Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide (+ A Map of the Florida Keys)
Wondering how to plan a trip to the famous Florida Keys? With its crystal clear water, delicious seafood, and a multitude of activities, the Florida Keys are a must-visit destination in the USA!
The Florida Keys are truly my happy place, and I want everyone to experience them too. I was lucky enough to grow up visiting the Keys. My dad is from Islamorada (part of the Upper Keys), so he made sure we visited a lot and experienced all the Keys have to offer. And they have A LOT to offer!!!
From Key Largo to Key West, there are so many incredible hotels, restaurants, and activities to experience in the Keys. In this post, I cover everything you need to know about visiting the Florida Keys, including the best time to visit, places to stay, where to eat, and the top activities in each major Key.
Plus, I’ve put together a complete map of the Florida Keys with all of the highlights! So keep reading to help plan your perfect trip to the Keys!
Florida Keys Quick Planning Guide
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to the Florida Keys to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
– Kona Kai Resort (Key Largo)
– The Caribbean Resort (Islamorada)
– Isla Bella Beach Resort (Marathon)
– Southernmost Beach Resort (Key West)
Things to Do:
– Go on a snorkel tour in Key Largo
– Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s
– Ride bikes along the 7 Mile Bridge
– Watch the sunset at Mallory Square or go on a sunset cruise in Key West
Places to Eat & Drink:
– Snook’s Bayside (Key Largo)
– Lorelei Cabana Bar (Islamorada)
– Hot Tin Roof (Key West)
Map of The Florida Keys
If you’ve never been to the Keys, it’s important to know the Florida Keys are not just Key West. The Florida Keys are actually made up of over 400 islands!
Of course, not all of these are inhabited, but there are still quite a few Keys to choose from! (Read more about how many Keys you can actually visit here!).
Below is a cute little map that shows the different areas of the Florida Keys. To help you plan your trip, this travel guide breaks down the Keys into three main areas: The Upper Keys, The Middle Keys, and The Lower Keys.
For each area, you’ll find a mini guide, including where to stay, where to eat, and things to do!
These three main areas of the Keys are all pretty different from each other, and you can choose to visit all or just one of them!
I’ve also put together a Florida Keys Google map that includes all of my favorite stops throughout the Keys, including restaurants, hotels, shops, breweries, and more!
Make sure to save this map of the Florida Keys by hitting the little star! This will add it to your Google My Maps.
How to Get to the Florida Keys
How you arrive in the Keys will depend on a few factors, including your budget, your timeframe, and your departure city.
For example, if you live in Florida, you can probably drive to the Keys, unless you live in North Florida, which would be a long adventure!
If you’re traveling from any other state, you are probably going to be flying in, so let’s chat about your options!
Flying into Key West
You have a couple different flight options for your trip to the Florida Keys, even though there is technically only one major airport in the Keys.
If you’re traveling to Key West and only Key West, you can fly in and out of Key West International Airport (EYW). Some US cities even have direct flights to Key West, like Asheville, New York City, Tampa, and Indianapolis.
The Key West Airport is right in the heart of New Town and only 10 minutes away from the main attractions in Old Town. For more information on getting around Key West, you can read my Key West Itinerary!
Because it’s such a small airport with limited routes and airlines, flying into Key West can get a little pricey, which brings us to the next section!
Flying into Fort Lauderdale or Miami
If you are planning to visit other Keys besides Key West, don’t limit yourself to the Key West airport only.
I personally recommend flying into Fort Lauderdale airport (FLL) or Miami airport(MIA) and then renting a car and driving down to the Keys. If you’re staying in one of the Upper Keys, driving from these airports will be relatively painless (only 1-2 hours depending on which you choose)!
And if you want to go all the way to Key West, and flights to Key West airport are super expensive, it is totally doable to drive to Key West from Fort Lauderdale or Miami airport!
The drive from Miami to Key West takes less than 4 hours, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way to break up the drive! In fact, I highly recommend it 🙂
You can also consider booking one way flights: one into Miami/Fort Lauderdale and one out of Key West. This way, you only have to do the drive through the Keys one time! This is my preferred method!
Renting a Car in the Florida Keys
As mentioned above, if you plan on visiting multiple Keys, you’ll need to rent a car! You can pick up a rental car from any of the 3 airports mentioned above.
I highly recommend DiscoverCars.com. They allow you to compare prices across all of the major rental car companies. Plus, they have a great cancellation policy (typically free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance). Oh, and they price match!
