Things To Do Archives - The Keys Explored

Rob Taylor Kayaking in mangroves with Key West Eco Tours at Key West National Wildlife Refuge Florida Keys 3

Best Kayaking Spots in South Florida: the Keys, Everglades, Gulf Coast & More

Kayaking in South Florida is a great addition to a trip to Miami or the Florida Keys. Kayak spots in Palm Beach County, the Everglades on nature preserves on the Gulf Coast all make for beautiful kayaking destinations, and you don't even have to bring your own paddling gear for many of them. See our recommendations for both general kayaking areas and specific launch sites.

Taylor Family on guided kayak tour with Geiger Key Paddle Hut Key West Florida Keys 1

Things To Do

Best Florida Keys Kayaking: Beautiful Spots from Key Largo to Key West

The best places to kayak in the Florida Keys range from Key West to the backcountry of the smaller keys. Kayaking routes and guided tours in the Florida Keys to make a road trip on the Overseas Highway even better.

Boardwalk on the Golden Orb Nature Trail at Long Key State Park Middle Keys Florida Keys 1

Middle Keys State Parks Things To Do

Visiting Beautiful Long Key State Park between Islamorada and Marathon

Long Key State Park is an often overlooked spot in the Middle Keys. Known for its birdwatching and kayaking, it's a quiet spot to enjoy nature and usually very few people. See what to do at Long Key State Park and tips for visiting.

Taylor Family with Banyan Tree at Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park Islamorada Florida Keys 1

Middle Keys State Parks Things To Do

Everything You Need to Know about Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park

Windley Key Fossil Reef State Park is one of the most unusual historic spots to visit in the Florida Keys. Located in Islamorada, Windley Key SP is full of cool quarry pits, history exhibits and even beautiful birds. See what you'll find here in this easily overlooked State Park.

Kelly biking at Shark Valley in Everglades National Park Florida 1

National Parks Things To Do

Biking in Everglades National Park: Exploring the Beautiful Shark Valley

Biking in Everglades National Park at Shark Valley is a wonderful and unique way to experience the park. Located near Miami this fun adventure gets you out into the harsh environment into the heart of the Everglade most beautiful wildlife.

Exhibits in Key West Shipwreck and Treasure Museum Mallory Square Key West Florida Keys 2

History Key West Things To Do

Visiting the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum – Great with Kids and Adults

The Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum is perfect to visit with kids and adults, fascinating for any age. I would rank it in my top three museums in town. See what you'll find here and just how creepy/piratey it is (thinking about if little kids will be scared).

Illustrated Map of Curry Hammock State Park Marathon Florida Keys 1

Middle Keys State Parks Things To Do

Curry Hammock State Park: Everything You Need to Know!

Curry Hammock State Park is an overlooked gem on Marathon, perfect for kayaking, camping or just having a beach day. See what you'll find and even our favorite paddling routes here at Curry Hammock State Park in the Middle Keys!

Drinking Tea in Indoor Relaxation Space at Ocean Spa at Faro Blanco Resort Marathon Florida Keys 1

Middle Keys Things To Do

The Ocean Spa at Faro Blanco – Adding a Day Visit to your Florida Keys Trip

The Ocean Spa at the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon offers a day pass for the spa and it's one of the most relaxing things you can do on a Florida Keys trip. See what's included with the spa day pass and how to have the best experience at the Ocean Spa.

Key Lime Cocktail at Lighthouse Kitchen and Bar at Faro Blanco Resort Marathon Florida Keys 2

Restaurants Things To Do

15 Best Cocktail Spots in the Florida Keys (my top pick is last)

Our picks for the best cocktail spots in the Florida Keys range from tiki bars in Key Largo to Hemingway themed hangouts in Key West. Check out our favorite places to enjoy a cocktail with great menus, good vibes and beautiful Florida Keys views.

Antique Scuba Diving Helmet Display at Museum of the History of Diving Islamorada Florida Keys 1

History Middle Keys Things To Do

Visiting the History of Diving Museum in Islamorada – Fascinating FL Keys Stop

The History of Diving Museum in Islamorada in the Florida Keys is one of the most niche museums we've been to. Focusing on the evolution of diving and exploring underwater, see what to expect and how to plan your visit to this fascinating place.

Key West Postcard Mural Florida Keys 2020 2

Key West Things To Do

10 Iconic Things to Do and See in Key West

What are the most iconic things to see and do in Key West? There may be too many to count! Here are a few of the things we think will make your trip to the lower keys and Key West extraordinary.

