Weekend Trip to The Florida Keys!

If you are planiing a weekend trip to the The Florida Keys, then you might want to review our list of the 5 Must Do’s! are a chain of islands connected by a series of bridges that stretch for 120 miles off the southern tip of Florida. The area is known for its beautiful coral reefs, fantastic fishing, and an overall tropical vibe. It’s a popular vacation spot that attracts millions of visitors each year.

For those traveling through the Florida Keys… There are plenty of activities, places to eat and drink, attractions to visit, but if you are here for a weekend… even a long weekend you will be hard pressed to get to do all of the things you want! With  a 120 Mile spread from tip to tip, and only one road, at the wrong time of day or in season (November-April) that drive could take 3+ hours, so our advice is to pick one area (Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Largo) and explore that specific area for a weekend. 

You could always plan your next trip back to another area and spend the weekend exploring what it has to offer. Each area in the Keys has a very different vibe. Some have a different vibe depending on the time of day! Take Key West… known for its lively… sometimes provocative nightlife, is usually pretty tame during the morning and early afternoon hours. As the evening progresses, Live music starts to emanate from more and more establishments. Some have had more than their fair share of drinks, which makes for good people watching and becomes quite comical, at times! 

For many that come to the Florida keys, water activities are on the top of the list, they rave about the incredible scenery and endless water activities. From snorkeling, fishing, scuba, kayaking, jet skiing, kite surfing. The Beaches in the Florida Keys are not typically your most idyllic beaches, like you would find from Clearwater to Naples or along the Eastern side from Miami North. The Geology make-up of the Keys is mostly a coral reef with a limestone cap, sometimes protruding from the ground.  Most beaches are very shallow, rocky and have the occasional sargassum (Seaweed) piles laying on the shore. The Private Resorts have the cleanest beaches and some spread sand out into the water.

For that reason we suggest getting out on the water! Most of the Locals and seasoned Keys Visitors will agree, being on the water is where you will find the best time to enjoy the outdoors. That could be Fishing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, enjoying an Eco-Tour (Boat tour not involving fishing or scuba diving), Sailing, Sandbar/Sunset or Waverunner Tours. 

Our Number 1 Must Do! Snorkel of course…Whether you are starting from Key Largo or Key West, they both have great options. If you are in the Key Largo vicinity, you will definitely want to check out the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park  (MM 102.5) snorkeling tour. They have 5 different times that need to be scheduled, for 2-½ hour tours and approx. 1-1-½ hours in the water time. Depending on the Weather, you will have a chance to see the Chist of the Abyss, a 9′ underwater Bronze statue!

The Key West Side has an offshore adventure that will take all day! Book your trip to the  Dry Tortugas aboard the Yankee Freedom  where you can explore Fort Jefferson  a National Park, that lies 70 Miles West of Key West, Snorkel the Shallow Reefs or choose the camping option which is an amazing one, or bring your Kayak (only if you have camping reservations)!!! Yes there is an option, on the reservation to bring your Kayak (note, there are only 4 Kayaks allowed, which means booking well in advance is what you need to do!

There are plenty of options to Snorkel, no matter where you are in the Florida Keys. There are so many reefs off the Oceanside of the Keys. Along with old Lighthouses (Boca Chita Key Lighthouse, Carysfort Reef Lighthouse, Key Largo Lighthouse, Alligator Reef Lighthouse, Sombrero Key Lighthouse) along with Key West Lighthouse which is not offshore but able to tour in the Bahama Village area of Old KeyWest! You can find many Snorkel Charters or Eco-Tour Charters in any of the areas of the Florida Keys. 

Our Number 2 Must Do!  Fish of course… Islamorada is “The Sportfishing Capital of the World”! The Islamorada area is unique in the fact, on the Bayside, you have quick easy access to the many islands that make up the Keys (Over 1000 islands make up the Florida Keys) in the “Backcountry” fishing in the “Florida Bay” which is typically done on smaller “Flats Boats” which limits the amount of people going on your trip. Mostly using light tackle or Fly Rods!

Second type of fishing is Near Shore or “Reef Fishing” which amazingly the reef off Islamorada is only 4 miles off shore in some places, running between 20-60’ deep (So, a short run from shore to fishing area will have you fishing more than traveling). Typically light to medium tackle, depending on what you are fishing for. The Third type of fishing “Off Shore” or “Deep Sea”  Fishing, which will typically have a longer trip out (10-30 Miles), with a much bigger vessel. Tackle will be more on the larger side and you will be fishing in depths of 300’ -1000’+ of water.

Most Fishing Charters have a “6 pack” license (Which only allows them to bring 6 paying customers aboard (Doesn’t include the captain or crew). There are exceptions, some have bigger capacity licenses or have more than 1 vessel to accommodate larger groups. There are also “Party Boats” or “Head Boats” which are typically a much bigger vessel with a minimum capacity of 10+ and going up to 50 or 100 fisherman on board. These are typically lower cost, but will most likely need to reserve a spot! 

The Charters include your license, typically all bait and tackle, a cooler with ice and the vessel amenities. Each Charter includes different items, not all clean your fish for the cost of the charter (If this is an interest, ask up front). Most Captains get gratuities (10%-20%) depending on their level of  hospitality and ability to get you on Fish! If they have First Mates (Crew) they are typically working for little to no money, from the Captain, are mostly relying on you to tip them (If your first Mate is busting their hump to make your day great, make sure they know you appreciate them)!

There are great Charter Boats, Backcountry Guides and Party Boats From Key Largo to Key West! Don’t think you won’t have great fishing, if you’re not in Islamorada. Fishing is just as good in Key Largo, Tavernier, Conch Key, Duck Key, Marathon, Big Pine Key, Lower Keys and of course Key West! Depending on the time of year, there’s always something biting! Charters are typically Half-day, ¾ day or Full day trips. 

Our Number 3 Must Do! Seafood of course… This doesn’t matter what Key you are in. The number of fresh seafood places to eat at, is just off the chart! Some are fancy, some are a hole in the wall (locals tend to like these best). There is a Lobster Season  that runs from August 6th through March 31st (with a 2 day “Mini-Season” typically at the end of July). These lobsters are not the same as your Northern Cold Water Clawed Lobster.  The Florida Keys also enjoy a “Stone Claw” season (October to May) which is the Claw from a Stone Crab. Depending on the time of year, the selection of fresh fish is unbelievable. Local favorites include Mahi, Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Tuna, Yellowtail, etc.  with lots of other varieties available depending on the season.

 You will find great Seafood Restaurants in every Key, as stated above But here is our abbreviated  list for starters: 

•  Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant (MM 102)
•  Key Largo Conch House   (MM 100)
•  Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe (MM 99)
•  Capt Craig’s Restaurant  (MM 90)
•  Chef Michael’s  (MM 81)
• Square Grouper Islamorada  (MM 80)
•  Lazy Days Restaurant (MM 79)
•  Keys Fisheries (MM 49)
•  Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar  (MM 47)
•  Tonio’s Seafood Shack & Tiki Bar (MM 25)
•  Square Grouper Bar and Grill  (MM 22)
•  Hogfish Bar & Grill  (MM 5)
•  Off the Hook Bar & Grill (MM 1)
•  Half Shell Raw Bar  (MM 0.25)
•  A&B Lobster House  (MM 0)
•  DJ’s Clam Shack (MM 0)
• The Lobster Shack Key West  (MM 0)

Again this is an abbreviated list, going off the first hand experiences I have had, or personal recommendation from a close friend. I know some are going to say “you missed”, and you are right! There are way too many great Seafood places to list. I will offer a word of warning… not all are great! What do I mean, well I’ve had plenty of bad experiences with seafood in the Florida Keys, as well. Mostly with the T-shirt bar & restaurants (They are more popular because they sell a lot of t-shirts, instead of focusing on the food they are delivering or the service their staff is supplying). Now I for one do not give bad reviews, but if you feel your favorite restaurant didn’t make the list, could be for a reason!

Our Number 4 Must Do! Sunset of course…you have to catch at least one, if not 2 Sunsets! The Sunsets in the Florida Keys are truly spectacular. Especially when we have storm clouds in the area. The array of colors that can be seen are truly amazing! 

This doesn’t require a large budget, or massive planning! It happens every day and you can ask google what time sunset is (plan to be in place at least 20 minutes before and sometimes depending on cloud cover, it can last 20 minutes after that time!)! No Matter what Key you are on, there are typically places on the Western side you should be able to view. Sometimes from a bar or restaurant (kill 2 birds with one stone, dinner with a view). Other options are to find one of the Bridges (Old 7 Mile, out to Pigeon Key) along the Overseas Hwy that have pedestrian access. Another low Budget one is Mallory Square Sunset celebration (Every night) in Key West or right next to it Sunset Pier.

Other options  (Paid) are to get a private Sunset Tours on one of the many Charter boats. They also have Sunset Sail (Sail boat charters, private and party style). Take the ferry in Key West to Sunset Island (You’ll need a reservation at the Sunset Key Guest Cottages Restaurant for access to the ferry from the Margaritaville Marina.)

Just find a place and enjoy the view!!!

Our Number 5 Must Do!  Key Lime Pie of course… You can’t take a trip to the Florida Keys and not try the Key Lime Pie! Everyone has their favorite, I do not believe any of them are wrong! Some will say that if the color is light green, then it’s not a true Key Lime Pie. That it should be slightly brown or tan in color. I have had so many different slices of Key Lime pie, that they all seem to taste good, only one was bland and I figured that chef was just off his game that day… Notable Key Lime Faves: 

• Keys Chocolates and Ice Cream (MM 100)
• Mrs. Macs Kitchen (MM 99)
• Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory (MM 92)
• Key Lime Pie Lady  (MM 81)
• Midway Cafe & Coffee Bar (MM 80)
• S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill  (MM 58)
• Key Colony Inn Restaurant (MM 54)
• No Name Pub (MM 40)
• Mangrove Mama’s (MM 19)
• Geiger Key Marina, RV Park & Fish Camp (MM 10)
• Roostica (MM 5)
• Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe (MM 0.25)
• Key West Key Lime Pie Co. (MM 0)
• SOUTHERNMOST KEY LIME SHOP  (MM 0)
• Blue Heaven (MM 0)

This list, just like the seafood list, could go on and on and on! These are the ones that make our short list, some of the seafood restaurants on our list above, have outstanding Key Lime Pie as well! There are also Frozen Chocolate dipped pie slices…Yeah I know, there’s so many great choices! This list will get you started in the right direction, no matter what Key you are in, you are not far from some great Key Lime Pie!!!

In conclusion, the Florida Keys are a beautiful and unique destination that elicits strong opinions on what to do, while you are here. It is truly up to you, as to what floats your boat (literally). But there’s no denying that the Florida Keys offer a one-of-a-kind experience that’s worth exploring. Every Key or area has a different vibe and feel, so again try breaking each area down into a single trip, so you can decide where your favorite spot is and what your favorite 5 things to do in the Florida Keys are!

Mile Marker Brian