For your trip to the Florida Keys, I recommend getting a car with good fuel economy to save money! If you are driving up and down the length of the Overseas Highway, that’s over 300 miles!
With gas prices the way they are, you are going to want to save where you can!
TIP: Avoid arriving for your trip on a Friday afternoon if flying into Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Not only will you hit rush hour traffic in Miami, but you will also hit traffic getting into the Keys. There is only one main road in and out of the Keys, and it can get backed up quickly!
Florida Keys by Boat
So we covered air and land.. another option for visiting the Keys is by sea! A lot of South Floridians take their own boats down to the Keys. Of course, if you’re traveling from out of state or don’t have a boat, this isn’t an option, but a cruise is!
Many cruise lines include a stop in Key West on their Western or Eastern Caribbean cruises. You can cruise from New Orleans, Galveston, Mobile, or other parts of Florida.
However, I really think you have to spend more than just a day in Key West to truly appreciate the beauty of the Keys! That’s why I highlight all the different areas in this Florida Keys Travel Guide, not just Key West!
Where to Stay in the Florida Keys
Below I will breakdown the main 3 areas of the Keys and provide hotel recommendations for each area based on different budgets! However, I wanted to note that you are not limited to just hotels in the Keys.
Vacation rentals are very common in the Keys! You can check out options on VRBO or Airbnb. It’s worth noting that some parts of the Keys do not allow vacation rentals for less than a 28-day stay, so depending on the area, options might be limited.
Looking for something unique? Consider renting out a sailboat or houseboat to stay on!
If you decide to go the hotel route, there are tons of options, from seaside motels to luxurious resorts. In each section below, I’ll give some hotel recommendations for each area of the Florida Keys! You can also read more details about my favorite hotels in my guide: Where to Stay in the Florida Keys.
And a quick note: places in the Keys are usually referred to as being on the ocean side or bayside. The ocean side has quicker access to snorkel and dive spots, but the bayside is where you’ll get to watch banging sunsets!
Need help planning your trip to the Florida Keys?
As a Florida local who’s visited the Keys over 20 times, I’ve put all my knowledge and insider tips into this Florida Keys Digital Travel Guidebook!!
This guide offers everything you need in one place – from where to stay and what to do, to the best times to visit and essential driving tips.
With detailed breakdowns of each Key, 2 sample itineraries, a packing checklist, plus an exclusive Google Map with over 100 pinned locations, it’s designed to make your trip easy and unforgettable!
The Upper Keys: Key Largo & Islamorada
The two main towns that make up the Upper Keys are Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada. Key Largo will be your first stop on your journey south through the Keys, followed shortly by Tavernier, and then Islamorada.
The Upper Keys are very popular among Floridians due to their proximity to the rest of the state. In fact, many people from south Florida often do a Miami to Key Largo road trip, since the drive only takes an hour!
In addition, the Upper Keys have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, so it’s a very popular area for boaters.
When I visit the Keys, we typically stay in the Upper Keys since our priority is snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing!
Overall, the Upper Keys have a much more sleepy and local feel than you might expect. Because the main things to do in the Upper Keys revolve around the ocean, there aren’t many things to do on land, which can surprise some people!
You don’t need to stress too much about where to stay, since the drive from Key Largo to Islamorada is only 30 minutes, and you can explore everything in between in a few days!
What Is There to Do in the Upper Keys?
As mentioned above, most activities in the Upper Keys revolved around the ocean; however, there are still a few land activities that I recommend too!
I have a list of Free Things to Do in Key Largo and Things to Do in Islamorada, but here’s a quick overview of both!
If your goal is to get out on the water, you can do so from either Key Largo or Islamorada. Both towns have plenty of snorkel tours, diving sites, jet ski rentals, kayak tours, and more!
For Key Largo, the number one spot to snorkel and scuba dive is within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and more specifically, the Christ of the Abyss Statue!
While there is a land entrance, Pennekamp is mostly under the sea. In fact, it was the United States’ first undersea park ever! Snorkel tours will take you within the boundaries of the park to see the incredible underwater marine life.
Down the road in Islamorada, my favorite place to snorkel in all of the Keys is at Alligator Reef Lighthouse. The water here is the most insane turquoise blue, and the amount of fish and other marine life underneath the lighthouse (which you can swim through!) is unbelievable!
