The Bayside Inn, Key Largo – a Fun, Budget Friendly Stay

I’m always glad to find a low key place to stay for our time in the Florida Keys, and the Bayside Inn on Key Largo is for sure that. Located midway through Key Largo, the Bayside Inn is a great budget option with a fun pool and beach area (rare for the Keys) and a chill vibe. It’s not fancy by any means, but it’s a good option for a night or two, especially if you have a busy schedule of sightseeing and diving around Key Largo.

We’ve got all the info for planning a stay at the Bayside Inn Key Largo, including ideas for things to do in the area. Key Largo has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Keys, and with a dive shop attached to the Bayside Inn, this just might be THE place for you. Read on, and if you have any questions about staying here or planning your time on Key Largo, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an unforgettable time in the Florida Keys.

Why Stay at the Bayside Inn Key Largo

I’m happy in nearly any hotel because it usually means that I’m on vacation and in vacation mode. The Bayside Inn on Key Largo may not be the fanciest place to stay, but it’s clean, has great outdoor space and is in a wonderful location, so I’m set when I check in here. There are so many things to do on Key Largo so you likely won’t be spending much time in your hotel room, but if you have booked the Bayside Inn and have downtime planned, there is plenty of nice lounge space for guests out on the pool deck and in the waterfront spaces.

I really like how the Bayside Inn uses their small amount of waterfront to be give guests access to the water and to create different sorts of relaxation experiences. If you’re a diver or have some fun snorkeling trips planned, a total bonus to staying at the Bayside Inn is that there’s actually a dive shop attached to the hotel. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the famous Molasses Reef are nearby, so if you don’t have some time exploring the waters of Key Largo booked, stop into the dive shop and have them help you plan an adventure. I like going out with Horizon Divers, but there are lots of options here.

Book the Bayside Inn Key Largo here!

Room Options at the Bayside Inn

When you’re booking a room at the Bayside Inn Key Largo the basic options are either a King or Two Doubles room. The standard two doubles is totally fine if you’re just using the Bayside Inn as your homebase for diving, snorkeling and exploring. If you plan on having more time in the room, the King w/ Deck or the Premier one Bedroom Waterfront Suite and the best choices. As you go upwards in room type (standard -> w/ deck -> suite) the cost goes up as well, $80-$100 per step depending on availability.

For me, when we’re hanging out on Key Largo, we really don’t spend a ton of time at the hotel, or at least in the room. A resort like Baker’s Cay on Key Largo leads us to more resort time, but the Bayside Inn is for sure a preferred pick when we have a short stay or know that we’re going to be well occupied during this part of our Florida Keys trip.

Key Largo’s Bayside Inn Amenities

Really, the outdoor space around the swimming pool is a good reason to stay at the Bayside Inn on Key Largo. There are multiple levels of patio with lounge chairs, tables and fun patio couches. The pool itself is small, but it’s there for a quick dip on a hot day. As you head towards the water there is beach space with more chairs or you can lay out on the sand. There are even a few palapas.

Continuing out, there are two jetties you can also relax on, but these offer no shade, just waterfront chairs to enjoy the vibes of the Keys. Guests also have access to paddling gear if they like. At the beach there are kayaks and SUPs available for guest use, including PFDs (required to have with you). Paddling from the Bayside Inn Key Largo is nice for being able to get out on the water in a protected area with minimal waves. There are lots of sting rays, nurse sharks, large schools of fish and even manatees in the backwaters you can access from the Bayside Inn. Be sure you’re wearing your reef-safe sunscreen though, just in case you choose to do a little swim or snorkel from your paddle craft.

FYI, there is also a small fitness center on property. If you are in the mood you can get in a little workout here or planning a morning run from the Bayside Inn is very easy and a very flat running route.

Dining Near the Bayside Inn Key Largo

The Bayside Inn on Key Largo doesn’t have its own restaurant but directly next door, connected by a sandy path, is Snooks Bayside Restaurant and Tiki Bar. Having enjoyed both meals and drinks at snooks, as a Bayside guest and just a regular tourist, I can say that the hotel doesn’t know how good they have it with Snooks as a neighbor. Their food is really good and their happy hour rocks. There is both tiki bar dining area (open air) seating and tables on the sand, so good options for whatever the weather. For breakfast, cross the street to the High Tide restaurant. I’ve had many breakfasts here over the years and love the local vibe and good food.

Bayside Inn Parking Information

Parking is included when you stay at the Bayside Inn Key Largo. You’ll get a parking pass when you check in so be sure it’s on display over night. While it’s not a tight parking lot, if you’re driving an RV of some sort, you DON’T want to park here, but need to find different parking to be able to exit easily.

Activities and Sights in Key Largo

I like visiting Key Largo because it’s such an easy option if you’re coming to Everglades National Park or spending time in Miami. Being just an hour’s drive from the city, you can visit for the day or a few nights and not have to do a full road trip. There are so many things to do on Key Largo that it can be a complete vacation or mini vacay.

• Glass Bottom Boat tour at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Snorkeling tour to Molasses Reef
• Historic boat cruise on the African Queen
• Visit the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
• Go birdwatching at Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
• Kayaking at Pennekamp or one of the many other launches
• Day trip to Islamorada (Robbie’s and World Wide Sportsman)