Key Largo Vacation Rentals

Known as a diving Mecca, Key Largo is well worth a visit for its wonderful reefs and dazzling marine life. The 1948-Hollywood film 'Key Largo' starring Humphrey Bogart was set and filmed here too. Motorcycling is popular with vacationers looking to explore the region at their own pace, so grab a bike and get going! Consider Key Largo vacation rentals for that next family trip.

Arriving into Key Largo

The easiest way to get to Key Largo is to fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Taxis are expensive so renting a car makes more sense – it's cheaper, and will get you to your Key Largo vacation rental in no time. Rental cars also give you total freedom to travel at your own pace. Alternatively, the Greyhound and Keys Shuttle offer daily scheduled departures from Miami Airport to the Keys.

Key Largo Cuisine

Key Largo is famed for its friendly, home-style cuisine and especially its alligator dishes. The island boasts a strong offering of international cuisine, with Japanese, Cuban, Mexican, Caribbean, Italian and Thai options all available. A large Cuban population makes this a great opportunity to savor some authentic Cuban delicacies.

Many seafront restaurants provide panoramic views to enjoy while you wait for today's fresh catch to be served to your table. The Pilot House restaurant is recommended in particular. Its glass floor delights young diners, who can spot passing fish as they feast.

Key Largo's many bars offer great Happy Hour discounts and open mic nights. Local food stalls are great for picking up a midnight snack before returning to your Key Largo vacation rental.

A Good Time to Visit

The best times to visit are late spring or late fall, as these bring good snorkeling and diving conditions as well as minimizing the heat-humidity factor. It might be wise to avoid the hurricane season between August–October. The transitional months on either side of the peak summer time result in cheaper rates on Key largo vacation homes.

Sights to Visit

Home to a national park and a national marine sanctuary, the region boasts some of the most intriguing botanical scenery in the state. Start your trip with a visit to the Caribbean Shipwreck Museum and Research Institute, and check out some rare maritime artifacts retrieved from the ocean floor. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to the Spiegel Grove shipwreck, a fascinating 510 ft. former US Navy ship that was deliberately scuttled in 2002.

As well as the soft, sandy beaches found in the rest of Florida, Key Largo boasts the only living reef in the continental United States. Dive companies frequently organize diving and snorkeling expeditions that cater to novices as well as seasoned pros. Recommended is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park, the first underwater park in the United States. Children can learn about delicate and diverse ecosystems at the park’s Coral Reef Theater.

Embark on a romantic sunset sail with free champagne thrown in, then unwind back at your Key Largo vacation rental and dream about what tomorrow will bring.

Activities with the Kids

Take the little ones to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a hub for camping, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Those looking for something different will appreciate Key Largo Undersea Park’s Emerald Lagoon, home to a shipwreck and numerous archeological sites. Get up-close-and-personal with dolphins and sea lions at the Theater of the Sea and Dolphins Plus. The Elbow Reef offers friendly encounters with moray eels and barracuda.

The kids are going to love Key Largo vacation homes just as much as you, so get those suitcases packed!

Excursions Galore

Molasses Reef is a popular diving site featuring glass-bottomed boats. Novice snorkelers will appreciate Grecian Rocks for its shallow waters. Northeast of Key Largo’s South Cut is The Statue of Christ of the Abyss, a world-famous, nine-foot bronze statue which stands underwater.

Another interesting spot is French Reef, known for caves filled with tiny fish. Blue Claw crabbing, fly-fishing, and sport-fishing charters are well worth indulging in while you are here. Visit Carysfort Light, a 112-foot lighthouse, if you fancy a bit of history, then return to your Key Largo vacation rental and exchange stories at the end of a long, action-packed day.

Landlubbers should definitely visit Harry Harris Park and the Everglades National Park, a stunning 1.5-million acre ecosystem running west from the bay side of Key Largo. The Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center lets you get close to the birds, while Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park provides superb opportunities for keen birdwatchers and photographers. When you're done exploring Key Largo itself, drive for just an hour to reach Miami; your Key Largo vacation home will be waiting upon your return!

Diving into Key Largo

Dolphin Cove

Set on a five-acre lagoon in Key Largo, Dolphin Cove is an exciting and educational family experience. The trainers are kind and the dolphins, curious and intelligent.

Christ of the Deep

The world-famous submerged bronze statue of Jesus Christ lies six miles from Key Largo in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Discover it as part of a diving trip and spot barracuda, parrotfish and jelly fish on the way.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

This center rehabilitates and releases birds into the wild, including raptors, owls, pelicans and other birds. Entry is free, too!

Molasses Reef

Housed within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, these are one of the most beautiful reefs in Florida. Nurse sharks, reef sharks and green eels are often spotted around here.

Spiegel Grove

Dives to the submerged wreck of this former naval ship offer a unique and eye-opening experience. You'll enter the ship itself and discover its secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions