Here is the ultimate Florida Keys bucket list for your next vacation! The Florida Keys offer a tropical getaway within the continental United States. The Keys offer a unique vacation experience that will infect you with the “Keys bug,” making you plan to visit again and again.
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Seven years of travel experience to bring insights to the variety of activities and destinations in the Florida Keys. Whether you are staying in Key West, Islamorada, or Marathon, this list of the top 25 things to do in the Keys will help you plan the perfect getaway to this tropical island destination.
#1 Sombrero Beach in Marathon
The Keys are different than mainland Florida, being a coral cay archipelago the waters around the islands is very shallow. This helps to create those gorgeous teal waters, but you will not find the large expansive beaches with crashing waves like you do in the rest of Florida. The beautiful hues of the water and shallow beaches of the Keys is a part of the charm of the islands. If you however, crave a little beach time you must add Sombrero Beach to your bucket list. Located in the city of Marathon, this beach offers sand and sun. It is a great place to fly a kite, has a great playground for kids, or just soak up the sun.
#2 Theater of the Sea
The Theater of the Sea is a great activity to do in the Keys if you are visiting with children. The park consists of small lagoons filled with sea turtles, rays, dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks and alligators. Being small, it tends not to be crowded. General admission includes a dolphin show, a bottomless boat ride, and a sea lion show. There are also several additional encounter programs, including meeting sharks and swimming with dolphins.
The large artificial waterfall is hard to miss from Route 1 and offers an amazing photo op to help memorialize your vacation in the Florida Keys.
#3 Eat a Slice of Key Lime Pie
When one travels to the Florida Keys, a slice of key lime pie is a requirement! Not partaking in this confection would be like not eating crepes in Paris or Gelato in Italy. While walking Duval Street, check out Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe. They offer not only Key Lime Pies, but candies, marinades and other souvenirs to bring a little taste of the Keys home with you. For a unique treat, you must try the chocolate covered frozen Key Lime pie on a stick. A delicious frozen treat to beat the heat!
#4 Drive the 7 Mile Bridge
Driving Route 1, the Overseas Highway is an experience in itself. The only way in and out of the Keys, this road is speckled with the colorful culture of the Florida Keys. The beauty of this region is truly seen in the turquoise green waters that are so vivid, it is hard to believe Mother Nature created those colors.
The 7 mile bridge begins at Knight’s Key in the city of Marathon and stretches across the water to connect to the Lower Keys. It is impressive and a sight to see. There is a pedestrian bridge that can be seen from the 7 mile bridge, once a part of the Overseas rail. This is under refurbishment, but allows access to Pigeon Key and the historical buildings located on the island.
Watch for the giant Lobster, the Bahia Honda Bridge, Anne’s Beach, Pigeon Key and Mile Marker 0 when on the Overseas Highway as well!
#5 Sunset Bar and Grill
Be certain to stop off at the Sunset Bar and Grill when checking out the 7 mile bridge. Sitting at the foot of the eastern end of the bridge, just outside of Marathon, this restaurant has a tropical flair and great food. There is often live music, always cold drinks, and an amazing vantage point of the bridge. There is a pool that hosts poolside barbecues and a raw bar. Adding a sunset in the Keys at this delicious location will not disappoint!
#6 Bahia Honda State Park and Beach
Bahia Honda State Park is located at Mile Marker 37 and offers picturesque vistas unique to the Keys. It earns a spot on the Keys Bucket List for the undisturbed natural beauty. Boat trips to a reef are offered so that you can take in some of the underwater sites and beaches allow for a lazy day on the sand. The Park did suffer damage by Hurricane Irma and continues to repair. The website provides updates as to what amenities are still closed at this time.
One of the most iconic views in the Park is of the broken Bahia Honda rail bridge stretching from Bahia Honda Key to Spanish Harbor Key. Originally a part of the Overseas Railroad constructed by Henry Flagler in the early 1900’s, the railroad was significantly damaged by a hurricane in 1935. Sections were removed to allow for boat traffic after the new Overseas highway was built. You can hike out onto a section of the bridge for amazing views of the park.
#7 John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers an underwater perspective of the Florida Keys. Snorkeling, scuba, and glass bottom boat tours allow for exploration of the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The park was created to help protect this reef. Activities range from adventurous scuba tours to family friendly glass bottom tours of the reef. Promote you children’s view of the amazing world in seeing the wonder of a coral reef and learn about how to protect this natural treasure.
