Ready to expertise the tropical attract of the Florida Keys? The Florida Keys have a few of the finest seashores in Florida, and the area is definitely among the finest locations to go to in the state. In truth, the Florida Keys are certainly one of our favourite locations to go to in your entire USA. The Florida Keys are heaven on earth with the texture of a tropical island proper in your individual yard.
It will be overwhelming attempting to determine what to do in the Keys not to mention attempting to work out the place to keep in the Florida Keys however we’re right here to assist. We have visited the Florida Keys on 4 totally different events so we have now an excellent deal with on the highest locations to make a base.
Where to Stay in Florida Keys
There are greater than 800 keys in southern Florida, so it’s protected to say that you’ll have many choices when it comes to selecting lodging. The Florida Keys are an extremely versatile vacation spot, catering to all the pieces from luxurious, to mid-range, and budget-seeking vacationers. Yes, you’ll be able to even camp in the Florida Keys at designated trailer parks. This information will cowl the place to keep in the Florida Keys – including a few of the finest inns and resorts alongside the best way.
Before we dive straight into inns and lodging in the Florida Keys, let’s take a fast have a look at the 5 finest areas in the Florida Keys. We’ll briefly introduce you to every space.
The finest areas to keep in the Florida Keys
Key West – Key West is finest for tradition and historical past lovers. The key’s most famed for its historic Key West Old Town and Mallory Square, though additionally it is the birthplace of key lime pie.Key Largo – If your dream morning is spent underwater, Key Largo is for you. The key is filled with diving, snorkeling actions, and loads of possibilities to see marine creatures.Big Pine Key – Big Pine Key is the place to head for a tranquil vacation. The key even has a inhabitants of deer that roam peacefully all through the island.Marathon – Marathon is understood for its unbelievable shoreline. The key has a few of the finest seashores in the Florida Keys and is finest suited to these in search of someplace scenic to sunbathe.Islamorada – Islamorada is famed for sport fishing and feeding the tarpon. Plus you’ll find loads of water sports activities and adventures.
Now that you just’ve met the 5 major locations in the Florida Keys let’s take a extra detailed look.
1. Key West
Key West is certainly one of Florida Key’s most well-known and best keys. As we talked about, it’s the southernmost level of the Florida Keys, however additionally it is the southernmost level of the mainland US.
Visitors can take pleasure in a fast-paced vacation chock stuffed with nightlife, visiting historic websites, and trying out all of the unbelievable issues to do. Key West is vigorous with loads of oomph, and if you happen to like an action-packed vacation, you might be in for a deal with. Even higher, there’s Key West International Airport to fly into – good for straightforward entry from mainland USA and different worldwide locations. However, we recommend visiting Key West on a highway journey.
When visiting Key West, place strolling Duval Street and having fun with the sundown from Mallory Square on the prime of your itinerary. Duval Street is in Key West’s Downtown district and is the place you’ll discover all one of the best bars, eating places, cafes, and outlets.
The avenue is alive by night time and day – switching between a hotspot for customers and partiers skipping from tiki bar to tiki bar. Mallory Square is the place you’ll discover avenue performers, markets, and delightful views of the solar happening over the Florida Straits.
After strolling Duval Street, the Key West Historic District is the following place in your agenda. The outdated city of key west is famed for its pastel-colored structure and vary of points of interest. Mallory Square is situated in the Historic District close to the port and is the place you’ll discover the nightly sundown celebration.
Key West has many points of interest, together with the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, The Hemingway Home and Museum, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Key West is your best option if you would like typical vacationer actions and loads of museums, galleries, and arranged points of interest. Key West can be the birthplace of key lime pie, so arrive ready to pattern a few of the finest desserts you’ve ever tasted.
So, why do you have to keep in Key West? First off, Key West is an thrilling possibility when selecting the place to keep in the Florida Keys. Key West has an actual metropolis ambiance, electrical nightlife, and limitless points of interest, not like some quieter keys.
Key West has a buzz that outgoing vacationers will lap up. If you might be in search of a fast-paced vacation spot with plenty of character and vacationer infrastructure, Key West is your match.
