day trips from largo florida

23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Largo (FL)

Largo is a city in Pinellas County, Florida. This fantastic city started as a rural farming community and is currently the fourth-largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the third-largest in the county.

Largo had a population of 82,341 in the 2021 census. The city was officially incorporated in 1905.

In 1913, Largo became the first municipality part of Pinellas County that used a Council-manager government system.

Largo is often referred to as Citrus City because it is the center of the region’s citrus industry.

Largo has many fun attractions and activities which aim to give you a fun stay. This city’s history is greatly influenced by citrus farming.

Some amazing features of this city include inspiring botanical gardens, beautiful white sandy beaches, historical structures, and golf courses. This city’s downtown area houses various restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Planning a trip to Largo? Here are the best and fun things to do in Largo, FL.

Things to Do in Largo, FL

1. eagle lake park.

Eagle Lake Park is a popular tourist attraction in Largo. This beautiful recreational area is set on a 163-acre piece of land.

The Park features dense woodlands, beautiful scenery of grasslands, a calm lake, and more. Various public facilities and recreational activities can be enjoyed at this Park.

Eagle Lake Park houses an impressive 12-foot wide and over 2000 feet long trail for walking and cycling. The trail passes through the Park’s revived wetland.

Some other enjoyable facilities at Eagle Lake park include a children’s playground, a dog park, modern restrooms, various vending stations, and six picnic shelters.

The Park’s fantastic lake also allows catch-and-release fishing from various selected parts. Eagle Lake Park is a fun place to visit with friends and family in Largo, FL.

Address: Eagle Lake Park, Largo, FL 33756, United States.

2. Largo Central Park

Largo Central Park is a fun place to spend time with friends and family. This Park sits on 70 acres of land. It features a recreational area, community center, metropolitan park, multiple playgrounds, and a court of honor for the military.

Largo Central Park contains rolling gardens, water fountains, eight picnic pavilions equipped with tables and benches, grassy gardens, a unique clock tower, and an events space.

Also within this Park is the Rainbow Rotary Playground for disabled visitors and an outdoor gym containing workout stations for great workout sessions.

Largo Central Park is one of the best places to visit in Largo, FL.

Address: Largo Central Park, Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

3. Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is 45 miles long. It is a place for various activities, including jogging, walking, cycling, and more. This Trail runs through Pinellas county, starting at Tarpon Springs and going to St. Petersburg.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is paved and follows the shore of the former Atlantic coastlines. This Trail connects various communities in the county and region.

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail offers green spaces for communities’ outdoor recreational activities. Hiking the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is one of the fun things to do in Largo, FL.

Address: Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, Largo, FL 33774, United States .

4. George C. McGough Nature Park

The George C. McGough Nature Park is a fun location to visit in the city. This place is often referred to as Turtle Park because it houses a large number of turtles.

This Nature Park is situated in a municipal park at the center of the city, and various recreational activities and programs are performed there.

George C. McGough Nature Park can be found along the Intracoastal Waterway. It features various shady oak hammocks, picnic pavilions, mangroves, a butterfly garden, and stunning scenery.

Other amenities and facilities found at this nature park are the Narrows Nature Center, which contains interpretive displays, live animal exhibits, and hands-on activities that engage children.

Additional notable features of this Nature Park include birds of prey enclosures, a nature trail for biking and hiking, a canoe launch, and a children’s playground.

Exploring George C. McGough Nature Park is one of the best things to do in Largo, FL, especially as a nature enthusiast.

Address: 11901 146th St N, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

5. Savory Restaurant

Savory Restaurant is an amazing restaurant. This diner is a family-owned and managed establishment on Walsingham Commons road. It is known for its unique and traditional meals.

Savory Restaurant was founded in 2006. It offers a comprehensive menu of savory delicacies, just as the name implies. It is the place to get Italian, Greek, and American meals in Largo. Savory restaurant has a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

This diner is owned by the infamous Lagoudakis family, which has been serving delicious meals for over 45 years.

This restaurant’s most preferred dishes include steaks, pasta, salads, pizzas, and grilled chops. They also serve great beers, wines, and other non-alcoholic drinks.

Among what to do in Largo, FL, for a perfect date with your significant other is to dine at Savory Restaurant.

Address: 12881 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

6. Roosterfish Grill

Roosterfish Grill is a great dining location in Largo, Florida. This diner is a casual waterfront restaurant featuring indoor and outdoor seating options. The restaurant has been serving various American meals and seafood for more than 60 years.

Roosterfish Grill specializes in seafood, and some meals on their menu include shellfish, grilled steaks and baby back ribs, pasta dishes, vegetarian options, locally caught fish, oysters, burgers, salads, and more.

Various craft beers, wines, and sodas are also available at Roosterfish Grill. Roosterfish Grill is a great place to dine with family and friends in Largo, FL.

Address: 776 Missouri Ave N, Largo, FL 33770, United States.

7. Florida Botanical Gardens

Florida Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction in the city and one of the best places to visit in Largo, FL. 

This place is housed within 182-acre municipal gardens. Florida Botanical Gardens features various natural habitats, nature trails, and beautiful and well-kept parks.

Florida Botanical Gardens houses more than 25 different flower gardens ranging from hibiscus to herbs, roses, and bromeliads.

Another amazing feature of this garden is its wildlife and bird habitat; it houses over 150 distinct species of mammals and birds, including bald eagles, tortoises, and fox squirrels.

Educational programs for children are also hosted at the Florida Botanical Gardens, along with botanical garden events and nature walks.

Florida Botanical Gardens features many fun exhibits, activities, and sights. This place is a great sightseeing location in Largo, FL.

Address: 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774, United States .

8. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Looking for what to do in Largo, FL, with kids? Sky Zone Trampoline Park is the perfect place to go. It is a unique indoor park considered to be the inventor of fun fitness.

This Sky Zone Trampoline Park is recognized as the first indoor trampoline park in the world; this place helps visitors work out in a fun and healthy way.

The challenging Ninja Warrior Course at Sky Zone Trampoline Park improves visitors’ strength, agility, and speed. Another fun activity at this park is the Ultimate Dodgeball, which combines a competitive dodgeball game with a trampoline.

At Sky Zone Trampoline Park, the Freestyle Jump allows a fun trampoline experience for everyone, regardless of age. Many other fun events, places, and facilities are situated within this Trampoline Park.

Address: 13000 66th St N, Largo, FL 33773, United States.

Florida makes one of the top places to visit in the United States; check our the list of  things to do in Crestview , and  things to do in Fort Pierce  for a fun time.

9. The Coffee Mill

The Coffee Mill is a refreshing location in Largo, FL. This place was founded in 1976 and has become a famous coffee location in the region.

The Coffee Mill is a well-known coffee provider in this city and has become a family tradition of various resident families to get coffee from this café.

This place has about 75 varieties of coffee. You can also get chocolates, cookies, fudge, candies, and jams with your preferred coffee.

Apart from its famous coffees, The Coffee Mill also serves tea, and visitors can also purchase souvenirs at this place. Gift options at the shop include kitchen gadgets, cards, and many others.

One of the top things to do in Largo, FL, before embarking on an exploration of the town is to have a cup of coffee at The Coffee Mill.

Address: 13128 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

10. John R. Bonner Nature Park

Largo is full of fun places, parks, and wilderness areas, and this Nature Park is among the best to visit in the city. John R. Bonner Nature Park can be found on 143rd Street North.

This Park overlooks the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway; the waterway consists of woodlands of hammocks and various migratory birds.

John R. Bonner Nature Park is a popular spot on the Great Florida Birding Trail because of the availability of various bird species like hooded warblers and hermit thrushes.

 This Nature Park also features a path containing birding lookouts, a roofed pavilion, a children’s playground, picnic spots, various nature trails, and more.

Address: 14444 143rd St N, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

11. Heritage Village and Historical Museum

Heritage Village and Historical Museum is situated within the Pinewood Cultural Park. Visiting this Museum is one of the top things to do in Largo, FL.

Heritage Village and Historical Museum is a thriving museum with various exhibits that talks about the history of the city and the region.

This Village and Historical Museum features indoor and outdoor educational exhibits. The Museum covers over 20 acres of land and houses over 30 historic buildings.

Some buildings that can be found at Heritage Village and Historical Museum include schools, homes, a church, a railroad station, and more.

This fun place in Largo offers visitors a feel of what life looked like in the 19th century. This place is an educative and entertaining place to visit in Largo, Florida.

Address: 11909 125th St, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

12. East Bay Golf Course

Talking about fun places, East Bay Golf Course is a place filled with athletic and fun activities. This place is a popular golfing location in the county.

East Bay Golf Course is one of the best golfing locations in Florida. It is a public course that’s been functional for over 50 years.

This excellent golf course features beautiful scenes and challenging games. Its numerous water-hazard holes are well-known in the area.

East Bay Golf Course is a challenging and entertaining course for golfers of all skill levels. Golfing at East Bay Golf Course is one of the exciting things to do in Largo, FL.

Address: 702 Country Club Dr, Largo, FL 33771, United States.

13. Speggtacular

Speggtacular is a family-owned restaurant known for its impeccable American meal options. This diner specializes in making Breakfast and Brunch meals.

Various popular breakfast meals are served here, including pancakes, crêpes, and waffles. They also serve egg dishes like omelets, corned beef hash and eggs, scrambles, benedicts, and steak and eggs.

Lunch dishes served at Speggtacular include salads, tacos, quesadillas, gourmet sandwiches, burgers and wraps, and fish and chips. Speggtacular offers a unique dining experience to visitors.

Address: 7924 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33771, United States.

14. Escape FLA Escape Room

Escape FLA Escape Room is a family-owned and managed entertainment establishment in Largo, FL. This place offers a unique gaming experience that can be enjoyed with family and friends. This game relies mainly on guests’ smartness and ability to think fast and under duress.

This escape room brings guests together to unravel and find a way out of the room within 60 minutes. This place features gadgets, rides, mind tricks, mysteries, and more formulated to hinder players’ progress.

This escape room is a fantastic event for a friend and family nights out, birthday celebrations, game nights, team building exercises, and more. Escape FLA Escape Room promises a fun time in Largo, FL.

Address: 2480 E Bay Dr #21, Largo, FL 33771, United States.

15. Indian Rocks Historical Museum

Indian Rocks Historical Museum is housed within the beautiful chic-a-si Park; the historical building still possesses its initial designs.

This Museum still features its original brick fireplace and cypress paneling, and various entertaining and informative documents and exhibits can be found at this place.

Exhibits at Indian Rocks Historical Museum tell the history of the region, beginning from the early settler’s days and Native American Periods.

A visual historical timeline of the region, artifacts, and exhibits can also be found in Tiki Gardens.

Address: 203 4th Ave N, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States.

Florida has some of the best cities in the United States to explore. Here is a list of  fun things to do in Cape San Blas , and things to do in Boynton Beach  for a fun exploration.

16. John S. Taylor Park

John S. Taylor Park is another notable Park in this city. It is located off 8th Avenue in the city.

John S. Taylor Park features multiple calm and relaxation spots that are perfect for unwinding and reading. This place is an ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon in Largo.

This Park also features a fantastic lake off-limits to fishermen and swimmers because of alligators; it is an excellent place for photography.

John S. Taylor Park covers over 150 acres of land and has a golf course and picnic spots. This place is open daily.

