A Local’s Guide on Things to Do in Key Largo

As the first island of the Florida Keys, Key Largo abounds with water and land attractions. Unofficially considered the diving capital of the world, there are plenty of places to view marine life thriving in the clear blue waters. Try out one of the activities below when searching for Key Largo things to do.

Unique Key Largo attractions like the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are available to locals year-round. As the first undersea park in the country, this 70-mile wonderland doesn’t disappoint. Visitors can choose how they want to see the ocean floor, like enjoying the reef via a glass-bottom boat tour. For an up-close look, visitors can scuba dive or snorkel. Visitors can also explore the large state park by kayaking and canoeing.

The fun doesn’t stop once you hop out of the water. Short trails branch out from the ocean, providing great hiking. Marine enthusiasts can also stop by the visitor center’s 30,000-gallon aquarium. Cast a line at one of the designated areas, or sun out on Canon Beach. Canon Beach also features historical remnants of a Spanish shipwreck.

Another must-visit spot for diving is the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. As North America’s only coral barrier reef, this sanctuary is full of sights unlike anywhere else in the state. Animals unique to the area call seagrass beds and mangroves their home. Underwater shipwrecks also teem with sea life, making them an exciting area to snorkel and dive. Enjoy a day out on the water to learn more about this protected area.

A Key Largo list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most popular diving sites in the area, the USS Spiegel Grove. This artificial wreck is one of the largest at 510 feet long. Only the USS Vandenburg in Key West is longer, at 524 feet. Even so, the USS Spiegel provides a tantalizing challenge for divers. Although impossible to view all in one dive, the sights themselves pop with 130+ species of game and tropical fish. Positioned near the Delta Shoal, passing snorkelers can spot it in the deep waters from atop the water.

Explore Key Largo like a local while cruising in the African Queen. This vessel rose to stardom in the eponymous 1951 movie. It was originally built in 1912 and used by the East Africa British Railways Company. Today, the African Queen is recognized as a historical site. Immerse yourself in the boat’s history and the surrounding island by reserving a time for a sightseeing canal and dinner cruise. This hour-and-a-half cruise makes a loop from the Marina Del Mar, through the Port Largo Canals, out to the Atlantic, then back to the Marina.

The wide and flat shoreline at Harry Harris Park and Beach is one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean. This beach is intimate and serene, with calm waters to match. Families love the tide pool, which creates accessible swimming for children. There’s also a playground for kids to play. Set up for a day under one of the pavilions, have an oceanside barbecue, or play a pick-up game at the basketball court.

Playa Largo Resort & Spa provides beachfront luxury amidst its 14.5 acres of secluded shoreline. Guests can enjoy the water activities supplied right from the resort. Visitors can also explore the surrounding ocean on a backcountry fishing charter or cruise. After a day on the water, relax at the Ocean Spa. Services include massages like The Soothing Wave, a Swedish massage that melts away tension. Or try out specialty treatments like the Treasure of the Sea Treatment, a body polish and oil massage.

This resort also has some of the best restaurants in Key Largo. Las Olas Ceviche Bar excites the senses with its raw fish plates cured in citrus. Lounge on an oversized sofa and try out craft cocktails like the tropical Pisco de Pina. Sol by the Sea offers rustic, waterfront dining with fresh seafood creations. Sample the daily fresh catch, prepared to your preferences.

For Key Largo shopping, the Overseas Highway is the place to explore. This highway’s 113 miles connect Florida's Keys from Key Largo to Key West. Shoppers will find trendy boutiques like Sandy Dreamz that meet all of their coastal glam fashion needs. Shopping at spots like Florida Key Jewelry is paired with spectacular reef views. Pick up a souvenir or vacationing essentials at Largo Cargo. Shoppers can also stop by The Key Largo Shopping Center and The Pink Plaza for more in-store shopping.

For seafood delights, The Catch is a local favorite. Stop by on a Tuesday to compete against friends in a game of trivia. Menu items are freshly made and sourced with quality ingredients. Dinner guests can start off their meal with appetizers like the savory shrimp bruschetta, then follow it with entrees like the Aztec Mahi. This dish is a spiced royal feast, served with lobster, shrimp, and crab-stuffed mushrooms.

Another local seafood favorite is the Fish House. This restaurant has won many awards for its entrees and desserts, particularly the Key Lime Pie. Sit back and relax in its casual atmosphere knowing your meal is sourced from local commercial fishermen. Settle into appetizers like the bacon-wrapped scallops. Then, order combo platters like the broiled combo featuring the catch of the day.

To explore Key Largo like a local, try out the activities above. Water attractions are central to island living. There’s no end to diving and snorkeling spots, which are visible from the shopping along the Overseas Highway. When you’re ready to live a little closer to everything Key Largo provides, contact experienced local agent Eric Woodward to guide you through the process.