The Florida Keys is one of those hidden gems (well, not so hidden anymore) that definitely needs to be in your future travel plans. The Keys are great for solo travelers, family or group trips. Since I live in Florida it’s a great weekend trip or even a day trip to the upper keys.
First a few stats about the Florida Keys. In total there 800 keys (“Key” is derived from the Spanish Cayo, meaning a small island.) that stretch over 180 miles, with 42 bridges connecting all the Florida Keys. The longest bridge is the Seven Mile Bridge which is 35,716 feet long and is one of the longest segmental bridges in the world. In addition, located just a few miles off shore is the Florida Reef. It’s the only living coral reef system in the continental United States and is the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System off the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. Do you like to fish or better yet, eat them? Islamorada is known as the sportfishing capital of the world that hosts the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world!
There are a few ways to get to the Keys, but my favorite and most scenic is driving the 113-mile Overseas Highway, U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys south to Key West.
First stop is a little off the beaten path, but worth it! Take Card Sound Road and stop by Alabama Jacks to grab a drink and try the gigantic conch fritters. https://m.facebook.com/realalabamajacks/
THE FIRST KEY IS KEY LARGO AND HERE’S A FEW OF MY FAVORITES:
- Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen for lunch or dinner is old school with a very laid-back vibe. There are 2 locations, but I suggest the original. You have to try the KEY LIME PIE. I think it’s the best! Keep in mind, they are closed on Sunday. https://www.mrsmacskitchen.com/
- Key Largo Fisheries Market– Great place with views of the marina and FRESH fish. You can shop for a meal in their fish market https://www.keylargofisheries.com/
- Shell World– HUGE shopping for souvenirs, but the store has home décor, a children’s section, lots of SHELLS (of course) and many more goodies to take home with you. Believe me you are going to need time to shop! Tell Julia hello from TravelCharlee. http://www.shellworldflkeys.com/
- Caribbean Club– Great spot for live music in the evening under the stars. I was lucky enough to have a full moon on my visit. https://www.caribbeanclubkl.com/
ISLAMORADA COVERING 6 FLORIDA KEYS
Islamorada is a village encompassing 6 of the Florida Keys and known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World!
If you are staying in Islamorada there are few properties I would recommend. Also, there are plenty of short-term rental options.
Favorite Dining Options
Morada Bay is a slice of heaven for lunch or dinner, sunset or just the views! If you are in town in time for the golden hour, this is one of the best spots. (in my opinion of course) the fish tacos are YUMMY! Also, Pierre’s which is next door to Morada Bay is a fine dining restaurant. If it looks familiar, the Netflix series Bloodline was filmed in Islamorada. https://www.moradabaykeys.com/
Lorelei is a great spot for drinks, dinner plus live music, oh the sunset too! The Key Lime Colada is delish, tastes like a Key Lime pie cocktail! You can’t miss it because there is a huge mermaid out front to greet you! 😉 You will know it when you see it. https://www.loreleicabanabar.com/
My dining favorite is the Square Grouper. If you wonder about the name, be sure to look around the restaurant for clues. 😉 I’ll be honest, since they don’t take reservations… you may have to wait for hours to have dinner. No, I’m not kidding. It’s worth the wait, but be prepared. https://squaregrouperislamorada.com/
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
Gentlemen– This is your Heaven! Bass pro shop fishing galore! They have fishing charters that depart from this location. If you have any interest in booking a private charter, I can connect you with a private boat captain who takes out small groups. Contact me directly. https://stores.basspro.com/us/fl/islamorada/81576-overseas-highway-3011512.html
Ladies– if you need your shopping fix, Wild Lily Boutique is a great boutique with clothing, shoes, accessories. One of my favorite necklaces is from the shop. Locally made too, I love shopping local! https://www.wildlilyboutique.com/
Photo Stop– A fun photo stop is located at Mile Marker 86 at the Rain Barrel Artisans Village in Islamorada, Florida, on the Overseas Highway. The giant lobster’s name is Betsy & she’s made of fiberglass and measures 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide.
A great option to stay out of the sun or rain is the Diving Museum. Great artifacts and interesting history. https://divingmuseum.org/
Attention Nature, Outdoor Enthusiasts & Adventurists!
Turtle Hospital– If you are interested in nature and especially turtles, this is a fun spot to visit that’s located in Marathon, Fl. https://www.turtlehospital.org/
Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key– Activities include camping, bird watching, boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, snorkeling, shelling, stargazing, swimming, scuba diving and much more! $8 per vehicle for day trip. Plan ahead! Due to the park’s popularity, the park may close when it reaches maximum capacity in its day use areas. https://www.floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda
Seven Mile Bridge– connects Knight’s Key in Marathon in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys. Among the longest bridges in existence when it was built, it is part of the Overseas Highway. There are two bridges in this location. The modern bridge is open to vehicle traffic, the older one only to pedestrians and cyclists. Recently, after a $44 million restoration to the bridge, it’s open for pedestrians. Just recently experienced it myself, it’s and a great view for sunrise and sunsets, to walk/run/bike it or just to take photos and enjoy the 360 water views! The century-old 2.2-mile bridge is just phase one of a 30-year $77 million plan to restore and maintain the iconic structure. Flagler would be proud! (read my Key West blog)
Located on the north side of the seven-mile bridge in Marathon, Florida is the modern luxury property called Isla Belle Beach Resort. I haven’t stayed overnight here, but spent time in the area and the property is definitely on my list! https://www.islabellabeachresort.com/
Of course, these are just a few of my personal favorites in the Florida Keys! If you need more travel planning advice, I’m here to help. Send me an email or direct message on any of my social media channels @TravelCharlee.