Beach

3 exciting Florida Keys experiences for long weekends

Not having enough time should not be a reason why you cannot enjoy a long weekend in the Florida Keys.

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Here are 3 exciting Florida Keys experiences for long weekends. On this trip, we visited Key Largo, Florida. This Key spans over 30 miles long and only half a mile wide, Key Largo is the largest Key and only a short hour drive from Miami International Airport.

The Florida Keys offers a wide range of activities and scenic views that could keep you occupied for many days. However, we believe that anyone can visit and become fully immersed in all that the Keys has to offer during a long weekend.

Want our itinerary for planning a long weekend vacation in the Florida Keys? Click HERE for our itinerary.

Below are 3 exciting Florida Keys experiences for long weekends.

1. Snorkeling in the Florida Keys

Snorkeling and Diving is an excellent way to experience the amazing life that is below the water surface.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the best snorkeling and dive company in the Florida Keys.

Located in Key Largo (only a short hour drive from Miami International Airport)

We had the absolute BEST snorkeling experience. The boat crew was professional and had each person’s safety as a top priority.

Here are a few key takeaways from our own experience:

Do not wear shiny jewelry. Certain sea creatures (especially barracuda) are attracted to these types of items. Thankfully, barracuda are docile and are generally not a threat to your safety.
Each person is provided and required to wear a buoyancy life jacket.
The boat takes visitors miles offshore to a protected shallow coral reef that ranges from 5 to 15 feet deep

This State Park also offers a wide range of activities from enjoying a white sand beach, kayaking among the mangroves to riding in a glass-bottom boat.

2. Eating in the Florida Keys

Ask anyone what dessert is famous in the Florida Keys? Most likely their response will be Key Lime Pie.

The pie truly is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Also, the light texture makes having multiple servings a little less guilty… right?

When you are ready to come down from the sugar high, we recommend visiting the Islamorada Shrimp Shack. This restaurant is located on the Islamorada Key, which is famous for being the sport fish capital of the world. With the marinas nearby, you are guaranteed to enjoy the freshest food.

3. Sunset

After a day of adventure in the Florida sun, watching a picturesque sunset is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Stay at the Hampton Inn Key Largo to have a front-row view of a perfect Florida Sunset

Perks of choosing this hotel:

Beach access
Kayak rental
Short 1-hour drive from Miami International Airport

Beach access is limited in the Florida Keys since the islands are surrounded by large Coral Reefs. These reefs prevent erosion and sand from building up on the shoreline.

While visiting the Keys, it is important to remember how fragile the Coral Reefs are and the important role the Reefs play in supporting our ecosystem.

The Hampton Inn Key Largo will check all of the boxes and is only 1 mile away from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.