Going to Florida on vacation is a fun and exciting experience. Most places throughout Florida provide warm weather and sunny skies for you to enjoy. I find that sometimes no matter where you go on vacation it’s important to determine what to do. The things to do and see in Key West are endless and so provide lots of fun and enjoyment.
I complied a list of what my family and I loved doing when we went on our trip from Key Largo to Key West. I find that making reservations and plans for vacation, ensures that you don’t miss out on any fun adventures or activities while on vacation.
Key Largo and Key West are part of the Overseas Highway, which runs all along that last strip of U.S. Route 1. All along the Florida Keys are beautiful beaches, oceans, and adorable towns to hang around in.
One of my families favorite things to do along this strip was try Key Lime Pies! Every night we got a new Key Lime Pie from a restaurant or bakery and rated it to see which one we loved the most. It was additional fun we did as a family and I loved having dessert all the time!
When traveling along the Florida Keys there is so much going on, it is imperative to know what you want to see and do. These are some of the best things to do, see, and gorgeous beaches to visit when roadtripping along U.S. Route 1!
Things To Do Near Key West
John Pennekamp State Park
The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park founded in the United States and it is also the third largest coral reef in the world. Located in Key Largo, this park protects all marine life and tropical vegetation on its land. Offering snorkel tours, scuba tours, and more this state park is a great place to see marine life!
My family and I did a snorkel tour with the state park and it was amazing! We went out to the Grecian Rocks and saw some barracudas while snorkeling. The boat ride out to the reef was super smooth and we even saw a turtle in the water. I highly recommend taking this snorkel tour. The guides were super knowledgeable and made it lots of fun!
The Turtle Hospital
This amazing veterinary hospital cares for sick and injured sea turtles. After rescuing injured or harmed turtles the vets work with them until they are able to release them back into the ocean. Since my mom and I love turtles so much, it was a great learning opportunity we really wanted to experience while down in Florida.
Located in Marathon, The Turtle Hospital offers a guided educational program in which you are able to learn all about each turtle. After a short information session about the different kinds of turtles the employees take you through the hospital. You are able to see all the injured turtles and learn about how they are getting better.
As a turtle lover, I think this is truly such a wonderful experience. We were able to learn so much about these beautiful animals and what we can do for them. I will definitely be going back to visit the next time I am in the area!
Duval Street
From Key Largo to Key West there are endless things to do. But once you arrive in the beautiful town of Key West head right to Duval Street! Duval Street is the main strip in Key West with all the best shops, restaurants, and events to see.
Duval Street is filled with all different things to do. You can do a haunted pub crawl or enjoy a margarita and tacos or just walk down the festive street. We walked down this street a few times either for shopping or our dinner reservations. Each time we spent on Duval Street we had a blast. It’s definitely a place to spend some time on!
Things To See in Key West
Seven Mile Bridge
Right in between Boot Key and Big Pine Key the Seven Mile Bridge is located. The updated version of the bridge has been around since 1982. In order to get to Key West you have to drive across the Seven Mile Bridge from Key Largo.
At the end of the bridge there are small spots to stop and take photos. They are located on the beach so they are gorgeous pictures at sunset. You can also stop at Bahia Honda State Park and see the old bridge up close. Definitely cherish the Seven Mile Bridge as you cross it because otherwise traveling the Florida Keys would be much more difficult.
The Hemingway Home and Museum
This house was the home of Ernest Hemingway during the 1930s. When Hemingway was staying at this house he wrote 70% of his life-time works. Today the Hemingway Home operates as a museum and offers tours of about 20-30 minutes.
The museum is open everyday and accepts walk-ins all throughout their hours. You are able to learn all about Hemingway, the Estate, and grounds themselves. Not only is it a great experience but the home itself is gorgeous and perfect for photos.
Key West Shipwreck Museum
The Isaac Allerton sank in 1856 and was officially rediscovered in 1985. Being that this was the richest shipwreck in Key West’s history it is a super thing to see. The Key West Shipwreck Museum has lots of attractions to see.
There are attraction and tour packages that include a trolley, tour of the museum, Truman Whitehouse access, and ability to see the shipwrecks. This kid-friendly location will allow fun and learning to co-exist. You are able to learn about the rich history of the shipwrecks and treasures found aboard!
Mallory Square
This beautiful square in Key West has fun events, shops, and art galleries to see. Anytime during the day it is great to stop by and have some fun!
Since the beginning of Key West during the 1820s, Mallory Square has been a hub for all fun events and amazing sunsets. The restaurants and shops in the square provide things to do for hours. All the way at the end of Duval Street you’ll find this wonderful, fun place.
Every night about 2 hours before sunset, crowds of people visiting or living in Key West make their way to the square. Whether there are performers going on or not this square is a place to be during sunset.
Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.A.
This was one of the coolest parts of our vacation. This buoy in Key West marks the Southernmost Point of the United States which is super unique to see. Traveling to Florida is super fun because it is the lowest state of the United States, but being at the lowest point is super cool!
Definitely make sure you stop by this spot to take a picture. There is almost always a line of people but it lasts about 15 minutes tops. And its totally worth it for being at the end of the United States!
Beaches to Visit
Sombrero Beach
Located in the Marathon Key, Sombrero Beach is a gorgeous place to stop along your drive down to Key West. This beautiful sandy beach is home to turtles, a beach park, palm trees, and more.
The beach is open all week from 7:00am to dusk, and offers and wonderful view of the sunset. If you get bored along the drive down to Key West I definitely recommend taking a stop here. Its a beautiful beach to walk on for a little break of driving or to relax for a few hours by the water.
Smathers Beach
Just across from where we stayed, Smathers Beach holds a gorgeous view. The sand all along the beach is one of the softest sand I have felt. Since our hotel was across from the beach we were able to talk walks along the beach at night, pictures before dinner, and wake up to such a beautiful view.
Not only was this beach super close to our place, but it was stunning to hangout at all day. We wanted to hop around and see different beaches on our vacation, so we only got to Smathers on our last day. We spent the morning walking around and tanning on the beautiful sand. And got to swim in the clear blue ocean. The was one of the most stunning beaches in Key West to visit!
Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach
The Clarence S.Higgs Memorial Beach was so pretty. The beach itself is small and does provide little room to leave your things or lay and tan. But the water was wondrous and refreshing.
We spent half a day at this beach and it was just perfect. After our lunch on Duval Street we headed to Higgs Beach (that’s what the locals call it). Thankfully some couple was leaving for the day and we got their chairs and umbrella. My brother, mom, and I floated in the ocean and enjoyed the sunshine. It’s definitely a cute place for a short beach day.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
This is one of the most beautiful state parks I have ever been to. Open from 8:00am until sundown the Fort Zachary Taylor has lots to offer individuals.
Not only is there a beach to see, but the fort itself has rich history. Predating the Civil War, the red brick corridors housed guns, cannons, and people during the Spanish-American War. This fort shows how soldiers lived and fought during those times at war. Being able to experience such rich history as Fort Taylor was privilege I am thankful to have learned from. I definitely recommend stopped by to experience the many things Fort Zachary Taylor has to offer.
Everything throughout the Florida Keys are beautiful and fun experiences. Make sure not to miss out on any opportunities when you are visiting. And don’t forget to have the best apps for every vacation so you have an amazing time!