See magnificent fish and an underwater view of the coral reefs. An educational adventure that will offer insights into the magic of the Keys.
#8 Robbie’s of Islamorada
Robbie’s of Islamorada offers a unique stop on your Florida Keys bucket list. Located on Highway 1, Robbie’s offers unique Keys souvenir shopping, waterfront eating on the deck at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant, feeding the Tarpon, and booking a private fishing charter.
Tarpon are giant silver fish who create a frenzy at the docks when being fed. There is a small fee to feed them, however it is a spectacle to see the more than 100 giant fish feeding. The story of how the school of Tarpon came to call Robbie’s home is legendary.
The shops at Robbie’s have a boutique, yet flea market feel. Artisans offer their wares such as paintings, rustic signs, and jewelry in small huts with tropical flair.
All of the amenities, bar, and shopping makes this the perfect option when selecting where to book a fishing charter. Both off shore and reef fishing charters are available here, so cast away!
#9 Book a Private Fishing Charter
The Keys are renown for the excellent fishing and booking a private charter is well worth the price. Being out on the turquoise blue waters and seeing the Keys from the vantage point of the water is worth it alone. There are many options when looking to book a fishing trip, from a larger charter that books 10 or more people to go out fishing to a small, privately operated vessel. The downside of booking a larger charter is that it is a little less personal and there is the risk that they will cancel your charter if there are not enough people to sail.
To be able to get the private attention on your charter will maximize your experience. Your captain will offer insights and expertise to help ensure you have an enjoyable time with bountiful catches! This is well worth the investment.
The waters of the Keys are abundant with Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Cobia, and Pompano. You may even hook a Shark or Barracuda! Good times and keep your catch for good eats!
#10 Eat Hogfish
Hogfish is the best tasting fish in Florida. One might say it is one of the best kept secrets of the Keys, with it being rarely served in other areas of the country. Hogfish is a mild white fish with sweet undertones. Popular in the Keys, Hogfish Tacos and sandwiches are a must on your bucket list when visiting the Keys.
The Hogfish Grill is one of the best kept secrets in the Keys. Off the beaten path, this restaurant offers delicious local dishes. Check out this review of the Hogfish Grill!
#11 Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center is an investment worth the expense when visiting the Florida Keys. The Center is a not for profit marine mammal rescue and research facility that rescues and rehabilitates whales, dolphins and manatees. Visiting the Center helps support their mission and keeps the incredible mammals of the Florida a bit safer.
Although it can be a bit on the pricier side for an activity, an encounter here is a once in a lifetime experience. From a dolphin family splash where you spend about 25 minutes on a submerged platform with a dolphin and trainer to a dolphin encounter, allowing you to swim and interact with several dolphins (even a dorsal pull!)…there is an encounter for everyone. It is truly amazing to shake the fin of a dolphin!
The center offers numerous presentations, a snack shack and a small splash pad, making for an amazing day in the Florida Keys! A must for your bucket list!
#12 Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters offers another opportunity to learn about and experience the marine life of the Florida Keys. This is a bucket list must if traveling with children. There are numerous tanks where kids can have hands-on experience with rays, sea stars, and urchins. You can purchase food to feed the rays and touch baby rays in the nursery tank.
There are demonstrations throughout the day, including feeding the sharks and a guided tour of the aquarium. There is a huge predator tank and a reef tank that you could watch all day long. For a fee you can participate in a tank dive and scuba like you are in the ocean. Spend an amazing day at this aquarium!
#13 Meet a Manatee
The Keys offer a great opportunity to see Manatee. Giant, gentle sea cows, the Manatee frequent the shallow waters of the Keys making your trip to the islands a prime chance to encounter one. The Lobster Crawl Bar and Grill restaurant can offer almost nightly sightings of Manatee. A pair swam in the waters of the adjacent marina. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity to see these majestic creatures.
#14 Anne’s Beach
Anne’s Beach needs to be on your bucket list for an enjoyable afternoon. A small boardwalk weaves through the mangroves to shaded picnic areas. The beach is soft and sandy and the waters warm and incredibly shallow many yards out. It is a perfect family beach. Plan your visit well, as the beach shrinks as the tide comes in.
Anne’s Beach, named after Anne Eaton a local environmentalist, recently reopened in August of 2019 after being destroyed by Hurricane Irma.
