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The Upper Florida Keys offer those who love being on or near the ocean a fun and unique getaway. Between the lifestyle, the people, and the beautiful coastal environment, there is no other place like it. All you need is sunscreen and a positive attitude, and you are bound to have a good time in the Keys.
Where are the Florida Keys Located?
If you are wondering where the Florida Keys are located, they are closer than you might think. The drive from Miami to Key Largo in the Upper Florida Keys is only sixty miles. The Upper Florida Keys also include places like Islamorada, Marathon, and Duck Key. Once you are in the Florida Keys a drive from Key Largo to Key West is about two and a half hours whereas the drive from Marathon to Key West is about an hour and fifteen minutes making it an easy day trip. The drive time from Miami to Key West is about four hours.
What are the best Florida Keys resorts?
There are several Florida Keys hotels and resorts to choose from during your stay. Popular hotels and resorts include Hawks Cay Resort, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, or Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo. If you splurging on a Florida Keys resort, opt for the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa.
Unique Things to Do on the Water in the Upper Florida Keys
There are plenty of unique and “salty” things to do on or near the water while visiting the Upper Florida Keys. So, the next time you are in Southern Florida, you should take a side trip down to the Upper Florida Keys for a few days.
Here are my Upper Florida Keys top picks for fun water adventures!
Spend an Afternoon on a Sand Bar in the Upper Florida Keys
Boat rentals in the Florida Keys are extremely common and part of the fun. A visit to the Florida Keys would not be complete without taking a trip out to a sandbar in the middle of the ocean. Some sandbar tours even include a snorkeling adventure. The sandbars are a fun and unique place to spend a couple of hours. The sandbars form tiny islands that reveal themselves at low tide giving visitors an opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery far offshore. At high tide, the sandbars are submerged in water. It’s not until the next low tide that the ocean reveals this rare underwater secret.
Our sandbar excursion also gave us the opportunity to tour the canal around incredible homes and look for marine life. We were fortunate enough to see a Manatee on our adventure!
- Pro Tip
I booked a private sandbar excursion that was at a convenient time for us. We went in the afternoon when it was high tide which meant our sandbar was completely submerged to about our waists. Had I known about the tide swing, I would have booked the excursion when it was low tide, and the sandbar was exposed. Next time, I would contact the company and find out the best time to visit.
Even with our little mishap, we had a memorable adventure!
Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Upper Florida Keys
One of the most unique things to do in Key Largo, (Upper Florida Keys) is to visit the first underwater park in the United States – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, visitors can choose between various activities (in and out of the water) throughout the 70 nautical square mile park. A visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park will reveal coral reefs three to seven miles offshore making it one of the most popular Key Largo dive sites. While snorkeling in the state park, you might see endangered species like the elkhorn and staghorn corals or view the abundant tropical fish! Florida Keys snorkeling is a highlight not to miss. Key Largo snorkel tours as well as scuba diving tours are one of the most popular things to do in Key Largo because visitors can access an incredible underwater park. Or, if you enjoy seeing tropical fish but aren’t a big fan of snorkeling, you might enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour.
The Upper Florida Keys is also home to terrific snorkeling in the Marine Sanctuary covering 2,900 nautical square miles. You can take a snorkeling tour, head out on a scuba diving adventure, or grab your snorkel and wade out into the water without a boat. Visitors opting to skip a boat experience might enjoy Cannon Beach, where they can search for artifacts from a 1715 shipwreck, or visit Sombrero Beach in Marathon, where the spiny rocks are magnets for marine life.
Swim With the Dolphins in the Upper Florida Keys
Swimming with a dolphin can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience at any age. While I have never taken the plunge, it could be fun, depending on the conditions. In the Upper Florida Keys, there are several places to live out your childhood dream. At the different dolphin experiences, you might feed and touch a dolphin from a platform, swim with the dolphins, be a trainer for the day, or even try the famed double dorsal ride.
While the programs appear to be geared toward tourists, some dolphin experience centers also focus on research and education.
I understand that everyone has different feelings about these types of programs. So, I recommend you do some research in advance to find the program that will make you feel the most comfortable.
Paddleboard or Kayak in the Florida Keys’ Mangroves
Spend a peaceful afternoon paddling through the mangrove tunnels in the Upper Florida Keys. The “tunnels” are unique waterways covered by a canopy of mangroves. These canopies give paddlers the effect of being in a tunnel. Home to several species, there is plenty to see during an afternoon mangrove excursion.
