We just celebrated my husband’s 30th birthday by splurging on ALL THE THINGS to do in the Florida Keys. And I am obsessed. With unique stays, sunny skies, tropical drinks, and SO MANY adventurous things to do… you will never want to leave.
Throughout this post, you will find the ULTIMATE list of Adventurous things to do in the Florida Keys (beyond the beaches), a sample Miami to Key West road trip itinerary + insider tips that I learned while visiting. My hope is that you can use this guide to plan the best Florida Keys road trip full of adventures and life-long memories.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to the Florida Keys?
There is an airport right in Key West, but it is oftentimes very expensive with limited flights. You can fly right into Miami or Fort Lauderdale for much cheaper AND THEN you are able to road trip down through the Florida Keys.
After landing, pick up your rental car and head out on the famous Key West road trip!
Tip! Use the Discover Cars search engine to find the BEST deals on rental cars in the Florida Keys.
When is the best time to visit the Florida Keys?
Summer:
You will experience the least amount of crowds and most affordable stays, BUT it is also hurricane season (June-Nov) and the rainy humid season in the Keys.
Fall:
September sees the most rain (average of 7 inches), the weather gets a bit cooler, and Fall is still on the edge of Hurricane season. We did visit at the end of November and were met with high 70’s, sunny skies, but high winds out on the water.
Winter:
Winter is definitely peak season in the Florida Keys. With thousands of tourists escaping their own cold weather to bask in the sun. It is the busiest time of the year with the most expensive hotels and crowded streets.
Spring:
Temperatures start rising, it’s not yet hurricane season, and the winter crowds start thinning out. with this being said, Spring (March-May) is the BEST time to visit the Florida Keys and participate in all the adventurous things to do!
Adventurous Things to do in the Florida Keys
Adventurous things to do in Key Largo:
Snorkel in John Pennekamp State Park
Known as the USA’s first underwater state park, John Pennekamp has some of the best underwater sights! From tropical fish, coral reefs, and the famous Christ of the Deep statue, you will not be disappointed.
Unfortunately during our trip, our snorkel tour was canceled due to wind…but just the perfect excuse to return someday! We did book with Pirates Cove Adventures and they were great about keeping us updated with the weather and a full refund for the cancellation.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If jumping into the ocean to go snorkeling is not your thing, you can also explore John Pennekamp State Park via Glass Bottom boat. You can book directly with the state park’s website! After boarding, the 165 ft catamaran will explore several different shallow reefs during its 2.5-hour tour. Be sure to keep your eyes open to wildlife!
Jules Underwater Resort
The only completely underwater lodge in the United States! We did not stay here and I am still a little confused about how it works, but if scuba diving is your thing…then this may be the perfect UNIQUE and adventurous stop along your Florida Keys Road trip. A definite once-in-a-lifetime experience!
African Queen Canal Cruise
Enjoy a unique sightseeing cruise aboard the newly restored African Queen (as seen in the African Queen movie from 1951). The steamboat is also available to rent for private occasions and celebrations!
Bike the Overseas Heritage Trail
This 106-mile trail runs from Key Largo all the way to Mile 0 in Key West. Rent a bike at any of the shops below and enjoy the beautiful tropical scenery.
Bike Rentals in Key West
- Key Largo Bike and Adventure tours: Offering daily and weekly rentals + beer and bike tours, and guided tours.
- All Keys Cycle: Offering daily and weekly rentals + bikes for sale
Jet Ski Key Largo
I tried jet skiing in the ocean in Sarasota and it is NOT for me. BUT if you like the thrill of hitting massive waves (and the fear of flying off and getting left in the middle of the ocean), then renting a jet ski in Key Largo may be the perfect adventurous thing to do!
Jet ski rentals in Key Largo:
Take a Scuba Diving Class
If you aren’t fully scuba certified, but still realllllly want to check out the underwater world in Key Largo, you can take a full-day scuba class that will have you out in the open water by the afternoon! John Pennekamp State Park offers a scuba resort class where you begin instruction at 8:30 am and be out in the open water by 2 pm!
Bonus! Airboat ride through Everglades National Park
This one is SO much fun. And also pretty affordable. The Everglades Alligator Farm is in between Miami and Key Largo and makes for a great first stop. Here, you can check out the Alligator show, feedings, AND of course the Airboat ride through the everglades. Keep your eyes open for wildlife (alligators, birds, iguanas), and prepare yourself for some fun 360 degrees turns!
If you have extra time, be sure to check out more fun things to do in Everglades National Park!
Adventurous things to do in Islamorada:
Clear Kayaking tour through the Mangroves
When our snorkeling and fishing tour got canceled due to the wind, I was frantically looking for other adventurous things to do. I found this clear bottom kayaking tour (that happened to be right next to our hotel), and I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID.
After meeting our guide at Lorelei’s restaurant, we quickly loaded into our tandem kayaks and took off across the bay. The guide led us through magical Mangrove tunnels while telling us fun facts along the way.
After exploring the tunnels, we found the perfect spot to watch the sunset. I Can See Clear Kayaking offers a morning, afternoon, and sunset tour.