Address: 1100 8th Ave SW, Largo, FL 33770, United States.

17. Highland Family Aquatic Center

Highland Family Aquatic Center is situated within the Highland Recreation Complex. This Aquatic Center is a recreational area for everyone. Visiting this Center is one of the fun things to do in Largo, FL.

Highland Family Aquatic Centre has a double slide, a three-story speed slide, various water toys, and a 214-foot Corkscrew water slide.

This place offers many recreational activities, including private swimming lessons, open swimming sessions, water volleyball, water aerobics, and many other special events.

Some incredible facilities situated at Highland Family Aquatic Center include hammocks, bath houses, a family changing area, umbrellas, modern restrooms, and personal lockers.

This place also features Olympic-sized pools and a snack bar. Highland Family Aquatic Center is the perfect place for water-based fun activities in Largo, FL.

Address: 400 Highland Ave, Largo, FL 33770, United States.

18. Yellow Banks Grove

Yellow Banks Grove is a fruit production enterprise in Largo, FL. This place has been serving fresh citrus fruit as a producer since 1951.

Back when this industry started, they squeezed citrus juice by hand, and it stood on a hand-laid brick road; this place currently stands on a four-lane highway.

Yellow Banks Grove expanded in 1963, 1966, and 1975 and now operates in a large building of about 12,000 square feet.

This fruit and juice industry continually produces delicious jellies, candies, juices, and more.

Various citrus fruits like tangerines, oranges, honey bells, and grapefruits can also be purchased here. They also serve delicious ice creams.

Address: 14423 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33774, United States.

19. Chief Chic-a-Si Park

This unique park is located south of Walsingham Bridge near Largo. It is a spacious and large park suitable for gatherings and events.

Chief Chic-a-Si Park features an expansive grassy area, a Ball Court, a private center for public passengers, picnic pavilions and tables, and many other fun facilities and amenities.

This amazing park also serves as an event center for various events like Marriage ceremonies, Birthdays, family reunions, and others. Chief Chic-a-Si Park is a fun place to visit.

Address: 4th Ave N & 2nd Street, Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, United States.

20. Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum

This historical museum is another fun location in Largo. Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum is the place to learn the rich history behind tattoos.

Various tattoo artifacts and memorabilia can be found at this museum; some exhibits at Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum date back to the early 1900s.

This tattoo museum is owned by Jimmy Whitlock, a man who has spent years compiling various artifacts to preserve the history of tattoos and promote art.

Lucky Supply Tattoo Museum also educates about the pioneers of the art, who promoted tattoos against public opinion.

This museum is excellent for tattoo fans and tourists to visit.

Address: 12141 62nd St N #1, Largo, FL 33771, United States.

21. Eight O’Clock Theatre

The Eight O’Clock Theatre is a fun establishment in Largo. This place has delivered quality entertainment to residents of this area since its founding in 1982.

Eight O’Clock Theatre is a perfect location for a family night out, as it features incredible live performances.

Performances at this theatre include Off-Broadway Production, Broadway production, and original productions.

Before the establishment of this entertaining theatre, shows were formerly held at the Largo Community Center and Central Park Performing Arts Centre.

The Eight O’Clock theatre is an award-winning theatre with awards from the Florida Theatre Conference in 2013 and Tampa Bay Magazine.

Ensure not to miss watching live performances at the Eight O’Clock Theatre in Largo, FL.

Address: 105 Central Park Dr, Largo, FL 33771, United States.

22. Murielle Winery

Murielle Winery is a boutique winery that is a popular tourist destination in the area. Murielle Winery is a family-owned establishment.

This place, situated 14 minutes from Largo, FL, offers some of the best and freshest grape wine varieties.

Murielle Winery produces wines of unique and delicious flavors by mixing grapes with other fresh fruits. Visitors can make special orders, and their wines serve as excellent gifts and souvenirs.

Wines found at Murielle Winery include Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and many more.

Address: 13131 56th Ct N #305, Clearwater, FL 33760, United States.

23. Bayhead Action Park

Bayhead Action Park is an outdoor recreational center in Largo filled with numerous exceptional facilities.

Baghdad Action Park is an outdoor venue suitable for sports and recreational activities. This place features an amazing lake and a beautiful pond.

This Action Park also features four lighted sand volleyball Courts, two lighted Basketball Courts, 7,000 square feet of skate and bike area, a Dog Park, picnic areas, and many more.

Baghdad Action Park is a fantastic place for recreational activities in Largo, FL.

Address: Bayhead Action Park, 375 Seminole Blvd, Largo, FL 33770, United States.

Florida presents breathtaking attractions and activities. Explore some of its fun cities, here are guides on places to visit in Hudson ,  Cape Canaveral  and  Port St. Joe .

Plan Your Trip to Largo

Largo, FL, is full of fun parks, places, museums, theatres, diners, and shops. This city also offers various outdoor activities like biking, mountain biking, hiking, skating, and more.

This city is a fun place to visit when you’re on holiday. It’s also a great place to spend quality time with friends, family, and loved ones.

Above is a glimpse of the best things to do in the city and surrounding areas. Check them out to have an unforgettable experience in Largo, FL.

15+ Things to do in Largo for Families

YOUR GUIDE TO FUN THINGS TO DO IN LARGO, FL

Looking for things to do in Largo that are fun for the whole family? Below you’ll find 15 cool activities in Largo, Florida.

We are two Pinellas moms who grew up in here and now live here with our families.  We make these lists based on research we do for ourselves and share them to help save other families time finding fun in our area. As a kid growing up here, my family didn’t go enjoy all that Largo had to offer, so Largo feels like it’s full of hidden treasurer and my kids love visiting them!

Below you’ll find two sections of activities. The first are things to do with kids in Clearwater that are inside Clearwater city limits. Because nobody likes those “local” list where most of the suggestions are actually farther away.

At the end, we include a separate section of kids things to do near Clearwater but outside city limits. We intentionally limited these activities to only those that we personally think are worth an extra drive and hope this helps people find even more fun.

Let’s explore Clearwater kids activities!

1. Highland Family Aquatic Center

The Highland Recreation community center in Largo is top notch! It has one of the best pools, indoor playground and outdoor playground in the county!

The Aquatic Center is an absolute blast with a splash pad, deep area, shallow area, younger kids water slide and big kid/adult water slides!

There is a fee to go in and normally that only pays for a window of time and not the whole day. I recommend checking the website for the time ranges that day.

2. Highland Recreation Center Outdoor Playground

Outside the Highland Recreation Center you’ll find a very cool outdoor playground. You can walk through the community center to get to it or around the outside of the pool. This part of Highland Rec is totally free to visit.

This playground is fondly known to some as Hexagon Park and offers some very unique and entertaining playground structures. They have a separate area for older and younger kids. It is mostly shaded by trees and has two shelters nearby that can be rented.

3. PlayWorld at Highland Recreation Center

Yes, Highland Rec makes the list three times because it’s just that good and each of its offerings are unique. Inside the rec center, you’ll find a truly amazing indoor playground for children 11 and under. It has a giant 3-story slide and lots of fun climbing. There is a smaller, but decent section made for children 5 and under too.

There is a fee per child for the playground but it is reasonable and gives you all day entrance. During the morning hours, there’s special “itty bitty” time for children under 5 years old only to play. During this time, parents are allowed to go in the big play structure too to help their kids (plus, the fee is cheaper for itty bitty time too!).

4. Largo Central Park

This is one of the larger playgrounds in the county with a lot for a variety of ages, physical skill, and also love of imaginary play! Here are some pros and cons of this playground:

• PROS: large and unique playground, no road near by to be concerned about, bathrooms are right there, some tree shade
• CONS: large size can be make it hard to keep track of multiple kids, size may also be overwhelming to some kids.

There is a large field near the playground that could be used for kites, soccer or other activities.

The Largo playhouse also located in Largo’s Central Park offers a variety of quality shows. Its great for a date night and others are amazing opportunity to introduce your kids to the theater. Check out their website for the upcoming schedule .

5. Largo Central Railroad

Largo Central Railroad is technically in Largo Central Park but we think it deserves to be highlighted on it’s own. One weekend a month the railroad offers free train rides (you can find upcoming dates on their website ).

The railroad is run by a non-profit club of miniature train enthusiasts that share the love of trains with the community. The model trains are fully rideable, even by adults, and operate like real trains. It’s super cool.

6. Largo Library

The Largo library was rebuilt in 2005 and is really nicely done. It is located by Largo Central Park so it’s easy to add on a visit when you visit the park.

They have a great and spacious kids area (it makes our list of great children’s library areas in Pinellas). Plus, it has a cafe inside the library so it almost feels like going to browse a bookstore with a coffee.

7. Heritage Village

Heritage Village is a fun, education and totally free outing for families to learn about our local history. It’s home to historic buildings that have been relocated here from various parts of Pinellas county, each providing an immersive experience.

Additionally, there are frequently live demonstrations that both you and your kids will find fascinating. It’s also a wonderful spot to simply enjoy a stroll, especially when the weather isn’t too hot.

The paths are very stroller friendly but we left our stroller at the entrances to the buildings. There are also picnic tables throughout the park and multiple bathrooms.

8. Botanical Gardens

The Florida Botanical Gardens is a free park that spans over 100 acres. It’s a fantastic option for both adults and children looking to enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful day.

A highlight for families with kids is the new Majeed Discovery Garden. My kids could have spent hours here playing in areas, with climbing structures, building areas and water play. They especially loved the area just full of huge sticks to build with and the water pump.

The Botanical Gardens are located directly next to Heritage Village and are great to pair together. (NOTE: they have different hours though so be sure to check both websites)

9. Walsingham Park

Walsingham Park is a Pinellas County park located very close to Heritage Village and the Botanical Gardens. It’s a big park with pretty much every park amenity you could think of: playground, picnic shelters, boat ramps, dog park and trails.

10. George C. McGough Nature Park

McGough Nature Center was so so much cooler than I expected after reading about it. I knew you could feed turtles but never imagined they’d have SO many turtles. It was so cool and definitely worth the trip.

In addition to the turtles, there’s also a free nature center and trails to walk. There’s a small playground with a cool zip line too!

11. Yellow Banks Grove

On your way to McGough Nature Center, stop in at Yellow Banks Grove. It is located just before McGough and is full of old Florida feeling. You can get orange swirl soft serve ice cream, shop Florida tchotchkes and get lots of fresh squeezed orange juice.

TIP: Bring cash if you’re only getting ice cream because they have a minimum purchase for cards.

12. John Bonner Nature Park

John Bonner Park is just north of the McGough Nature Center so you could easily visit both in the same trip. The park is on the water and you’ll find hiking trails, playground and picnic areas.

13. Liberty Lanes

I feel like people forget about bowling but it is such a fun activity and works for the whole family. We like the highlight bowling too because over the summer, Liberty Lanes participates in the ‘kids bowl free all summer’ program — you can sign up on this website .

14. DK Farms and Gardens

DK Farms is a petting zoo that does lots of seasonal events and festivals. It’s nice because it is open on weekdays too, unlike some of the other kids farms near Pinellas. It also has activities like mini golf on site.

DK Farms makes our list of farms near Pinellas that you can visit, and also our list of local birthday party venues .

15. Sky Zone

Sky Zone is a huge trampoline park that is a national chain. The Clearwater Sky Zone is actually located in Clearwater. It is a fun activity for kids and adults. They also have special hours for families with little kids 7 and under.

