Key Largo Vacation Guide
Some may argue that the Upper Keys are but a playground extension of Miami Beach! Let them.
This is a playground of unparalleled beauty, where the Overseas Highway unfolds into the horizon, with mile markers guiding your way to Key Largo, 126 miles north of Key West. Choose your path: the scenic route via Card Sound Road, connecting back with the Overseas Highway at MM 109, or the more direct route. Once you cross the Jewfish Creek bridge at North Key Largo, prepare to kick off your shoes and indulge in the island mentality. You’ve arrived.
Key Largo, the “Legendary” as it proudly calls itself, was once known as Rock Harbor. The allure of the movie “Key Largo,” starring Bogart and Bacall, led the islanders to rename their home in 1948. The Caribbean Club, where a portion of the shooting reportedly occurred, still stands, hawking its past glory.
Today, Key Largo’s southern half bustles with life, while the northern part retains its untouched charm. At the Caribbean Club on Overseas Highway at MM104, now a 24-hour saloon, the coquina-rock facade hides memories of old Hollywood. Old movie posters adorn the walls, and the scent of rum and bourbon fills the air. Sit at the rear by the Gulf, where the locals gather for eye-opening Bloody Marys. The toothless fishermen at the bar? They’re as harmless as they come.
Further south, the Florida Keys (Wikipedia) Visitors Center awaits free brochures and a promise of adventure. Why not reserve a hotel in Key Largo at the best price guaranteed? Explore Jules’ Undersea Lodge, a 30ft by 50ft marvel that rests 30ft under the sea, featuring underwater music, shipwrecks, a marine laboratory, lobster habitats, and sculptures. The Undersea Park at MM 103.5, designed to emulate the ocean’s natural environment, provides easy access for snorkelers and divers. Heralded as one of the planet’s last frontiers, this enclosed lagoon is a must-see, a treasure trove for those who long to explore the deep while staying connected to the surface.
The Upper Keys are more than a Miami Beach playground; they’re a song of escape, a melody of adventure. Experience the myth, the legend, and the unforgettable charm of an island that calls to all who seek beauty, both on land and beneath the waves.
THE ICONIC CHRIST OF THE ABYSS
Submerged beneath the crystal clear waters off Key Largo lies a remarkable sight – the Christ of the Abyss statue. This 8.5-foot tall bronze sculpture depicts Jesus Christ with his head tilted upwards and hands raised towards the heavens, embodying a sense of peace and tranquility.
Originally created and cast by Guido Galletti in 1954, the first Christ of the Abyss was placed in the Mediterranean Sea offshore from the Italian Riviera town of San Fruttuoso near Camogli, Italy. It was the sculptor’s gift to the people of the sea to protect local divers.
The Key Largo Christ of the Abyss is one of several additional casts of Galletti’s famous underwater statue. It was installed in 1966 as the first underwater Christ statue in the United States.
Resting in about 25 feet of water in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this iconic statue has become a beloved diving and snorkeling attraction. Over the decades, it has been embraced by the local marine life, with colorful sponges, corals, and schools of tropical fish making their home around the peaceful Christ figure.
To view this underwater wonder, visitors can book snorkeling tours or scuba diving charters from Key Largo operators. Many opt for snorkel tours, as the relatively shallow depth allows good visibility of the statue from the surface with a simple mask and snorkel.
Come, the Keys are calling. ☀️🏝🐠🐟
Ready to explore? Reserve your car now and embark on your journey to discovery. Plus, ensure your trip is unforgettable by checking out the top attractions and experiences. Start planning your adventure today
Experience the Best of Key Largo
1 – Bungalows Key Largo | 350 m from the center
2 – Largo Resort | 4.5 km from center
3 – Reefhouse Resort | 7.8 km from center
1 – House | 177 m² size | 2.1 km from centre
2 – House with pool | 99 m² size | 2.5 km from beach
3 – Retreat | 1000 m² size | 5.1 km from centre
Key Largo FAQs
Key Largo is the first and largest of the Florida Keys, located about 160 miles south of Miami. It is the gateway to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
Key Largo Florida location bywikipedia.org
Does Key Largo have good snorkeling?