Fishing
The Florida Keys are known for epic fishing, and Islamorada is said to be the best. With this being said, you will not have any issues finding fishing charters. There are options to rent out an entire boat (and captain) for the day, and more affordable options to hop on a “party tour” with other amateur fishers.
Fishing Charters in Islamorada:
- Robbies Party Boat: Affordable fishing for beginners! They will even cook your catch for you when you get back! They offer day time and evening charters!
- Bud and Mary’s Marina: Offering party boat fishing, offshore, and inshore charters. You an also rent the entire boat to have a fishing party of your own!
Feed the Tarpons at Robbies
This one sounds a bit strange, but it was actually so fun! After arriving (parking is free) you will see the “feed the Tarpons” sign. You then will pay 2.75 per person for admission to their dock and an additional 4.00 for a bucket of fish. Once on the dock, the Tarpons will actually jump out of the water to get the food…and the Pelicans will do everything they can to get a taste of the fish.
In addition to feeding the Tarpons, Robbie’s also has a small market for shopping, a restaurant and bar, and tours onsite.
Theater of the Seas
Theater of the Seas is home to dolphins, sharks, sea lions, and hundreds of other sea creatures. They offer interactive shows, animal encounters, and botanical gardens. You can choose between swimming with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, stingrays, and more!
Florida Keys Brewing Company
After all your adventures, you might need to chill with a beer at this beachy brewing company. They have a fun beer garden full of games and live music, a tasting room, and a micro-brewery on-site!
Adventurous Things to do in Marathon:
Snorkel in an aquarium
Have you ever walked by one of those magical aquarium tanks full of colorful fish and thought…”hey, that would be really cool to jump in?” (Just me??) Well, Aquarium Encounters allows you to do just that! You can choose from scuba “diving” or snorkeling in their 10-foot deep tank.
Once in the water, you will get to feed the stingrays and fish and even hand feed a large shark (behind a plexiglass wall). You are then given time to swim around with all the tropical fish!
If jumping in is not your thing, you can also purchase just a general admission ticket and wander the grounds of the Florida Keys aquarium.
Turtle Hospital
This working hospital offers guests 90-minute guided tours and behind-the-scenes looks into caring for the turtles. The tours of offered every half hour from 9 am-4 pm.
Hike at Bahia Honda State Park
This can be a really quick stop, but worth it on your way further south. Once paying your state park fee (8.00 per vehicle), head towards the Old Bahia Bridge for a quick .5 mile hike. At the top, you will be met with beautiful views of the 7-mile bridge!
Dolphin Research Center
Similar to the turtle hospital, the Dolphin Research Center is home to sea creatures living in natural seawater lagoons. They offer educational programs and interactive programs. You can swim with the dolphins or hang out with them from the docks.
Tip! Check out this self-guided and narrated Miami to Key West tour! The app will tell you about all the best stops + interesting facts about the Florida Keys!
Adventurous Things to do in Key West:
Stay in an over-water bungalow (In the middle of the ocean!)
Okay, this is one of the coolest things I have ever done! After being shuttled out by boat, you will arrive at this magical Tiki Suite. Completely surrounded by sparkling blue ocean water, the suite is equipped with a comfy bed, bathroom, shower, electricity, a hammock, snorkel gear, and two paddleboards.
You are not able to cook anything so you will need to bring a cooler full of picnic food. There is also a larger cooler there if need be.
It is such a great feeling to have nowhere to be and nothing to do except admire the beauty around you.
Side note: It is expensive, but when comparing the price to other hotels in Key West it was definitely worth it! Read more about the stay here!
Parasail
There are multiple options as to where to parasail in Key West. No matter where you choose, you will be in awe of the beautiful views from high above the beaches.
Parasailing in Key West:
Sailboat
Spend your day relaxing in the open sea on one of the many sailboat tours in Key West. Many of the companies below offer daytime and sunset tours. Some even offer anchoring at private islands with snorkeling and kayaking included!
Sailboat Tours in Key West:
Smathers Beach Adventure Rentals
On our last day in Key West, we stopped at Smathers beach for a relaxing beach day. We (of course) were instantly distracted by the fun rentals on-site. (We are allllll about the adventurous things to do). Unfortunately, we didn’t have time, but in the future, I will definitely be returning to check out the “Do It All” Beach pass adventure with Sunset Sports (located right on the beach).
The Do-it-all pass includes Jetski, parasailing, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, banana boat rides, water trampoline, inflatable slides & more. AND it even includes a grilled lunch and unlimited beers!
Seaplane to Tortugas National Park
This was on my agenda, but unfortunately, it was sold out 🙁 A definite bucket list item for next time. There is only ONE company in Key West that operates directly to Dry Tortugas National Park. After booking with Key West Seaplane Adventures, you will board your plane for a 40 minute plane ride to the park. Once at the park, you will have 2.5 hours to explore, swim, and snorkel before boarding for your return flight.
If you are unable to snag a spot on the seaplane, you can always catch the Ferry to the park!
