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77 Things To Do in the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys, a tropical paradise stretching from Key Largo to Key West, offer a diverse array of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a glimpse into the region’s rich history, the Keys have something for everyone.

From diving into vibrant coral reefs and exploring historic landmarks to enjoying fresh seafood and picturesque sunsets, the possibilities are endless.

Let’s explore 75+ unique and exciting things you can do in the Florida Keys, ensuring an unforgettable experience in this beautiful island chain.

1. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is the former residence of the famous writer.

You can tour the house, see where he wrote some of his famous works, and meet the many six-toed cats that live there.

2. Dive or snorkel at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is the first undersea park in the United States.

You can explore the vibrant coral reefs and encounter a variety of marine life through diving or snorkeling.

3. Explore the Dry Tortugas National Park

Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island park accessible by boat or seaplane. It is known for its historic

Fort Jefferson, clear waters, and abundant sea life, making it perfect for snorkeling and bird watching.

4. Take a sunset sail from Key West

Experience the beauty of a Key West sunset aboard a sailboat.

These cruises offer stunning views of the ocean as the sun sets, often accompanied by drinks and live music.

5. Tour the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is home to hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds.

Walking through the lush gardens, you can enjoy the serene environment and see butterflies up close.

6. Drive the Overseas Highway

The Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys and offers breathtaking ocean views. The scenic drive includes many bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

7. Fish for marlin in the Gulf Stream

The Gulf Stream near the Florida Keys is renowned for deep-sea fishing, especially for marlin. Anglers from around the world come here to catch these powerful and majestic fish.

8. Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon rehabilitates injured sea turtles. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about their conservation efforts and meet the turtles recovering there.

9. Enjoy the beaches at Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the sea.

10. Explore the Key West Shipwreck Museum

The Key West Shipwreck Museum offers a glimpse into the island’s maritime history. Interactive exhibits and artifacts tell the story of shipwrecks and treasure hunting in the Keys.

11. Visit Mallory Square for the nightly Sunset Celebration

Every evening, Mallory Square in Key West hosts a Sunset Celebration. Street performers, food vendors, and local artisans gather to create a festive atmosphere as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico.

12. Dive the Vandenberg wreck

The USNS Vandenberg is a popular dive site off Key West. This sunken ship has become an artificial reef, attracting divers with its rich marine life and fascinating underwater structure.

13. Explore the National Key Deer Refuge

The National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key protects the endangered Key deer. Visitors can hike the trails and observe these small deer in their natural habitat.

14. Take a glass-bottom boat tour

Glass-bottom boat tours in the Florida Keys offer a unique way to see the underwater world without getting wet. These tours showcase the vibrant coral reefs and marine life through the boat’s clear bottom.

15. Visit the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens

The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens in Key West is a historic home filled with period furnishings and beautiful gardens. The house is named after John James Audubon, who visited Key West in the 1830s.

16. Take a Key West Ghost Tour

Key West is known for its haunted history, and ghost tours explore the island’s spooky past. Guides share eerie tales and take you to some of the most haunted spots in the area.

17. Paddleboard through mangroves

Paddleboarding through the mangroves in the Florida Keys is a peaceful way to explore the natural environment. The calm waters and lush surroundings offer a unique perspective on the local ecosystem.

18. Visit the Dolphin Research Center

The Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key offers educational programs and interactive experiences with dolphins. Visitors can learn about these intelligent animals and even participate in a dolphin encounter.

19. Enjoy a meal at a waterfront restaurant

The Florida Keys are known for their fresh seafood and waterfront dining. Enjoying a meal at one of these restaurants offers delicious food with stunning ocean views.

20. Attend Fantasy Fest in Key West

Fantasy Fest is a lively and colorful annual festival in Key West. The event features parades, costumes, and parties, attracting visitors from all over for a week of fun and celebration.

21. Visit the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center

Located in Islamorada, the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center offers exhibits on the region’s history, culture, and environment. It’s a great place to learn about the Keys’ unique heritage.

22. Go kayaking in the backcountry

Kayaking in the backcountry waters of the Florida Keys allows you to explore the shallow, calm areas filled with mangroves and wildlife. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.

23. Tour the Harry S. Truman Little White House

The Harry S. Truman Little White House in Key West served as the winter White House for President Truman. Guided tours offer insights into Truman’s presidency and the history of the house.

24. Relax at Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Key West. With its soft white sand and clear waters, it’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.

25. Visit the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West displays treasures recovered from shipwrecks. It tells the story of Mel Fisher’s famous search for the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

26. Take a seaplane tour to the Dry Tortugas

A seaplane tour to the Dry Tortugas offers a thrilling way to reach this remote national park. The flight provides stunning aerial views of the islands and the surrounding turquoise waters.

