Best Things To Do in the Florida Keys and Key West

Last Updated April 4, 2026

Looking for the ultimate getaway? The Florida Keys are calling your name! With sun-soaked beaches, vibrant marine life, and a laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder visitors flock to this tropical paradise. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or just in need of some relaxation, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

In this article, we’ll explore the best things to do in the Florida Keys, ensuring your trip is packed with fun and adventure. Most of the ideas and attractions we have explored for the last 40 years of traveling to the Keys.

So grab your flip-flops and sunscreen, and let’s dive into the magic of the Keys!

Exploring the Florida Keys: Your Ultimate Guide

For those reasons, there are few places in the world that can offer more robust and exciting water sports adventures. Our complete Guide to Florida Keys can give you more travel details.

Water Sports Adventures

1. 1. Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys.
   2. Scuba Diving: Dive into the depths and discover stunning underwater landscapes and shipwrecks.
   3. Kayaking: Paddle through mangrove forests and serene backwaters, exploring the natural beauty of the Keys.
   4. Jet Skiing: Feel the thrill as you speed across the turquoise waters, enjoying the adrenaline rush.
   5. Parasailing: Soar high above the ocean, taking in breathtaking views of the Florida Keys from a unique perspective.

      

   6. Fishing: Cast your line and try your luck at catching a variety of fish species, from snapper to tarpon.
   7. Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Test your balance and core strength while gliding along the calm waters of the Keys.
   8. Sunset Cruises: Relax and unwind on a scenic boat tour, witnessing the mesmerizing sunset over the horizon.
   9.  Eco Tours: Learn about the delicate ecosystem of the Florida Keys and its diverse wildlife through guided tours.
   10. Dolphin Encounters: Get up close and personal with these intelligent creatures through interactive dolphin experiences.

Remember to check local regulations and safety guidelines before engaging in any water sports activities. Enjoy the best things to do in the Florida Keys on the water! 

Must-Visit Attractions in the Major Florida Keys

Each island (Key) has its own personality, history and culture. We visit some of the biggest attractions and best things to do in the Florida Keys below.

Key Largo

Key Largo is the largest of the Florida Keys. It is also the first Key you visit when traveling south on a visit from the mainland. Two must-visit attractions are:

• • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States. Spanning about 70 nautical square miles, the park is famous for its colorful coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.

Visitors can explore the park’s beauty through snorkeling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and kayaking mangrove trails. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with an aquarium. One of its most famous attractions is the Christ of the Abyss statue, a submerged bronze sculpture that has become an iconic snorkeling and diving site. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a true gem of the Florida Keys.

• • Florida Keys Wild Bird Center – located in Tavernier, Florida, (over the bridge from Key Largo) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, or orphaned wild birds. The center provides a sanctuary for native and migratory birds, including pelicans, owls, hawks, and herons. 

It operates a Wild Bird Sanctuary, where visitors can walk along boardwalks through mangroves and observe permanently injured birds that can no longer survive in the wild. The center also has a rehabilitation facility that cares for hundreds of birds each year, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. 

 A visit to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center provides a unique opportunity to see these incredible birds up close while supporting their rescue and conservation efforts.

Islamorada

• • History of Diving Museum – The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada, Florida, is a fascinating attraction dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of underwater exploration and diving. Exhibits cover everything from early breath-holding techniques and deep-sea diving suits to military and commercial diving advancements.

Visitors can explore interactive displays, historical photographs, and rare artifacts, including an impressive collection of antique diving helmets. The museum also highlights the significant role Florida and the Florida Keys have played in diving history. 

• • Robbie’s of Islamorada – You just can’t drive through the Keys without stopping at Robbie’s of Islamorada. This popular waterfront attraction in the Florida Keys, known for its famous tarpon feeding experience.

25 years ago, Robbie’s was not much more than a rickety dock with tarpon that gathered there as a result of people feeding them fish carcasses from their catches.

Located at MM 77 on the  Overseas Highway, this lively spot offers visitors the chance to hand-feed massive tarpon right off the dock, Beyond the tarpon, Robbie’s is home to a bustling open-air market with local art, souvenirs, and tropical goods. 

 Marathon

• • Seven Mile Bridge – The seven-mile bridge is one of the most picturesque attractions in Florida. Where can you go to see beautiful sunrises, sunsets and unbelievable scenery for a seven-mile stretch of highway?

With clear turquoise water, tropical settings and miles of tropical views, you will have a problem keeping your eyes on the road. For a very small portion of the bridge, you will see the remnants of the first bridge that crossed the same waters. In 1912, Henry Flagler completed a railroad bridge that was considered the eight wonder of the world at the time.

• • Crane Point Museum & Nature Center – Crane Point Museum & Nature Center, is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of history, nature, and conservation in the Florida Keys. Covering 63 acres, it is home to lush tropical hardwood hammocks, nature trails, and stunning views of Florida Bay.

The site preserves the history of the early settlers, including the Adderley House, the oldest home in the Keys outside of Key West, built in the early 1900s. The museum features exhibits on local history, indigenous wildlife, and the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Visitors can explore scenic walking trails, visit a bird rescue center, and even discover a hidden lagoon.