Tiki Floating Bar
We saw multiple of these when we were in Key West and they looked like so much fun! You and 5 friends can grab your drinks and snacks and hop aboard this floating bar! They supply cups, ice, and sodas and the rest is up to you. The tours range from 90-180 minutes and you can choose between a sandbar stop or just all float time!
Snuba-Dive
Snuba diving is a mix between scuba diving and snorkeling and is perfect for beginners. Your air supply is floating on a float above you, but it allows you to dive up to 20 ft down! We did try this in Maui and it was so much fun! Unfortunately, we did not have time to do so in Key West, but it is on our list for next time!
Sample Adventurous 6-day Miami to Key West Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Arrive in Miami and start driving south. Make your first stop at Robert is Here Food Stand to grab a bite to eat (they serve Cuban Sandwiches) and delicious shake. You can stroll around this farmers market and visit the animals outback.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Everglades Alligator Park. Here, you can check out the Alligator show, feedings, AND of course the Airboat ride through the everglades. Keep your eyes open for wildlife (alligators, birds, iguanas), and prepare yourself for some fun 360 degrees turns!
- Evening: Check into your hotel (We stayed at the Drift Hotel in Key Largo) and head down to the beach or a closeby restaurant for sunset!
Day 2:
- Morning: Snorkeling in John Pennekamp State Park with Pirates Cove Adventures
- Afternoon: Head to Islamorada to check in to your next hotel. We stayed at Sunset Inn. It was a basic hotel, but great for a budget-friendly option.
- Evening: Walk to Lorelei’s Restaurant (.3 away from your hotel) and head out on a Glass bottom Kayaking tour through the Mangroves. This tour (and company) was AMAZING. We went through so many different Mangrove tunnels and had a perfect view of the sun setting.
- After your tour, you can grab a tropical drink and dinner right at Loreleis!
Day 3:
- Morning: Take a bit of time to sleep in and then head back on the road. On your way further south, be sure to stop at Robbie’s to feed the Tarpon and grab a bite to eat.
- Afternoon: Take off on the Party Boat fishing right at Robbies!
- Evening: Have the staff at Robbie’s cook up your catch (or catches) and enjoy a sea-to-table meal! Then, find a hotel in Marathon to rest up for the night.
Day 4:
- Morning: Snorkel with the fish and stingrays at Aquarium Encounters. You get to feed the stingrays, fish, and even the sharks (through a plexiglass wall)!
- Afternoon: Stop at Bahia Honda State Park for a quick hike and beautiful views of the 7-mile bridge.
- Evening: Head into Key West for the night.
Day 5:
- Morning: Snuba dive with Key West Snuba
- Afternoon: Catch your boat shuttle to the Tiki Suites
- Evening: Relax, snorkel, watch the sunset in your floating bungalow!
Day 6:
- Morning: Watch the sunrise from your Tiki Suite, go for a morning swim, and check out at 11 am (when the boat shuttle arrives)
- Afternoon: Beach Day at Smathers Beach, check out the Southenmost Point and/or the Mallory Square Market!
- Evening: Head back towards Miami to catch your late-night flight!
Where to Stay in the Florida Keys
Booking.comKey Largo:
- Drift Hotel (Where we stayed): Cozy little cottages with a short walk to the ocean. The hotel also has a dock for watching the sunset and free bike and kayak rentals!
- Gilberts Resort: Located on its own private beach, Gilberts Resort offers beautiful rooms and views! It is also close to John Pennekamp State Park and other adventurous Key Largo Locations!
Islamorada:
- Sunset Inn (where we stayed): A no fluff, budget-friendly (well as budget-friendly as the Florida Keys get), option that is within walking distance to Lorelei’s restaurant and I Can See Clear Kayaking! There is also a private outdoor pool onsite.
- Islander Resort: If looking for a more luxurious option, the Islander Resort offers a private beach and 3 resort swimming pools.
Marathon:
- Coconut Cay Resort: Although a bit outdated, Coconut Key is a great budget-friendly option to those looking to save some money on accommodations. The Resort offers free bicycle use, an outdoor pool, and even free continental breakfast!
- Isla Bella Beach Resort: Florida Keys only 4.5 start resort! Isla Bella Resort offers 5 outdoor pools, a cooked to order breakfast, beach loungers, Kids club, and spa!
Key West:
- Oceans Edge: Enjoy the use of 6 pools and free bicycle, paddleboards, and kakak rentals at this oceanside resort!
- Tiki Suites (Where we stayed): I mean how can you beat sleeping in an overwater bungalow in the middle of the ocean? A bit expensive (everything is in Key West), but worth it! Read more about our stay here!
Adventurous Things to do in the Florida Keys Map
This map shows ALL of the adventurous things to do in the Florida Keys and where to find them. Click the map to use it yourself and plan the perfect Miami to Key West Road trip FULL OF ADVENTURE!
What else would you add to this “Adventurous things to do in the Florida Keys” list? As always if you have any additional questions, come find me on Instagram or in my private Facebook group!
Looking to extend your Florida Vacation? Check out these other Florida City Guides!
- One Weekend in Sarastoa, Florida
- What to do in Orlando BEYOND the Theme Parks
- Weekend Guide to Port St. Lucie
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