27. Visit the Key West Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in Florida. Visitors can see a variety of marine animals, including sharks, turtles, and colorful fish, and learn about local marine ecosystems.

28. Enjoy a day at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in Key West combines history and natural beauty. You can tour the historic fort, relax on the beach, and enjoy snorkeling and picnicking.

29. Take a fishing charter

Fishing charters in the Florida Keys offer the chance to catch a variety of fish, from tarpon to sailfish. Experienced guides take you to the best spots for an exciting day on the water.

30. Go on a dolphin-watching tour

Dolphin-watching tours in the Florida Keys provide the opportunity to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Guides often share interesting facts about dolphins and their behaviors.

31. Visit the Seven Mile Bridge


The Seven Mile Bridge is one of the longest bridges in the world and a marvel of engineering. Driving across it offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and islands.

32. Enjoy the nightlife on Duval Street

Duval Street in Key West is known for its vibrant nightlife. With numerous bars, restaurants, and live music venues, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening out.

33. Snorkel at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary

Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is a premier snorkeling spot in the Florida Keys. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a favorite destination for underwater explorers.

34. Go birdwatching at the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge provides a sanctuary for many bird species. Birdwatchers can spot herons, egrets, and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

35. Visit the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park offers a unique look at an ancient coral reef. The park’s trails and quarries reveal fossilized coral and provide insight into the area’s geological history.

36. Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant

The Florida Keys are famous for their seafood. Local restaurants serve fresh catches like lobster, stone crab, and mahi-mahi, often with beautiful waterfront views.

37. Visit the Oldest House Museum and Garden

The Oldest House Museum and Garden in Key West showcases the island’s history. Built in 1829, it’s the oldest house in South Florida, and the gardens are a peaceful retreat.

38. Rent a bike and explore the islands

Renting a bike is a great way to explore the Florida Keys. Many islands have bike paths and quiet streets, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

39. Visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West offers interactive exhibits about the local marine environment. It’s a great place to learn about the unique ecosystems and conservation efforts in the Keys.

40. Go parasailing

Parasailing in the Florida Keys provides a thrilling adventure with stunning aerial views. Soaring high above the water, you can see the islands and marine life from a new perspective.

41. Take a jet ski tour

Jet ski tours offer an exciting way to explore the waters around the Florida Keys. Guided tours often include stops at scenic spots and opportunities to see wildlife.

42. Explore Indian Key Historic State Park

Indian Key Historic State Park is accessible only by boat. The park preserves the remains of a 19th-century town and offers opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.

43. Attend the Key West Food and Wine Festival

The Key West Food and Wine Festival is an annual event featuring local cuisine and wines. It includes tastings, cooking demonstrations, and special dinners at various locations around Key West.

44. Visit the Keys History and Discovery Center

Located in Islamorada, the Keys History and Discovery Center offers exhibits on the region’s history, culture, and environment. It’s a great place to learn about the unique heritage of the Keys.

45. Go on a sunset cruise

Sunset cruises in the Florida Keys provide a relaxing way to end the day. Enjoy the beautiful sunset views over the water, often accompanied by music and refreshments.

46. Take a boat tour of the Everglades

Boat tours of the Everglades offer a chance to see this unique ecosystem up close. You can spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife while learning about the importance of the Everglades.

47. Visit the Conch Republic Seafood Company

The Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West is a popular spot for fresh seafood. Located on the waterfront, it offers a lively atmosphere and delicious dishes like conch fritters and Key West pink shrimp.

48. Snorkel at Sombrero Reef

Sombrero Reef near Marathon is a top snorkeling destination. The clear waters and vibrant coral formations attract a variety of marine life, making it a fantastic spot for underwater exploration.

49. Explore the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park features tropical hardwood hammocks and rare plants. Hiking trails through the park offer a chance to see unique flora and fauna in a natural setting.

50. Attend the Key West Songwriters Festival

The Key West Songwriters Festival is an annual event that brings together top songwriters and musicians. Enjoy live performances at various venues around Key West, celebrating the art of songwriting.

51. Go scuba diving at Molasses Reef

Molasses Reef is a renowned diving spot in Key Largo. The reef’s crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make it a favorite destination for scuba divers.

52. Visit the Islamorada Beer Company Brewery and Tasting Room

The Islamorada Beer Company Brewery and Tasting Room offers a variety of craft beers. Take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their unique, island-inspired brews.

53. Tour the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center

The Crane Point Museum and Nature Center in Marathon features exhibits on local history and ecology. Visitors can explore nature trails, a historic home, and a wildlife rescue center.

54. Enjoy a spa day at a resort

Many resorts in the Florida Keys offer luxurious spa services. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage, facial, or other spa treatments in a serene, tropical setting.

55. Visit Robbie’s Marina to feed the tarpon

Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada is famous for feeding tarpon. Visitors can buy a bucket of fish and hand-feed these large, hungry fish right from the dock.

56. Take a yoga class on the beach

Yoga classes on the beach offer a peaceful way to start or end your day. Many instructors in the Keys offer sessions that take advantage of the beautiful ocean views and gentle breezes.

57. Explore the Lower Keys

The Lower Keys offer a quieter, more natural side of the Florida Keys. Explore the unspoiled beauty, wildlife, and small communities that make this area special.

58. Visit the Keys Cable Park for wakeboarding

Keys Cable Park in Marathon offers wakeboarding for all skill levels. The cable system provides a fun and safe way to enjoy this exciting water sport.

59. Take a kiteboarding lesson

Kiteboarding lessons in the Florida Keys provide an exhilarating experience on the water. Experienced instructors help you learn the basics and enjoy this thrilling sport.

60. Go on a deep-sea fishing trip

Deep-sea fishing trips in the Florida Keys offer the chance to catch big game fish like tuna and sailfish. Charter boats take you to the best fishing spots for an exciting day at sea.

61. Explore the Florida Keys Brewing Company

The Florida Keys Brewing Company in Islamorada produces a variety of craft beers. Visit the brewery for a tour and tasting, and enjoy their tropical-inspired brews.

62. Take a day trip to Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, including the endangered Key deer. Spend the day exploring its parks, hiking trails, and peaceful beaches.

63. Visit the Lorelei Cabana Bar in Islamorada

The Lorelei Cabana Bar in Islamorada is a popular spot for drinks and live music. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the water and listening to local bands.

64. Tour the Pigeon Key Historic District

Pigeon Key is a small island with a rich history related to the construction of the Overseas Railroad. Take a tour to learn about the island’s past and enjoy the scenic views.

65. Enjoy live music at a local bar

Many bars in the Florida Keys feature live music from talented local artists. Enjoy a night out with good music, food, and drinks in a relaxed, island atmosphere.

66. Visit the History of Diving Museum

The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada showcases the history and technology of underwater exploration. Exhibits include antique diving equipment and fascinating stories of underwater adventures.

67. Go snorkeling at Alligator Reef

Alligator Reef, located off Islamorada, is a great snorkeling spot with clear waters and diverse marine life. The reef is home to colorful fish, corals, and sometimes even sea turtles.

68. Attend a local seafood festival

Seafood festivals in the Florida Keys celebrate the region’s culinary bounty. These events offer a chance to taste fresh local seafood, enjoy live music, and participate in family-friendly activities.

69. Visit the Key West Garden Club

The Key West Garden Club is located at West Martello Tower and features beautiful gardens. Stroll through the lush plantings and enjoy the historic setting and ocean views.

70. Go on a guided eco-tour

Guided eco-tours in the Florida Keys provide educational and immersive experiences in nature. Learn about the local ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.

71. Take a helicopter tour over the Keys

Helicopter tours offer a breathtaking aerial view of the Florida Keys. Fly over the islands, bridges, and reefs for a unique perspective and stunning photo opportunities.

72. Visit the USCGC Ingham Maritime Museum

The USCGC Ingham is a historic Coast Guard cutter turned museum in Key West. Explore the ship and learn about its service history, including its role in World War II and Vietnam.

73. Go on a wildlife tour in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Wildlife tours in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offer close encounters with diverse marine life. See dolphins, manatees, and colorful fish while learning about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect these habitats.

74. Enjoy the view from the Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters. Climb to the top for a spectacular vista and learn about the lighthouse’s history in the adjacent museum.

75. Participate in a yoga retreat

Yoga retreats in the Florida Keys offer a blend of relaxation and wellness in a beautiful setting. These retreats often include yoga sessions, meditation, and healthy meals to rejuvenate your mind and body.

76. Visit the Marathon Air Museum

The Marathon Air Museum features vintage aircraft and aviation memorabilia. It’s a great place for aviation enthusiasts to learn about the history of flight and see restored planes up close.

77. Relax and enjoy the tropical scenery

Sometimes the best thing to do in the Florida Keys is to simply relax and take in the natural beauty. Whether you’re on a beach, by the pool, or in a hammock, the stunning scenery and laid-back vibe are perfect for unwinding.

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