The Florida Keys are not only a Caribbean island chain but also one that you can drive or bike across. It’s 100 miles from tip to toe, meaning you can easily see the best of the keys in one week or less. The scenery, activities, accommodations, and history are unmatched in many ways, and the simplicity, safety, and richness of opportunity make it the perfect destination for a solo female traveler.
I spent the winter sailing from island to island and have picked out the most authentic things to do, so you can appreciate the uniqueness of each one. Here we go!
Key Largo
The furthest north and also the longest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo has so much to offer both on land and sea (including some neat neighborhoods and accommodations). You’ll find amazing snorkeling and beaches, plus cool parks and sanctuaries. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience the following:
1. Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary
This is a beautiful and educational little bird sanctuary in the heart of Tavernier. There’s a nice boardwalk that leads you to all the birds found in the mangroves yet safe from predators. I really enjoyed reading the names of each bird and getting to know their personality from the placards. Admission is free, but the sanctuary appreciates a donation.
2. Harry Harris Beach
The beach is relatively small by most people’s standards, but it has views of the Atlantic Ocean, and there’s an island and sandbar nearby you can kayak to. There’s a beautiful swim area enclosed by a rock breakwater that you can actually walk on. Nearby there’s a public boat ramp and a fishing jetty. The park has full amenities (public bathrooms, picnic tables, and grills), and trees make for nice shaded areas.
3. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
It’s easy to find quietude while walking along the more than six miles of trails that weave and loop through one of America’s largest habitats of West Indian tropical hardwoods. The trails are self-guided, with placards that line the forest path.
The state park protects more than 80 species of rare or endangered birds and animals. Admission is $5 at the gate.
4. Christ of the Abyss
Christ of the Abyss is one of the most famous underwater monuments in the world. There are only three of them, and one is just off the coast of Key Largo in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The statue sits on the bottom of the ocean, about 25 feet down, and honors those who lost their lives at sea. The best way to get there is by excursion boat. You can book an excursion here.
5. African Queen Canal Cruise
This is a historic steamboat that made its debut in the 1951 movie The African Queen, starring Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. The boat has been all over the world, from England to San Francisco to Ireland, and then eventually Key Largo. A captain will take you through a tour of the Port Largo canals until you reach the ocean. Book a cruise here.
6. Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
With easily some of the best key lime pie I’ve ever had, this trendy little factory has just about any key lime pie or flavored candy you can think of. My favorite part about this place, though, is the serenity garden out back, where you can enjoy your dessert to the sounds of chirping birds. It’s a cutesy, romantic place with picnic tables and enclaves scattered around, and a photo op in front of a heart mural painted by Ukrainian artist Shoker. Here’s the menu.
Islamorada
One of my favorite keys in Florida, “the Village” is fairly artsy, convenient and affordable to explore, and culturally and environmentally rich. It’s simply fun to see. Here’s the best of Islamorada:
7. Indian Key Historic State Park
This is a ghost town island accessible only by kayak or boat. I had the entire island to myself and could walk around the minimal ruins, imagining what life might have been like at this failed seaport. You can rent a kayak here.
8. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Limestone was very important to the development of the Florida Keys, and this park explains why. I walked past massive walls of limestone, saw some of the old machinery, and admired the phenomena of Mother Nature. It was one of my favorite destinations.
9. Hens and Chickens Reef
This is easily one of the best reefs in the entire Florida Keys. I felt like I was swimming in an aquarium. There were turtles, rays, beautiful schools of fish, and thriving coral. You can book an excursion here.
10. Robbie’s Marina
Robbie’s Marina has it all, from dining to water sports and rentals, to its famous tarpon feeding dock. It was so scary to feed them, because their mouths almost swallowed up my arm. You can find out more here.
11. Hurricane Monument
The Hurricane Monument is symbolic to both the development of the Florida Keys and the impact of natural disasters here. It’s made out of local limestone (found at Windley Key), which was used to build the railway system to Key West. Then in 1937, the terrible Labor Day Hurricane came through and took over 400 lives, including veterans and workers who were building the Flagler bridges and railroad, and locals and visitors.
Reading the placard and pausing for a moment of silence is a good opportunity to appreciate the effort and resources it took to develop the Florida Keys, especially in the face of disaster and hardship.
12. Bad Boy Burrito
This is the perfect place to grab a lunch and enjoy fresh air and healthy food. It serves fresh, local, and organic Mexican food with a seafood twist. You can check out the menu here.
Marathon
Kind of like the middle child, Marathon is sort of “in between.” You’d likely not make a trip just to Marathon, but if you’re headed to Key West, you won’t want to miss the best of this stepping-stone key. There are some pretty cool hidden gems and excellent accommodations to discover, my favorite being the following:
13. Coco Plum Beach
This beach is secluded and peaceful and has so many seashells! The sand extends pretty far out, which makes it easy for wading, and it’s a perfect walking beach. There is no designated swim area, but it has public bathrooms and picnic tables.
