Things to Do in the Upper Keys of Florida

There are loads of things to do in the Upper Keys of Florida. Do you favor outdoor activities? Do you like camping? How about tours and attractions? And let's not forget shopping!

There are more things to do in the Florida upper Keys than in the middle or lower Keys, perhaps because it's closer to mainland Florida, and so a good weekend escape for us residents.

Outdoors in the Keys

Some of the things to do in the upper Keys that are popular include:

Snorkeling & Diving: If you want a multitude of choices, you really can't do any better than the upper Keys. All by itself, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park could be your entire destination. Coral formations and underwater fantasies are ready and waiting for your diving and snorkeling pleasure. Learn more about scuba diving in Key Largo.

You can also check out Biscayne National Park. Although the entrance is actually on the mainland, Biscayne National Park snuggles up against Pennekamp and also has awesome diving and snorkeling.

Swimming: Where there is water...there is swimming! All the resort hotels and quite a few of the mom and pops have private beaches.

But surprise -- there aren't many natural beaches in the Florida Keys at all! But there is one for those of you who'd prefer to just find a public beach -- Harry Harris County Park.

Hiking and Biking: There are lots and lots of trails in the upper keys. Especially check out Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock park for some great trails.

Camping: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has a campground -- RV or tent, come on down! It's closest to mainland Florida, and so a good weekend escape for us residents, too.

Fishing: Islamorada is regarded as one of the best fishing locations anywhere in the world. While you can fish out of Key Largo, it's worth it to drive a little farther into Islamorada to book that Keys fishing trip. You can charter a private boat, or just catch one of the drift boats where there are lots of fishers (and lots of fun).

Tours

Boat Tours: Did you know that the African Queen is docked in Key Largo? Yes, the boat from the Bogart/Hepburn movie of the same name. You can take a tour on her if you like. Sunset boat tours are also available.

Another of the things to do while in the Florida upper Keys -- if you'd like to experience the coral reef without getting wet, try one of the glass-bottom boat tours out of Pennekamp.

Shopping

If shopping in on your list of things to do in the upper Keys of Florida, your best bet is Key Largo. Islamorada has less in the way of stores -- but there are some treasures to be had there too!

Here's some places to shop in Key Largo and Islamorada.

Attractions -- Things to Do in the Florida Keys

Some of the attractions popular in the upper Florida Keys include:

Dolphin Cove
Dolphins Plus
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Theater of the Sea
Indian Key State Historic Site
Lignumvitae State Botanical Site

I guess the last two aren't really attractions in the normal sense, but since you can only get to these Keys by boat, it does make for an interesting outing.

If I had time only for one attractions, I'd make it Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. Think of it as a tiny, Keys-style Sea World. You have to take the bottomless boat ride (yes, you did read that right), because it's really cool. You probably only need 4 or 5 hours to see everything, but it is very enjoyable.

See? There are plenty of things to do in the Upper Keys of Florida. All you have to know is where to look.

Top of Things to do in the Upper Keys of Florida page.

Best Weather in Key Largo page

Islamorada Florida Fishing Page

< >