Exterior of Truman Little White House Key West Florida Keys 1

History Key West Things To Do

Visiting the Truman Little White House: Key West’s Presidential Getaway

Touring Truman's Little White House in Key West is a must for history lovers. Unlike other historic homes in town, the Little White House is much more modern history and a very different sort of tour experience. Find out more, including the rules of visiting, for when you're in Key West.

Taylor Family at Turtle Hospital Marathon Florida Keys 2020 1

Middle Keys Things To Do Wildlife

Visiting the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital – a Special Florida Keys Experience

Visiting the Marathon Sea Turtle Hospital is a must-do as you travel through the Florida Keys. Learning about these amazing creatures and seeing them up close as they go through rehabilitation and release is fascinating, and very special with kids.

Kayaking Buttonwood Canal at Flamingo Everglades National Park Florida 4

National Parks Things To Do

Kayaking at Flamingo in Everglades National Park – the Full Scoop and Tips

Kayaking at Flamingo in Everglades National Park is one of the best ways to get to see crocodiles and explore the area on the water. With awesome bird watching and tons more wildlife to encounter, see our tips for paddling with kayak rentals from Flamingo Adventures.

Hemingway Boat Pilar inside Bass Pro Shop World Wide Sportsman Islamorada Florida Keys 1

Things To Do Upper Keys

World Wide Sportsman Bass Pro Shop, Islamorada: Hidden Hemingway History and More

World Wide Sportsman Islamorada is more than a Bass Pro Shop, but it's a full experience for anyone (even if you don't fish). From Ernest Hemingway's boat to bars and feeding tarpon, this is one of the most unexpected cool spots to stop in the Florida Keys.

View from Crane Point Hammock Preserve Marathon Florida Keys 2

Middle Keys Things To Do

Crane Point Hammock: Marathon’s Hidden Gem with Natural Fish Pedicures

Crane Point Hammock on Marathon in the Florida Keys is a hidden gem with trails, museum exhibits and natural fish pedicures not to be missed. See what to expect from kayaking to picnic spots at this beautiful preserved area in the Middle Keys.

Rob Taylor driving Carolina Skiff from Florida Keys Boat Rentals at Robbies of Islamorada Florida Keys 1

Middle Keys Things To Do Upper Keys

Florida Keys Boat Rentals: Exploring the Beautiful Backwaters on Your Own

Florida Keys boat rentals can be a great way to explore the waters and have fun with friends and family. We've got the scoop on renting a boat out of Islamorada with suggestions for activities and information about what license or boating experience is required to rent a boat in the Keys.

Feeding the tarpon at Robbies of Islamorada Florida Keys 3

Middle Keys Things To Do Upper Keys

Robbie’s of Islamorada: Tips for Visiting a Fun Florida Keys Icon

Robbie's of Islamorada is famous for its tarpon feeding, but there's a lot more to visiting. See what you can do and see at Robbie's, including tips about what's best on the menu at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant.

Taylor Family at Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory Florida Keys 9

Key West Things To Do

Visiting the Key West Butterfly Conservatory: a Beautiful Oasis

The Key West Butterfly Conservatory is a fun, beautiful place to visit for a break from being on the water in the Florida Keys. Tropical butterflies, birds, flowers and more make this an interesting, relaxing place to visit on an afternoon in Key West.

Tourists Parasailing with Sebago Key West Florida Keys 6

Key West Things To Do

Parasailing in Key West: an Airborne Adventure w/ Beautiful Views

Parasailing in Key West is an awesome way to get a fresh perspective on this beautiful, historic island. Leaving from the Historic Seaport, there are a few companies to pick from for getting out on the water and up in the air. See what to expect and how to plan this fun adventure.

Inside Key West Aquarium Florida Keys 2020 1

Key West Things To Do

The Key West Aquarium: Vintage, Family Friendly Fun Downtown

The Key West Aquarium is a cool, vintage attraction in the historic district, and it's an easy addition to your time in Key West. See what you'll find at the aquarium and what makes it a unique feature in Key West.

Taylor Family at Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden Florida Keys 5

Key West Things To Do

The Key West Botanical Garden and Tropical Forest: a Unique Oasis

The Key West Botanica Garden is more than that; it's also a tropical forest. See what to expect here and how much time you should set aside for a visit to this unique Florida Keys attraction.