Yes, Key Largo is a great place for snorkeling. The clear waters and abundant coral reefs make it a perfect place to see a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and rays. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States, is located in Key Largo. The park has over 600 species of fish and coral reefs, making it a snorkeler’s paradise.
Snorkeling in Key Largo Florida
Does Key Largo have good beaches?
Yes, Key Largo has some nice beaches. The beaches in Key Largo are not as white and sandy as the beaches in the Caribbean, but they are still a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. Some of the best beaches in Key Largo include Sombrero Beach, Key Largo Beach, and Long Key State Park Beach.
Is Key Largo safe?
Key Largo is generally considered to be a safe place to visit. The crime rate is relatively low, and the people are friendly and welcoming. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, just as you would in any other city.
What to do in Key Largo for a day?
There are many things to do in Key Largo for a day, including:
Snorkeling or scuba diving in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo Florida
Visiting the Key Largo Lighthouse
Key Largo Lighthouse in Key Largo Florida
Shopping at the Key Largo Shopping Center
Key Largo Shopping Center in Key Largo Florida
What’s the weather in Key Largo?
The weather in Key Largo is generally warm and sunny year-round. The average temperature in Key Largo is 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest months are July and August when the temperature can reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest months are December and January when the temperature can drop to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weather in Key Largo Florida
www.weather-us.com
Does Key Largo have an airport?
Key Largo, a prime destination in the Florida Keys, is accessible via several nearby airports, each offering a gateway to this island paradise. Contrary to common misconception, Key Largo doesn’t have an airport; instead, travelers can fly into the Key West International Airport (EYW), located at the southern tip of the Keys in Key West, approximately 97 miles south of Key Largo. For those landing in Key West, renting a car is highly recommended. It not only provides the freedom to explore Key Largo at your own pace but also allows for scenic drives along the Overseas Highway, making every journey part of your adventure. Secure your car rental at EYW and set off to discover the enchanting beauty of the Keys.
Additionally, the Marathon Airport (MTH) serves as a closer option, about 50 miles south of Key Largo. Opting for a car rental from MTH offers a convenient way to immerse in the Keys’ breathtaking landscapes, ensuring you don’t miss out on any hidden gems along the way.
Though often mentioned, there is no operational airport in Islamorada for commercial flights, and travelers usually refer to nearby airfields for private or charter services. Regardless of where you land, having a car in the Florida Keys is invaluable. It grants you the liberty to explore secluded beaches, local eateries, and unique attractions scattered across the islands at your leisure. Embrace the freedom of the open road by booking your car rental with your flight to the Florida Keys. It’s the best choice for a truly liberating experience, letting you craft your journey through the islands’ wonders.
Does Key Largo have a downtown?
Yes, Key Largo has a small downtown area with a few shops and restaurants. The downtown area is located on US Highway 1, the main road through Key Largo.
Downtown Key Largo Florida
Is Key Largo family-friendly?
Yes, Key Largo is a great place to visit with families. There are many things to do in Key Largo that are kid-friendly, including:
Snorkeling or scuba diving in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Visiting the Key Largo Lighthouse
Shopping at the Key Largo Shopping Center
Eating at one of the many restaurants in Key Largo
Relaxing on one of the beaches in Key Largo
Key Largo restaurants:
There are many great restaurants in Key Largo to choose from, serving a variety of cuisines. Some of the most popular restaurants in Key Largo include:
The Hungry Fisherman
Hungry Fisherman restaurant in Key Largo Florida
Louie’s Backyard
Louie’s Backyard restaurant in Key Largo Florida
The Lorelei Restaurant
Lorelei Restaurant in Key Largo Florida
The Shores Restaurant
Shores Restaurant in Key Largo Florida