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Looking for more fun things to do? Check out these free things to do around Pinellas .

Malena is an educator, statistician, mom of three & Pinellas native. In addition to teaching college-level math, Malena is a very active volunteer with local community groups, giving her great connections to local information and happenings.

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20 Best Things to Do in Largo, FL

By: Author David Reeve

Posted on Published: February 10, 2023  - Last updated: June 24, 2023

Largo, nicknamed the City of Progress, is one of the largest Floridian cities in the Tampa Bay area.

It is the perfect destination to take a break from the daily cycle of your mundane life as you go on a long-awaited vacation with your family, friends, or significant other.

Create memories you won’t soon forget as you stroll through breathtaking gardens, spend the afternoon at a park, explore historic sites, and have fun at an amusement center.

You can also beat the heat at a waterpark, shop at a local flea market, tour a specialty museum, make your way through scenic trails, and so much more.

I want to help you plan an unforgettable, stress-free getaway, so I listed the best things to do in Largo, FL.

Look through all the brilliant places below to kick-start your fabulous trip.

1. Florida Botanical Gardens

12520 Ulmerton Rd Largo, FL 33774 (727) 582-2117

The Florida Botanical Gardens, encompassing 182 acres, is a well-landscaped botanical garden that debuted in December 2000.

Why You Should Go

Spend quality time with your beloved as you try one of the most romantic things to do in Largo for couples, exploring the wonders of the Florida Botanical Gardens.

Stroll through a gorgeous landscape with flowers of diverse species and colors, towering trees, and lush plants.

It has several themed sections, like a Butterfly, Cottage, Herb, Tropical Fruit, Cactus, and Jazz Garden.

It also has a fantastic gift shop selling assorted botanical-themed souvenirs, like stationery, t-shirts, home goods, spa items, books, jewelry, and so much more.

Are you planning a special event like a wedding or other romantic occasion?

If you are, contact the botanical garden ahead of time because it also offers the perfect backdrop for private events.

2. Largo Central Park

101 Central Park Dr Largo, FL 33771 (727) 586-7415

The Largo Central Park, spanning 70 acres, is a picture-perfect urban park within walking distance of several hotels.

You can enjoy several free things to do in Largo, like having a fun day out at Largo Central Park.

It boasts many amenities, like eight picnic pavilions, well-maintained restrooms, a community center, and more.

It is a fantastic place to enjoy the fresh air, outdoor scenery, and some much-needed bonding time with your loved ones.

One of its highlights is an ADA-accessible playground with a merry-go-round, swings, climbing boulders, a colossal sandbox, a 2-story play structure, a playhouse for younger kids, and more.

One of the best times to visit this park is from the third week of November to the first week of January when it holds its annual holiday event.

It includes awe-striking light displays, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and over two million LED lights.

Related: Best Restaurants in Largo

3. Pinellas County Heritage Village

11909 125th St Largo, FL 33774 (727) 582-2123

The Pinellas County Heritage Village is a fascinating indoor and outdoor history museum that opened its doors at the Florida Botanical Gardens.

Are you searching for unique things to see in Largo to go on a memorable tour experience?

Then, I highly recommend visiting the Pinellas County Heritage Village with your companions.

This museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits displaying and preserving local history.

It also offers live reenactments, unique programs, a library, a picturesque trail of native plants, and more.

View exhibits like the Roy Helms Gallery, allowing you to travel back in time as you discover the agriculture, coastal life, tourism, major industries, and local community of Pinellas County.

Do not leave the museum without heading to its gift shop located in a re-imagined building.

Shop for one-of-a-kind items made on-site, hand-crafted goods, and locally-sourced products to commemorate your visit.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Barefoot Beach Resort

Also See: Fun Things to Do in DeLand, FL Activities in Jupiter

4. McGough Nature Park

11901 146th St N Largo, FL 33774 (727) 518-3047

The McGough Nature Park, nicknamed Turtle Park, is a peaceful and gorgeous urban park right off Walsingham Road.

There are several nice places to visit in Largo on your sightseeing tour, like McGough Nature Park.

It boasts a serene landscape, a lengthy boardwalk, and a deck where you can view its countless aquatic turtles, clean restrooms, a canoe launch, fire pit rentals, and picnic pavilions.

This fantastic eatery also features a mesmerizing butterfly garden, a cushioned trail constructed from recycled tires, and a playground with a zipline for kids.

It has breathtaking scenery with towering trees, lush greenery, grassy lawns, and tranquil ponds.

Have a more educational experience by visiting its onsite nature center.

It offers live animal exhibits, interactive environment-related programs, and 22 rescued birds of varying species, like hawks, an eagle, and owls.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Legacy Vacation Resorts-Indian Shores

5. Walsingham Park

12615 102nd Ave Seminole, FL 33778

Walsingham Park, encompassing 354 acres, is a breathtaking park in the neighboring city of Seminole, a mere 10-minute drive from Largo.

Consider heading to Walsingham Park when looking for places to go today to enjoy a much-needed break from city life.

Take in the fresh air and captivating landscape, featuring at least five habitat areas, a 100-acre lake, a reservoir, and more.

Have fun outdoors as you go hiking, fishing, boating, jogging, and so much more.

It features a dog-friendly section, a platform where you can fish without heading into the water, a playground to keep your tots entertained,

Some facilities include ample parking, well-maintained restrooms, a shared-use trail spanning six miles, a fitness area, water fountains, picnic tables, grills, and many others.

I recommend renting one of its eight picnic shelters to have a more intimate time picnicking with your travel buddies.

You can reserve these shelters for up to one year before visiting.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Home2 Suites By Hilton Largo, FL

6. Pinellas Trail

Pinellas Trail Dunedin, FL 34698

The Pinellas Trail debuted in 1996 and is a 47-mile shared-use trail officially known as the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail.

It passes through Largo, Seminole, Palm Harbor, Gulfport, Dunedin, Belleair, South Pasadena, and Clearwater.

Are you looking for cheap activities to do near you while keeping in shape and enjoying the fresh air?

If you are, I suggest making your way through the Pinellas Trail.

Have a fun time outdoors as you enjoy cycling, walking, and jogging while taking in the picture-perfect landscape.

It is also easily accessible through various transportation systems, including buses and trolley services.

This trail traverses through several towns, but the area by Dunedin offers a better rest stop because it features several public restrooms, shops, and restaurants.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western Plus Yacht Harbor Inn

7. Eagle Lake Park

1800 Keene Rd Largo, FL 33771 (727) 582-2100

Eagle Lake Park, encompassing over 160 acres, is a preserve and county-level park that opened in 2010.

Make your way to Eagle Lake Park when searching for what to do in Largo to have a blast outdoors.

Take advantage of its many amenities, like six picnic shelters, three restrooms, a playground, a recreational trail spanning 12 feet, and a 2,000-foot boardwalk over restored wetlands.

It has a breathtaking centerpiece lake, a section of wetlands restored with native plants, grassy lawns, tall trees, and more.

Some of the many activities you can do here are hiking, walking, catch-and-release fishing, picnicking, nature photography, and many otters.

It is a pet-friendly park with a designated dog park with two sections for small and large dogs, ideal when traveling with your furry companions.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Belleview Inn

Also See: Fun Things to Do in Palm Coast, FL Activities in Palm Beach Navarre Activities

8. John S. Taylor Park

1100 8th Ave SW Largo, FL 33770 (727) 588-4847

The John S. Taylor Park, spanning more than 150 acres, is a family-friendly public park along 8th Avenue Southwest.

Make memories to last a lifetime as you enjoy several fun things to do in Largo with kids, like spending the day at John S. Taylor Park.

Bond with your family as you teach your children how to fish, have a lovely picnic, watch your little ones as they enjoy the playground, and hike through scenic trails.

You can also try other activities such as disc golfing, non-motorized boating, playing baseball, and lots more.

It features several benches, easily accessible parking, clean restrooms, multipurpose trails, and other amenities.

After bonding with your loved ones, head to the Your Pizza Shop to replenish your energy at a longtime-running local chain.

It is within walking distance of the park and offers topping-loaded pizzas, flavorful pasta, savory chicken wings, and other mouth-watering dishes.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Largo

9. Sky Zone Clearwater

13000 66th St N Largo, FL 33773 (727) 900-5867

Sky Zone Clearwater is a well-known trampoline park and amusement center neighboring several shops and restaurants.

You can enjoy plenty of fun-filled indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold, like having a blast at Sky Zone Clearwater.

It has so much to offer you, boasting the perfect setting to kill time with your travel buddies.

It has a Foam Zone, where you can perform stunts while safely falling into a foam pit, and a Skyjoast, allowing you to experience gladiator-style combat.

You can also test your athletic skills at the Ninja Warrior Course, try various sports at the Air Court, enjoy an exhilarating experience at the Drop Slide, and so much more.

Are you traveling with younger children?

Then, take them to the Toddler Zone, a safe and secure place exclusive for toddlers to play without worries.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn Clearwater-St Petersburg

10. Largo Central Park Nature Preserve

150 Highland Ave N Largo, FL 33770 (727) 586-7415

The Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, spanning 31 acres, is a nature preserve surrounded by water.

The Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is one of the most breathtaking natural sights to see this weekend while vacationing with your family, partner, or friends.

Enjoy activities like kayaking, walking around its butterfly garden, biking, hiking, skating, taking in breathtaking views from a lookout tower, practicing your nature photography skills, and so on.

It has lengthy boardwalks, a 3/4-mile asphalt trail, and guided nature walks for groups of ten or more.

Its picturesque landscape boasts a mixed hardwood swamp, pond, and native wildflower plantings.

It is also home to hundreds of animal species, including birds, marsh rabbits, bats, otters, American alligators, wild turkeys, red foxes, and tons more.

It is a pure nature park with no onsite vendors selling refreshments, so I suggest packing snacks, drinks, insect repellents, and other necessities you may need if you plan to stay awhile.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Largo-Clearwater, an IHG Hotel

11. Highland Family Aquatic Center

400 Highland Ave Largo, FL 33770 (727) 518-3016

The Highland Family Aquatic Center is a fun-filled waterpark located at the Highland Recreation Complex.

Are you looking for cool attractions in Largo to have an exciting day with your loved ones?

Then, I recommend heading to the Highland Family Aquatic Center.

It has plenty to offer you, like an Olympic-sized pool, water slides, swing boards, and more.

Create long-lasting memories as you go down a 3-story speed slide, play water volleyball or basketball, sign up for swim lessons, and so on.

It features a snack bar selling tasty treats, shade structures, colossal umbrellas, a family changing area, and bathhouses.

There are strict height requirements when going on selected slides and other attractions.

Take your toddlers and younger kids to the zero-depth area so they can splash in a safe and calm setting with sprays and a play structure.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Residence Inn by Marriot Clearwater Downtown

Also See: Fun Stuff to Do in Miramar Beach Best Things to Do in Cedar Key Things to Do in Homosassa, FL

12. Wrought Iron Arts

707 1st Ave SW Largo, FL 33770 (727) 588-1315

The Wrought Iron Arts is a renowned blacksmith, offering blacksmithing and knife-making classes.

Do you want to try unique activities in Largo with your friends for a more unforgettable vacation?

If you do, consider heading to Wrought Iron Arts and signing up for engaging classes.