The crystal-clear water allows visitors to see the Florida Keys ecosystem at work. You can rent a kayak or standup paddleboard or take a tour to learn about the marine and wildlife that frequent the mangroves. If you are lucky, you might even spot a manatee.
Popular spots for checking out the mangroves include Key Largo’s Dusenbury Creek near the Everglades National Park and Islamorada.
Kite Boarding (Kite Surfing) in the Florida Keys
If you are looking to up your ocean adventure game, you might want to try kiteboarding. Home to world-class conditions, the Upper Florida Keys offer a unique experience that would be hard to replicate. Places like Islamorada (Anne’s Beach) and Marathon are popular spots for riding the “flats” or sandbars in shallow water. The warm, clear shallow water in the Florida Keys, combined with the consistent wind, is ideal for kiteboarding. You might even run into a pro or two while out on the water.
- Pro Tip
Make sure you find out where the no-go zones are and wear protective foot gear.
Take a Seaplane Adventure in the Upper Florida Keys
Whether you want to catch a ride down to the Upper Florida Keys or do some sightseeing, a seaplane is a terrific way to do both! You can hop on a seaplane and explore the Florida Keys. Popular places to see by seaplane include the Dry Tortugas, about 70 miles off Key West, where you can see Fort Jefferson (the largest brick building in the western hemisphere) and the picturesque waters teeming with marine life. Other unique sites include The Seven Mile Bridge and the Sand Key Lighthouse. You can even travel by seaplane to island-hop, check out soft white sand beaches, or take in the breathtaking views of the Upper Florida Keys. These adventures, combined with the gorgeous natural scenery, would provide a memorable experience.
Go Fishing in the Florida Keys
Fishing in the Upper Florida Keys is an extremely popular activity. So much so that countless fishing tournaments are held in the Florida Keys yearly. There was a fishing tournament at Hawks Cay Resort, where we stayed.
While out in the Florida Keys, you can try deep sea fishing or opt for fishing in shallow waters. Since I am prone to seasickness, I vote for shallow water fishing! Although, I prefer to eat deep sea fish like Yellowtail.
Deep Sea Fishing
The Florida Keys offer anglers an epic opportunity to catch game fish. The warm tropical weather, the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean create a highly sought-after place for deep sea fishing. One of the most popular things to do in Marathon and Islamorada is fishing. The conditions are some of the best for fishing in the United States. The variety of the fish you might catch and enjoy is tempting even for me. While on a charter adventure in the Florida Keys, you might catch Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, or Swordfish.
After a day out on the water, nothing is more satisfying than eating the fish you worked so hard to catch. Several restaurants will prepare your fresh catch for you. Florida Keys Fish and Lobster is a terrific option. I enjoyed our dinner there, even though it was not my own catch of the day!
Bone Fishing
Bone fishing in the Florida Keys is ideal for those looking for a fishing challenge. Anglers might also want to try backcountry fishing on Duck Key. During an afternoon of backcountry fishing, anglers might hook Tarpon, Redfish, Bonefish, Permit, or Snook.
- Pro Tip
There are two things to consider when fishing in the Florida Keys. First, you need to be aware of the strict regulations for catching certain types of fish. Second, you need a fishing license. Generally, when fishing through a charter, the captain will take care of complying with these laws, but it is good to know the legalities.
Bike the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage trail consists of over 90 miles of a paved bike path. The unparalleled views of the Florida Keys are a sight to see. Can you imagine riding over the pristine clear water below?
Popular Overseas Heritage Trail routes include 20 miles of continuous trail in Key Largo or the mangrove trail in Grassy Key, where the trail wanders off behind the mangroves giving visitors a reprieve from the highway riding.
Cruise the Upper Florida Keys at Sunset
A popular and romantic way to end your day in the Florida Keys is a sunset cruise. A sunset cruise is at the top of the list of things to do in the Florida Keys for couples. Celebrate the end of a fun day with a spectacular view of the sunset. Grab your favorite person and enjoy the breathtaking views while you sip a cold drink and feel the salty air in your hair. A sunset cruise is a memorable way to spend time with loved ones and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the Upper Florida Keys?
The easiest way to get to the Upper Florida Keys and places like Islamorada, Marathon, and Key Largo, is by car. However, you can fly by private plane, seaplane, or arrive by boat.
How long does it take to drive from Miami to the Florida Keys?
