welcome back to wonderfully lost a
travel Community for parents by parents
from pristine beaches to underwater
wonders the Florida Keys offer a
paradise like no other today we're
talking about a dream vacation to a
place with thrilling Marine activities
delicious seafood and breathtaking views
whether you love beaches or just want a
relaxing getaway we've got you covered
here are the Florida Keys 11 best things
to do for a dreamy vacation number 11
visit Duval Street if you're planning a
trip to Key West there's this awesome
place called Davao street that you
definitely can't miss it's the heart and
soul of the city stretching for about a
mile with tons of stuff to do and see
you've got museums souvenir shops
Galleries and cozy cafes all along the
way it's a perfect spot for a stroll and
how long you spend here totally depends
on what floats your boat are you into
shopping dining sightseeing you name it
Duval Street has got you covered oh and
don't miss the southernmost House St
Paul's Episcopal Church and the former
Strand Theater you won't regret giving
them a visit number 10. enjoy the beach
at Bahia Honda State Park if you're
looking for the absolute best beach in
the Florida Keys by here Honda state
park is where it's at seriously this
place isn't messing around when it comes
to beautiful beaches you won't believe
it but they've got not one but two
awesome beach areas one faces the wide
open ocean and the other gives you a
sweet view of the old railroad bridge
whichever one you pick you'll be blown
away by the stunning sites this park
covers a massive 400 acres and they've
got so much cool stuff to do snorkeling
Adventures check boat tours check number
nine snorkeling and swimming at John
pennekamp's coral reef State Park just
off Key Largo there's a really cool
place called John Pennekamp coral reef
State Park and the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary they're like underwater
wonderlands packed with all kinds of
marine life and even some epical
shipwrecks no wonder snorkelers and
scuba divers can't get enough of them
but there's more to this spot than just
diving and snorkeling if you're with
your family and want a chill day at the
beach they've got a small swimming area
with a safe shell-covered Beach it's
perfect for the kiddos you'll be geeking
out on marine life facts and if you want
to check out the underwater action
without getting wet jump on a glass
bottom boat tour for your own personal
aquarium view number eight explore
Mallory Square if you're in Key West
you've got to head over to Mallory
Square which is right at the North End
of Duval Street it's like The Happening
spot in Old Town and everyone knows it
for its epic nightly Sunset celebration
you'll get to see entertainers and
vendors gathered around to put on a show
while you soak in the most beautiful
sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico it's
pure magic there's also a wild mix of
performances that'll blow your mind
imagine cats and dogs walking tight
ropes on unicycles yep that's a thing oh
by the way if you want to see more of
the Old Town hop on The Conch to a train
it's an a 90-minute tour that takes you
around and guess what Mallory Square is
the final stop number seven visit the
Dry Tortugas National Park let us tell
you about this Hidden Gem called Dry
Tortugas it's one heck of a unique
National Park located about 70 miles
west of Key West to get to this paradise
you've got two options hop on a ferry or
take a seaplane if you want some epic
views of the Florida Keys we recommend
taking the seaplane ride you might spot
dolphins sharks sea turtles and even
sunken ships while you're at it this
National Park is spread across seven
small Islands covering a whopping 100
square miles but only one percent of it
is actually dry land most of it is
underwater Wonderland thanks to its
location on the Florida Keys Reef system
or and you can actually camp overnight
in the Dry Tortugas how cool is that
number six go on a key lime pie hunt did
you know that Florida's obsession with
key lime pie all started right in Key
West it's a cool story they say a lady
named Aunt Sal whipped up the recipe
back in the 1890s using those tarte
Island limes what a legend and guess
what the folks in the Florida Keys love
to celebrate so they throw this awesome
key lime Festival every summer during
the first week of July it's a foodie
Paradise with the tastiest key lime
cocktails treats and some fun pie
cooking and eating contests but hey if
you can't make it during the festival no
worries you'll find key lime pies at
some local favorites like the green
turtle Inn restaurant in Isla Morada
Blue Heaven in Key West and Mrs Mac's
Kitchen in Key Largo you can thank us
later number 5. kayak to Indian key back
in the 19th century the Florida keys
were all about shipwreck salvaging it
was like a major business one happening
spot for this gig was Indian key this
cute little island near Isla Morada
nowadays that took a wild turn in 1840.