Sign up for interactive classes and get the chance to learn how to handcraft knives, daggers, swords, battle axes, two-dimensional metal art, and lots more.

After your class, head to its spectacular sculpture garden across the street to view jaw-dropping sculptures of varying shapes and sizes.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key

13. Saturday Morning Market

230 1st St SE Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 855-1937

The Saturday Morning Market is a brilliant public market with more than 130 vendors frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Meet the locals as you shop for an array of goods and fresh produce at the Saturday Morning Market.

You can buy things like produce from family-owned farms, artisan food, handmade crafts, ready-to-eat dishes,

It is also a foodie paradise, boasting food stalls selling international cuisine, like Cuban, Greek, Mexican, Italian, Polish, German, Ecuadorian, Thai, Belgian, Ethiopian, British, and Colombian.

One of the best places to park your car is at the Sundial Parking Garage, affording affordable prices and easy accessibility.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Birchwood

14. East Bay Golf Club

702 Country Club Dr Largo, FL 33771 (727) 581-3333

The East Bay Golf Club, established in 1961, is a traditional 18-hole championship course along Country Club Drive.

Do you finally have time to go on a laid-back vacation with your travel buddies?

If you do, consider enjoying a leisurely time golfing at the East Bay Golf Club.

It offers challenging holes for all skill levels, a well-landscaped terrain, sparkling lakes, and towering trees.

Some of its onsite facilities are a putting green, a clubhouse, a practice range, a pro shop, and a beverage cart service offering refreshments on the course.

Get around more conveniently by renting its state-of-the-art electric golf carts, complete with a Pro-Shot GPS yardage system.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Simply Suites Clearwater

15. The Dali Museum

1 Dali Blvd St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 823-3767

The Dali Museum, founded in 1982, is an art museum officially known as the Salvador Dalí Museum.

You can find it in the neighboring city of St. Petersburg, roughly thirty minutes from Largo, with a surrealism-inspired architectural design.

The Dali Museum is the ideal place to explore when looking for downtown spots to visit that boast jaw-dropping art masterpieces.

Prepare to be amazed as you view 100 watercolor pieces, 90 oil paintings, 1300 graphics, striking sculptures, ornamental artwork, photographs, and tons more.

It has a cafe offering freshly brewed coffee, assorted pastries, desserts, beers, wines, and other savory dishes.

Here, you can also sign up for art contests, workshops, lectures, live performances, and other engaging events.

Commemorate your visit by shopping at its gift store, selling items like apparel, artwork, mugs, home decor, tableware, Dalínian fragrances, books, jewelry, accessories, and so much more.

Take note that the family restrooms with changing tables are on the top and ground floors of the museum if you are visiting with your loved ones.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hollander Hotel – Downtown St. Petersburg

16. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

249 Windward Passage Clearwater, FL 33767 (727) 441-1790

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an aquarium and rehabilitation center that opened its doors to the public in 1972 in Clearwater, less than 25 minutes from Largo.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a superb destination for animal lovers, offering you a fun and educational experience.

It dedicates its mission to researching, rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick animals and educating the general public regarding conservation.

It is home to animals like North American otters, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, nurse sharks, southern stingrays, great white pelicans, and many others.

One of its most famous residents is a bottlenose dolphin named Winter, who starred in the highly acclaimed international films Dolphin Tale and its sequel.

You can also sign up for engaging animal encounters as you feed, pet, and care for selected animals.

I suggest booking the Sea Life Safari Tour when traveling with your family.

It is a 90-minute eco-boat cruise around the aquarium’s local estuary.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach

17. John R. Bonner Nature Park

14444 143rd St N Largo, FL 33774 (727) 518-3047

The John R. Bonner Nature Park is a waterfront park neighboring George C. McGough Nature Park.

Get a break from the daily cycle of city life as you enjoy a laid-back time in the great outdoors at the John R. Bonner Nature Park.

It features a serene landscape with lush greenery, waterfront views, towering trees, marshes, and more.

It has picnic facilities, a covered pavilion, a lengthy boardwalk ideal for a scenic hike, a playground to keep your kids entertained, and picturesque nature trails.

There are no onsite food or drink vendors, so consider packing refreshments if you plan to stay for a while.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunburst Inn

18. Roosterfish Grill

776 Missouri Ave N Largo, FL 33770 (727) 584-5888

The Roosterfish Grill is a well-renowned waterfront seafood and steak restaurant along Missouri Avenue.

One of the local favorite things to do in Largo at night is having a fantastic dinner at the Roosterfish Grill.

It boasts happy hour specials, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private parking lot, free wifi, excellent service, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Its expansive menu offers top-quality steaks, fresh seafood dishes, shareable platters, pasta bowls, garden-fresh salads, decked hoagies, and other delicious options.

I suggest dining on a Sunday when visiting with family because, on this day, kids eat at no charge with a purchase of an adult entree.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Sand Key Resort

19. Savory Restaurant

12881 Walsingham Rd Largo, FL 33774 (727) 593-2030

The Savory Restaurant opened in 2006 and is a family-friendly eatery at the Walsingham Commons shopping mall.

Do you need help deciding between Greek, Italian, and American-style dishes?

If you are, there is no better place to dine than the Savory Restaurant.

It offers mouth-watering dishes prepared from the freshest ingredients, comfortable furniture, restaurant-front parking, affordable rates, and accommodating servers.

Do you want to try dishes from its early dinner specials menu?

Then, consider dining between 3 PM to 6 PM.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel SOL

20. Speggtacular

7924 Ulmerton Rd Largo, FL 33771 (727) 270-7599

Speggtacular is a locally owned and operated daytime eatery that debuted along Ulmerton Road.

Prepare for a fabulous day enjoying the best things to do in Largo, FL, by having a brilliant breakfast at Speggtacular.

You can try mouth-watering morning favorites, like loaded crepes, fluffy pancakes, golden waffles, egg-based specialties, and so much more.

It offers a kid-friendly menu, a welcoming ambiance, generous portions, reasonable fare, customizable entrees, and so on.

Try a house specialty by ordering The Royal.

It is a plain crepe with blueberries, strawberries, English cream, bananas, raspberries, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater/St. Petersburg-Ulmerton Road

Map of Things to Do in Largo

20 Best Things to Do in Largo, FL for [currentyear]

• Florida Botanical Gardens
• Largo Central Park
• Pinellas County Heritage Village
• McGough Nature Park
• Walsingham Park
• Pinellas Trail
• Eagle Lake Park
• John S. Taylor Park
• Sky Zone Clearwater
• Largo Central Park Nature Preserve
• Highland Family Aquatic Center
• Wrought Iron Arts
• Saturday Morning Market
• East Bay Golf Club
• The Dali Museum
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• John R. Bonner Nature Park
• Roosterfish Grill
• Savory Restaurant
• Speggtacular

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Wild Lime Adventures

Wild Lime Adventures ™

Find the real florida ™, featured tours.

Part Day: 1-Hour Air Boat Ride & Nature Walk w/ a Naturalist in Everglades National Park Tour

Full Day: Everglades Adventure Tour w/ dry hike led by an experienced naturalist

Full Day: Everglades Adventure Tour w/ wet walk led by an experienced naturalist

View other popular tours.

Florida Keys Marine Eco Adventure

One Hour Air Boat Ride and Little Havana Walking and Driving Tour w/ time for lunch

Southern Region of Everglades National Park: Wet walk, dry walk, kayak, boat trip and more – Shape your perfect adventure!

Taste of the Tropics: Tantalizing Flavors and Cultural History of Homestead and Florida City

Birding and Photography Tour

Dynamic Group Team Building Tours / Events

Why choose wild lime adventures.

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Avoid the touristy and escape the crowds. Become immersed in the real places and natural areas. Find the Real Florida!

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We will pick you up! (Some location restrictions apply.) Or we can also provide a convenient meet up location, where it is free and safe to leave your car.

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Small groups allow us to truly get to know our guests and for everyone to experience the most rewarding adventures. Carpe diem!

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• - Cassandra Absolutely great experience! - Cassandra - 6/08/2024  read more read less
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Full Day Tour of the Florida Keys – Key Largo Islamorada Key West

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the stunning Florida Keys with a full-day tour that takes you from the adventure-filled waters of Key Largo to the artistic charm of Key West. This comprehensive excursion offers personalized insights from a private driver/guide , allowing you to learn about the diverse marine life , historic sites, and fresh local cuisine that define this tropical paradise. With convenient pickup, light refreshments, and a hassle-free experience, this tour promises an unparalleled exploration of the Keys’ natural beauty and vibrant culture . Discover the captivating stories that lie beneath the surface as you venture through this unique and captivating region.

• Comprehensive full-day tour covering the highlights of Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West in the Florida Keys.
• Private driver/guide offers customized experiences based on personal preferences, with options for nature, history, and culinary exploration.
• Hassle-free pickup from lodging and transportation via minivan or SUV, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.
• Inclusions and exclusions clearly outlined, including light snacks, bottled water, and exclusion of admission fees, diving/snorkeling gear, and child safety seats.
• Strict non-refundable cancellation policy in place, with limited tour availability and blackout dates to consider.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Guided Bicycle Tour of Old Town Key West
• Key West Sunset Sail With Full Bar, Live Music and Hors Doeuvres
• Shark and Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West
• Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour

Tour Overview

This full-day tour of the Florida Keys provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse attractions, covering Key Largo, Islamorada, and the iconic Key West.

The private driver/guide offers a customized experience tailored to the travelers’ preferences, allowing them to enjoy the area’s natural wonders , cultural highlights, and culinary delights.

Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or trying local cuisine, the tour offers a range of options to suit your interests.

The hassle-free pickup from your lodging ensures a seamless start to your adventure, allowing you to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the stunning landscapes and vibrant communities that make the Florida Keys so unique.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes light snacks like chips and crackers, as well as bottled water, but does not cover admission fees to museums, parks, or events. Travelers won’t find diving/snorkeling gear or alcohol provided, and they’re responsible for securing child safety seats for children aged 5 and under.

While the tour provides a hassle-free experience, travelers should plan for any additional costs or requirements to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day exploring the Florida Keys.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour operates in a minivan or SUV , not a boat, to transport travelers comfortably throughout the Florida Keys.

Travelers must provide their hotel, resort, or vacation rental address at least 24 hours in advance to confirm the pickup location . This ensures a smooth start to the day, as the private driver guide arrives promptly to collect guests and begin the customized journey.

The transportation isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible , allowing families with young children to participate. Service animals are also welcome on the tour.

Cancellation Policy

Unfortunately, the full-day tour of the Florida Keys has a strict non-refundable cancellation policy .

Travelers won’t receive any refunds for cancellations, so travel insurance is highly recommended to protect against unexpected changes in plans. However, the tour provider may consider emergency cancellations due to family emergencies or severe weather on a case-by-case basis.

Cancellations must be communicated to the provider as soon as possible. While there are no refunds, the provider may work with travelers to reschedule the tour if feasible.

Ultimately, the non-refundable policy is in place to ensure the provider can manage their operations effectively . Travelers are advised to carefully consider their plans and purchase travel insurance to mitigate any potential financial losses .

Operational Details

Regarding the operational details, the full-day Florida Keys tour has limited availability, running from June 1, 2024 through December 30, 2024, with blackout periods in August and September. The tour is available 7 days a week, from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, operating in a minivan or SUV, not a boat. While it’s not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly, and service animals are permitted. Most travelers can participate, though parents of children aged 5 and under must provide their own safety seats.

