A vacation is not complete without your best furry companion, so we’ve compiled a list of pet friendly Key Largo hotels, restaurants, parks, and more, to help you plan your next trip to Key Largo. The Keys has plenty of options for the whole family to enjoy!
Outdoor Adventure Pet Friendly in Key Largo
If you’re heading to Key Largo, make sure to stop at beautiful John Pennecamp State Park. While the beach is not dog friendly, you can hike along the many trails and enjoy picnics in the mangroves with your furry friend. Spend a day outdoors and be sure to bring along plenty of water for those hot Florida days.
Another option for outdoor fun is Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This recreation area welcomes leashed dogs in the picnic areas, along the sea wall, and on the bike and hiking trails. There’s a self-guided nature trail with butterfly garden you’re pup is sure to love.
Pet Motel Key Largo Sign
Comfortable Accommodations
Spending the night in Key Largo? We have the perfect hotel for you. At Bakers Cay Resort, dogs are allowed anywhere on the property as long as they’re leashed. You could even take them to the restaurant and on the beach! Here, they’re truly a part of your vacation. This resort offers a tranquil beachside getaway with two waterfall pools and beach hammocks. Sit back and enjoy the waves on the private beach and be glad you booked the perfect hotel!
If you’re looking for more room, renting a home is also a great way to stay in Key Largo and there are plenty of great options in VBO. We love using this site and have booked several stays in Key West using this service. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for more space and privacy. And it ends up being more cost effective sometimes. Just make sure you set the filter to “pet-friendly” homes and you’ll find plenty of excellent and affordable options.
Want to Get Out for a Day on the Water?
Cruisin’ Tikis Key Largo is a great option for a fun day on the water. This unique tour boat is shaped like a tiki and best of all, it’s pet-friendly. Cruise around Key Largo with your leashed pup and sit back and relax. Tours can be booked daily from 9am to 9pm. We can’t think of anything better than cruising around on a floating tiki bar, enjoying some cold drinks with our best furry companion by our side!
Another way to enjoy the water is on the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat. Enjoy a pet-friendly tour of Key Largo – dog are welcome, and even greeted with a water bowl, how cute! This tour goes out everyday, weather permitting, to explore the underwater world of the John Pennecamp State Park, where you’ll get an exciting look at the stunning reef without having to get in the water.
Key Largo, Dog Friendly Island
Delicious Pet Friendly Key Largo Dining
For lunch or dinner stop by the Key Largo Fisheries. This casual restaurant and working marina offers delicious fish right off the boat in a laid-back, comfortable, and pet-friendly atmosphere. Walk up and order the day’s latest catch and a local, cold draft beer and enjoy a casual setting next to the water watching the boats come in.
Another great pet-friendly dining option is Skippers Dockside. This casual yet cool restaurant is the ultimate waterfront paradise. Located at Mile Marker 100, this oceanfront oasis is serving up delicious local seafood and cold, uniquely crafted drinks. Bring your leashed pup and enjoy lunch or dinner in the shade, overlooking one of Key Largo’s best views.
If You Must Leave Your Pup Behind…
If you’re staying in Key Largo and would prefer to board your dog, that’s ok too! There are plenty of great options for you. One we’ve personally used it The Pet Motel Key Largo. Their friendly staff believes your dog deserves a vacation too, and they treat them like family at their facilities. The Pet Motel gives your furry member of the family up to eight hours of supervised yard play during the day, with a large air conditioned indoor area to cool off as they please. One of the kennel technicians will be in the yards directing the exercise and play. Fresh water, toys, and shade are
always available. You can rest easy and enjoy your vacation knowing your beloved pet is in great hands.
There’s many ways to get to the Florida Keys but we think the BEST way is by car! This allows you to go at your own pace and take in all the exciting sights and stops. So pack up and let’s hit the road in our Florida Keys road trip.. first up, Key Largo!
KEY LARGO
Getting to Key Largo is a whole adventure on its own. The experience of entering the island chain and its tropical environment is something that every avid traveler should do at least once.
Taking US-1 all the way to the Keys is the most preferred route by travelers who want to enjoy the scenery and the change in the environment as you approach the southern tip of the Florida peninsula.
