The Best Places in the Florida Keys According to Locals

You’ll find a sign everywhere in South Florida saying “I live where your vacation.”

The Florida Keys, with their 1,700 islands and 800 keys, as well as the year-round sunny weather, are a slice key lime heaven. No matter which one you visit, you can’t go wrong—but there are certainly things that I return to when I make the trek back today. 

Growing up, I lived in Islamorada with my family. It wasn’t the two-story stilt house that I was referring to, but a trailer with a bedroom and the Atlantic Ocean on the porch. We watched the sunrise on the roof of our house and then walked to the bay where we sat in Adirondack chairs, sipping frozen drinks and watching the men go fishing. Growing up on an island in the Keys gave me a sense of wildness.

A former Florida Keys resident has listed the top places to visit.

The Seas Around Islamorada

You would be remiss to not fish in the Keys. Islamorada is “the sports-fishing capital of the World.” Join a Charter at Bud N’ Mary’s MarinaYou can choose from a variety of boats and expeditions. If you’re looking for snapper or tarpon in the mangroves or low seagrass, you may want to sift your way through it. If not, then troll the back of the boat and catch some mahi, swordfish or mahi,mahi. For the best troll, take the Gulf Stream located approximately seven to ten mile offshore to the end the reef. You’ll then want to cast where the reef drops to a 300-foot depth.

Christ of Abyss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The depths of the ocean are home to a variety of hidden creatures. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park A nine-foot statue of Jesus is located in Key Largo. This is one of only three statues in the world. The other two are in Grenada, and Italy. It has been in Key Largo in Key Largo’s since 1965. I once took an snorkeling tour The statue was beautiful and it felt magical to be able to experience the waves of Florida and the “treasure” hidden within.

Bahia Honda State Park

The perfect destination for those who love history, relaxation and exploration. Bahia Honda State Park The perfect place to visit. There are three beaches in the area, two of which are on the Atlantic Ocean while one is located Bayside. Henry Flagler completed the Bahia Honda span in 1912. It still stands and is home to lobsters, starfish and sea turtles. We used to explore the park during low tide in search of sea creatures when I was a kid.

The Caribbean Club

This dive bar in Key Largo It’s stuck in the 60s, in the best possible way. This cash-only live music bar is one of Upper Keys’ oldest drinking holes and Jimmy Buffett’s favorite place to grab a cocktail. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset—pull your boat up to its complimentary dock or simply drive over.

Robbie’s

Come for the sandwich, stay for the feeding of the fish. Robbie’s It is unlike anything else on earth. This shack sells $2 buckets of bait fish to feed to giant tarpon—it’s like a Keys version of a petting zoo. Beware of pelicans who will steal the fish you hold. The marina also serves as a great launch point for paddleboards (or rentals), and you can explore the nearby mangrove for hours—you may encounter manatees and other colorful sea creatures.

Key Largo Fisheries

Key Largo Fisheries This is the one-stop shop for all your seafood needs. Stone crabs are $4 each during happy hours, so it’s one of the cheapest places to get the delicacy. Pro tip: Ask for “ugly crabs” at the market. They are usually broken, and they sell them for less. 

Pierre’s restaurant

Pierre’s is quite literally a scene out of a movie, or rather, a TV show—the property served as a filming location for the Rayburn house in Netflix’s Bloodline. Locals love the Mediterranean flair and French Fusion food at this restaurant. The legendary full moon parties are held once a month and bring guests together to dance in the dark under a starry sky. When I was a little girl, I would run on the expansive beach of the resort while my parents danced.

Dry Tortugas National Park

According to Travel + Leisure, This is what you should do: national park is one of the least visited and most beautiful in the countryIn a tropical oasis, you can find history and beauty. The 64,700-acre property is mostly open water with small islands. Fort Jefferson was a historic fort that protected shipping lanes along the Gulf during the 1800s. My dad goes on a fishing trip that includes the park every year. He comes back with a catch so large that we have to vacuum seal half of it.

Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Islamorada is home to a variety of activities that cater to every kind of adventure. But the majority of it takes place offshore. You can find a secluded beach four miles from the coast. Alligator Reef Light HouseThe site of a shipwreck is now a protected marine habitat. When I was a little girl, I would dive into the structure and be amazed by the sea turtles, large barracudas, and the “sea babies,” also known as nurse sharks. The sheer size of this structure will make you feel awestruck, even if you’re not diving between the waves.

Founders Park

Founders Park In my teenage years, this was my favorite beach. I would ride my bike there with a friend, spend the day sunbathing, snorkeling, and giggling between the waves. We would often take advantage of the park’s amenities, like its Olympic-size pools, pickleball courts and boat launch.