Exploring Key Largo

As visitors embark on the full-day Florida Keys tour, they’ll kick off their journey by exploring the northernmost island in the chain – Key Largo .

Known for its diverse marine life and lush mangrove forests, Key Largo offers a wealth of natural wonders to discover. Travelers can enjoy the underwater world by visiting the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary , home to vibrant coral reefs and a stack of tropical fish.

On land, the scenic Everglades Alligator Farm provides a chance to spot native wildlife up close, while the historic Key Largo Plantation offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage .

With endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, Key Largo sets the tone for an unforgettable Keys experience.

Discovering Islamorada

After exploring the verdant landscapes and marine wonders of Key Largo, the journey continues southward to Islamorada, often referred to as the ‘Sport Fishing Capital of the World.’

This idyllic middle-Florida Keys destination boasts a diverse array of activities and attractions that cater to a wide range of interests.

Visitors can:

Cast a line and test their angling skills on a deep-sea fishing charter.

Immerse themselves in the captivating history and culture at the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum.

Discover the vibrant underwater world by snorkeling or diving at sites like Alligator Reef.

Indulge in fresh seafood and local cuisine at the island’s renowned restaurants.

Admire the breathtaking views and vibrant sunsets from the iconic Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.

Discovering Key West

Leaving Islamorada behind, the tour ventures farther south to the vibrant island of Key West , the southernmost point of the Florida Keys.

Key West’s captivating blend of history, culture, and natural wonders beckons visitors to explore its unique charms. From the iconic Duval Street and the Ernest Hemingway Home to the serene beaches and world-class snorkeling sites, this dynamic destination offers an array of experiences to suit every traveler’s preference.

The tour guide leads guests through Key West’s highlights, immersing them in the lively street performances, eclectic art galleries, and the breezy oceanfront promenade.

Whether it’s indulging in local cuisine , discovering the island’s nautical heritage, or simply soaking up the laid-back island vibe , Key West promises an unforgettable conclusion to this Florida Keys adventure.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Half-Day Cruise From Key West With Kayaking and Snorkeling
• Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours
• Key West Island Adventure Jet Ski Tour: Bring a Partner for Free
• Key West Small-Group Sunset Sail With Wine
• Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Cruise
• Key West Sunset Cruise With Live Music, Drinks and Appetizers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i bring my pet on the tour.

The tour allows service animals, but does not accommodate regular pets. Travelers are responsible for arranging care for their pets during the tour. The provider does not permit non-service animals on the tour.

Is There a Discount for Large Groups?

The tour provider doesn’t offer a group discount, as it’s priced at a flat rate of $750 per group of up to 6 travelers. The cost doesn’t decrease for larger groups.

What Are the Tour Guides’ Qualifications?

The tour guides are experienced professionals who have extensive knowledge of the Florida Keys region. They’re knowledgeable about the area’s history, culture, and natural attractions, providing a customized and informative experience for travelers.

Can I Request a Specific Pickup Time?

Yes, travelers can request a specific pickup time for the tour, though confirmation is required up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure. The provider will work to accommodate the requested pickup time based on availability.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions. However, travelers are responsible for providing child safety seats for children aged 5 and under. Most travelers can participate, though the tour may not be wheelchair accessible.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys Including Aquarium Encounters From Key West
• Private 2-Hour Wind and Wine Sunset Sail in Key West
• Trolley Train Tour in Marathon
• Key West Marriage Proposal Package
• The Original Key West Ghost Hunt
• Night Glow Kayak Paddle Session in Key West, FL
• Haunted Historic Firehouse Ghost Tour
• Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Day Trip Quality Day Tours
• Private Key West Sunset Cruise
• Cruise Through Key Wests Black History Audio Tour
• Private Key West Historic Homes and Island History Walking Tour
• Luxury Sailing Catamaran – Private Charters, Owner-Operated
• Private E-Pedicab 1 Hour Sightseeing Ride of Old Town Key West
• Marathon Key: 3-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on a Pontoon at Sombrero Reef
• Key West: Dolphin Watching Cruise & Snorkeling Unlimited Beer & Soda

This full-day tour of the Florida Keys offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West.

With personalized insights from a private driver/guide, travelers can explore diverse marine life, historic sites, and savor fresh local cuisine .

The hassle-free experience, including convenient pickup and light refreshments, ensures an exceptional journey through this tropical paradise.

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The best day trips from Miami for a little escape from the big city

From laidback beach vibes to rural nature adventures and authentic food, these day trips from Miami offer a shortcut to fun.

As much as we love our bumpin’, booty-shaking hometown, sometimes we need a reprieve from Miami. But, one of the perks of living here is you don’t have to hop on a multi-hour flight to experience a new city or landscape. We’ve got a variety of relaxing, unique and adventurous day trips at our fingertips. 

Sure, Florida can seem like a long stretch of flat terrain. (Fun fact: It’s the flattest state in the country, contrary to what you may think about Kansas.) But there’s actually plenty of diversity if you know where to look. Plus, we have the Bahamas within 50 miles of our shoreline, y’all.

Your options for the best day trips from Miami include an Everglades escapade, kicking back in the Florida Keys and exploring the Main Streets of South Florida’s emerging downtown neighborhoods. If you’re feeling inspired to extend your stay beyond a day, we’ve pinpointed some stellar lodging options for you, too. 

RECOMMENDED:  The best weekended getaways from Miami

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best day trips from Miami

1.  islamorada, fl.

Lots of people assume Miami and the Florida Keys need to be dealt with as separate vacations, but that’s simply not so. From Miami, it’s an utterly pleasant drive down the Overseas Highway. That name makes sense once you’re on it—stretched over sparkling blue water, the 113-mile throughway connects the narrow, broken-up strip of the Keys back to the mainland. 

Islamorada, a small, idyllic beach community traditionally known as a sportfishing capital, is the perfect gateway to exploring what is arguably Florida’s most iconic coastal terrain. The drive from Miami takes less than two hours—though with such brilliant scenery, you’ll want to leave extra time for stopping and taking pictures along the way.  

EAT:  All-day dining spot Green Turtle Inn , which originally opened in 1947, is alone worth the trip down to sunny Islamorada: standouts like Barney’s Fish Sandwich and the Ultimate Patty Melt earned it a spot on the popular TV show Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. 

Take a break from lazing on the beach and pull up a barstool at Florida Keys Brewing Co. , a colorful taproom that occasionally hosts fun events like group painting nights.

DO:  The third Thursday of the month is possibly the best time to visit Islamorada, as that’s when Art Walk —a monthly showcase of local artists, sculptors, jewelry makers and musicians—takes over this quarter-mile stretch of the Old Highway.

STAY:  If you’re looking to treat yourself to an overnight stay inside a handsomely furnished suite with a generous balcony and deep soaking tub (not to mention three on-site restaurants and two open-air tiki bars), Cheeca Lodge & Spa  is the place.

If you do just one thing...  Even in you’re just passing through on your way to more southern Keys, there’s perhaps no more iconic detour than stop at Robbie's of Islamorada to feed the massive tarpon off the dock.

2.  West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach has long lived in the shadows of its glitzy neighbor to the east, Palm Beach, where the wealthy mosey about in their six-figure-priced cars, ducking in and out of million-dollar mansions. It’s a beautiful place to visit (more on our preferred way to sightsee in Palm Beach below), but for a lowkey getaway that’s also brimming with charm, we’re drawn to the area west of the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Plus, it’s a quick jaunt from Miami: just 60 miles north of downtown, you can hop on the Brightline ( MiamiCentral Station ) and be in WPB in just over one hour all while enjoying the view, free snacks (if you upgrade to Select) and a traffic-free ride.

EAT: The Regional Kitchen & Public House , helmed by Top Chef finalist and multiple James Beard Award nominee Lindsay Autry, is a spectacular contemporary American restaurant with roots deep in the Southern cooking tradition. Countryside favorites like pimento cheese, grits and fried chicken are finessed for modern palates and done up to fine-dining standards.

DRINK: Restoration Hardware is a breathtaking, multistory design center and furniture store that also happens to house the RH Rooftop Restaurant , where sunset cocktails are a must. The restaurant doesn’t serve liquor, but it makes up for it with an extensive wine and beer selection. Request a sofa closest to the window and wind down with a cheese board and a crisp rosé. Whatever you do, don’t spill!

DO: The Norton Museum of Art is one of the most impressive cultural institutions in South Florida, where the permanent collection comprises more than 8,200 works across European, American, Chinese, contemporary and photographic art. There’s also an auditorium, a well-stocked shop, a restaurant and an expanded gallery that hosts traveling exhibitions.

STAY: The Hilton West Palm Beach is connected to the Palm Beach Convention Center , but it’s not at all the stodgy business hotel you might be familiar with. It’s thoroughly modern with a large, inviting pool, and its location near The Square and the Brightline station is truly impossible to beat.

If you do just one thing...  At the center of it all is CityPlace , a community-focused, mixed-use complex in downtown where you’ll find retail, restaurants, family-friendly programming, public art and so much more. Curated with sustainability in mind, the space boasts outposts of Miami’s sophisticated plant-based favorite Planta and South Florida health-conscious café Pura Vida (do order the choco chip cookie), among other well-known eateries. It’s a great place to hang out when the weather’s right, be it catching an outdoor movie on the lawn, shopping the weekly farmers’ market or just strolling around. 

3.  Homestead, FL

Shame on any traveler who makes it this far south and doesn’t carve out at least a little time to wander through Everglades National Park , the largest natural subtropical park in the country. Spanning 1.5 million acres, it’s not the easiest national park to tackle, but the wildlife alone—think Florida panthers, alligators and bald eagles—makes this a fascinating side trip for anyone with a penchant for getting lost in the deep, jungle-y wilderness for a few hours. 

The laid-back town of Homestead, which is an easy 45-minute drive from Miami, acts as a portal to the Everglades. And while Homestead offers several affordable hotel options, hardcore naturalists will want to make use of the park’s 48 designated backcountry campsites.

EAT: In case you didn’t get your fill of Cuban food back in Miami, the family-style restaurant Mario’s is a top pick for its generous portions of churrasco steak, Cubano sandwiches and, of course, empanadas.

DRINK: With a reputation for fermenting unconventional fruits—think mangos and avocados—into wine, lush estate Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery welcomes visitors to take tours of the property, followed by a tasting at the bar. 

DO: Just outside Homestead, near the entrance to Everglades National Park, visitors can sign up for a rollicking airboat tour at Alligator Farm , where you’ll skim the surface of waters that alligators and turtles call home.

STAY: You probably won't be staying the night, but in case you do, keep things simple at Best Western Gateway to the Keys , a breezy budget inn with an outdoor pool and free breakfast.

If you do just one thing... Drive out to the world-famous Homestead-Miami Speedway , which sits just outside the town, and hosts the annual NASCAR Championship. Not in a rush to get back? The event, which draws thousands of racing fans, allows camping and RV parking during the high-speed event.

4.  Key Largo, FL

After what seems like an eternity driving through cramped Overseas Highway or, worse yet, Card Sound Road, entering Key Largo is like crossing over into a giant metropolis. But don’t get ahead of yourself. The first of several Florida keys is large compared to its neighbors, but it’s still quaint with plenty of small-town charm. 