The first island in our Florida Keys Road Trip
Overseas Highway Key Largo
Right after you pass Florida City you will reach a crossroad. There, you can either take the famous 20 mile stretch to Key Largo or the less known and wilder Card Sound Road. If you opt for the “stretch,” you will be in a 2 lane road for 26 miles and the first signs of civilization will be Gilbert’s Resort and Marina on Jewfish Creek. At that point, you will also have arrived at the first of the 42 bridges connecting the more of 100 islands that conform the Florida Keys and the first island in our Florida Keys road trip.
If you opt to take Card Sound Road, you will be able to enjoy your ride with views of the ocean and mangroves until you reach the Card Sound Road toll. At the first bridge you will be able to spot a large crowd of fishermen and diving tours on the water.
Just a few more miles down the road further south, you will encounter one of the most picturesque sites on this road: Downtown Card Sound Road and its very own Alabama Jacks. An iconic bar frequented by locals and tourists alike. This ‘hole-in-the-wall’ offers cheap yet delicious, local food and drinks, served daily! After your mandatory stop for the Alabama Jacks photo you’ll drive a few miles South through nothing but tropical foliage and you’ll get to Key Largo – ready to start your unforgettable trip through The Florida Keys! If you have the extra time, we recommend taking Card Sound Road for an ‘off the beaten path’ adventure!
Another must-stop in Key Largo is Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. Famous for their Key Lime Pie and delicious home cooked meals, this iconic restaurant is a favorite stop for many passing through, and locals alike, since 1976.Try their world-famous homemade chili or a fresh coconut shrimp basket among many fantastic options and the best Key Lime Pie in the Florida Keys.
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen Best Key Lime Pie in Key Largo
ISLAMORADA
After you’ve entered The Florida Keys and went trough Key Largo, you’ll get to Tavernier. This is where the famous pirate Jean Lafitte supposedly rested on Tavernier Key. Rumor has it that Tavernier got its name from the thirsty sailors on nearby Plantation Key.
After you pass Tavernier you will get to Plantation key, history has that this was a favorite hideout for Rum Runners, and now house the new building of the Coral Shores School.
After a short ride you will see The Theater of the Sea and the Holiday Isle Resort and Marina. It’s then you know you’ve arrived in Islamorada so get ready to have the best vacation of your life if this is your final destination!
A trip to Islamorada is not complete without a stop at Robbie’s Marina
This iconic restaurant and marina offers hands-on tarpon feeding, delicious open-air dining, sunset cruises, and daily fishing charters – they’ll even cook the fish you caught when you get back to the dock!
Sit back and relax on the waterside deck after a long day out on the ocean and enjoy the local seafood cuisine, speciality drinks, and tropical atmosphere.
You can also spend the afternoon strolling through the shops under the shaded trees for local artisan finds. It’s truly an all day experience, so plan ahead and spend a full day at this awesome spot in Islamorada.
Pelican at Robbie’s in Islamorada in the Florida Keys
Whether you’re just stopping for lunch or staying awhile, there are plenty of cheap yet fun options in Islamorada! Lazy Days restaurant is a must. The name speaks for itself – this casual oceanfront restaurant is a local favorite for its fantastic food and drinks. Try their coconut shrimp and a cold key lime mojito and you’re in for the perfect afternoon.
After lunch, check out Rain Barrel Village for cheap and inexpensive, local artisan gifts. And Betsy the giant lobster is perfect for a fun photo opp! This top Florida Keys destination features arts, crafts, resort wear, souvenir’s and more. It’s a great place to spend a hot afternoon in Islamorada!
Best Islamorada attraction on your Florida Keys Road Trip
If you’re looking for something to splurge on, head to Theatre of the Sea to see some exciting marine life. This iconic park is perfect for a family-friendly afternoon in the Keys and has an array of exciting animals. Visitors can swim with bottlenose dolphins and see other marine life like California sea lions, sting rays, sea turtles, and more. Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for kids ages 3-10. This is a great family-friendly activity!
As you can see there’s a lot of things to do in Islamorada, but that’s not all. Let’s hit the road and continue our journey down the Keys!
MARATHON
After a great tour of Islamorada, the next island you’ll hit is Marathon, located in the heart of The Florida Keys. Marathon is one of the more populated keys and has a lot to offer visitors.
