The Florida Keys Bucket List and Visitors Guide

The Florida Keys have a real exotic holiday vibe and this guide will give you plenty of ideas for your own Florida Keys Bucket List.

The Florida Keys are a string of small, beautiful islands off the south coast of Florida. There is one road stretching 113 miles that connects these beautiful, tropical islands called the Overseas Highway. 

The Florida Key Islands are found between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The tranquility, vibrance and fantastic weather will make you feel like you are in your own little paradise in the tropics.

Made up of 800 islands the Florida Keys are hot spots for fishing, diving and boating. Visiting the Keys when in the South of Florida really is a great addition to any trip. Key West is the most Southern city of America and is very close to Cuba .

For more Florida Travel and Bucket List inspiration check out my Miami Bucket List Guide and Florida Bucket List Guide.

My Florida Keys Bucket List guide covers the 5 main islands and the fun and wonderful things to see and do at each location. 

Key Largo

The largest of the islands, Key Largo is the first one you will come across on your journey. This Key is also home to the world’s second largest artificial reef.  

Ride the African Queen – An iconic steam boat made famous by the film starring Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, now does daily cruises.

The Wild Bird Sanctuary – The Lara Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is a family friendly center that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases birds

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – This is a fun sport that doesn’t take too much practice to get the hang of. You can go at your own pace, take in the views and enjoy the crystal clear water.

Swim with Dolphins – If you dream of swimming with dolphins then take a trip to this 5 acre lagoon for various bottlenose dolphin and sea life encounters. 

Islamorada

Islamorada consists of 6 of the Florida Keys. It has a very laid back atmosphere and is well known for the coral reefs and it’s sport fishing.

The Morada Way Art & Cultural District’s – For art lovers Islamorada is quickly becoming a hot spot for galleries and studios. Join a “Walk About” held every third Thursday and immerse yourself in local artwork.

Theatre of the Sea – Home to Sea Turtles, Sea Lions, Dolphins and much more sea life. This family owned attraction has a large variety of shows and interactions available.

History of Diving Museum – “Story of Man’s Quest to Explore Under the Sea”. Full of historic artifacts, documents and photographs this collection is one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Indian Key Historic State Park – A deserted 11 acre island left for nature to take back. Explore the town ruins and learn about the islands history.

Marathon

Marathon is made up of 13 islands in total. Known for its loggerhead turtles, local sandbar and deep sea fishing.

Visit the Turtle Hospital – a lovely way to spend a couple of hours and to break up a drive to Key West. Meet some of the rescued turtles and find out more about how the center rehabilitation and releases them.

Dolphin Research Center – A not for profit organisation ensuring the bottlenose dolphins had a home forever whilst creating a one of a kind research and education hub.

The Florida Keys Aquarium – Another family friendly and interactive activity. Full of educational exhibitions and encounter opportunities including the Big Shark Bay and the Stingray encounter.

Kayaking – Hire out a kayak and paddle the shores with the sun on your shoulders.

Big Pine and the Lower Keys

This cluster of islands have wonderful names including Summerland Key and Sugarloaf Key. Like the other keys these are also teeming with wildlife and water sports opportunities.

Snorkeling – Big Pine and the surrounding keys are some of the best snorkeling and diving spots. So grab your mask and fins and take a look under the waves.

Bahia Honda State Park – Consisting of over 500 acres of islands and a firm favourite with holiday makers. Kayaking, snorkeling, cycling and camping activities are all available.

National Key Deer Refuge – This refuge was initially created to protect the Key Deer species. It not only protects this endangered animal but also 15 other threatened wildlife and fish species.

Key West

Florida’s southernmost island and the most popular island to visit. With its pastel houses, historic sites and lively bars and restaurants you will have plenty to keep you busy on your visit.

Duval Street – Full of colourful cafes, music filled bars, quirky little galleries and shops. This is the main strip of Key West and probably the most well known. It is also a perfect spot to sit and watch the sun set. 

The Southernmost Point Buoy – This buy sits on land and marks the most southern point of North America. Great for a good photo oppertunity.

Walk to the Top of the Key West Lighthouse – Walk up the 88 steps and enjoy the views from the top. Opened in 1848 with one of the few female lighthouse keepers in the US at the time.

Mile Marker Zero – US1, a very popular place for a photo opportunity. The end (or beginning) of US Highway 1.

Ernest Hemingway’s House – Earnest Hemingway was a popular US author and journalist. Here you can visit his beautiful Key West home and museum and see the many polydactyl (six-toed) cats.

Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – Experience the beauty of 50 species of butterfly, 20 tropical bird species and a spectacular collection of plants. The learning center dives into the anatomy and lifecycle and if family friendly.

Eat Key Lime Pie – Key Lime Pie is the signature dish of the Keys and Florida. You can’t visit Key West without sampling this wonderful dessert.

Because there are so many islands that make up the Florida Keys you really wont be at a loss of things to do. Which island peaks your interest the most? Let me know in the comments below.