EAT: In business since 1982, the Fish House is a trusted source for fresh and local seafood, house-made chowders and its famous Key lime pie. The dessert is so famous that people driving past the restaurant often stop in to order whole pies to-go.

DRINK: Key Largo is famous for its laidback tiki bars. Most people pull up to the waterfront bars on boats, but they’re also accessible via dry land. Gilbert’s is one of the area’s largest and most popular, with a divey atmosphere that fits right in with Largo’s casual vibe.

DO: Pretend you’re on the set of Flipper. At Dolphins Plus , you’ll get to swim with the adorable mammals, pet them while sitting on a floating dock, give ’em a peck and even go behind-the-scenes with trainers to see how they’re cared for. 

STAY:  Playa Largo Resort & Spa , an expansive property that’s both luxurious and relaxed, fits the bill if you're planning to indulge in a long afternoon of frozen daiquiris and need a chic place to crash. Spend time lounging on one of the hammocks, take a dip in the lagoon-style pool and pencil in an afternoon of watching the sunset. 

If you do just one thing… John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park encompasses approximately 70 miles of open water where visitors can go swimming, snorkeling, boating, diving—basically any aquatic activity you can think of. It wouldn’t be a trip to the Keys without some kind of excursion.

5.  Bimini, Bahamas

There are a few ways to get to Bimini, the closest Bahamian island to the USA (and a favorite of none other than Ernest Hemingway), but the most traditional is via ferry. Run by Balearia Caribbean , the two-hour trip runs daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays and leaves from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

After traveling 51 nautical miles from the mainland, the ferry drops you right at the beach in Alice Town, Bimini, so there’s little need for excessive planning or itinerary-making. The ferry comes equipped with a small cafe and bar, though if you can, hold your appetite until reaching the island, which is plied with delightfully laid-back seafood stands and beachside grills. 

EAT:  Equipped with an open kitchen and with windows facing out to sea, there’s no better or more classic south Florida dining experience than digging into a lobster and conch salad at the bar at  Stuart Conch Salad Stand . 

DRINK:  After-hours spot  Island House , with a hand-painted sign outside and dollar bills staples all over the bar, is the quintessential beachside dive bar.

DO:  In the mood for an authentic experience? Sign up for a two-hour tour with Cleveland "Max" Rolle Jr. of  Bimini Island Tours , who gives an insider's glimpse into island life complete with excursions to shipwrecks, the Dolphin House Museum, the local straw market, a tasting of Charlie's famous Bimini Bread and more.

STAY:  The main landing spot for anyone looking to spend the night, the 750-acre luxury resort  Hilton at Resorts World Bimini  comes equipped with scenic water views, nearly a dozen restaurants and a casino. 

If you do just one thing...  Make use of Hilton’s sprawling oceanfront real estate by renting a golf cart and driving out to a secluded spot along the glistening white sand beach.

6.  Delray Beach, FL

While the quaint downtowns of Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables get a lot of love for their charming walkability, Delray Beach is an up-and-coming seaside pocket worth adding to your day trip bucket list. Located about an hour north of Miami, its main artery is Atlantic Avenue, dotted with local boutiques and restaurants and culminating in picturesque white-sand dunes. Unlike some other beach towns on this list, Delray has managed to hold on to its quirky and affordable Old Florida charm.

EAT: Capturing that smaller town vibe, Farmhouse Kitchen serves up house-made deviled eggs, velvety mac and cheese, shrimp and grits and other comfort food staples. Snag a seat out on the sidewalk for a leisurely meal as the locals walk their pups down Atlantic Avenue.

DRINK: SaltWater Brewery is as friendly as it gets, tucked on the west side of I-95. Open daily, it has a tasting room with over a dozen craft brews on tap at a given time. Expect to find food trucks and events like trivia, bingo and live jams on any given day. 

DO: Find a little Zen at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens . A haven for Japanese culture and arts, there are two museum buildings, quiet paths, pine forests and an expansive bonsai collection to explore. Peep the schedule for classes and workshops where you can learn how to perform a Japanese tea ceremony, arrange flowers and more.

STAY: The Colony Hotel is located downtown and is a stately icon that dates to 1926. A perk of staying at The Colony is access to its Cabaña Beach. The Cabaña Beach is a private space on the sand with a heated saltwater pool, bath houses and free wi-fi. It’s a vibe.

If you only do one thing… Strolling Atlantic Avenue is the quintessential experience here. Aside from chatting it up with friendly locals, pop your head in boutiques like Bolufé , grab a funky flavored latte (kettle corn and cotton candy have shown up on the menu) at The Seed or book a tennis session at the world-class Delray Beach Tennis Center , home of the Delray Beach Open.

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Places to visit about 2 hours from Largo

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

Universal Studios

Universal's Islands of Adventure

Universal CityWalk

Magic Kingdom Park

International Dr

Walt Disney World Resort

Downtown Disney

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World

Cities 2 hours from Largo

2 hours :   Dunnellon, FL

2 hours :   Altamonte Springs, FL

1 hr 59 min :   Inglis, FL

1 hr 56 min :   Lockhart, FL

1 hr 56 min :   Winter Park, FL

1 hr 55 min :   Citrus Springs, FL

1 hr 55 min :   Azalea Park, FL

1 hr 54 min :   Fairview Shores, FL

1 hr 53 min :   Pine Hills, FL

1 hr 53 min :   Oxford, FL

1 hr 53 min :   Ocala Ridge, FL

1 hr 52 min :   Clermont, FL

1 hr 52 min :   Conway, FL

1 hr 52 min :   Winter Garden, FL

1 hr 52 min :   Summerfield, FL

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Largo, Florida. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius like 1½ hours . If you're willing to drive farther, try 2½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Largo , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Largo , but make sure you also check road conditions around Largo . Looking for small towns or communities around Largo, Florida? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Largo .

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RV campgrounds 2 hours from Largo

Goethe Trailhead Ranch

Golden Pond RV Resort

Southern Oaks RV Resort

Sunkissed Village RV Resort

The Grand Oaks RV Resort

Haines Creek RV Village

Black Bass Fishing Resort

Midway Manor RV Park

Tara Village

Shady Oaks RV Park

Magnolia County Park

Mill Creek RV Resort

Resort at Canopy Oaks

Highland Oaks RV Resort

Cayo Costa State Park

State parks 2 hours from Largo

Rainbow Springs

Cedar Key Museum State Park

Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve

Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Lake Griffin State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park

Highlands Hammock State Park

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub State Park

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge

Gasparilla Island State Park

More cities around 2 hours away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 2 hours. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 2 hour flight.

1 hr 58 min :   Poquoson, VA

1 hr 58 min :   North Little Rock, AR

1 hr 58 min :   Sherwood, AR

1 hr 58 min :   Little Rock, AR

2 hours :   Portsmouth, OH

1 hr 59 min :   Glen Allen, VA

1 hr 59 min :   Mechanicsville, VA

1 hr 59 min :   Charlottesville, VA

1 hr 59 min :   Texas City, TX

1 hr 59 min :   Henderson, KY

1 hr 58 min :   Sikeston, MO

1 hr 58 min :   Williamsburg, VA

1 hr 58 min :   Laurel, VA

1 hr 58 min :   Cabot, AR

1 hr 58 min :   Searcy, AR

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Largo, FL

2 hours west of Largo cities within 1 hour of Largo 1½ hours from Largo places within 2 hours of me in Largo explore 2½ hours from Largo 3 hr radius map from Largo 3½ hr drive from Largo places within 4 hours of me in Largo within 4½ hours of me in Largo 5 hour drive from me in Largo 5½ hour drive from Largo within 6 hours of Largo 7 hour drive from Largo driving 8 hours from Largo 9 hours from Largo

Distance from Largo, FL

cities within 10 miles of me in Largo within 20 miles of me in Largo 30 mile radius of Largo 40 mile drive from Largo located 50 miles from Largo 100 mile radius from Largo within 150 miles of Largo 200 mile road trip from Largo distance of 250 miles from Largo driving 300 miles from Largo 350 mile trip starting from Largo 400 mile drive from Largo drive for 450 miles from Largo 500 miles from Largo day trips from Largo

Largo, Florida is located at GPS latitude/longitude coordinates 27° 54' 33" N  /  82° 47' 15" W

Fact Checking Trump’s Mar-a-Lago News Conference

The former president took questions from reporters for more than hour. We examined his claims, attacks and policy positions.

By The New York Times

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Former President Donald J. Trump held an hourlong news conference with reporters on Thursday at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, during which he attacked Vice President Kamala Harris, his general election opponent, criticized the Biden administration’s policies and boasted of the crowd size at his rallies. We took a closer look at many of his claims.

Trump claims his Jan. 6 rally crowd rivaled the 1963 March on Washington. Estimates say otherwise.

“If you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his speech, his great speech. And you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people. If not, we had more.” — Former President Donald J. Trump

This lacks evidence.

Mr. Trump was talking about the crowds gathered for his speech on Jan. 6, 2021, and for the “I Have a Dream” speech the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered during the March on Washington in 1963. While it is difficult to gauge exact crowd sizes, estimates counter Mr. Trump’s claim that the numbers gathered were comparable. Dr. King’s speech drew an estimated 250,000 people . The House Select Committee responsible for investigating the events of Jan. 6 estimated that Mr. Trump’s speech drew 53,000 people.

“She wants to take away your guns.”

— Former President Donald J. Trump

Ms. Harris, in 2019, said she supports a gun buyback program for assault weapons, not all guns. Her campaign told The New York Times recently that she no longer supports a buyback program.

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Peter Baker

“They take the strategic national reserves. They’re virtually empty now. We have never had it this low.”

This is exaggerated..

President Biden has indeed tapped the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try to mitigate gasoline price increases , drawing it down by about 40 percent from when he took office, and it is currently at the lowest level since the 1980s. But it still has 375 million barrels in it now , which is not “virtually empty” nor is it at the lowest level ever.

“The vast majority of the country does support me.”

Mr. Trump never won a majority of the popular vote in either of the elections he ran in and never had the approval of a majority of Americans in a single day of Gallup polling during his presidency. An average of polls by FiveThirtyEight.com shows that he is viewed favorably by just 43 percent of Americans today and has the same level of support in a matchup against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Alan Rappeport

“They’re going to destroy Social Security.”

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have pledged not to make any cuts to America’s social safety net programs. Mr. Trump suggested this year that he was open to scaling back the programs when he said there was “a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in terms of cutting.” He later walked back those comments and pledged to protect the programs. But if changes to the programs are not made, the programs’ benefits will automatically be reduced eventually. Government reports released earlier this year projected that the Social Security and disability insurance programs, if combined, would not have enough money to pay all of their obligations in 2035. Medicare will be unable to pay all its hospital bills starting in 2036.

Coral Davenport

“Everybody is going to be forced to buy an electric car.”

While the Biden administration has enacted regulations designed to ensure that the majority of new passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States are all-electric or hybrids by 2032, the rules do not require consumers to buy electric vehicles.

“Our tax cuts, which are the biggest in history.”

The $1.5 trillion tax cut, enacted in December 2017, ranks below at least half a dozen others by several metrics. The 1981 tax cut enacted under President Ronald Reagan is the largest as a percentage of the economy and by its reduction to federal revenue. The 2012 cut enacted under President Barack Obama amounted to the largest cut in inflation-adjusted dollars: $321 billion a year.

