Key Largo

Key Largo is the first and longest of the Florida Keys, a narrow island stretching approximately 30 miles (48 km) at the northern end of the island chain. Situated about 60 miles (97 km) south of Miami along the Overseas Highway (US-1), Key Largo is perhaps best known as the setting for the 1948 film Key Largo starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, and the 1981 hit song of the same name by Bertie Higgins. Today, it is known as a "Diving Capital of the World," with easy access to the living coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Key Largo marks the transition from the Florida mainland to the island chain. The Overseas Highway crosses through the island, and the landscape is a mix of tropical hardwood hammocks, mangrove shorelines, and canal-front communities. The island has a laid-back, Keys-style atmosphere, though the main highway has something of a strip-mall feel, with most shops and restaurants along US-1. The water is not always visible from the road, but turn down any side street and the turquoise shallows of Florida Bay or the Atlantic Ocean are never far away.

Key Largo has a tropical maritime climate with warm, humid summers (highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F / 31–33°C) and mild, dry winters (highs in the upper 70s°F / 26°C). Hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity in August and October. The best time to visit is from November through April, when humidity drops, rain decreases, and temperatures are ideal for diving and outdoor activities. Water temperatures range from the mid-70s°F (24°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (29°C) in summer.

By Plane

Key Largo does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airports are Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), both approximately 60 miles (97 km) northeast. From either airport, rent a car and take Florida's Turnpike south to US Route 1, then follow US-1 south to Key Largo. The drive takes approximately 1–1.5 hours. Note that toll roads no longer accept cash; rental cars are equipped with transponders, but fees vary by company.

By Car / Road

US Route 1 (Overseas Highway) is the only road connection from the Florida mainland to Key Largo. From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike south to US-1, then follow US-1 south. From Fort Lauderdale, take I-95 south to the Florida Turnpike, then to US-1. Greyhound/Flixbus stops are at Walgreens (99501 Overseas Highway, US-1) for northbound service and at Burger King on the opposite side of the road for southbound service toward Key West. Metrobus #301 stops at Tom Thumb Store on MM 98 of US-1. Cheap local bus connections are available from the Miami metro area for those with patience and flexibility.

Key Largo does not lend itself well to biking or walking. While there is a bike path, it runs alongside the highway and is not the most pleasant ride. Most shops are along US-1, giving the main drag a strip-mall feel. A car is essential for getting around. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft) are available but may have limited availability during off-peak hours. The island is long and narrow, with most attractions, restaurants, and dive operators scattered along US-1 between mile markers 90 and 106.

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park — 102601 Overseas Hwy, off US-1 at Mile Marker 102.5 (+1 305-451-6300). 8AM to sundown. The first undersea park in the United States, protecting 70 nautical square miles of coral reef. Features snorkeling and scuba diving tours, a visitor center, fishing, swimming, picnicking, kayak rentals, and camping. $8 per vehicle.

• Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park — County Road 905, 1/2 mile north of US-1 at Mile Marker 106 (+1 305-451-1202). 8AM to sundown. A 2,400-acre park protecting one of the largest tracts of Caribbean tropical hardwood hammock in the continental US. Features 6 miles of trails through rare tropical hardwood forest.

• African Queen — 99701 Overseas Hwy (+1 305-451-8080). 9AM–8PM. The iconic steamboat made famous in the 1951 Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn film. Available for daily canal cruises and dinner cruises in the Port Largo Canal area. $49–89 for cruises.

• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling — Key Largo is a world-renowned diving destination. John Pennekamp Park Snorkel Tours (+1 305-451-6300) depart six times daily; adults $30 and up (not including gear rental). Reef Roamer Snorkel Catamaran (MM 100; +1 305-453-0110) offers three daily trips at 9AM, 12:30PM, and 5:30PM, plus sunset sails with free champagne and rum punch; $40 and up.

• Private Charters — Island Ventures (13 Seagate Blvd; +1 305-451-4957; [email protected]) offers private SCUBA and snorkel charters for groups of up to 12 (snorkeling) or 10 (SCUBA), from $599.

• Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail — Admin Offices at 3 La Croix Court, Key Largo (+1 305-853-3571). 8AM to sundown. A multi-use trail for walking, running, and cycling along the old Overseas Railroad right-of-way.

• Kayaking — John Pennekamp Park offers kayak rentals with routes from 30 minutes to 2+ hours through mangrove tunnels and along the shoreline.

The Keys have a large Cuban population, so in addition to the obvious seafood, Cuban food (and coffee) is a must. Many restaurants have excellent seaside seating with amazing views. Neighboring Islamorada also has excellent dining, including the Marker 88 seaside restaurant (MM 88).

• Buzzards Roost Restaurant — 21 Garden Cove Dr (+1 305-453-3746). Waterfront dining with fresh seafood.
• Cafe Largo/Bayside Grill — 99530 Overseas Hwy (+1 305-451-4885). Very good food with enthusiastic service and personality.
• Key Largo Conch House — 100211 Overseas Hwy (+1 305-453-4844). Airy seafood place with a parrot.
• Mrs. Mac's Kitchen — 99336 Overseas Hwy (+1 305-451-3722). A local institution for Keys-style comfort food.
• Num Thai Restaurant & Sushi — 103200 Overseas Hwy (+1 305-451-5955). Great sushi, friendly and very local.
• Pilot House Restaurant — 13 Seagate Blvd (+1 305-451-3142). Notable for its "glass bottom bar" where you can watch fish swim beneath you while you eat.

• Cactus Jacks — 103900 Overseas Hwy (+1 305-453-0249). Very local dive bar with good prices. Open mic nights on Monday.
• Caribbean Club (+1 305-451-4466) — A classic Keys dive bar with a no-frills atmosphere.
• Islamorada, just south of Key Largo, has additional dive bars and waterfront establishments.
• Tap water in Key Largo is safe to drink, though many visitors prefer bottled water.

• Budget: Key Largo Hostel — A budget-friendly option near US-1. Rates from approximately $40–80/night for dormitory-style accommodation.
• Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo — MM 101, Overseas Hwy. Modern rooms with pool and waterfront access. Rates from approximately $180–280/night. Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo — 500 Burton Dr (+1 305-853-3000). Waterfront suites with kitchens.
• Upscale / heritage: Jules' Undersea Lodge — 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo Undersea Park (+1 305-451-2353). This underwater hotel sits 21 feet below the surface. Sleeps up to six. $350+/night. Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton — 97000 South Overseas Hwy (+1 305-852-5553). Nestled on 13 acres of lush hardwood forest along the Gulf of Mexico.

Shell World — A Keys-style gift shop with shells, souvenirs, and beach-related items. US-1 in Key Largo has numerous gift shops, bait-and-tackle stores, and Keys-themed retail along the main highway.

• Islamorada (15 miles south, 20 minutes) — The "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," with world-class deep-sea fishing, the History of Diving Museum, and Theatre of the Sea marine park.
• Key West (100 miles south, 2 hours) — The southernmost city in the continental US, famous for Mallory Square sunsets, Hemingway's home, and Duval Street nightlife.
• Miami (60 miles north, 1–1.5 hours) — Florida's cosmopolitan capital with South Beach, Wynwood Walls, and world-class dining.
• Everglades National Park (60 miles northwest, 1 hour) — The largest subtropical wilderness in the US, best explored by canoe, airboat, or walking boardwalks.
• Biscayne National Park (40 miles north, 45 minutes) — 95% water, with coral reefs, shipwrecks, and excellent snorkeling accessible by boat.