10 Best Towns and Villages to Visit in the Florida Keys

Set out on an island adventure by visiting Islamorada: a village that covers 6 of the reef islands in the Keys. Here you can have up-close encounters with dolphins, learn about the history of diving, view a real treasure chest from the 16th century at the History of Diving Museum, and see historic ruins, as well as geological wonders. 

Make a day of it and shop for your ideal souvenirs at quirky shops throughout the area. Then wander through a geological state park to view fossilized coral or go on a forested tour guided by certified rangers. And of course, there are white sand beaches where you can swim and sunbathe as you while away the hours.

Key Largo is one of the most famed destinations in Florida and is known far and wide as a tropical paradise. Historically speaking, it was an important site as a station along the Overseas Railroad. 

If you’re into diving and snorkeling, here you can not only view a living coral reef with its brightly colored tropical fish, but you can even see an underwater statue of Christ at John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park. There are cruises, plant and animal preserves, and a heritage hiking trail. Naturally, there are also miles of white sand beaches where you can relax and catch some rays.

If you’re into water-based travel experience combined with striking historical monuments, Dry Tortugas National Park is the place to go. This park is located in a remote area that encompasses mostly water. 

It’s an ideal place for viewing birds and marine life and contains the Garden Key island park where you can see a genuine 18th-century fort. You can also find a functional historic lighthouse on an island where you can view loggerhead tortoise in their natural habitat. These islands are a wonder of natural and historic adventure.

Located in Bahia Honda State Park, Calusa Beach is an award-winning stretch of white sand and deep blue ocean waters along the Florida Keys. It’s adjacent to the famed Bahia Honda Bridge and right next to another tranquil, mile-long beach. 

Things to do in this area are near endless: when you’re done playing in the sand or swimming in the surf, you can explore the local Keys and parks, go shopping and dining, or even get up close and personal with sea turtles.

Key Colony Beach is a perfect place to go for a family-friendly vacation, with hands-on exhibits at the local aquarium where you and the kids can swim among the fish. There are peaceful lagoons for safe swimming and long stretches of soft sand and surf to enjoy along the water.

There are also swim clubs and helicopter tours, aviation museums and kayak launch points, snorkeling, diving, and hiking trails, just to name a few. It’s an ideal place to enjoy the best of what the Keys have to offer.

Some people want a more urban base of operations that still offers outdoor amenities. For those, the city of Marathon is a great option. This city encompasses a whopping 13 different Key islands with beaches, barrier reefs, loggerhead turtles, marine life research centers, natural history museums, and more. 

Of course, there are also bars, clubs, shopping opportunities and dining galore for those looking to find a great souvenir or enjoy a hopping nightlife. Marathon is a superb option if you want a variety of different activities all in one city.

Anne’s Beach is among the top-rated attractions in Islamorada, and in fact, is one of the few public beaches in that Key. If you’re traveling to Islamorada for your vacation, setting up your base at Anne’s Beach offers a serene paradise where you can relax between trips to history museums, live entertainment, shopping, and dining. 

The swimming area here is shallow and safe, so the kids will love it. You can also see and learn all about the area with guided tours of the Keys that let you explore the local islands.

Bahia Honda Key is known for Bahia Honda State Park, which contains Calusa Beach. From here you can traverse the Seven Mile Bridge that connects the keys, go camping on Little Duck Key, see the famed loggerhead turtles along Sombrero Beach, or even visit nature preserves where you may catch glimpses of deer, alligators, and other native wildlife. 

This Key also works as a gateway to explore the many other islands in the vicinity, so you can easily expand your journey to a world of adventure.

Long Key State Park has a long history of being a resort in the Florida Keys. It was originally built to cater to the rich and famous, a getaway with the most upscale and refined offerings to those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

While it still offers refined and luxurious accommodation, camping, and pristine nature, it's no longer only for the wealthy. Now, this beautiful area is open for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful site for kayaking, swimming, bird watching or just relaxing on the beach.

Coco Plum Beach is a country park located in Marathon and has a reputation for being great for kids. That means if you’re on a family vacation, this can be the ideal destination. Its location within Marathon also allows you to visit all of the boutique shops, seafood restaurants, cafes, and clubs that the city has to offer. 

There’s also a refined, low-key resort area that offers heated pools, if you want some freshwater swimming and relaxation away from the beach crowds. It’s a great blend of seashore relaxation with easily accessible urban amenities to create a fun and exciting vacation for the entire family.