“They’re drilling now because they had to go back because gasoline was going up to seven, eight, nine dollars a barrel. The day after the election, if they won, you’re going to have fuel prices go through the roof.”

The price of gasoline reached a low of $1.98 per gallon in April 2020, when Mr. Trump was president, chiefly as a result of the drop in driving in the first months of the Covid pandemic. It rose to a peak of $5 per gallon in June 2022, but has since steadily dropped to $3.60 per gallon in July 2024. The United States has steadily increased its oil production over the last decade, becoming the world’s largest producer of oil in 2018, a status it still holds today .

“If you go back and check your records for 18 months, I had a talk with Abdul. Abdul was the leader of the Taliban still is, but had a strong talk with him. For 18 months. Not one American soldier was shot at or killed, but not even shot at 18 months.”

Mr. Trump spoke with a leader of the Taliban in March 2020. In the 18 months that followed, from April 2020 to October 2021, 13 soldiers died in hostile action in Afghanistan.

“Democrats are really the radical ones on this, because they’re allowed to do abortion on the eighth and ninth month, and even after birth.”

No state has passed a law allowing for the execution of a baby after it is born, which is infanticide. Moreover, abortions later in pregnancy are very rare: In 2021, less than 1 percent of abortions happened after 21 weeks’ gestation, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report based on data from state and other health agencies. More than 90 percent of abortions happened within 13 weeks of gestation.

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

A Local’s Guide to the 10 Best Day Trips in Florida

January 4, 2021 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Florida Day Trips: Beaches, Cities, Museums and More

Florida is jam-packed with places to explore and day trips on which to embark. With hundreds of miles of coastline, a never-ending summer, and palm tree-lined streets, it’s easy to fall in love with the Sunshine State. 

Plus, Florida’s fairly compact nature (you can drive from Miami on the southern tip to Jacksonville on the northern coast in just five hours) makes it easy to do day trips to numerous gorgeous and interesting places no matter where you’re staying. 

I spent nearly five years living in Florida, and with a state so large (and long) it can be overwhelming to think about just where to go and what to do while visiting. Of course, it’s easiest to just stick to one city or beach, but there’s so much more to see than just one locale! 

Whether you’re visiting for a short dose of sun, on a longer trip, or even a Florida resident, there’s undoubtedly a place to visit that you just haven’t seen, or perhaps not even heard of, that will make for the perfect day trip. 

So take a break from the usual and head out on one of the best day trips in Florida– you’ll be glad you did! Read on for a mix of the best beaches, cities, and parks that make for a quick and fabulous Floridian adventure. 

Florida Keys: A Perfect Day Trip from Miami

The Florida Keys are beautiful, whacky, and include Key West, which boasts the southernmost point in the US. 

While Miami’s beaches are nice, the Keys will make you feel like you’re in the Bahamas with their white sand beaches and clear blue waters. 

The Keys are composed of dozens of islands, though the most notable places to plan your visit to are Islamorada, Key Largo, and of course, Key West. Key Largo is ideal for those that love watersports, while Key West is the best choice to chill and relax. You can also try conch in the Keys, a delicious seafood item that’s similar to (but better than in my opinion!) calamari. 

The islands are about a 2- to 4-hour drive from Miami, depending on how far into them you want to go. 

Fort Lauderdale: An Easy South Florida Day Trip

Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Yachting Capital of the World” and is a great day trip choice for those starting from anywhere in South Florida. Fort Lauderdale is significantly more relaxed than Miami, and has some truly beautiful beaches. 

The South-Floridian city is also known for its iconic shopping centers like Sawgrass Mills and Las Olas Boulevard. I’d especially recommend a day-trip here to anyone living or vacationing in Miami – it’s the perfect change of pace and only 30 minutes away from the 305. 

Crystal River: A Manatee-Filled Day Trip

Florida has the highest concentration of manatees in the world, and Crystal River is where the majority of them live. 

A day trip to Crystal River means you can actually get the opportunity to see, swim, and even kayak with manatees! The small city is situated around Kings Bay, which is fed by dozens of springs. Come winter, hundreds of manatees can be found grazing in the warm waters; in fact, Crystal River is the only place where you can legally interact with these majestic creatures. 

The city virtually revolves around manatee tourism, and there are tons of places where you can rent kayaks and sign up for tours that will take you into the springs. One of the most popular springs in Crystal River is called Three Sisters, though there are others as well. 

Crystal River is conveniently located about 1.5 hours from Orlando and just over 1 hour from Tampa. 

Everglades National Park: An Adventure-filled Florida Day Trip

The Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million acre wetland preserve located at the tip of the state. It’s the best Florida getaway for outdoor lovers as it gives visitors a chance to get acquainted with mangrove forests and see some of Florida’s iconic wildlife. 

The park has dozens of trails perfect for cycling, kayaking, and hiking, along with plenty of places to spot alligators or perhaps even crocodiles. 

This massive national park is about 1 hour from both Miami and Naples. 

Disney World: The Happiest South Florida Day Trip

While many think of Disney World as a trip of its own, it can easily be turned into a day trip from anywhere in Central Florida. A week in Disney might be pretty pricey, but one day is a significantly more affordable option. With just a day, you can elect to visit just one park, or possibly two depending on how long of a day you want your trip to be! 

Disney World is technically located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, which is about 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, 1 hour from Tampa, and 1 hour and 15 minutes from Daytona Beach.

St. Augustine: The Best North Florida Day Trip 

Did you know that St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US? Yup, this northeastern Florida city was founded in 1565 and is filled with historical places.

Can’t-miss attractions include the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Colonial Quarter, and the Lightner Museum. 

St. Augustine is about 1.5 hours from Gainesville and 45 minutes from Jacksonville.

Clearwater Beach: Florida’s Most Beautiful Beach

Florida is chock-full of stunning seaside locales, but none can compare to the perfection that is Clearwater.

The beach takes after its namesake with truly crystal-clear water and pure white sand. The beach has previously been named #1 by Tripadvisor and is the best Florida day trip option for beach lovers. 

Clearwater is located on Florida’s west-central coast and is about a 30-minute drive from Tampa and a 2-hour drive from Fort Myers. 

South Beach: Best Southeast Florida Day Trip

If you’re living or staying anywhere in Southeast Florida, a visit to the iconic South Beach in Miami is a must. South Beach is as glitzy as Florida beaches get, and the entire city (yes, it’s more than just a beach!) is filled with historic art-deco architecture from the 20th century. 

South Beach’s most famous strip is Ocean Drive, which coasts alongside the beach and features numerous places to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy the views. 

South Beach is technically on an island and takes about 2 hours to reach from Naples and only 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale. 

Kennedy Space Center: The Most Unique Florida Day Trip

Visiting a space center certainly isn’t something you can do anywhere, so why not take a day out of your time in Florida to see one? The Kennedy Space Center is located on Merrit Island and contains dozens of cool exhibits. Every so often, you can even see a rocket take off here, too. 

The various attractions showcase the history and science behind space exploration and is a particularly great Florida day trip for kids. 

Admission tickets cost $47 for kids and $57 for adults at the time of this writing. Kennedy Space Center is about a 1-hour drive from both Orlando and Daytona Beach. 

Sanibel Island: The Most Relaxing Florida Day Trip

Sanibel is a South-Floridian paradise. The small island is one of Florida’s best beach towns and is home to a truly picturesque seaside. 

This paradise is also known for its millions of shells and great fishing opportunities, making it an ideal Florida day trip for those that want to experience the joys of the ocean and nature all in one. 

You can also visit the Bailey Matthews National Shell Museum, which is dedicated to every aspect of seashells. 

Even though it feels like a far-out island, Sanibel is only a 30-minute drive from Fort Myers, a 1-hour drive from Naples, and a 2.5-hour drive from Miami. 

Have Fun Exploring Florida!

That wraps up my recommendations for the best day trips in Florida! I hope you now have a better idea of all the awesome places there are to see in this sunny state– just don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to stay longer than 24 hours in any of these Florida destinations! 

About the Author: Samantha is a full-time backpacker who has spent five years living in Florida and now spends most of her time exploring South Asia. She runs the travel blog Intentional Detours where she shares tips, guides, and tales to help others make it to these off-beat places, too. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram . 

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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Date Ideas in Largo, FL

• TripBuzz discovered 96 different types of activities for couples in the Largo area, including Parks (like Largo Central Park), Bike Paths (like Pinellas Trail), Recreation Centers (like Highland Recreation Complex) and Bowling (like Liberty Lanes), and much more.
• We discovered a total of 243 date ideas in or near Largo, Florida, including 225 fun or romantic activities in nearby cities within 25 miles like Tampa , Clearwater , St. Petersburg and Madeira Beach .

The Original Paint Nite at Local Bars (Up to 46% Off)

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Key Largo To Key West – 24 Amazing Stops Not To Be Missed!

by waynekask | Mar 31, 2024 | Blog , Key West | 0 comments

Last Updated on March 31, 2024

The drive from Key Largo to Key West is a bucket list road trip. It’s simply one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever experience.

This Overseas Highway part of the journey connects Southern Florida to the Southernmost Point in the US. 

The road is marked with Mile Markers that end at Mile Marker zero upon your arrival in Key West.

This highway spans 113 miles and takes roughly 2.5 hours without stops. But sometimes, the fun in travel is making stops along the way to a destination.

A drive to Key West takes you through a chain of 800 Keys connected with 42 bridges.  The most famous bridge is the Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon.

Along the way, a chain of islands off Florida’s southern coast slices the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

You can drive directly from Key Largo to Key West in less than half a day. 

But to experience this unique part of the world, think about spending a few nights on one or more Keys before arriving in Key West.

Key West To Key Largo- Stops To Make Along The Way

Our list curates 24 amazing stops between Key Largo and Key West.

With car keys in hand, let’s get ready to count down the Mile Markers from 106 down to zero.

1. Far Beach

Located within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the serenity of Far Beach is a great place to relax for an afternoon or stay for overnight camping.

This popular Key Largo beach provides many recreational opportunities, including swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and wildlife watching.

The beach includes a wide shallow section, and the water is distinctly warm, making it a perfect place for youngsters to have fun in the water.

If you’re looking for a place to start your Key Largo to Key West adventure, this beach is just a few minutes north of Key Largo.

2. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park features the only true living coral reefs in U.S. continental waters. 

With 70 nautical square miles of natural beauty, this park offers a variety of activities for a fun-filled day for the family.

This state park is a main attraction in Key Largo and bears the nickname “dive capital of the keys.” 

If you’re up for snorkeling or a scuba dive, you can see the nine-foot-tall “Christ of the Abyss” statue in 25 feet of water off the Key Largo coast.

Originally a gift from Italy in the 1960s, the statue continues to attract underwater adventurers. 

Book a half-day tour to explore reefs that are part of the third-largest living reef system on Earth.

3. Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar

Dine in an island atmosphere experience at Bayside Grille. The elevated restaurant offers panoramic views of the Florida Bay.

The menu features local seafood, “certified” Angus steaks, and specialty cocktails.  Bayside Grille is open for lunch and dinner daily.

It’s an excellent place to experience the sunset while dining.

So along with your appetite, bring your camera as the restaurant boasts having the most-photographed sunset in Key Largo!

4. Harry Harris Beach and Park

At mile marker 92.5 Oceanside in Tavernier, spend a pleasant beach day at Harry Harris Beach and Park.