Luxury: Pier House Resort & Spa
If you need a luxurious Key West resort, Pier House Resort & Spa is the reply. This luxe four-star property sits in the middle of the Key West Historic District, simply off of the well-known Duval Street. You can learn opinions on TripAdvisor as effectively.
Pier House Resort has each high-caliber facility that you could possibly consider. There is a seashore bar on a non-public seashore, an on-site spa, and two eating places with attractive ocean views. And, for these wanting a swimming pool day moderately than a seashore day, Pier House Resort has an enormous outside pool. While to absorb the solar in your individual area, some room choices even embrace personal balconies.
Perry Hotel Key West is a quiet retreat on the marina. We liked enjoyable at this resort with its elegant rooms overlooking the waterfront. What we liked about it was the native vibe. Many folks from the marina cease on the pool bar for lunch and snacks. Check for Reviews and pricing on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Mid-range: La Concha
Mid-range inns in Key West don’t get a lot better than La Concha. Also situated in the guts of the Key West Historic District, this resort is inside strolling distance of Duval Street and South Beach.
La Concha affords an out of doors pool, terrace, library, and a restaurant. Guests will respect the unbelievable location, amenities, and comfy furnishings. There can be a health middle for health-conscious friends, which is sweet motivation for holding lively on vacation. This is a superb place to keep if you would like to benefit from the Key West nightlife as you might be in the guts of all of it.
Budget: Not Your Average Hotel
NYAH is essentially the most budget-friendly lodging selection in Key West. Not solely does it have a few of the lowest costs, the three-star resort features a complimentary continental breakfast every morning. It additionally affords dormitory rooms for these attempting to save a buck.
NYAH has a budget-friendly bike rental service, three outside swimming swimming pools, plus a 24-hour assist desk. Good worth for cash, we’d say.
VRBO: Condo with Ocean Views
This property is among the finest locations to keep in the Florida Keys for a luxurious VRBO vacation. The area has unmatched views over the Atlantic Ocean and an open-plan front room and main bedroom that open onto personal balconies.
Guests have entry to lined parking and a shared outside pool. However, you might be simply strolling distance from the Key West Historic District, so that you’ll have loads of off-property leisure.
2. Key Largo
We stated that in case your dream morning is spent underwater, Key Largo is the important thing for you, and we imply it. Key Largo claims to be the dive capital of the world and is most well-known for its unbelievable dive and snorkeling websites.
The key’s residence to one of many world’s largest synthetic reefs – Spiegel Grove. Spiegel Grove is a large ex-navy ship that was sunk in 2002 to create a 510-foot-long reef for underwater flora and marine creatures.
Clearly, Key Largo takes its underwater surroundings extraordinarily significantly, and you may anticipate a proactive perspective in direction of ocean conservation. Sure, Key Largo has lots of different issues going for it. However, the realm’s major draw is unquestionably its ocean actions.
Speaking of actions, what are one of the best issues to do in Key Largo? Well, experiencing John Pennekamp Coral Reef is at all times enjoyable. You can go scuba diving, snorkeling, or keep dry and take a glass-bottomed boat tour. There are plenty of marine animals to spot – from dolphins to barracudas and sea cucumbers.
To educate your self about coral conservation and restoration exterior the water, we suggest a visit to the Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center. Here you’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the underwater world, together with what the muse is doing to support coral in Key Largo and the Florida Keys. Finally, while you aren’t studying in regards to the ocean, there are many adrenaline-water actions. One of the preferred is jet snowboarding, and also you’ll find a way to attain unbelievable speeds on the water.
Key Largo is the place to keep in the Florida Keys if you would like to have enjoyable on and in the ocean. The key’s one of the best place to take pleasure in snorkeling and diving, with extra dive tools outlets than you ever want. Key Largo is finest suited to vacationers who love marine life and ocean conservation. If you’d select an evening dive over an evening partying, Key Largo is the important thing for you.
Now, what about the place to keep in Key Largo? These are our prime suggestions.
Luxury: Bungalows Key Largo
Bungalows Key Largo is a surprising, adult-only luxurious resort. Guests have to be over 21 years outdated to e book a room at this all-inclusive resort, giving the Bungalows Key Largo an unique, intimate ambiance.
