Things to do in Key Largo, Florida (FL): The Best Nature & Parks

January 22, 2022 Augustus Redeker

Just a few minutes' drive but a world away from the mainland, Key Largo has been the setting of movies, the home to abundant wildlife and a favorite destination for scuba diving. Lush flora and lively fauna abound in the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Everglades National Park. Underwater, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary teems with life while the American Crocodile thrives at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Restaurants in Key Largo

1. Spiegel Grove

Key Largo, FL http://www.rainbowreef.us
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 523 reviews

Spiegel Grove

Retired 510-foot naval ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef for underwater diving enthusiasts.

Reviewed By mickj345

Two dives with my daughter, totally awesome experience. If you dive, this is a must for your logbook.

2. Island Dolphin Care

150 Lorelane Pl, Key Largo, FL 33037-4235 +1 305-451-5884 [email protected] http://www.islanddolphincare.org
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 334 reviews

Island Dolphin Care

Island Dolphin Care is a 501(c).3 committed to bringing purpose to the lives of marine mammals that cannot survive in the wild WITHOUT exploiting them. IDC brings purpose & financial support to our dolphin family by offering non-profit therapy programs to children with special needs & veterans with PTSD, while working to educate guests about ocean conservation & the protection of marine mammals. We offer educational courses on Marine Science, as well as tours of our facility & experiences that teach you how to help marine mammals & the global ocean environment. We implement a 100% No Breeding Policy. We DO NOT offer public “swim with dolphins” programs. We DO NOT do theme park type-shows. Our facility is an ocean lagoon, NOT a pool. Our goal is to find ways to make their lives even better, while changing the lives of those in need along the way. You can support our efforts by coming for a visit! Book a tour or an educational experience & spend the day with us!!

Reviewed By jblockstein - Takoma Park, United States

I visited IDC for a tour this past week. Joe was my tour guide and gave me a detailed and in-depth tour of the facilities. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and welcoming, from the husband and wife team that run IDC to all of the trainers and therapists... and of course the Dolphins themselves! This is a very special place that is truly changing people's lives and it is clear that everyone working there believes in the mission and finds meaning in the work they are doing. A tour of IDC would be well worth your time to see and learn about their 8 beautiful dolphins and the great work they and the humans of this facility are doing to help some of those who are in the greatest need.

3. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 +1 305--676-3777 [email protected] http://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park
Excellent
57%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,804 reviews

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

A beautiful state park that features land and undersea adventures.

Reviewed By TimeToGoInNC - North Carolina, United States

Whether you’re spending months or just hours in the Keys, this spot should be on your “must do” list. There is so much to do - aquarium, glass-bottom boat trip out to Molasses Reef, kayaks to rent, short trails to explore, a small beach for relaxing, ... Staff is extra friendly and helpful. All facilities are clean, well maintained and clearly marked. We especially enjoyed the boat trip out to the reef. Capt. Cathi’s knowledge and enthusiasm were contagious. GO!

4. Molasses Reef

Key Largo, FL +1 305-451-6322 http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/zones/spas/molasses.html
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 807 reviews

Molasses Reef

Two ships deliberately sunk in 1987 to provide artificial reefs for experienced divers.

Reviewed By Joy_Fully_Living2

We had a perfect day! Lots of beautiful coral life to explore loved the diversity and being a shallow dive relatively worry-free with lots of time to be in total delight!

5. North Dry Rocks

Key Largo, FL
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

North Dry Rocks

This reef is a small maze of large limestone ledges that come up to 5 feet below the water surface, making it an excellent dive site for beginners.

6. Key Largo Dry Rocks

Key Largo, FL +1 305-394-5046 http://www.keylargochamber.org/snorkel.cfm
Excellent
64%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 28 reviews

Key Largo Dry Rocks

This inner bank reef is characterized by shallow water (depth range 1 to 25 feet,) calm seas and good visibility, and features the nine-foot, 4000 pound bronze statue "Christ of the Abyss."

7. Grecian Rocks

Key Largo, FL http://www.oceandiversidc.com/html/grecian_rocks_p
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 184 reviews

Grecian Rocks

This half-mile-long, crescent-shaped patch reef is an interesting dive site since it is highly developed and similar to those of most outer bank reefs in the Key Largo area.

Reviewed By wanderexploreinspire - Indiana, United States

Go on a sunny, non-windy day, and you will feel like you belong in the Little Mermaid movie. SHallow reef bursting with wildlife. Only regret is I forgot my GoPro to record all the beauty we took in.

8. Key Largo Undersea Park

Key Largo, FL
Excellent
65%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 51 reviews

Key Largo Undersea Park

Marine park that contains diverse fish and marine life that is a perfect spot for snorkelers and divers.

Reviewed By BkCline718 - Brooklyn, United States

def enjoyed this experience and would return just for the ride. it was also nice to see sea life under water, coral reef and diff types of fish.

9. Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

93600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, Key Largo, FL 33070-2815 +1 305-852-4486 [email protected] http://www.missionwildbird.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,542 reviews

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

YES! OUR SANCTUARY IS OPEN! Masks and social distancing are required, but we are happy to see you! We are open every day of the year from Sunrise to Sunset. The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is home to over one hundred non-releasable, permanent resident birds including hawks, owls, vultures, pelicans, gulls, songbirds, and more. Visitors are invited to learn about our birds and the fragile ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Admission is free, but donations to help the FKWBC to continue to fulfill our mission are gladly accepted. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release native and migratory wild birds that have been harmed or displaced, to provide or locate a humane shelter for those birds that cannot be released, and to educate the public toward the importance of coexistence with all wild bird species. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center is a 501(C)(3) Charitable Organization.

Reviewed By espie-travels - San Diego, United States

This is a free visit that’s so worth it! It’s a great cause rehabilitating injured birds. Many of them are life long residents. They have a green parrot, Fred that can talk and Blue Jay, Flock that has so much personality. There are variety of birds: owls, seagulls, doves, woodpeckers, blue jays, hawks, turkey vultures, and parrot. My kids absolutely loved it. Be sure to leave a donation!

10. Florida Keys Visitor Center

106000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037-3116 +1 800-822-1088 [email protected] https://www.keylargochamber.org/about-us/
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 79 reviews

Florida Keys Visitor Center

Visit the "Legendary" Key Largo Chamber of Commerce-Florida, The Official Keys Visitor Center located at mile marker 106. Look for the Chamber of Commerce sign. The Visitor Center offers information about the entire Florida Keys. Brochures and maps are available....Plus no pressure sales, commission free information, renovated and clean restrooms!

Reviewed By mwooduk - Miami, United States

Extremely helpful young lady behind the desk who gave us discount coupons for use and very clean toilets! Nice cards and paintings for sale!

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