rentals in Key Largo.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and map
Harry Harris Park “is a place to spend the day at the ocean. The beach, not open to the ocean, is a tidal pool safer for children. The basketball courts, Kiddie playground, pavilions and BBQ grills are close to restrooms and parking. Two softball fields hosts local teams. One of the most popular features in this park is its deep water easy access boat ramp. Maximum length for Vehicle plus trailer cannot exceed 45′. There are 15 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers for day parking only. Pet friendly, Park closes at sunset.”
DIVING AND SNORKELING
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Hwy, MM 102.5
Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: (305) 451-6300
Email: info@pennekamppark.com
Explore spectacular reefs and experience diving amidst extraordinary wildlife. Offer separate diving and snorkeling tours. Equipment rental is available or bring your own.
- See additional diving and snorkeling resources at the Florida Keys’ official tourism website.
- The Key Largo Downtown Assoc.’s directory of fishing and diving charters
- Guides to Key Largo from GreatestDiveSites.com and DiveSpots.com
FISHING
- See additional fishing resources at the Florida Keys’ official tourism website.
- For charter suggestions, check Yelp
- Good introductory information at Florida-Keys-Fishing.org
- Florida Keys news and forums at FloridaSportsman.com
BOATING
- For information about mooring buoys, marinas, boat ramps, paddling trails, safety and courtesy see the site maintained by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- See additional boating resources at the Florida Keys’ official tourism website.
- For up-to-date weather forecasts visit NOAA’s official marine forecast site
- For tide information, visit TidesChart.com.
Key Largo is most notably home to the 70-square mile John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Set among mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks, the coral reefs and their marine life appeal to scuba divers and snorkelers while the glass-bottom boat draws those who want to explore the reef without getting wet. A coral reef theater or giant reconstructed living reef patch aquarium is also available for those needing dive instruction/certification. Canoeing and kayaking through the park´s waters are popular activities; fishing is permitted in designated areas. Visitors can hike two short trails, or picnic and swim at the beach. Full-facility and youth/group campgrounds are available. For boat tour information and reservations, call (305) 451-6300. Located at Mile Marker 102.5 in Key Largo.
The Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is one of the largest protected areas of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the United States. It’s also home to 84 rare species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe, and the American crocodile. Visitors can explore over six miles of trails, paved and accessible to both bicycles and wheelchairs. These nature trails are a birdwatcher and photographer paradise. Signs dotting a self-guided nature trail provide information about the park´s ecosystem and wildlife; ranger-guided tours are available. Located on County Road 905, one-quarter mile north of its intersection with Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), (305) 451-1202.
The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, home to unique vegetation and temperate and endangered species, like the American crocodile, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. It has been designated an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance, in recognition of its worldwide significance. Main entrance, Ernest Coe Visitor Center, located at 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034.
A lesser known gem in Key Largo, the Harry Harris Beach & Park, offers tidal pools safe for young children, basketball courts, softball field, playground and BBQ grills. An area feature is the deep water easy access boat ramp. Located Mile Marker 92.5, Key Largo, FL 33037, (305) 852-7161.
Key Largo’s The African Queen, the original boat used in the Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn movie The African Queen is on display and available for both canal and dinner cruises. Located 99701 Overseas Hwy Key Largo, FL 33037, (305) 451-8080.
See “Things to do” at the Key Largo Official Chamber of Commerce website,
See additional resources for sites at the Florida Keys’ official tourism website.
HISTORICAL SITES
- Keys Historeum: Presented by the Historical Preservation Society of the Upper Keys
- KeysHistory.org’s Specific Islands and Places including John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park, North Key Largo, Key Largo, and Tavernier.
- Key Largo and the Flagler Railroad
FOR CHILDREN:
- Key Largo activities for children at the official tourism site.
- See Yelp’s kids activities and reviews
TENNIS:
- Key Largo Community Park offers six unlighted tennis courts in addition to a pool, playground, skate park, basketball courts, volleyball courts, handball courts and baseball fields. Pets are allowed.
See a directory of Key Largo restaurants and bars at the Florida Keys’ official tourism website.
The Key Largo Chamber of Commerce website has a list of restaurant options including pet-friendly.
See customer reviews of Key Largo restaurants from Yelp.
For additional shopping resources, see the Florida Keys Official Tourism Website
Shopping suggestions from the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce
See customer reviews for Key Largo shopping in Yelp
For a list of live music venues, visit KeysScene.com
What’s showing at the Tavernier Cinema 5