For the perfect, casual and cheap lunch or dinner you must stop at the Keys Fisheries located at 502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL. This local restaurant and fish market features FRESH seafood (just caught!) and a variety of refreshing beers on tap. It’s a chill spot for conch fritters and other Keys specialties in an open-air fish house overlooking the bay. You just order at the counter and enjoy your meal at a casual picnic table overlooking the water.
After lunch, head to Sombrero Beach. This beautiful park features a gorgeous sandy beach and a shady area with restrooms, showers and picnic pavilions. Beach is open from Monday through Sunday. Hours are from 7:00am to Dusk. To get there turn South on Sombrero Beach Road and drive to the end of the road. You are there!
If you’re looking for an exciting family-friendly activity in Marathon, you must check out The Turtle Hospital. This small non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles. Adult admission is $30, children (4-12 years old) are $15, and children under 4 are free. Education Center and Gift Shop is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm.
Now, let’s get back on the road and cross over the Seven Mile Bridge!
BIG PINE KEY & LOWER KEYS
Big Pine Key and The Lower Keys are located between Marathon (south end of Seven Mile Bridge) and Key West. Getting to this area is a whole adventure on its own.
As soon as you cross over the iconic bridge, you’ll see Bahia Honda State Park. This wonderful park is one of our favorites and a must-see when traveling through the lower Keys.
The Best Beach In the Florida Keys at Bahia Honda State Park
Spend the day hopping between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, both offering stunning, private beaches. Or enjoy the day kayaking or snorkeling with rentable gear available. Snacks, merchandise, and essentials like water and sunscreen are also available at the onsite store for your convenience.
If you’re spending the night at the Bahia Honda cabins or campground you’ll be able to enjoy the best stargazing in the Keys once night falls and dream about your next visit to this iconic Florida Keys location.
Florida Keys Cabins
Stunning Beach in Bahia Honda
If you’re just staying for the day, let’s get back on the road and head to our final destination – Key West!
KEY WEST
Key West is located at the end of the overseas highway in The Florida Keys.
After you pass Big Pine Key, a short drive will lead you to Summerland Key and Cudjoe Key Most of these little islands have only residential homes. On Sugarloaf Key you will find Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Campground with full RV facilities.
Boca Chica Key is the next island with a Naval Air Base Station , and the next and last island before Key West is stock island. Congratulations, you’ve made it through the whole island chain, now you are a true Florida Keys expert!
The end of our Florida Keys Road Trip
Hemingway House in Key West
Get to your hotel or campground, relax for a few and get ready to enjoy the town. You are in the southernmost city in the continental US., Key West is only 90 miles to Cuba (closer to Cuba than closer to Miami). Hit the town and get ready for that Duval Crawl.
Before dinner head Mallory Square for a free show in the sky. The sunsets here draw crowds from afar. Artists and jugglers gather to put on a show to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
For a delicious, casual, and cheap dining option head to Schooners Wharf in the Historic Seaport. This local bar and restaurant has ben serving locals and island visitors alike, for many years. Our favorite menu items are the coconut shrimp and conch fritters, the best on the island!
There is definitely no shortage on fun and cheap things to do in Key west, read more here. And if you are looking for the best hotel in Key West, look no further than The Gardens Hotel.
Key Largo diving spots and snorkeling in and the Florida Keys
Key Largo diving is something you cannot miss if you want to have a complete experience of the Florida Keys. The enjoyment is out endless in the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
You will find a wide variety of marine life from reef sharks, rays, parrot fish, menacing barracuda, to the millions of small schools of tropical fish that live between the coral reefs and the coast.
The most photographed is the Christ of the Abyss , where a statue of Jesus Christ was placed at the bottom of the ocean. The bronze sculpture is nine feet and 4,000 pounds and symbolizes the peace of humanity, located in Key Largo in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The statue is one of three made by an Italian sculptor Guido Galletti. It was originally made for Egidi Cressi, the diving equipment manufacturer, and later donated to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in 1966.
The original “Il Christo degli Abissi” statue was placed in the Mediterranean Sea off Genoa, Italy, in 1954. In 1961, a second “Christ of the Depths” statue was made from the same mold. The Cressi family of Italy donated the statue to the Underwater Society of America, which in turn donated it to the Florida State Park Service, in recognition of conservation efforts in creating America’s first underwater park. .
The Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the most famous and visited underwater sites on earth, accessible to divers and swimmers alike.
Elbow Reef
Elbow Reef is a group of reefs that have grown around some very old shipwrecks and It has excellent visibility. The color of the water is light blue since the Gulf Stream passes closer here than other reefs. This reef should be on all diver’s lists! You’ll encounter eels, sharks, angel fish, coral, rays, and sea turtles. Some of the remains of ships found are more than 100 years old and have contributed to the corals taking hold in them, also intensifying marine life.
A ship carrying train wheels sank on the reef and a train wheel, as well as part of the wreckage, can be seen 20 to 30 feet below. The deepest part of the reef is the southern section which is marked by a buoy.
North Dry Rocks popular Key Largo diving spot
Located 5 miles south east of Key Largo, it is one of the most popular snorkeling sites and Key Largo diving spots. A small reef with lots of marine life such as barracuda, grouper, parrot fish and angel fish.
This coral cave takes its name from the thousands of tiny silverfish that frequent the site in great numbers each year. The cave can be difficult to find as it is a tunnel dug into the reef, but once inside it is simply stunning.
The many crevices and passageways in the area created by the limestone ledges are inhabited by barracudas, lobsters, crustaceans, and larger fish such as groupers.
The shallow, clear waters also make this a good spot for scuba divers.
Spiegel Grove, a spectacular Key Largo diving spot
This popular reef is a great Key Largo diving site, where a ship sank on June 10, 2002. It’s so large that it will take divers more than 2 times to explore the entire site.
In May 2002, her planned sinking was unsuccessful. She sank prematurely and landed upside down, with her stern on the sand bottom below 130 feet, while her inverted bow floated like a small island 40 feet high. In July 2005, Hurricane Dennis slammed into the Florida Keys and the water filled the keel. She now stands upright in about 130 feet of water. Her main deck is between 90 feet deep at the bow and 100 feet deep at the stern.
Groupers, snappers, and other predators can often be found in and above the wreck. Corals, anemones, hydroids, and sponges have carpeted the exposed areas. Arrow crabs, shrimp, and sea urchins are abundant. The USS Spiegel Grove has been converted into a spectacular artificial reef. Because bottom currents are unpredictable, the Spiegel Grove is considered an advanced level of diving by most local dive operators.
Molasses Reef
Located near the southern end of Key Largo Cayo Marino National Marine Sanctuary, it is marked by a 45-foot steel tower. It is a popular site with divers from all over the world who visit the reef every day. Famous for its abundant marine life, such as large schools of horse-eyed cats, yellow mullet, great barracuda, turtles and parrot fish.
USCG Duane Reef
It is one of the most spectacular diving spots in the Florida Keys. The ship was built in 1935 and is located in 120 feet of water, here you can find Nurse Sharks, large schools of barracuda, lemon fish and turtles.
Care must be taken when diving here, it is preferably recommended for advanced divers, since its strong currents large depths make it dangerous for the inexperienced.
It stands upright on the sandy bottom, on clear days its outline can be seen from high above. Decks and rooms have been intentionally left open for divers to explore. Its structure is intact. She is very close to the Gulf Stream.
Beginning the beautiful island chain of the Florida Keys is Key Largo. This upper Keys destination has been a favorite of those in search of the perfect Keys getaway. Get there easily without the hassle of traveling too far from the mainland.
Discover Key Largo’s Underwater World
When you arrive in Key Largo, start enjoying the natural beauty right away. Known as the ‘Dive Capital of the World,’ Key Largo is home to exceptional, world-renowned snorkeling and diving opportunities and the fantastic Key Largo Jacobs Aquatic Center. And there’s no better place than John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Here you’ll explore gorgeous coral reefs teeming with sea life. If diving isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other fun options to explore the park. Take a canoe or kayak out to the mangroves or go fishing in one of the permitted, designated areas.
Go for an easy hike along the parks short trails through tropical hammocks, picnic or swim at the beach. The visitor center features several large saltwater aquariums filled with sea creatures. And nature videos are shown in its theater.
Camping sites are also available. So bring your tent or RV and get ready to enjoy an evening under the stars.
