Welcome to Key Largo
A tropical, upscale paradise in the northern Florida Keys
Located at the top of the Florida Key islands, Key Largo is only a short drive from the mainland with the beauty of a faraway island. Known for its beautiful botanical scenery, Key Largo boasts dozens of types of tropical trees, rivers, and several state parks. With many areas set aside as preserves, many places are geared toward enjoying the ocean's natural wonders while preserving its ecosystems.
Globally known for its dolphin therapy programs, Key Largo has several centers dedicated to dolphin care. There is also a large population of native birds and fish species. Everglades National Park borders the island directly to the west, and the eastern sea is home to the United States’ only living coral reef! Due to a large amount of wildlife native to the area, there are several rescue and rehabilitation centers on the island. Birds, fish, and other marine life make up a considerable part of the ecosystem.
What to Love
- National Marine Sanctuary
- Independence Day firework celebrations every year
- Gorgeous natural scenery makes excellent venues for all types of celebrations
Local Lifestyle
Many who live here love snorkeling and scuba diving because the reef and many other ocean programs make Key Largo one of the world’s largest diving capitals! And for those who prefer to stay above the water, there is also a large sport-fishing industry, with excursions in both the shallows and deeper off the coast. The island possesses several nature trails and state parks filled with unique plant and animal species, remarkable for birdwatchers and hikers. The rivers throughout the island make excellent spots for kayaking and freshwater fishing.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Key Largo is full of excellent local restaurants for all types of cuisine. Key Largo Conch House is a great local spot that also provides catering for local events. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is an excellent place for some authentic Florida food at any time of day. And for a refined dining experience, Sol by the Sea offers a waterfront view with a touch of bohemian culture inspiring their dishes. Priding itself on fresh and local ingredients, this restaurant is a perfect place to visit for any occasion.
For some beautiful views of nature and the ocean, the two state parks in Key Largo provide many entertaining activities. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses over 70 miles of ocean and offers experiences like canoeing or kayaking. There are even glass-bottom boat tours that provide beautiful views of the reef. The beachfront also has gorgeous walking trails and picnic areas with its private aquarium. Another shaded Florida paradise is Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. There are several miles of walking trails with benches and gorgeous Florida landscapes to admire. Home to more than 80 species of protected animals and plants, it's a perfect location for photographers or birdwatchers searching for a muse.
Things to Do
Everglades National Park is a beautiful subtropical wilderness full of endangered species of wildlife and beautiful landscape. It contains a total of 1.5 million acres of wetland across Florida. Key Largo includes a large portion of this, so it isn’t hard to find things to do. Full of walking trails, boat tours, and even an observation tower, the national park is a beautiful historic landmark to be enjoyed by all ages. Also at Key Largo is the “African Queen,” a hundred-year-old steam vessel that can be taken for dinner cruises in the canal.
Another great activity is diving at the Spiegel Grove shipwreck site in the National Marine Sanctuary. The ship sunk in 2002 during Hurricane Dennis. There are dozens of ruins to explore underwater, at depths ranging from 45 to over 125 feet.
Schools
