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Key Largo

Key Largo, Florida, United States

Key Largo, located in the beautiful state of Florida, is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history. As the largest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is oft…

#tropical#island#beaches#scuba diving#fishing

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Key Largo.

Top Hotels in Key Largo

Top Flights to Key Largo

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Key Largo.

Tours

Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Explore the beautiful underwater Coral Reef State Park where visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, or a glass-bottom boat tour to see the vibrant marine life.

Explore Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park

Wander through one of the largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the U.S., home to 84 protected species of plants and animals.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Visit this sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds. Walk the boardwalk to see various native birds.

Shopping

Shopping at Key Largo Undersea Park

Explore the unique underwater hotel at Key Largo Undersea Park and shop for marine souvenirs and crafts.

Outdoor

Swim with Dolphins at Dolphins Plus

Experience interactive dolphin programs where you can swim and interact with trained dolphins.

Kayaking through the Florida Bay

Embark on a kayaking adventure through the mangroves and discover the rich ecosystem of Florida Bay.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Key Largo.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

Not Available

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Key Largo

Jan

24°17°

Feb

25°18°

Mar

26°19°

Apr

28°21°

May

30°23°

Jun

31°25°

Jul

32°26°

Aug

32°26°

Sep

31°25°

Oct

29°24°

Nov

27°21°

Dec

25°18°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Key Largo.

What people love

Key Largo, located in the Florida Keys, offers a variety of attractions and activities that make it a popular destination for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Key Largo:

Beautiful Scenery: Key Largo is known for its stunning natural beauty, including crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, boating, and other water activities in this picturesque setting.
Water Sports: Key Largo is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The area offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. There are numerous dive sites, including the famous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where visitors can explore colorful marine life and underwater formations.
Eco-Tourism: Key Largo is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Visitors can learn about the local environment and wildlife through eco-tours, nature hikes, and educational programs offered by the many conservation organizations in the area.
Dining and Entertainment: Key Largo has a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues that cater to a range of tastes and preferences. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, live music, and other forms of entertainment in this vibrant coastal community.
Gateway to the Florida Keys: Key Largo is the first island in the Florida Keys chain, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the Keys. From here, visitors can easily access other popular destinations such as Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences.

Overall, Key Largo is a fantastic destination for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Florida Keys.

What to know

Traveling to Key Largo in Florida can have some cons that you may want to consider:

Hurricane Season: Key Largo, like many other coastal areas in Florida, is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the hurricane season from June to November. It's important to be aware of the weather conditions and potential evacuation procedures in case of a hurricane.
Crowds and Traffic: Key Largo is a popular tourist destination, so it can get crowded, especially during peak seasons like winter and spring break. This can lead to heavy traffic on the roads, longer wait times at restaurants and attractions, and difficulty finding parking spaces.
High Cost of Living: Being a tourist destination, Key Largo can be relatively expensive compared to other parts of Florida. Accommodation, dining, and activities may come at a higher price, so it's important to budget accordingly.
Bugs and Mosquitoes: Key Largo's warm and humid climate can attract bugs and mosquitoes, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites.
Limited Public Transportation: Key Largo is a small island, and public transportation options may be limited. Renting a car may be necessary to explore the area, which can add to your travel expenses.
Environmental Concerns: As a coastal area, Key Largo is susceptible to environmental issues such as coral reef degradation, sea-level rise, and impact from hurricanes. It's important to be mindful of the ecosystem and practice responsible tourism while visiting.

Keep in mind that these cons are not meant to discourage you from visiting Key Largo, but rather to help you make an informed decision and prepare for your trip accordingly.

Key Largo, located in the upper Florida Keys, has a rich and varied history. It is the first and largest of the Florida Keys, known for its beautiful coral reefs, marine life, and as a popular tourist destination. Here is a detailed history of Key Largo:

Early History

Indigenous Peoples: The area was originally inhabited by the Tequesta and Calusa Native American tribes. They lived off the rich marine life and established settlements on the islands.
Spanish Exploration: The Florida Keys were first charted by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The name "Key Largo" comes from the Spanish "Cayo Largo," meaning "long key."

Development and Settlement

19th Century: During the 1800s, Bahamians and other settlers began to inhabit the island. The economy was largely based on salvaging shipwrecks, fishing, and farming.

20th Century Developments

Overseas Railroad: In the early 20th century, Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway built the Overseas Railroad, which connected Key West to the mainland via a series of bridges and tracks passing through Key Largo. The railroad was completed in 1912, significantly contributing to the area's development.
1935 Labor Day Hurricane: This devastating hurricane struck the Upper Keys, including Key Largo, causing significant damage and loss of life. It destroyed much of the Overseas Railroad.
Post-Hurricane Development: After the hurricane, the Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) was developed, using the existing railway bridges. This road became a major access route for tourists and residents.

Modern Era

Tourism and Conservation: In the mid-20th century, Key Largo became known for its tourism industry. The establishment of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in 1963, the first underwater park in the United States, helped promote conservation and ecotourism. The park protects a portion of the Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
Key Largo's Role in Film: The island gained fame from the 1948 film "Key Largo," starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, which helped boost its profile as a tourist destination.

Historical Figures and Landmarks

Historical Figures: While Key Largo is not specifically associated with any single historical figure, the legacy of Henry Flagler is significant due to his role in developing the railroad that opened up the Florida Keys to greater economic opportunities.
Landmarks:
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: As mentioned, this park is a key landmark in Key Largo, known for its coral reefs and marine sanctuary.
- African Queen Canal Cruise: The boat used in the 1951 film "The African Queen" is a popular attraction and offers canal cruises in Key Largo.
- Diving Sites: Key Largo is renowned for diving spots such as the Spiegel Grove, the Molasses Reef, and the Benwood wreck.

Environmental and Cultural Impact

Marine Conservation: Key Largo is central to marine conservation efforts, with numerous organizations working to protect the delicate ecosystems of the coral reefs and surrounding waters.
Cultural Events: The island hosts several fishing tournaments, seafood festivals, and cultural events celebrating the maritime heritage of the Florida Keys.

Key Largo continues to be a vibrant community, balancing tourism with conservation, and serving as a gateway to the stunning natural beauty of the Florida Keys.