🤿 Make sure to check out my Key Largo Snorkeling Guide and my Islamorada Snorkeling Guide for more info on all the best spots and what tours I recommend for each city 🤿
Besides snorkeling and scuba diving, I also highly recommend going on a sunset cruise in Key Largo, going jet skiing in either town, or going sports fishing in Islamorada! Islamorada is actually the sports fishing capital of the world!
On land, the most popular activity is to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada! This once small restaurant has boomed into something now on everyone’s Florida Keys itinerary. For a few bucks, you get a bucket of bait fish and get to hand-feed the tarpon from the docks. Just watch out, they do have teeth and jump fast!
Lastly, if swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, please skip Theatre of the Sea and head to Dolphin’s Plus instead, which is a bit more ethical.
Where Should I Stay in the Upper Keys?
All of my favorite Florida Keys hotels are located in the Upper Keys! And there are so many to choose from!
If you’re on a budget, you can stay at what I call “typical Florida Keys resorts”. Don’t be thrown by the name resort – most of these are small, family-run stays with 10-15 villas and maybe a small pool. Some great options in the Upper Keys for these style stays are Drop Anchor Resort or La Jolla Resort.
If you have a moderate budget and want more amenities, another great option is the Islander Resort. This resort is especially great for families, as they have multiple pools, a splash pad, an on-site restaurant, and more!
For luxury travelers, you can’t go wrong with The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada or Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo.
While both luxurious, these two resorts couldn’t be more different. The Caribbean Resort is where we got married, so it has a special place in my heart!
On-site, you’ll find a collection of 22 unique houses, sleeping between 4 to 10 people! There’s an onsite, zero entry pool that is to die for, plus a marina, fishing dock, kayaks, and more! This resort feels very small and exclusive, and is great if you have a bigger group.
Playa Largo on the other hand is a beautiful resort on the bayside with a spa, pool, tennis courts, and more! This resort feels way more like a standard “hotel”, with several on-site restaurants and more traditional amenities!
For more suggestions, make sure to check out my detailed guides on the Best Hotels in Key Largo and the Best Hotels in Islamorada!
Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo 
The Caribbean Resort in Islamorada
Where Should I Eat in the upper Keys?
There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in the Upper Keys, another major reason I love staying here! Islamorada is the sports fishing capital of the world, so the seafood here is unbelievable.
In fact, not one but TWO restaurants in Islamorada have been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!
Luckily, I’ve put together two full guides on this exact category: the Best Restaurants in Islamorada and the Top 10 Key Largo Restaurants!
However, here’ a quick list for you to reference!
And just like with hotels, restaurants are either located on the bayside or oceanside. If you want to watch the sunset as you eat dinner, you’ll want to choose one of the bayside restaurants!
- Robbie’s Of Islamorada (Islamorada bayside)
- Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (Islamorada bayside – great for sunsets!!)
- Morada Bay Beach Cafe & Bar (Islamorada bayside)
- Islamorada Shrimp Shack (Islamorada oceanside – not on the water)
- Snook’s Bayside Restaurant (Key Largo bayside – great for sunsets!)
- Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant (Key Largo oceanside)
The Middle Keys: Marathon and Bahia Honda
If you’re looking for a quieter, more laid-back vibe with still plenty to do (especially outdoors), the Middle Keys are a great pick.
The area is centered around Marathon, a small town that has many little Keys within its city limits. Similar to Islamorada, people will refer to Marathon here instead of the individual Keys.
There’s also Duck Key, which lies just north of Marathon and is home to the famous and luxurious resort, Hawks Cay!
What Is There to Do in the Middle keys?
There’s plenty to fill your days in Marathon, both on land and by sea! This is also a great area to stay if you have younger children and love wildlife!
One of the most unique stops in Marathon is The Turtle Hospital, where rescued sea turtles are cared for and released back into the wild. They run daily, 90-minute educational programs where you can learn about what they do, get a behind-the-scenes look at the facility, and even feed the turtles!
If you’re interesting in going on one of these tours, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance!
Another wildlife-focused stop is the Dolphin Research Center, where the focus is on conservation and education than shows or entertainment like other places in the Keys. However, they do have some interactive experiences where you can swim with the dolphins.
If you’re chasing beaches, Sombrero Beach is one of the best (and only) public beaches in the Keys! In fact, most people think beaches are very common in the Keys, but they aren’t! Sombrero Beach is free to enter and very popular with the locals. It’s also dog-friendly!
Further south, Bahia Honda State Park is one of my favorite places in the entire state to visit! You do have to pay to enter since it’s a state park, but it’s 100% worth it! There are a few beaches here where you can snorkel or kayak, plus get a close up view of the old Henry Flagler railroad!