14. Crane Point Nature Center
This is a neat little way to fill your day: there’s a butterfly conservatory, short nature trails, and a wild bird center located on the property. If you go on a golf cart tour, you can check out the Crane House, which was the home of the family who worked to protect Marathon’s hardwoods.
15. Off-shore fishing
Because the Gulf Stream is only a few miles off shore, you can do some excellent fishing. I caught a Spanish mackerel from my sailboat, but you can book a charter here; you’ll need your Florida saltwater fishing license.
16. Sombrero Reef
A few miles offshore is a lighthouse marking a spur-and-groove coral reef with grooves so big I could swim through them. Visibility was great because I went on a calm day. You can book an excursion here.
17. Seven-Mile Bridge
You’ll want to walk or bike across the new Seven-Mile Bridge, an incredible engineering feat with beautiful views. You can also see the old one, which runs parallel, but is no longer accessible.
18. Brutus Seafood Market and Eatery
I enjoyed fresh mahi mahi for a decently affordable price, and the staff was really hospitable. It’s right off the highway and has an outdoor bar and seating. Right next door is the fresh seafood market. You can check out the menu here.
Big Pine (and Surrounding Keys)
Big Pine, Bahia Honda, and No Name are all considered very “keysie,” as in, non-touristy. They are definitely worth a stop, because there is quite a bit to see and do. Here are my top recommendations to help you get a taste of the more natural side of the American Caribbean:
19. Bahia Honda State Park
This is a beautiful park that extends along the Atlantic Ocean. It has several beaches, and I could walk up part of the historic Calusa Bridge, which was part of Henry Flagler’s railroad track. Learn more here.
20. National Key Deer Refuge
Key deer are the smallest deer in North America, and they are native to the Florida Keys. They are also endangered. At around 4pm, they will come out and start to look for food, so that is the best time to observe them. You can learn more here.
21. Calusa Bridge
Calusa Bridge uniquely spans some of the deepest waters that separate the Florida Keys from each other. It’s a prominent historic landmark and a must-see for anybody who wants to appreciate the past that made the Keys what they are today.
22. No Name Pub
I met people who came all the way from Key West just to enjoy the pizza and fun atmosphere at No Name Pub. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. And be sure to bring and sign a dollar bill, so you can staple it to the ceiling. You can browse the menu here.
Key West
Oh! The quirky island with lots of history, excursions, tours, and so many things to do… where do you even begin? Here are my top eight activities to help you get the most out of your vacation. Be sure to read about these Key West neighborhoods so you can pick the perfect place to stay.
23. Sunset sail
You have to see the sunset from the water in Key West, because it’s a celebration of sorts. I’d recommend going on a schooner, which have played a huge role in the wealth and prosperity of Key West and hold a lot of historical significance. You can book a sail here.
24. Snorkeling excursion or eco-tour
It’s fun to get out on the water and go snorkeling, kayak through the mangroves, or zip through the back country on a jet ski. Many companies will be sure to take you to dolphin hot spots.
25. Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
This fort served in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. I enjoyed seeing the Atlantic Ocean from higher up, learning about the cannons and the construction of the fort, and seeing where the soldiers used to live. It’s a great way to round out your Key West experience.
26. Landmark photo op
Key West has a couple fun landmarks good for taking a photo. For example, Mile Marker 0 marks the start of highway US1 and the Southernmost Point — like the name implies, this is the furthest south you can get in the continental USA. You can see them all on this leisurely bike tour.
27. Museums
This tiny island is packed with museums, like the Hemingway House and Museum, Turtle Museum, and Lighthouse Museum. Pick a rainy or hot day and plan to spend it learning about what makes the Conch Republic quirky. More museums are listed here.
28. Cocktail crawl
If you drink, a trip to Key West wouldn’t be complete until you went to some famous places, such as the First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery, or tried the signature drinks of historical characters. You can book a tour here.
29. Duval Street
This quintessential piece of Key West is known for its diversity, as, over the years, it created and maintained much of Key West’s history. You’ll find a thriving nightlife scene, international art galleries, souvenir and Cuban cigar shops, amazing restaurants and cafés, and things to do. Just go for a stroll and see what you find.
30. Key West Key Lime Pie Factory
There are so many places to try the famous Key Lime Pie in various presentations (milkshakes, traditional pie slice, ice cream…). Here they make their own whipped cream, and it was so good. You can check out the menu here.
The Florida Keys are such a fun place to discover a bit more about the United States and yourself. I hope this list helps you plan a trip around some of the activities you can’t experience anywhere else!
If you had to pick one activity from each key, which would it be?
Leave a Reply