there was a crazy battle with Native
Americans and almost everything on the
island went up in Flames but today
Indian key is a hot spot for kayaking
fun it's only reachable by boat but
that's part of the adventure as you
paddle about half a mile offshore keep
your eyes peeled for the super clear
water if you're lucky you'll even spot
some of the Florida Keys Marine life
chilling in the shallow seagrass beds
number four take a dark history ghost
tour back in the 1500s European settlers
moved in and even before that native
tribes called Key West home for ages but
the cool part is that the people in the
Florida Keys totally embrace the spooky
side of things Key West is legit one of
the top 10 most haunted cities in the
whole USA now if you're brave enough or
just curious There Are Tour companies
that offer trips around the island and
they've got some wild stories about its
darker history oh and for the ultimate
ghost experience check out this super
popular trolley ghost tour it's a real
Thrill Ride but hey if ghosts aren't
your thing no worries tour companies
also offer different tours where you can
explore the Conch Republic and learn all
about the fascinating history of Key
West without any spooky stories number
three watch an incredible Island Sunset
there's nothing quite like a Florida key
Sunset every single evening the colors
in the sky are like something out of a
legend they're so epic that people plan
special activities and events just to
soak in the beauty now in Key West
they've got this daily Sunset
celebration at Mallory Square it's a
total blast like a farmer's market with
a whole bunch of cool stuff local artsy
things live music yummy food vendors and
street performers showing off their
skills it's a party you won't want to
miss but check this out there are
tourism companies that offer chartered
sunset cruises every single day imagine
chilling on a boat and watching that
magical sun go down or hey if you're
feeling active and want a unique Sunset
View get on a bicycle boat it's like
cycling on water towards the ultimate
Sunset all while getting in a little
workout it's a win-win situation number
two see butterflies at the Key West
butterfly and nature Conservatory need a
break from all that sun action well
we've got the perfect spot for you head
on over to the Key West butterfly and
nature Conservatory it's like a Serene
Oasis imagine strolling around in this
Lush Place surrounded by hundreds of
gorgeous butterflies blooming flowers
and birds chirping away inside the
conservatory you'll find an amazing
climate-controlled glass enclosed
habitat and guess what they've got
around 50 to 60 different butterfly
species fluttering around and 20 species
of exotic birds you'll be fascinated to
know that they breed the butterflies in
the facility and they have an awesome
educational exhibit that spills all the
tea on butterfly life cycles and their
amazing migrations number one explore
the city of Marathon we welcome you to
the city of Marathon the coolest
commercial and sport fishing spot in the
middle keys if you're into fishing
you're going to love it here you can
easily set up characters for deep sea
reef and flats fishing get ready to reel
in some big ones on top of that you get
paddle boarding kayaking and jet skiing
on beautiful beaches there are even some
awesome waterfront restaurants to
satisfy your Cravings now here's a
unique adventure for you head over to
the old seven mile bridge which they've
lovingly restored and reopened back in
the day it was a rail line to Key West
but now it's a totally free walkway you
can stroll jog or cycle along and the
views are a killer and you won't believe
the awesome resorts they've got here
couples and families love staying at
these places it's like a dream vacation
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Welcome back to Wanderfully Lost, your home for all things family vacation and adventure travel!
In today’s travel blog, we’re listing down our picks for the 11 best things to do, while in the Florida Keys!
There’s a lot to do and see in Florida, so, if you’re interested in making the most out of your visit to the land of theme parks and beaches, make sure to check out our in-depth Florida blog here to get an idea of what to expect on your vacation.
Before you get lost in our blog, be sure to browse our Wanderful Storefront for all our favorite travel products, gear and must haves!
With that said, let’s check out the Florida Keys!
Why Should You Visit the Florida Keys?
Before we get into all the fun things there are to do in the Florida Keys, let’s take a step back for a moment, and think about why Florida Keys is such a stellar destination.
Whether you’re traveling with family, your significant other, or just by yourself, you’ll find an endless array of options to explore here.
From the adrenaline rush of snorkeling to the sheer joy of eating a well-made key lime pie, and watching the sun set against the shore, the Florida Keys is the dream destination for travelers looking for a little bit of everything.
And hey — we get it! If you’re going to splurge on a vacation, why not splurge on a destination that offers everything?
On that note, if you’d like to maximize your happiness, without having to worry about what to pack with you (which can prove to be a little tricky, considering all that there is to do and see in the Keys) — check out our travel kits here.
#1- Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving!
One of the most thrilling activities in the Florida Keys is exploring the mesmerizing underwater world.
After all, there’s a reason why the Keys is famous for its beaches and vast shoreline. Not only will you be able to swim in the azure water, but you can even go deeper!
With a mind-boggling amount of coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, the Keys offer unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving experiences.
We’d recommend visiting Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Key West’s Dry Tortugas National Park, where you can snorkel and scuba dive to all your heart’s content.
Get up close with colorful tropical fish, and sea turtles, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll even get the chance to spot some adorable dolphins and manatees.
#2- Have a Drink at the ‘No Name’ Pub
Now, here’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
If you want your experience in the Florida Keys to be wonderfully eccentric and strange, you need to find the ‘No Name’ Pub and have a drink in it.
There’s a small catch, though.
The ‘No Name,’ literally does not have a name.
That isn’t to say that you can’t find it at all. All you have to do is look a little deeper.
A quirky establishment, with the motto of being “a nice place if you can find it,” this cozy, little pub is well worth the struggle of locating it.
Situated somewhere on Big Pine Key, this hidden gem boasts nearly a century of history but remains undiscovered by many.
As you embark on your search for the pub without a name, be sure to keep a lookout for the majestic and rare Key deer that roam the area, which only further adds to the strange allure of this offbeat location.