Arguably the most popular landmark in Marathon is the Seven Mile Bridge! And while driving over the Seven Mile Bridge is iconic on its own, if you’re up for a little adventure, you can actually walk or bike part of the old bridge!
When heading south, there is a small pull-off before you cross over the bridge. Here, the Old Seven Mile Bridge spans 2 miles to Pigeon Key, a small historic island once used by railroad workers.
You can walk, rollerblade, or ride bikes to Pigeon Key and back, and the views along the way are incredible! Or consider taking the Pidgeon Key train on a guided tour, where you can explore the island and even feed the sharks!
Lastly, if you’re craving something more off-the-beaten-path, Crane Point Hammock is a local nature preserve with trails, a wild bird rescue center, and a small museum that’s worth a quick stop.
Where Should I Stay in the Middle Keys?
There are a few standout places to stay in the Middle Keys, especially around Marathon and Duck Key. While I don’t think the hotel selection is quite as charming or varied as what you’ll find in the Upper Keys, there are still a couple properties that are worth the splurge!
The top place to stay in Marathon is Isla Bella Beach Resort. It’s not cheap, but it’s absolutely worth the cost, especially if you plan to spend most of your time at the resort!
Isla Bella has five beachfront pools, beautiful modern rooms, an on-site marina, and a solid list of daily activities like yoga, kayaking, and snorkeling.
The food is also to die for – I seriously had some of the best food of my life here. And they now offer an all-inclusive dining option, which is a game-changer if you don’t want to worry about leaving the resort for every meal.
Another solid pick in Marathon is Faro Blanco Resort. This one is a bit more affordable and still has great amenities, including a marina, a lighthouse view, and a nice pool area.
It’s not quite as luxe as Isla Bella, but it’s a great mid-range option with a good location and plenty of nearby restaurants if you want to explore the area.
Further north on Duck Key, you’ll find Hawks Cay Resort, which is basically a destination all on its own (it takes up almost an entire key). This place has everything: a saltwater lagoon, multiple pools, a full-service spa, tennis courts, and even a dolphin experience on site.
It’s one of the only places in the Keys where you can stay in a resort that feels truly expansive, and it’s a great fit for both families and couples. The property is huge and offers a range of accommodations, from traditional hotel rooms to two-bedroom villas with kitchens and private decks.
If you’re traveling with kids or a group, Hawks Cay is especially convenient since you really don’t have to leave the resort unless you want to.
Where Should I Eat in the Middle Keys?
All of my favorite Florida Keys restaurants are in the Upper and Lower Keys; however, that doesn’t mean the Middle Keys doesn’t have any good eats! Here are some options:
- Barracuda Grill (Marathon)
- Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House (Marathon)
- Island Fish Company (Marathon)
- Keys Fisheries (Marathon)
- Porky’s Bayside (Marathon)
- Sunset Grille and Raw Bar (Marathon)
The Lower Keys: Key West and Beyond
Last but definitely not least.. let’s talk about the Lower Keys – the highlight of which is Key West! Key West truly has something for everyone to enjoy.. beaches (rare for the Keys), bars, museums, shops, gardens, and more.
For this reason, Key West is extremely popular for families, spring breakers, snow birds, and more. You can arrive by cruise ship, flight or car (reference the beginning of this travel guide!)
Aside from Key West, there’s also Big Pine Key, No Name Key, and several other small keys north of Key West, which are perfect for that off-the-beaten-path feel.
If you’re looking for a real adventure, make sure to visit Dry Tortugas National Park, which is located on a small archipelago about 70 miles from Key West!
What Is There to Do in the Lower keys?
While Key West is often labeled as the party spot in the Keys, there’s so much more to do here (and in the surrounding Lower Keys) beyond just bar hopping.
Whether you’re into history, snorkeling, wildlife, or just soaking in beautiful sunsets, this part of the Keys has you covered.
If you’re headed to Key West, of course I recommend getting in the water!! However, I’ve found the snorkeling tours here aren’t as good as in the Upper Keys.
So if you’ve already visited Key Largo or Islamorada, I’d skip the snorkeling and consider booking a dolphin-watching cruise or jet ski tour instead!
And of course, you can’t leave without doing a sunset sail, a Key West rite of passage! Or, watch the sunset from land at Mallory Square for free.
One of the most bucket list-worthy things to do is to take the ferry or a seaplane out to Dry Tortugas National Park. Located 70 miles west of Key West, this remote park is home to Fort Jefferson, stunning snorkeling spots, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. You’ll want to book this early — it fills up fast!