Sleep Comfortably in Key Largo
If more luxurious accommodations are your style, Baker’s Cay Resort is perfect for you! This stunning retreat offers so many exciting options.
Come here for an exciting weekend away. Enjoy two waterfall pools and beach hammocks. Or have fun with a wide range of water activities including diving, parasailing, catamaran sailing, and deep-sea fishing. Sit back and enjoy the waves on our private beach.
Explore Key Largo by Kayak
While visiting this island paradise don’t leave without taking a Mangroves and Manatees Guided Kayak Eco Tour. This exciting 2 hour adventure brings you over clear, protected shallow water to discover mangrove jungles, manatee grass beds and a unique marine environment. Book online for $60 per person and enjoy a serene day on the water!
There’s no shortage of things to do in this island paradise!
From the upper to the lower keys, there’s plenty of exciting things to do and attractions in the Florida Keys with no shortage of fun in the sun! From the treasures of a shipwreck, to more than a dozen museums, the Florida Keys offer more than 100 miles of opportunities.
In addition to the water and sky views on both sides of the Overseas Highway, the scenic drive south from Miami to Key West (about three hours) also includes plenty of opportunities to learn about the history of this island chain.
Attractions in Islamorada
The History of Diving Museum is hard to miss when passing on the road as paintings of underwater sea creatures decorate the building in ocean blue colors along with an old diving helmet. The museum (mile marker 83 bayside) houses a large collection of diving helmets and artifacts, charting 4,000 years of diving history. Finds include a gallery on treasure hunter Art “Silver Bar” McKee; an exhibition of 45 historic diving helmets from 24 countries; nearly 2,500 books on underwater exploration; and free monthly seminars. Open daily (except holidays), 10 am-5 pm Adults, $15; kids 5-11, $7.
The Keys History and Discovery Center is located at the Islander Resort, Guy Harvey Outpost (mile marker 82 oceanside). Exhibit topics include the early inhabitants of the Florida Keys, shipwrecks and salvage, pioneer families in the island chain, offshore and sport fishing legends, and the Flagler Railroad. Open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults, $12; Children 13 and under enter free.
For some retail therapy and local artisan gifts, stop by the Village Square. This enchanting bohemian village features an open air, curated collection of island shops including homemade gifts and home decor at Boo Kee Sue Botanics, delicious burritos at Bad Boy Burrito, and much more. Perfect for a chill Islamorada afternoon.
Attractions in Marathon
Pigeon Key Foundation and Marine Science Center located on the old bridge parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge on a coral island used as a camp between 1908 and 1912 for the 400 workers working on the Henry Henry Florida Keys Overseas Railroad Flagler that spread from Miami to Key West. The island is home to quaint homes and a museum filled with old photos, artifacts, and memorabilia. Marine educational programs are held on the island, which is also a great place for picnicking and snorkeling. Adults, $15, children 5-13, $12. Ferries sail to the island from the Pigeon Key Visitor Center (mile marker 47, ocean side of the road), 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, mile marker 50 bayside, features nature trails, a butterfly garden, a children’s activity center, and a natural history museum . Artifacts in the museum’s collection include a 600-year-old canoe and the remains of pirate ships. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm; Sundays.
Attractions in Key West
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, 907 Whitehead St., offers guided tours of the house where he lived for most of the 1930s and wrote some of his most notable works, including “To Have and Have Not.” Between 40 and 50 cats have taken over the house and gardens, and many of them have an extra toe, just like a six-toed cat that Hemingway owned. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm Adults, $17, children 6-12, $7, one of the most popular attractions in the Florida Keys and Key West.
Custom House Museum, 281 Front St., near Mallory Square, is a national landmark operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society. The four-story building was once home to the island’s customs office, post office, and district courts and now displays art and historical collections, among other artifacts related to the history and culture of the Florida Keys. Open daily (except Christmas), 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Adults $16; children 7 and over, $8. Pro tip: save $2 off admission if you purchase online!
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St., displays treasures from the 1622 Spanish galleons discovered by Fisher, an American treasure hunter known for his 1985 discovery of the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The museum includes a rich collection of 17th century maritime and shipwreck artifacts. Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9:30am-5pm Adults, $17.50, children 6-12, $8.50.
With 100 miles ready to be discovered, there are plenty of attractions in the Florida Keys!