The resort has two swimming swimming pools, certainly one of which is very for rest and downtime. It additionally contains a health middle with courses included in your room worth. Luxury by no means felt extra inclusive.
Mid-range: Baker’s Cay Resort
Baker’s Cay Resort is a four-star property with mid-range pricing. From its personal seashore to two swimming swimming pools, Baker’s Cay Resort is a property that goes the additional mile.
The on-site spa boasts a steam room and a scorching tub, whereas the health middle has quite a few courses. You may even prepare kayaking and fishing excursions from the entrance desk.
Budget: Rock Reef Resort
Rock Reef Resort is essentially the most budget-friendly possibility in Key Largo. Guests obtain free parking, toiletries, and wi-fi – plus a spread of personal rooms catering to numerous budgets.
You can calm down in the resort’s shaded backyard, sunbathe on the personal seashore, or kayak off the resort’s dock. You are additionally inside strolling distance of Bluefin Rock Harbor Marina.
VRBO: Oceanfront Condo
This two-bedroom rental is gorgeous, with spacious rooms and a balcony with ocean views. However, its shared amenities are the place the property comes into its personal.
Saltwater swimming swimming pools are fairly uncommon, but this rental provides friends entry to a saltwater swimming pool with tropical fish to swim with and feed. You’ll additionally get to take pleasure in tennis courts, an extra two swimming swimming pools, and a hearth pit space.
3. Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key is the shy wallflower of the Florida Keys. The key’s recognized for its low-key, tranquil ambiance. It additionally has a few of the most wildlife to spot, meet, and admire. Big Pine Key is very well-known for its key deer inhabitants, which largely lives on this key.
The deer are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer and develop to simply 32 inches. While they will swim between islands if they need, Big Pine Key is a particular favourite spot. If it’s peaceable sufficient to tempt key deer to keep, it is going to be tempting sufficient for you.
Deer aren’t the one animals you’ll see round the important thing both. There are alligators, iguanas, and turtles to spot. The key’s heaven on earth for these in biology, conservation, and the animal kingdom. Its peaceable ambiance and spectacular fauna variety make it simply among the finest Florida Keys.
Needless to say, animal recognizing is among the finest issues to do on the important thing. Visiting the National Key Deer Refuge Nature Center is a prime exercise for any customer’s itinerary. The 9,200-acre reserve is a protected area for endangered species and is the right place to rise up shut if you happen to’ve by no means seen them earlier than.
You may spot the deer at Blue Hole, a small freshwater lake and fashionable consuming gap for native wildlife. We recommend heading to the Blue Hole Observation Platform with a picnic and simply ready to see what wildlife seems.
It can be value visiting the close by islands related to Big Pine Key by the abroad freeway. Little Torch Key is among the finest to go to for a style of distant island life, and the important thing has just some resorts and hospitality venues. No Name Key is even quieter, with only a handful of everlasting residents.
Further up the abroad freeway, there’s Bahia Honda State Park, too – a coastal park with palm timber and wonderful seashores. We recommend renting a automobile to drive the scenic route to Bahia Honda State Park.
Big Pine Key is the place to keep in the Florida Keys for a quieter expertise, surrounded by nature and wildlife. It is finest for vacationers who’re in search of nature, not nightlife. Since a lot of the finest resorts are additionally situated on close by islands, guests must be versatile about discovering lodging simply exterior the important thing. Let’s check out our greatest lodging choices.
Luxury: Little Palm Island Resort
Little Palm Island Resort is among the hottest locations to keep in the Florida Keys. Little Palm Island Resort has all the pieces – from seashore massages to a hair salon and arranged snorkeling excursions.
The resort actually appears like a tropical paradise, and while you aren’t on the seashore, you’ll be able to calm down in a cabana by the outside swimming pool.
Mid-range: Parmer’s Resort
Parmer’s Resort is a cushty motel by the oceanfront. What extra might you ask for with a heated outside pool, actions like kayaking and seashore yoga, plus a continental breakfast every morning? Parmer’s Resort is a unbelievable mid-range lodging possibility.