On land, there’s even more to explore. You could easily spend an entire day just walking around Old Town Key West, taking in the architecture and popping into local shops. The vibe is colorful, historic, and quirky in all the best ways! Don’t miss the Southernmost Point buoy of course.
There’s a ton of famous attractions to choose from around town, like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, the Key West Lighthouse, Harry S. Truman Little White House, or the Key West Aquarium. Choose whatever fits your vibe and budget!
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path a bit, there’s also the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, or the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, located north in Big Pine Key!
Lastly, unlike the rest of the Keys, there are actually a few different white-sand beaches to choose from in Key West! The most popular are Smathers Beach (free) and at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park (paid).
Check out more activities in my guides on 10 FREE Things to Do in Key West AND 25 Epic Things To Do in Key West!
Where Should I Stay in the Lower Keys?
When it comes to accommodations in the Lower Keys, Key West offers the most options by far, from charming bed-and-breakfasts in Old Town to modern resorts in New Town and beyond.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, Old Town Key West is where you’ll find boutique stays, B&Bs, and iconic resorts like Ocean Key Resort and Casa Marina.
By staying in Old Town, you’ll be within walking distance of Duval Street, Mallory Square, and all the historic sights — no car needed (and honestly, best avoided due to parking headaches).
Prefer a quieter vibe or looking to save a bit? New Town Key West and nearby Stock Island offer more modern hotels like Parrot Key Hotel & Villas and Margaritaville Beach House.
Properties in New Town typically offer free shuttles into Old Town, so you get the best of both worlds — peace and convenience.
If you’re venturing beyond Key West, look into places on Big Pine Key or Stock Island for a more laid-back, local feel. Just note that the selection is much more limited compared to Key West proper, and you’re better off booking vacation rentals here!
Read about all the different options in my Where to Stay in Key West Guide!
Where Should I Eat in the Lower Keys?
One of the best parts about visiting the Lower Keys is the amount of incredible eats! You’ll find everything from high-end waterfront restaurants to hidden gems serving Cuban coffee and conch fritters. I’ve eaten my way through town more times than I can count, and these are the spots I keep going back to.
For breakfast or brunch, you have to go to the famous Blue Heaven. Make sure to get a giant slice of key lime pie! Try to arrive as soon as they open to avoid the wait.
For a one of kind dinner experience, make a reservation at Latitudes, a decadent restaurant located on Sunset Key, that you have to take a private ferry to!
Hot Tin Roof is another upscale restaurant with amazing waterfront views, especially for sunset. We ate here for our anniversary and loved it! And you can grab a drink at the Sunset Pier bar below first.
The small plates at Santiago’s Bodega are great for sharing (plus, their sangria is so good). Or for a cozy, romantic dinner, I love Blackfin Bistro — super fresh seafood and a quieter vibe right off Duval.
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Best Time to Visit the Florida Keys
In my opinion, there is no “bad” time to visit the Keys.. You can pretty much guarantee that it’ll be warm year round, as is the norm in southern Florida! This is why people love visiting the Keys!
However, there are a few different things to consider when planning your trip to the Keys depending on the time of year. Each season has its pros and cons, as well as different events, festivals, and more to consider!
➡️ Read Next: For a detailed breakdown on when to visit the Keys, including a list of seasonal events, make sure to check out my full guide: Best Time To Visit The Florida Keys!
Winter
Winter is the “high” season in the Keys. Snowbirds flock to Florida to escape the brutal winter weather up north – which means busy restaurants, higher hotel rates, etc.. November is a little less busy, but as December and the holidays approach, the crowds arrive!
Christmas and New Years brings lots of fun festivals and events, especially in Key West! Crowds typically reach their peak in January and then start to go down in late February.
While cold fronts can happen in Florida, it’s uncommon for the temperature to drop below 55 degrees in the Keys.
So even though it’s winter, you can still partake in the standard Florida Keys activities. The ocean might be a little chilly (but not unbearable), and there are always wet suits if needed!
Overall, plan for crowds and inflated costs if you’re visiting in the winter months, but gorgeous weather!
For more details on what to expect in the winter, you can read my guide on visiting Key West in December and visiting Key West in January!
Spring
Spring is personally my favorite time to visit the Keys. The winter crowds start to die down around late February, and the weather starts to warm up, with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 60s.