#15 Kayaking
Kayaking in the Keys differs from other waters, being incredibly shallow and calm, it is relatively easy. Being so shallow, spotting jellyfish, rays, and fish happens frequently. If you are lucky, you may even spot a manatee. Kayaks are available for use at many resorts and marinas, including Robbie’s. Plan in the afternoon and catch the sunset out on the water…so, pack a cooler and set out on an adventure!
#16 Bridge Fishing
If you like to fish, bridge fishing in the Keys is an experience you must have. Fish with the locals and cast your luck at pulling up a yellow jack, a barracuda or a hammerhead shark! There are 42 bridge connecting the Keys, leading to many opportunities to catch a big one.
The Channel #2 and Channel #5 bridges are favorites, with fish- rich waters it is easy to go home lucky! Arrive early to get the best spot, as it gets crowded quickly. Live bait is best, so bring along some shrimp. Aim for the shadows as the fish hang out there. And of course remember to grab your Florida fishing license before you head out, which you can secure for $17 for 3 days.
#17 Key West!
Key West is certainly the crown jewel of the Keys. The streets of Key West are alive with interesting characters, unique shoppes and eateries, and Keys culture. With so many things to do, it is easy to spend a week here checking out everything Key West has to offer. Must-dos on your Keys bucket list are have a Cafe Con Leche, drink from a coconut, and have some conch fritters (try the Key West Original Conch Fritter cart in Mallory Square). Plan to spend a whole day here if you are staying elsewhere in the Keys!
#18 Ernest Hemingway House and Museum
Ernest Hemingway was arguably Key West’s most famous resident. He wrote many of his most famous works while living in the Keys and based some of his characters on his friends. He was a frequent patron of Sloppy Joe’s and is attributed to encouraging the owner to change the name to it’s current name.
You can visit Hemingway’s Key West Home, turned into a museum you can tour. Visit his home with a guided tour and meet the polydactyl (six-toed) cats that are residents in the home.
#19 Walk Duval Street
Duval Street is a tourist dream. The quirky nature of Key West is forefront on Duval. Street performers and artists entertain and offer their goods. With so many unique gift shoppes and art galleries, it is easy to spend a few hours wandering up and down the street.
#20 Conch Tour Train
The Conch Tour Train can make your visit to Key West a little easier. A ticket on the train will allow you to hop on and off the trolley at various attractions throughout town. The guided tour allows you to have insights into Key West. This is a great option if you want to minimize your walking or if visiting with kids.
#21 Mallory Square Sunset Celebration
The Mallory Square sunset celebration is a Key West tradition to put on your Keys Bucket list! Mallory Square is a destination in itself, home to many of the sights to see in Key West including the Conch Train Tour and Aquarium. At sunset, the square becomes a showcase of everything Key West! Of course watch the sunset, but you can also watch the street performers, magicians, jugglers, and food vendors. The perfect end to a day in Key West!
#22 Visit the Southernmost Point
The Southernmost Point is a bucket list requirement when in Key West. Mainly because it is a one of a kind photo-op. A long line typically forms and parking can be a bear, so try to do this early when lines are shorter. Waiting in line gives you a chance to catch a glimpse of a Key West chicken or grab a fresh coconut to drink.
This marker sits 90 miles from Cuba and is the Southernmost point in the continental United States. Close by is the Southernmost Beach Resort, an upscale hotel. If you are going all out on your vacation, this is the place to stay.
#23 Key West Shipwreck Museum
The Key West Shipwreck Museum is a cool little museum that holds a treasure trove of items pulled out of the waters from shipwrecks. There are an estimated 1000 shipwrecks in the waters of the Keys due to the treacherous reefs and shallow waters. This museum is small, however the stories of the ships that have wrecked are captivating. A highlight is climbing the tower for a bird’s eye view of Key West. The gift shoppe is pretty amazing as well, offering cool Key West memorabilia, even a shipwreck map!
#24 Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium is a great destination when visiting with kids. Rated one of the top destinations when visiting the Keys, there are touch tanks, shark and alligator exhibits, and educational presentations. Children have a chance to learn about the ocean and creatures of the Keys. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon when you need to beat the hear.
#25 Have a Cocktail at Sloppy Joe’s
Sloppy Joe’s Bar is iconic Key West. Renown for it’s rich history within the city and a favorite watering hole of Hemingway, you would be remiss to not stop here for a drink. There is live music throughout the day and is a wonderful spot for some people watching. Stop in and cool off with a yummy margarita!
The Florida Keys are certain to infect you with their charm and unique culture. This bucket list will help inform your vacation in the Florida Keys to ensure you can make the most of your vacation time in the Keys.
Wander well….