Budget: Old Wooden Bridge Guest Cottages & Marina
Old Wooden Bridge Guest Cottages & Marina has twelve cottages to select from and loads of on-site facilities. There is a lot to maintain you entertained, from BBQs to an out of doors swimming pool.
The property is only a twenty-minute drive from Seven Mile Bridge and eight minutes from the National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center. Guests have an ideal location to discover the realm higher.
VRBO: Canal Front Home
This VRBO property is dreamily located alongside a canal, with a ship ramp simply steps away from its entrance door. If you need to deliver a ship while you keep in the Florida Keys, this residence is an efficient selection.
The property additionally has an open-plan front room and kitchen. While upstairs, indoor/outside area is maximized with a non-public balcony off the main bedroom.
4. Marathon
Forget ‘it’s raining males’, Marathon is raining attractive seashores. The key’s seashore after seashore of gorgeous views and mushy, tropical white sands. Beach holidays don’t get a lot better than a getaway on this key. You’ll love this key if you happen to love enjoyable and rejuvenating on a lovely shoreline.
The key’s break up throughout 13 islands related by the abroad freeway. Because of this, every separate island is a small neighborhood, and most communities middle their id round their seashore. Sombrero Beach and Key Colony Beach are glorious examples of this seashore meets neighborhood phenomenon.
These two seashores are additionally the place you’ll discover Marathon Key’s inhabitants of loggerhead turtles throughout laying season. The turtles head onshore to bury their eggs, and on the finish of the season, you’ll be able to witness a whole lot of child turtles making a rush to the ocean.
In brief, this key will get its character from its shoreline. Whether you simply calm down amongst palm timber on a sandy seashore otherwise you get to spot child turtles hatching, Marathon’s seashores are idyllic.
So, what’s there to do aside from seashore days? Visiting the Turtle Hospital is at all times a memorable expertise; you’ll be able to really feel comfortable spending cash understanding it’s going to an excellent trigger. Visitors can take guided excursions of the ocean turtle rescue and rehabilitation middle – good for studying extra about turtles and the charity’s important work. A go to to the Turtle Hospital is among the sweetest issues to do on the important thing.
Crane Point Hammock is one other place the place you’ll be able to study nature. The pure historical past museum is among the finest issues to do on Marathon. Visitors discover nature trails, a chicken rescue middle, and expertise marine contact tanks. While, as a day journey, you’ll be able to drive additional down Seven Mile Bridge or enterprise to close by islands like Duck Key.
Marathon is your best option for seashore lovers. The key has a few of the finest seashores in the Florida Keys and a unbelievable coastal tradition. It’s a great vacation spot for anybody who goals of getting up shut to turtles and spending day after day on a picturesque sandy seashore.
Luxury: Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa
Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa is a 4.5-star resort, however we predict it must be pushed up to 5 stars. Isla Bella Beach Resort is a superb luxurious place to keep in the Florida Keys if you would like to base your self in Marathon. It has 5 totally different swimming swimming pools, together with a heated swimming pool. You’ll additionally discover on-site eating places, a spa, and a backyard café.
Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys
Courtyard by Marriott Marathon Florida Keys is a mid-range three-star resort, good for individuals who need snug lodging at an affordable worth. The resort is located in a state park, simply an eight-minute drive from Sombrero Beach. The on-site facilities are additionally second to none, with a 24-hour fitness center, outside pool, and tennis courts.
Budget: Sandpiper Motel
If you perked up on the point out of the Turtle Hospital earlier, word that Sandpiper Motel is situated simply throughout the highway from it. Sandpiper Motel is affordable and cheerful with a unbelievable location. Sure, it’s no boutique resort; nevertheless, Sandpiper Motel is one of the best worth for cash that you just’ll discover in Marathon.
VRBO: 3 Bedroom Fisherman’s Retreat
This property is heaven and actually a fisherman’s retreat. You have a non-public dock, a bait freezer, and a fish cleansing desk – there’s even a grill so that you could prepare dinner up a storm together with your catch.