Plus, blue skies are the norm during this time, with very low precipitation rates. The ocean also starts to warm up, so April/May is a great time to go snorkeling and scuba diving!
The only downside of visiting the Keys in March/April is the possibility of spring break crowds. This will be most noticeable in Key West, but if you’re going to Key West to have peace and quiet, I’d re-think your plans..
No matter what, the Keys are extremely enjoyable in the Spring and a perfect time of year to visit!
Summer
As temperatures rise in June and July, the crowds decrease, along with hotel prices. Most people avoid the Keys in the summer because, let’s face it, Florida summers can be brutal.
The mosquitos come out. It rains every afternoon. It’s HOT.
As a Floridian, this is the norm for me, so I don’t avoid the Keys in the summer by any means. In fact, it’s a good time to visit if that type of weather doesn’t bother you, because hotels are cheaper and there’s way less people!
We used to visit the Keys every July 4th and it was still incredible.. And my last few trips to the Keys were actually in August.
But if you’re not a fan of 90 degree weather, I would plan to visit during another time of year!
The main event in the Keys in the summer is lobster season! Every year towards the end of July, there are two days of “mini season” that typically draws large crowds (mostly from other parts of Florida) to the Keys and drives hotel prices up.
Then, August crowds can surge a little thanks to the start of the official lobster season. Other than that, summer crowds are typically lower, aside from Florida locals visiting.
Fall
The biggest thing to consider when planning a trip to the Keys in the fall is hurricane season, which runs from June – November. However, the peak of hurricane season is August & September. During this timeframe, expect hot days and frequent rainfall in the afternoons.
If you’re planning a trip to the Keys during hurricane season, plan for the worst and make sure everything is refundable. Hurricanes can pop up out of nowhere and lead to canceling your vacation within a week’s notice (or less!)
Thanks to hurricane season and the heat, late August and September is typically low season in the Keys. So if you are looking for cheaper hotel rates and less crowds, this might be a good time to visit.
While hurricanes in late October and November can happen, there are less likely. For this reason, November particularly is a great time to visit the Florida Keys!
The weather has started to cool off, the winter crowds haven’t arrived yet, and hotel prices are low. We got married in the Keys in November and it was the best!
Packing Essentials for the Florida Keys
Your packing list for a trip to the Florida Keys will be very similar year-round, as there’s no harsh winters here! For most of the year, you can get away with shorts, tshirts, and flip flops.. what a life right?!
There are some essentials, however, that I recommend for your trip to the Keys, whether you’re visiting in the summer, the winter, or somewhere in between!
Make sure to check out my guide on What to Wear in Key West for even more details!
1. Sunscreen: I will scream this from the mountain tops until I am blue in the face! If you are going to be outside, you need to wear sunscreen. I highly recommend Supergoop! Their unseen suncreen is amazing!
2. Snorkel Gear: If you have your own gear, I highly recommend bringing it on your trip to the Keys!
3. Underwater Phone Pouch: An underwater case for your phone like this one is perfect for capturing photo and video of all the incredible coral and wildlife you will see when snorkeling!
4. Polarized Sunglasses / Hat: To protect yourself while you’re in the sun and out on the water! Polarized glasses will also help cut the glare on the ocean so you can see the wildlife! I love this inexpensive two pack from Amazon!
5. Water Shoes: Okay by water shoes, I mean shoes that can get wet! not those dorky tourist shoes…lol! I have these Reef sandals that are totally waterproof and are great for outdoor adventures like kayaking, taking on a snorkel boat, etc.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the Florida Keys are an epic vacation destination for all types of travelers. On this famous island chain, you’ll find world-class restaurants, hotels, and activities, plus gorgeous weather year round!
Whether its catching fresh fish in Islamorada, camping under the stars in Bahia Honda State Park, or partying the night away in Key West, there is truly something for everyone in this slice of paradise!
Now that you have a good understanding of the Keys, make sure to check out my guide on Where to Stay in the Florida Keys to help you decide which to visit!
Or, check out my other blog posts about the Florida Keys below! ⬇️
Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide (+ A Map Of The Florida Keys)
Key Largo To Key West: Florida’s Most Epic Road Trip Itinerary
Best Time To Visit The Florida Keys (Weather, Crowds, And More)
Miami To Key West: 25 Places To Stop Along The Way (Map + Photos)
How Many Keys Are In The Florida Keys? + Other Fun Facts!
The BEST 5 Day Florida Keys Itinerary In Paradise!
Where To Stay In The Florida Keys: Breakdown By Key!
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