The drive time from Miami to Key Largo is about an hour and forty-five minutes (about sixty miles). However, on the weekends and at peak times, the traffic can extend the drive time.
What are the best Florida Keys resorts?
There are several Florida Keys hotels and resorts to choose from during your stay. Popular hotels and resorts include Hawks Cay Resort, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Playa Largo Resort & Spa, or Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo. If you splurging on a Florida Keys resort, opt for the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa.
What Florida Keys islands make up the upper Florida Keys?
Popular destinations in the Upper Florida Keys include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Duck Key.
Are the Florida Keys a good weekend getaway for couples?
Yes! There are so many fun and romantic things to do in places like Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon. The salty air invites couples to spend the day frolicking in the ocean and enjoying a Margarita or two over the weekend.
Should I visit the Upper Florida Keys with my family?
The Florida Keys are a terrific family-friendly and multigenerational destination. I went with my adult family and had a wonderful time. The Keys are fun at any age and it is pretty easy to get around.
Have fun on your trip and don’t forget to check out my guide to Southern Florida – Miami to Palm Beach, my packing guide, and helpful tips for planning your next vacation!
For another exciting beach vacation, check out these posts:
The Ultimate Guide to Punta Mita, Mexico
The Best Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica
The Ultimate Guide to Baha Mar (Bahamas)
We’ve been to Key West and absolutely loved it! And now I want to explore the Upper Florida Keys…so much to do and see.
I’ve never been to Florida but I’ve always wanted to go with how beautiful and swimmable the water is all year round!
Looking at your pictures makes me want to book a ticket to fly there right now! The snorkeling looks incredible.
I must admit that when we visit the Florida Keys we drive pretty much straight through to Key West. But I now see we need to plan to spend some time in the Upper Florida Keys. Top of our list would be snorkelling or scuba diving at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. And we have always wanted to take a kayak through the mangroves. A sunset cruise would be the perfect way to finish a day. Next time we will find a spot to stay and enjoy more of the Upper Florida Keys.
Love all the activities you have listed out! I’ve been to marathon and didn’t even get close to doing half the things on this list!
These landscapes are simply spectacular! There are so many adventures to make in Upper Florida! I would love to do some snorkeling and scuba diving! Also, a sunset cruise to catch a magic moment sounds exactly like the perfect way to end your trip!
Sounds like you would be in for a terrific weekend in the Upper Florida Keys!
I must admit that when we head south from Miami we have headed to Key West. So it was great to read about all the things to do on the water in the Upper Florida Keys. We would definitely plan to go snorkelling or scuba diving. I am amazed at the clarity of the water. A seaplane trip would be awesome to get a different perspective. And a sunset cruise would close a perfect day!
You hit a lot of highlights! I hope you get a chance to do these activities!
All that beautiful bright blue water!! You can see why the Florida Keys are so popular! I love the look of the mangroves best- what a fabulous area to see wildlife!
The water is beautiful. It’s similar to the Caribbean without leaving the country!
I remember the long trip down through the keys to get to Key West. It was a beautiful drive because of the water. A great idea to actually get ON the water. Perhaps next time.
I agree, the drive down to Key West is beautiful. Fingers crossed you get the chance to go back and partake in some of the fun water sports in the Upper Florida Keys next time.
Wow! You convinced me to visit Florida! Snorkeling and scuba diving looks like a perfect activity to do! ☺️
Yay! I hope you have a great trip.
I’ve never heard of kite surfing before but WOW does it look fun! Adding it to my bucket list 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know that I am up for the challenge, but it is high on my husband’s bucket list.
I could easily spend loads of time here, particularly on the sand bars. Thanks for sharing.
Me too! The scenery is gorgeous.
I would love to visit the keys – it looks so lush! I would love to go snorkelling and to see dolphins. Cruising at sunset looks so beautiful – I love being out on the water, and the keys looks perfect for this.
The Florida Keys are so unique and offer untouched beauty above and below the water. There is so much to see and do in the Florida Keys.
How fun is this?! I’ve yet to spend any time in the Florida Keys, but it’s definitely on my agenda. Kayaking the mangrove tunnels and a little deep sea fishing will be on the itinerary!
Have fun!
The Keys are such a great place to visit even for just a weekend. I’ve never done the glass bottom boat but it looks amazing! Adding that to our next trip there for sure! ☺️
Terrific! I hope you enjoy the adventure.