Upper Keys Archives - The Keys Explored

Exterior of Marina del Mar Hotel Key Largo Florida Keys 2

Marina del Mar Resort: Top Pick for a Key Largo Waterfront Stay on a Budget

The Marina del Mar Hotel in Key Largo is a fantastic budget-friendly option in a great location. In the heart of where snorkeling and scuba tours leave from, the Marina del Mar has a wonderful swimming pool area, is connected to a great restaurant, and has a partnership with surrounding hotels for more amenities. It's a prime option for a cost-conscious stay.

Gumbo Limbo Trees at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Botanical State Park Key Largo Florida Keys 2

State Parks Things To Do Upper Keys

Dagny Johnson Botanical State Park – Overlooked and Beautiful on Key Largo

Easily overlooked, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a wonderful activity when you come to the Florida Keys. Visit Dagny Johnson State Park for hiking trails, wildlife watching and exploring the rare hardwood forest of Key Largo. Read all about it and save this idea for a windy day when you can't get on the water.

Feet at Snorkeling Cove at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo Florida Keys 2020 1

Things To Do Upper Keys

Beaches of Key Largo Where you Can Swim and Relax

The beaches of Key Largo are an important part of a Florida Keys vacation. If you're looking for beach access and parks in Key Largo and Tavernier, we've compiled a list with what to expect at each Key Largo beach spot.

Entrance to Florida Keys Wild Bird Center Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary Key Largo Florida Keys 1

Things To Do Upper Keys

Visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center and Sanctuary on Key Largo

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center on Key Largo is a great stop to make when you're driving through the Florida Keys. The bird sanctuary and rehabilitation center is a non-profit that's open to the public to get to see some beautiful Florida Keys bird species up close and learn about them, as well as their conditions that brought them here. See what you'll find here at the bird sanctuary and how to add it to your trip through the Keys.

Taylor Family doing Dolphin Swim at Dolphin Life Key Largo Florida Keys 2

Tours Upper Keys

Dolphin Life Key Largo: a New Perspective on Dolphin Swims and Tours

Dolphin Life Key Largo changed our whole view of dolphin interactions and working with marine mammals. From our tour of the facilities and learning about enrichment to getting to spend time in the water with dolphins, see what a day at Dolphin Life is like and how it might impact you during your visit to the Florida Keys.

Kelly Kayaking at Biscayne National Park Florida 1

National Parks Tours Upper Keys

Kayaking in Biscayne National Park: Kayak Tours and Self-guided Trips

Kayaking in Biscayne National Park is one of the best ways to enjoy the wildlife and scenery here. Whether you've brought your own gear or if you're a part of a kayak tour from the Biscayne Institute, it's worth adding this to your trip to the Florida Keys.

Taylor Family on Pier at Ocean Pointe Suites Key Largo Florida Keys 2020 3

Lodging Upper Keys

Staying at the Ocean Pointe Resort Key Largo – Condo Style Quiet Stay

The Ocean Pointe Resort is a condo style hotel on Key Largo, perfect for families staying for a few nights. The quiet location and nearby fun make it a great option when you're visiting the Upper Florida Keys.

Glass Bottom Boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Key Largo Florida Keys 1

State Parks Tours Upper Keys

Glass Bottom Boat Tours at Pennekamp State Park on Key Largo

The glass bottom boat tour in John Pennkamp Coral Reef State Park is the most popular activity on Key Largo. See what to expect and what makes this unique tour worth your time in the Florida Keys.

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.

Pool Patio area at Bayside Inn Key Largo Florida Keys 1

Lodging Upper Keys

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

The Bayside Inn Key Largo is a good option for both a budget stay and an easy place for having a diving/snorkeling trip to the Upper Keys. See what we like about staying at the Bayside Inn, including amenities, pool and beach access from the hotel.

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.

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

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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

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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.

Sunset at Casa Morada Resort on Islamorada Florida Keys 2

Lodging Upper Keys

Beautiful Retreat to Casa Morada on Islamorada

The Casa Morada Resort in Islamorada is the adults-only Florida Keys hotel that makes me want to plan another trip ASAP. Between the peace and quiet, the snorkeling from the property and beautiful grounds see what makes staying at the Casa Morada a special hotel choice in the Keys.

SUPs at Beach at Bakers Cay Resort Key Largo Florida Keys 1

Lodging Upper Keys

Bakers Cay Resort: a Peaceful and Fun Stay on Key Largo

Bakers Cay Resort of Key Largo is one of the most peaceful resorts we've stayed at. From quiet beach nooks to balconies and swimming pools that are perfect for relaxing, this is a top pick for where to stay on Key Largo.

Swimming Pool at Holiday Inn Key Largo Florida Keys 2021 2

Lodging Upper Keys

Holiday Inn Key Largo – a Surprising Pick for the Florida Keys

The Holiday Inn Key Largo has been a consistent stay for us for years. While it's not the fanciest option in the Florida Keys, we often will book a night on our way to or from Key West to break up the drive and simply relax in the pools near our favorite restaurants.

Kelly with Sea Turtle while diving at Benwood Shipwreck off Key Largo with Horizon Divers Florida Keys 1

Tours Upper Keys

Horizon Divers: Awesome Snorkeling and Free-diving Tour from Key Largo

Horizon Divers on Key Largo does a great job accommodating all skill levels, including free divers and snorkelers. From shipwrecks to reefs, see what you can expect going out with Horizon for an incredible Florida Keys wildlife experience.

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.

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!

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.

Beach Path at Curry Hammock State Park Marathon Florida Keys 1

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Camping in the Florida Keys

A combination of Paradise and Adventure! Camping in the Florida Keys is a great place to camp with access to crystal clear waters and a ton of state parks.

Arched Bridge Old Channel 5 Turquoise Waters from the Overseas Highway Florida Keys 2020 4

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Getting to the Florida Keys

No matter how you slice it, getting to the Florida Keys is a road trip. Here are the best ways to get to the Florida Keys and answers to frequently asked questions.

Rob Taylor sleeping in hammock at Bakers Cay Resort Key Largo Florida Keys 1

Lodging Upper Keys

Upper Keys and Key Largo: Luxury Stays and Roadside Motels

Whether you are looking for Luxury Stays and Roadside Motels on your trip to the Keys, this list has some great recommendations. From the hottest hot spots to places with a low-key vibe add these places stay in the upper keys and Key Largo to your list!