Are you looking for things to do in the Florida Keys for all ages, personalities, and adventurousness levels? The truth is that planning a trip to the Florida Keys can feel overwhelming when you don’t want to waste a single moment in paradise.
Unlike other places in the continental United States, the Keys are spread out over multiple islands and cities. In some cases, you can’t even get to the main attractions by land!
If you’re the type who likes to see and do everything, this guide to the 7 best things to do in the Florida Keys is for you!
1) Take A Private Boat Ride To The Sandbars
One of the best things to do in Florida Keys is to escape from the crowds on a boat charter to explore the sandbars! If you’re in Key West, the island’s secluded sandbars will let you feel like you’re floating in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico.
Along the way, you’ll zip through backcountry waters and mangrove trails where you can spot marine life and take in views. Once docked at a sandbar, you can splash in warm shallow water or sink your toes in the sand.
Key West Boat Trips offers legendary experiences on the water. Let our experienced, friendly captains take you on incredible boating adventures around Key West. Our private cruises offer the easiest way to visit Snipe Point, Boca Grande, and Mud Keys. Itineraries include:
- Hopping Sandbars – Visit several different sandbars just minutes away from Key West. This trip includes the mangrove trails of Mud Keys and mingling with locals at Snipe Point.
- Sunset Cruise – Relax in waist-high water while anchored over a sandbar.
- Lunch or Dinner Cruise – Enjoy the scenery and splash in warm turquoise water while your captain prepares a fresh seafood feast to remember! Snorkeling is available.
- Mud Key Mangrove Safari – Enjoy a 30-minute cruise of backcountry waters to reach Mud Key Sanctuary! Swim, walk around on the sandbar, and explore your beautiful surroundings.
- Boca Grande Island Time and Snorkeling – Visit a remote island for sponge-garden snorkeling in shallow depths and relaxing beach walks. This is a great excursion for unplugging because there’s no cell service on the island! Your captain will also be happy to bring you onward to reach Woman Key and Ballast Key.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure with our sandbar boat tours, perfect for both large and small groups! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to soak up the sun with friends, we have the perfect experience for you. And for those seeking a little extra thrill, our e-foil rides are an absolute must-try!
Let us help you create lasting memories during your time in Key West! Don’t wait – book your sandbar excursion with Key West Boat Trips today and get ready for an amazing day on the water!
2) Explore Old Town Key West
Old Town Key West is one of the treasures of the Florida Keys. It contains many of Florida’s most important historical and cultural attractions. Encompassing more than 4,000 acres that are bounded by the Gulf of Mexico and parts of downtown Key West, this historic district offers the following historic sites and landmarks:
- The Key West Aquarium
- The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
- Key West Museum of Art and History
- Key West Shipwreck Museum
- The Harry S. Truman Little White House
Don’t feel overwhelmed about trying to hit all these spots on your own. You can take narrated trolley tours that let you off at key spots around Old Town. We also highly recommend stopping at Kermit’s Key Lime Shop for a slice of famous Key Lime Pie!
3) Visit An Underwater Park In Key Largo
Key Largo’s John Pennekamp State Park is the first underwater park in the United States. Located at Mile Marker 102.5 on the Overseas Highway, this incredible park spans 70 nautical square miles that are teeming with marine life and coral reefs.
As you explore the clear waters of John Pennekamp State Park, you’ll be amazed by the colorful underwater world around you. Whether you’re snorkeling among the reefs or kayaking along the shore, you’ll have a great chance to see all kinds of sea life up close.
The park also offers guided tours and fun programs, making it a great place for families and nature lovers.
Pro Tip: Get there early to find good parking and enjoy a quiet morning on the water before it gets busy – it’s a wonderful way to kick off your adventure!
4) Savor The Wildness Of Bahia Honda State Park
Located at 36850 Overseas Highway in Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park is a sanctuary showcasing iconic Florida Keys scenery. With ocean water as clear as gin and breezy palm trees framing the shore, this is a wonderful place to take in a sunset, look for shorebirds, or do some kayaking and snorkeling with rental gear.
While you’re in Big Pine Key, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the National Key Deer Refuge to explore the only place in the world that’s home to rare Key deer. These smaller versions of the white-tailed deer seen in the rest of the country are housed in a 100-mile stretch of islands with diverse ecosystems that include tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetland, salt marshes, and mangrove forests. The protected space is home to nearly two dozen endangered and threatened plant and animal species.
In addition to the stunning scenery and unique wildlife, Bahia Honda State Park offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained. You can relax on the soft sandy beaches, go for a swim in the warm waters, or take a leisurely hike along the nature trails that wind through the park.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at fishing or join a guided tour to learn more about the local ecosystems. With so much to see and do, Bahia Honda is the perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation in the beautiful Florida Keys.
5) Enjoy History At Dry Tortugas National Park
Travel 70 miles west of Key West by ferry to reach a 100-square-mile park that consists of open water and seven tiny islands. While many come to snorkel among coral reefs of spot sea turtles on the shore, the true highlight of Dry Tortugas National Park is actually Fort Jefferson.
Located on Garden Key within Dry Tortugas, this 19th-century fort is one of the nation’s largest. Prior to being used in both World War I and World War II, the fort was a prison that housed Dr. Samuel Mudd after he was found guilty of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Lincoln.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the fort and the people who lived there. After you take in all the sights and stories, make sure to relax on the beach and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this special place – it’s a great way to end your adventure!
Note: Due to this park’s remote location, it may periodically close during hurricane season (May to November) because ferry and seaplane service can be disrupted by strong winds.
6) Relax At Duck Key
This underrated gem of the Florida Keys is a small, secluded island community that’s known for its great restaurant and ocean views for as far as the eyes can see! Its accessibility to Key West International Airport and Miami International Airport make this Middle Keys island a popular resort spot for people who want to pop in for a quick, hassle-free weekend getaway.
Duck Key is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys. With its charming atmosphere, you can spend your days lounging by the water, savoring delicious meals, or simply taking in the stunning ocean views. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape or a fun family trip, this little island has something for everyone.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking sunsets; they are truly a sight you won’t want to miss!
7) Experience The Sunset Celebration At Mallory Square Near Downtown Key West
Witnessing a Mallory Square sunset is a rite of passage for anyone visiting the Florida Keys. About an hour before sunset each and every single night in Key West, a crowd gathers to witness an incredible sunset at Mallory Square.
While it may seem spontaneous, people have actually been gathering here nightly for decades. Mark Twain and Tennessee Williams have stood in the exact spot where you’ll be standing! The event also brings out food vendors and live entertainers.
The sunset celebration at Mallory Square is not just about the sunset; it’s also a celebration of local art and culture, with street performers showcasing everything from juggling to live music, making it a truly unique experience!
Sandbars Are Calling – Book A Boat Tour In The Florida Keys
If you’ll be visiting Key West, don’t miss the chance to experience a sandbar hopping adventure with Key West Boat Trips. Our experienced captains will help you create a seamless itinerary that lets you soak in everything the waters off the coast of the Florida Keys have to offer.
We’ll create a magical experience for families, couples, or friends looking to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Book your trip with Key West Boat Trips today!