Lantern of Sombrero Key Lighthouse Marathon Florida Keys 1

History Things To Do

Lighthouses in the Florida Keys – Which You Can Visit

If you know anything about me (Rob, the creator of The Keys Explored) then you know that I love lighthouses and wildlife. And there are plenty of lighthouses in the…

Taylor Family at Key West Lighthouse and Maritime Museum Florida Keys 4

History Key West Things To Do

Visiting the Beautiful Key West Lighthouse: an Easy and Interesting Stop

There are 9 lighthouses in the Florida Keys but the Key West Lighthouse is the only one you can climb. See what you'll find here at the lantern and museum of the Key West Lighthouse.

Taylor Family at Hemmingway House Key West Florida Keys 2

History Key West Things To Do

Hemingway House in Key West: Perfect for Literature Fans and Cat Lovers

The Ernest Hemingway House in Key West is a must-visit for literature and cat lovers, whichever you are. See what you'll find at this beautiful historic home, including info about the most unique tour in Key West.

Fish Eating Sargassum at Sombrero Reef National Marine Sanctuary Marathon Florida Keys 2

Lower Keys Things To Do

Great Things to do on Marathon and the Lower Keys

Traveling to the Keys and looking for great things to do in Marathon and lower keys? There are so many opportunities for adventure and lots of restaurants, wildlife, and fishing spots too.

View from Audubon House and Gardens Key West Florida Keys 2021 1

History Key West Things To Do

Visiting the Audubon House and Tropical Gardens – a Bird Lover’s Must-see

The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens in Key West are a unique addition to your time in the Conch Republic. From beautiful bird art by John James Audubon to tropical gardens to wander through, see what you'll find here in this historic home.

Rob and Kelly on African Queen Boat Tour from Key Largo Florida Keys 1

Things To Do Upper Keys

African Queen Boat Tour in Key Largo – Perfect for Film and History Buffs

If you like movies, history and the Florida Keys then you need to do the African Queen boat tour from Key Largo. A combination of film history and dolphin cruise, it's a great activity for getting out on the water and enjoying a living piece of motion picture memorabilia.

Taylor Family on beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park Key West Florida Keys 4

History Key West Things To Do

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West: Beach Day w/ a Side of History

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is a favorite place for having beach days in Key West. Complete with white sand, snorkeling, trails and a historic fort, see what you need to know and plan for to visit Fort Zachary Taylor when you come to the Florida Keys.

Railroad Quarry Equipment at Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Florida Keys 1

Middle Keys Things To Do

Florida Keys Fun Things to Do in the Middle Keys

As many people just drive straight down to Key West, the Middle Keys are full of fun things to do and quiet places to enjoy the vibe of the Florida Keys. See our top picks for activities and ways to enjoy this mellow part of the Keys.

Taylor Family with Cats at Hemmingway House Key West Florida Keys 4

History Key West Lower Keys

Historic Sites in Key West: Interesting Things to Do and See in KW

There are countless historic sites in Key West that are interesting and worth visiting when you're there. We've picked our favorites to add to a Key West plan that highlight history, beautiful views, and things that are fun for kids of all ages.

Kelly on Boardwalk Trails at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo Florida Keys 1

Things To Do Upper Keys

Fun Things to Do on Key Largo in the Beautiful Florida Keys

There are so many awesome things to do on Key Largo. We have listed our best ideas to make your trip to the Upper Keys filled with fun!

Nurse Shark and Fish with Giant Sponge in Key West National Wildlife Refuge Florida Keys 3

Things To Do Tours Wildlife

Best Wildlife and Snorkeling Tours in the Florida Keys

There are lots of great wildlife and snorkeling tours in the Florida Keys, for everything from seeing dolphins to diving at beautiful reefs. We've picked our favorite wildlife tours including kayaking, sailing and catamarans to help visitors plan great experiences.

Taylor Family snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo Florida Keys 2020 10

State Parks Things To Do Upper Keys

Guide to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo in the Florida Keys

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is one of the highlights of getting to visit the Florida Keys. From kayaking and snorkeling just off the main hub of the park to glass bottom boats and guided snorkel trips, it's a must for your Keys vacation.

Lion Fish school at Key West National Wildlife Refuge Florida Keys 4

Things To Do Wildlife

Wildlife in the Florida Keys – Tips for Awesome Wildlife Experiences

The wildlife in the Florida Keys is just as incredible as the turquoise waters and beautiful resorts. We've picked our favorite creatures to encounter, to dive with, and observe from the land. Tips for wildlife sighting and top tours for responsible wildlife experiences.

History Lower Keys Things To Do

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