The 7 Best Florida Keys Islands To Visit On Your Next Beach Holiday

The paradisiac Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands spread across 125 miles off the southern tip of Florida. Nestled between the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, closer to Cuba than to...

Feb 11, 2023 - 21:01

0 10

The 7 Best Florida Keys Islands To Visit On Your Next Beach Holiday

The paradisiac Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands spread across 125 miles off the southern tip of Florida. Nestled between the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, closer to Cuba than to Miami, these islands comprise a medley of alluring natural features.

While exploring the Florida Keys, expect to be dazzled by gorgeous beaches, pristine national parks, and lush tropical gardens. The Keys are also home to The Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, which can be discovered during awe-inspiring snorkeling sessions.

The Florida Keys archipelago consists of about 1,700 islands, so deciding where to go can be challenging.

So we’ve done the job for you and compiled a list of the 7 islands that are an absolute must-visit in the Florida Keys. Keep reading the post to know more!

The 7 Best Islands In the Florida Keys, Florida

Key West

Key West is one of the most coveted spots in the Florida Keys. Considered to be the southernmost point in the continental USA, this island is located at the very end of the Keys and features a medley of pristine beaches, gorgeous parks, and history-filled landmarks.

Tried and true activities on this tropical island include visiting the Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, which is a prime spot for water sports and bird watching, and lounging in the half-mile-long Smathers Beach.

Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to see over 50 species of colorful butterflies, as well as exotic birds, ad exotic. Stroll in Key West’s Old Town to discover an array of historic sites like the Harry S Truman Little White House, and the winter White House for President Harry S Truman from 1946 through 1952.

Key West also offers travelers easy access to the Dry Tortugas National Park. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, this sprawling park encloses 100 square miles of turquoise waters, and stunning marine life, including otherwordly coral reefs.

Level up your Key West vacation by staying at the legendary Casa Marina Key West. Located along the southern edge of the island, this luxury resort is home to two oceanfront pools, and 100 feet of sandy beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests, making it the largest private beach on Key West.

Read this guide to the top Key West Hotels to find a cozy place to stay on the island.

Recommended Read:

The 15 Best Things to do in Key West, Florida

The Best Time to Visit Key West, Florida

The 7 Best Key West Resorts For A Tropical Vacation

Little Torch Key

This Florida Key is one of the best-kept secrets in the United States. Named after the torchwood, a native tree found in a few islands of the region, Little Torch Key is a tiny island located 24 miles from Key West.

Part of the Lower Keys, the island is known for its untouched atmosphere since there are not many many businesses on the island. Little Torch Key compensates with a few incredible oceanfront resorts and close proximity to Key West’s vibrancy.

Little Torch Key offers visitors the opportunity to spend days on end on white sand beaches framed by swinging palm trees. Aside from sunbathing in pristine sands, visitors can bathe in the azure Ocean Waters, as well as enjoy some paddle boarding, kayaking, or snorkeling.

The dazzling Little Torch Key is also a prime getaway for exploring the o Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this mesmerizing protected area is a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, as it’s home to over 150 species of fish including yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, sergeant majors, and moray eel.

Big Pine Key

The Bahia Honda State Park, in the Florida Keys, Florida, USA.

Located about 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, Big Pine Key is a precious gem in Florida. This island paradise provides travelers with easy access to some of the world’s most pristine locations, so you’ll never run out of things to do here.

On the island, visit the National Key Deer Refuge, an 8,542-acre National Wildlife Refuge that is home to the Key deer, endemic to the Florida Keys (kids will love seeing those adorable, dog-sized animals).

Make sure to also stop by the Big Pine Key Flea Market, the island’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market, where you’ll find several stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.

Big Pine is also the jumping-off point for numerous snorkel or dive destinations. Must-visits include the Bahia Honda State Park, in the Bahia Honda Key Island. This scenic park encompasses over 500 acres and it’s home to bountiful wildlife (many species of small reef fish, as well as rays, barracuda, and even the small nurse shark, are some of the creatures snorkelers can find here).