When you need some downtime, watch the dock mild up in the night and luxuriate in your personal scorching tub. Relaxing by your individual marina is a unique form of luxurious.
5. Islamorada
Remember us saying that Islamorada is fashionable for sport fishing? Well, Islamorada is taken into account the game fishing capital of the world. The key has a few of the finest fishing charters and Florida Keys fisheries. Whether you need contemporary seafood readily available every day or are a eager fisher in search of an final sport fishing expertise, it’s a unbelievable vacation vacation spot.
Despite its aggressive declare to fame, Islamorada is in any other case a laidback place to go to in the Florida Keys. The key has a little bit of all the pieces – from geological websites to luxurious hospitality venues.
When stopping at Islamorada, seize a chew to eat at Robbie’s and ensure to go to the pleasant tarpon. One of the preferred issues to do on Islamorada is to feed the tarpon and watch them leap out of the water into your hand!
However, it lacks that commercialized edge that another keys thrive on. Instead, Islamorada is a vacation spot the place you’ll be able to escape to unwind while you aren’t exploring its points of interest. We love that flexibility.
The finest issues to do in Islamorada are largely ocean associated. Fishing lovers should not miss out on a fishing constitution, and anybody ready to swim ought to take a snorkeling or diving tour.
If getting in History of Diving Museum as an alternative. Islamorada has a particular relationship with the ocean, and it’s thrilling to expertise the connection for your self by way of water actions and museums.
Islamorada is among the center keys, and it’s effectively value day tripping to its close by islands. We suggest a day journey to Long Key, only a twenty-minute drive down the abroad freeway. On Long Key, you’ll discover Long Key State Park. Long Key State Park was as soon as residence to a luxurious resort, however now it’s a spectacular reserve with canoeing and bone fishing alternatives. Of course, there’s additionally Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, situated in Islamorada itself, only a five-minute drive from the Islamorada middle. Once a limestone quarry, guests now flock to Windley Key State Park to admire the fossilized coral on quite a few climbing trails.
There are many issues to do in Islamorada, and we’ll hyperlink our full information right here. The island is ideally suited to those that love fishing, seafood, and watersports. Don’t anticipate the outgoing ambiance of Key West. Instead, Islamorada is ideal for a calming ocean getaway.
Luxury: Amara Cay Resort
Amara Cay Resort is that basic luxurious. Picture poolside bars, a full health middle, and a non-public beachfront to take pleasure in. Amara Cay Resort is ideal if you would like upscale lodging when staying in Islamorada. In truth, it’s so lovely that it’s often booked for weddings.
Mid-range: Hadley House
Hadley House is a surprising mid-range property in Islamorada, virtually situated on the seashore – seashore entry doesn’t get a lot simpler. Guests can anticipate many perks, together with free breakfast and complimentary bike rent. Thanks to Hadley House’s marina, you can too simply entry ocean actions and hire tools instantly from the resort.
Budget: Sunset Inn
Budget-friendly properties are sadly uncommon in Islamorada. However, Sunset Inn is a powerful selection if you’re in search of cheaper choices. You received’t sacrifice a lot, as you continue to get a pool, BBQ space, and video games room. But the complimentary cabanas, bike, rent, and wi-fi will certainly assist prevent some money.
VRBO: Angler’s Reef Home with Ocean Views
This VRBO property is big, sleeping up to six friends and boasting 4 separate balconies with ocean views. It is among the most lovely locations to keep in the Florida Keys and has marina entry and its personal personal seashore.
Located in the unique, gated neighborhood of Angler Reef, you’ll be able to calm down in this VRBO property in full luxurious.
To Conclude
The Florida Keys is one of the best vacation spot in Florida to escape and join with ocean life. You’ll spend your days fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sampling scrumptious seafood, enjoyable on one of the best seashores, and rather more. Whether you select Key West or Islamorada, you’ll have a unbelievable time. However, every key has one thing totally different and distinctive to provide – who is aware of, perhaps you’ll want a return tip or a Florida Keys highway journey.
The query of the place to keep in the Florida Keys is thrilling. We hope you’ve discovered your good match and are prepared to your upcoming vacation.