#3- Try out Conch Fritters and Key Lime Pie
No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without treating yourself to a slice of a Key lime pie. Think of this as the national dish of the Keys, and order some for you and your family.
Now, as parents ourselves, we know very well just how picky little kids can be when it comes to their food — you can read more about our experience as parents and travelers here.
But a slice from Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen is sure to convert even the pickiest of eaters! Made with a crumbly graham cracker crust, and served with a dollop of whipped cream, this pie is a literal slice of heaven.
While in the Keys, you also need to savor the unique flavors of Floribbean fare, which brings together the best of Florida and the Caribbean.
One delectable treat that you need to try is the conch fritter, imported from the Bahamas. This crunchy, fishy goodness is every bit delicious as it is cheap!
#4- Visit the Bahia Honda State Park
For those seeking a serene escape, far away from all the hustle and bustle of city life, Bahia Honda State Park is nothing short of heavenly.
Located on Big Pine Key, this state park boasts soft white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Along with this, you can also find lush nature and vegetation all around the park.
Swim, sunbathe, or simply relax under the swaying palm trees as you immerse yourself in these unbelievably tranquil surroundings.
As a side note, once you’re done relaxing, you can visit the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, which is now a part of the park’s history and makes an excellent spot for photography.
#5- Check out the Overseas Highway
Known alternatively as U.S Route 1, the Overseas Highway is an engineering marvel that connects the Florida Keys.
This iconic highway stretches for approximately 113 miles, and while it is an engineering feat, it’s also known for the breathtaking views that it offers.
While you’re in the Keys, make sure to take a leisurely drive along the Overseas Highway, crossing the famous Seven Mile Bridge (more on that, later!), and stopping at various viewpoints to bask in the views around you.
And remember to also take some pictures for your Instagram feed! Trust us, the view is too good to pass up on.
#6- Explore the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
For literary enthusiasts, a visit to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is a must.
This beautiful Spanish colonial-style house was once the residence of the famed author, Ernest Hemingway, and is now a designated National Historic Landmark.
Here, you can play with cats, marvel at the beautiful gardens, or take a guided tour to learn more about the writer’s life.
Interestingly, as you play with the cats, make sure to count their toes. You’ll be surprised to see that all of the cats on the property are the direct descendants of Hemingway’s beloved polydactyl (six-toed) cats.
#7- Shop and Dine at Mallory Square
Located at the northern end of Duval Street, Mallory Square is a vibrant and bustling area in the heart of Old Town Key West.
The second the sun dips below the horizon, the square comes alive with a lively atmosphere filled with entertainers and vendors, creating a festive ambiance for everyone to enjoy.
From tightrope-walking cats and dogs on unicycles to insane feats such as sword swallowing and fire juggling, you’ll find yourself entertained in a way that you’ve never been before!
Besides that, this historical square has served as a focal point for social gatherings and commerce for over two centuries. Its rich past traces back to a time when ships would dock with their recovered salvage from shipwrecks, and local merchants would assemble to sell their goods.
After your shopping spree, be sure to indulge in a delicious meal at one of the many seafood restaurants that grace the area.
#8- Explore the Underwater Christ of the Abyss Statue
Located near Key Largo, the Christ of the Abyss Statue is a striking underwater sculpture that has become a symbol of the region’s unique relationship with the sea.
You’ll have to either snorkel or dive to see the magnificent bronze statue, which stands at a whopping nine feet tall, up close.
You can also use this opportunity to learn about the delicate marine environment that keeps the statue from decaying.
#9- Adopt a Turtle at The Turtle Hospital
If you love turtles, you need to visit the Turtle Hospital while you are in the Florida Keys.
Located in Marathon, the Turtle Hospital is the largest fully functioning veterinary hospital dedicated to caring for sick and injured sea turtles in the US.
This sanctuary is not only a place of healing but also a source of education and inspiration for the public.
Offering guided tours, visitors have the opportunity to witness firsthand the tireless efforts undertaken by the dedicated staff to rehabilitate these adorable creatures.
And, you can even adopt a sea turtle patient, and play a vital role in supporting its rehabilitation journey and eventual release back into its natural habitat! How cool is that?
#10- Stroll Across the Seven Mile Bridge
After a multi-year restoration, a pedestrian-only stretch of bridge, running parallel to the Seven Mile Bridge and the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, has reopened.
Visitors can walk, bike, or roll 65 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, taking in absolutely mesmerizing views of the ocean and the area’s diverse landscape.
Not only is the experience beautiful, but the restored bridge also promotes eco-friendly transportation!
#11- Swim With Dolphins
Lastly, we have only three words for you — Swimming. With. Dolphins.
The Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key is a nonprofit research and education facility, boasting 90,000 square feet of saltwater lagoons, providing a home for bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions.
Since its establishment in 1984, the center has been dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and studying whales, dolphins, and manatees, while also educating visitors!
Here, you can experience the joys of interacting and swimming with dolphins, which is just as heartwarming as you think!
On that wholesome note, we hope that you’ve found this blog helpful!
With that said, happy travels!