The Bahia Honda State Park is also home to the only natural colony of the now-rare Miami blue butterfly, which had been thought to have become extinct as a result of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Key Largo

Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, offers travelers a treasure trove of incredible sights. The island is covered in show-stopping beaches, tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary, making it a top destination for nature lovers.

Activities on offer here include diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boating, and kayaking in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which encompasses an impressive 70 nautical square miles and is home to eye-popping coral reefs.

Visit the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, a nature sanctuary that plays host to 84 protected species of plants and animals, or take a dolphin-watching tour to see these adorable creatures swimming in their natural habitat.

Between one adventure and the other, make sure to stop by Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen to feast on some jet-fresh seafood and Key Lime Pie, a Florida Key’s specialty!

Long Key

Couple on a beach in the Florida Keys, Florida, USA.

Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key is an island nestled in the middle of Florida Keys. This tropical getaway is famous for being home to the Long Key State Park, a go-to destination for those seeking to experience nature in a pristine and unique setting.

The Long Key State Park preserves several Florida Kes habitats, which can be explored through a range of scenic trails like the Golden Orb Trail. Here, you’ll be surrounded by mangrove-lined lagoons, tidal rock barren, mangrove swamps, and peaceful white-sand beaches.

Duck Key

Duck Key is a small, secluded island in the Florida Keys. Nestled between Miami and Key West, this gorgeous island enchants travelers with its sparkling coastline dotted with sun-kissed beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters.

The island is also renowned for being home to a collection of oceanfront resorts with private beach access, majestic swimming pools, and luxurious spas.

Boating, fishing, swimming, diving, and paddle boarding are just some of the top activities enjoyed by locals and visitors alike in Duck Key.

Water sports lovers will have a great time in Key West, as the island’s transparent and calm waters provide a gorgeous setting for boating, fishing, swimming, and snorkeling.

While spending glorious days in Duck Key, make sure to also visit Dolphin Connection, a renowned marine-life educational facility where visitors have the unique opportunity to swim with Bottlenose Dolphins in a natural lagoon habitat.

Marathon Key

Marathon is a family-friendly island community that stretches for ten miles in the Middle Keys. Stay in one of the island’s all-inclusive resorts, and start exploring Marathon’s beaches — all lined with palm trees, and featuring emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand.

Sombrero Beach is a must-visit. Aside from its immense natural beauty, this beach is a top place to see loggerhead turtles, which usually happens from April to October. Sombrero also has a myriad of facilities such as kid’s playgrounds, filtered water stations, and restrooms.

After kayaking in Sombrero Beach, visit the Turtle Hospital, a rehabilitation center where you’ll meet several adorable rescued sea turtles, and drive the scenic, historic route across Marathon’s famous Seven Mile Bridge.

FAQ

How many islands are there in the Florida Keys?

The Florida Keys archipelago consists of about 1,700 islands.

Where are the Florida Keys located?

The Florida Keys are located on the southern coast of Florida. The islands lie along the Florida Straits, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Why are the Florida Keys famous?

The Florida Keys archipelago is a tropical paradise known for pristine beaches, achingly beautiful national parks, lush gardens, and oceanfront resorts.

What is the best time to visit the Florida Keys?

For the best weather conditions, visit the Keys in the dry season, between November and April.

What are the best islands in the Florida Keys?

The top islands to visit in the Florida Keys are:

Key West; Little Torch Key; Big Pine Key; Key Largo; Long Key; Duck Key; Marathon Key.

What is there to do in the Florida Keys?

Thanks to its pristine beaches and incredible nature reserves home to dazzling marine species, the Florida Keys is a top destination for watersports like swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

Browse. Book. Stay.

CuddlyNest provides all accommodations to all travelers at the best price. Find unlimited travel inspiration on our blog and social media channels.

You Might Also Like: