The northernmost island on the Florida Keys, Key Largo is a tranquil beach town offering travelers the best of both worlds. City dwellers looking for a quiet weekend away can find refuge on the island’s many beaches, while adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming among its world-famous barrier reefs.
The island is also justifiably famous for its white sand, fresh seafood and, yes, Key lime pie.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Friday: Cruise Key Largo
The Key Largo neighborhood (with the same name as the island) is the city’s downtown zone, where travelers and locals enjoy water sports, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and sunset views. Head to Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and order the lobster and grits or the crab cake Benedict — plus a side of alligator sausage (the fish of the swamp) if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
Then visit Aquaholic Adventures to take a guided eco-tour through the island’s mangrove tunnels. Your adventure starts with a quick paddle lesson before making your way to Island Dolphin Care, a sanctuary that provides animal therapy for adults and children.
Wave a quick hello to the sweet cetaceans before heading to wilder waters — where you’ll spot marine life such as lobsters, barracuda, needlefish and even a manatee or two.
For your first dinner, the choice is easy: Key Largo Conch House, one of the most popular restaurants in the Keys. Order the conch fritters, a local specialty that has been perfected here. Skip dessert at the restaurant and opt instead for gelato at the nearby Mr. C’s Gourmet Ice Cream, a neighborhood favorite.
Stick around to watch the sun go down over the marina, or even better, opt for a sunset boat ride: Hop on a 50-foot catamaran from Snorkel Key Largo or catch a ride on the 140-passenger Key Largo Princess yacht.
Saturday: Take a Deep Dive Around Anglers Park
Grab an early breakfast at Evelyn’s or the Hideout Restaurant (both open at 6 a.m.) so you can make it to the must-visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park as close to sunrise as possible.
Pennekamp Park was America’s first undersea park, comprising about 70 nautical square miles. Depending on the level of adventure you’re after, you can opt to explore the coral reef barriers in the state park via glass-bottom boat or get up close and personal with the wildlife via a snorkeling or scuba diving session. In different areas of the park you can also hike, fish, kayak and swim.
After a morning of adventure, grab a bite to eat at a casual eatery — the Catch Restaurant & Bar or Fish House — then head over to Dolphin Plus Bayside for your very own dolphin encounter. You can choose from a number of interactions with the dolphins — meeting, swimming and painting — and will learn more about these majestic creatures from the experts on staff at the facility.
There’s no better place to have dinner and a drink as the sun begins to set than Sundowners. Do try the cracked conch and the Key lime pie, both local favorites. Keep the party going at Caribbean Club right next door, the oldest bar in the Upper Keys.
Sunday: Take It Easy in Tavernier
Tavernier is the southernmost neighborhood in Key Largo and a great place to take it slow. Begin the morning with a cup of coffee at the charming Café Moka, where they also serve pastries and the always-popular avocado toast. Or pop next door to the Sunrise Cuban Market & Café for a full Cuban breakfast.
After breakfast, take a quick walk to the Mangrove Marina and rent the equipment needed for the day’s first adventure, on a paddleboard, kayak or Jet Ski.
When it’s a wrap on your marina morning, rent a bike to get around for the rest of the day. Cycle over to Captain Craig’s for a seafood lunch, then grab dessert at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory before heading to the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary to commune with wild (and rescued) birds.
After that, it’s time for your final moments on the beach, so make your way over to Harry Harris Park, where you can swim, snorkel or take a snooze in the sand. The beach is open until sunset, so after the day’s last rays, treat yourself to conch chowder at the tropical Snappers Key Largo — it’s a local favorite that shouldn’t be missed.
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