This popular spot offers several amenities, including picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, and a bike path.

Youngsters will enjoy wading in the tidal pool. Just pack your lunch and drinks before arrival, as there are no concessions at this location.

5. Captain Dave Perkins Fishing Charters

Add a day of fishing during your journey to Key West. Captain Dave Perkins offers guided fishing charters in the upper Florida Keys. 

Half-day and full-day charters are offered in the Florida Keys and the Everglades.

Guided by Captain Dave’s knowledge of the area, you’ll experience fishing in some of the most productive waters in the world.

Fish for Mackerel, Pompano, Redfish, Sea Trout, Snapper, Snook, Tarpon, and even Sharks.

You’ll have access to the best gear and tackle during your excursion. 

The fishing is primarily catch and release, though there are certain species you can keep for a meal.

As a host for summer fishing camps, Captain Dave Perkins has much experience fishing with children and offers kid-friendly days on the water. 

You can also bring your dogs on their boats.

6. Founders Park

Located bayside at Mile Marker 87 in Islamorada is Founders Park, a 45-acre multi-recreational facility. 

This destination includes a full list of water activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. 

The beach sections offer a barbecue area with picnic tables, a section of trees for shade, and some of the cleanest facilities you’ll find at any beach in Florida. 

A one-acre fenced dog park is available for your furry best friends.

Recreational facilities include baseball, basketball, golf driving cage, pickleball, soccer, and volleyball. 

Swimmers will enjoy the Olympic size swimming pool with four springboards for divers.

And the serenity of the beach is a great place for yoga.

Photo credit – Wikimedia

7. Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park

Located at Mile Marker 84.9 near Islamorada, Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park is set on Key Largo limestone (fossilized coral).

From the early 1900s until the 1960s, the quarry produced decorative stone called Keystone.

Explore 8-foot-high quarry walls, observe cross-sections of ancient coral, and see historic quarry machinery.

Five self-guided trails provide 1.5 miles of pathways to explore the island’s natural beauty.

You can see over 40 native species of trees and plants. Picnic tables are available throughout the park.

The Alison Fahrer Environmental Education Center (Visitors Center) offers an educational exploration of the area’s old railroad, Florida Keys geology, and more. 

On weekends, guided tours are offered in the park.

8. Theater Of The Sea

Theater of the Sea is a top attraction in Islamorada. The world’s second-oldest marine mammal center offers marine exhibits and live animal shows.

Various animals make their home in the lagoons and tropical gardens.

You can see dolphins, fish, sea lions, turtles, sharks, stingrays, alligators, and many bird species.

Enjoy a bottomless boat ride, spend time on the lagoon-side beach, or participate in a fish and reptile tour. 

Immersive experiences let visitors swim with dolphins trained for dorsal tows, kisses, and hugs. 

Dolphin Stadium offers excellent views from any seat to see the talents of the wonderful animals cared for at Theater of the Sea.

This family-owned attraction has been serving up family fun since 1946. The popular shows have even attracted Presidents Eisenhower and Truman to visit. 

Plan a day enjoying the wonders of the sea during your journey to Key West.

Parade of Nations Exhibit in History of Diving Museum – Photo (c) Wikimedia

9. History Of Diving Museum

About 90 minutes south of Miami near Mile Marker 83 in Islamorada, you’ll arrive at The History of Diving Museum.

This museum preserves artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral history about the history of diving. 

Inside is a history spanning nearly 4,000 years of the quest to explore the depths of the sea.

Exhibits include breath-holding apparatus’, diving machines, helmets, and underwater suits. 

You’ll see one of the largest collections related to diving history in the world.

It’s a unique location for anyone with a passion for man’s exploration of the underwater world.

10. Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail- Fishing Pier

If fishing excites you, you’ll want to visit the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

The historic bridges of this trail have some of Florida’s most popular spots for fishing.  

Cast your line from the fishing platforms along the trail to land your big catch.

Enjoy magnificent views of the Florida Keys and watch pelicans and osprey joining the fishing fun.

Bring your fishing pole and experience the thrill of fishing on The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

11. Long Key State Park

The beautiful Long Key State Park affords numerous recreational opportunities.

Fill your day of adventure at the park with hiking, kayaking, birding, flats fishing, snorkeling, or picnicking. You can rent a kayak from the ranger station.  

The park is a great place to view the abundant natural plant life in the Keys and has restrooms and several picnic tables.

After sustaining Hurricane Damage in recent years, the park is open again after January 1, 2023.

The park’s hike-in and tent-only campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are the only camping option in the park.

12. Keys Cable Park

Halfway to Key West on Grassy Key, you can experience a fun way to shred water via an overhead cable system. 

The 7-acre lake at Keys Cable Park offers two cables to pull riders on wakeboards, waterskis, or kneeboards across the picturesque water of the Florida Keys. 

This experience is a water-ski adventure, but you are pulled by a motorized cable versus following behind a boat. 

A higher tow point makes for an easier ride than conventional water skiing. Staff is available for sports coaching in cable riding.

With Mangroves protecting the lake from wind, you’ll find perfect riding conditions here.

And the cable systems here are powered by the sun providing a green source of wakeboarding. 

The speed of the ride is adjustable for various ability levels.

Bottle Nose Dolphin At Dolphin Research Center Florida – Photo (c) Wikimedia

13. Dolphin Research Center

Visit a nonprofit education facility to learn about dolphins. You can spend an hour or a whole day up close with dolphins. 

Educational presentations are offered in an air-conditioned theater.

Learn fun facts about dolphins in narrated sessions, observe current research, and see dolphins at play.

You can meet dolphins up close and participate in a dolphin encounter swim.

And there’s more than dolphins at this center. Say hello to exotic birds.

Observe sea lions in a natural outdoor setting.  Staff is available to answer your questions about marine life at the center.

14. Coco Plum Beach

Sandy beaches are not abundant in the Keys, so Coco Plum Beach is particularly attractive as it offers lots of sand.

This beach is perfect for a romantic stroll and a place to enjoy solitude.

People come here to catch the sun’s rays, relax, read a book, or swim in the water.

This beach is also a sea turtle nesting area. And it’s also a dog-friendly beach.

So, if your dog is traveling with you. add this stop to your itinerary.

 15. Key Colony Beach Golf

If golf is your game, stop at Par-3  Key Colony Beach Golf. It’s a quaint course in a beautiful setting on the Florida Keys.    

The total par-27 course has a distance of 962 yards. The average hole is 108 yards.

Pack your 9-iron, wedge, and putter for a few hours of fun. And don’t forget your suntan lotion.

You might even run into the occasional iguana on these grounds.

16. Sunset Park Beach

Sunset Park Beach offers clean sand, paths for strolling through a meadow located next to the beach, and room for kids to play and build sandcastles. 

The park offers a few tables and bathrooms. Take a walk to the end of the small pier and admire the beautiful view. 

Take your shoes off, sit on a rock, and let your feet dangle in the water.

As the name suggests, the best time to visit is just before sunset. Look west to watch the sun disappear below the horizon.

There are plenty of benches to sit on and watch the setting sun.

17. Sombrero Beach

The lovely Sombrero Beach on Marathon Key is a gem. This mangrove-free beach offers soft sand and turquoise waters.

It’s a perfect place for sunbathing or getting in the water for an afternoon of snorkeling.

Parking is free next to this beach. The grounds offer picnic pavilions, restrooms, showers, a children’s playground, and volleyball courts.

Sombrero Beach offers total handicap accessibility. Dogs are permitted on leashes. 

Sombrero Beach is a nesting turtle beach, so during the active nesting season, human activity is curtailed near nests. 

This still leaves 90% of the beach available for visitors to enjoy.

18. Seven Mile Bridge

After Sombrero Beach, our next stop is after Seven Mile Bridge. At Mile Marker 47, you’ll experience a journey over the world’s largest segmental bridge.

This engineering marvel connects the Upper Keys to the Lower Keys. 

19. Bahia Honda State Park

We’re in the Lower Keys section of the journey at this point. Crossing over 7-Mile Bridge, consider a stop at Bahia Honda State Park before rushing to Key West. 

When outdoor enthusiasts look for the best beaches in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is at the top of the list.

This beach lovers’ destination has two beaches and camping. 

It’s another place on your Florida Keys road trip route that offers sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, biking, and bird-watching opportunities.

It’s also one of the best places to snorkel in the Florida Keys.

20. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest beach in Key West. This famous beach runs along the southern shore of the island and begins at Mile Marker Zero – the beginning of A1A. 

If you want to enjoy some beach time, this place is for you. The beautiful sandy beach offers plenty of palm trees.

There is access to restrooms and shower facilities. You’ll find snacks and beverages from vending trucks parked by the beach.

For fun in the sun, head to the volleyball court. You can rent a kayak, jet ski, or stand-up paddle board for adventure in the water. 

There’s also a swim zone for snorkelers.

21. Higgs Memorial Beach Park

Higgs Memorial Beach Park is county-owned and located in Key West.

The lower Florida Keys property has nearly 16.5 acres of oceanfront.

Its park includes the 400-foot-long Reynolds Street Pier.

This beach features a wide sandy area and clear shallow water.

You can rent all the necessary items for your perfect beach day from the concessionaire, including beach chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, and kayaks. 

The amenities include two children’s playgrounds, covered picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms and showers, tennis and volleyball courts, a restaurant, and more.

Free self-guided tours of the beautiful two-acre botanical garden area at Fort West Martello are offered by the Key West Garden Club. 

You can see a Civil War Era Fort and the Fort West Martello home listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also featured here is the African Refugee Memorial and burial site.

The park is pet-friendly, offering a large dog park with separate runs for small and large dogs.

Photo credit – Historic Tours of America

22. Old Town Trolley Tours Key West

Once you’re in Key West, the best way to get familiar with the area is to hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tour. 

Knowledgeable tour guides provide live narration during your tour.

The hop-on hop-off feature lets you ride all day long so you can explore the stops along the route at your own pace.

The company offers a mobile-device-ready interactive map to provide helpful information for your Key West exploration.  

You can discover the entire town riding aboard the Old Town Trolley. There’s no stress of worrying about where to park your car. 

Frequent pickups are offered at every stop, and you never have to walk too far before returning to the trolley again.

This tour is a wonderful way to explore the tropical paradise of Key West.

Highlights of this tour: 

• Discover more than 100 points of interest
• Learn about the history of Key West from your friendly guide
• Hop on and off at 12 convenient stops around the island

Book the Key West Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

23. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Florida’s State Parks culminate with the park system’s southernmost location in Key West.

Step into history at the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, a designated National Historic Landmark.

The fort hails from the mid-1800s as a defense fortress for the nation’s southeastern coast. 

Guided tours are offered daily. This beautiful Civil War-era relic displays brick archways built by old-world craftsmen who brought castle-building skills to the United States. 

You can see one of the country’s largest collections of Civil War armaments at this site.

At the park’s south end, you’ll find a popular beach that attracts swimmers, snorkelers, and fishing enthusiasts. 

A short nature trail offers a pathway for a leisurely stroll.

24. Mallory Square

When you get about as far as you can go on your trip to Key West, you’ll reach Mile Marker 0, the southern end of the United States.

When you’re here, don’t miss Mallory Square. Located at the island’s northwest corner, the famous square offers breathtaking views and an atmosphere that makes time pass without notice.

This place is action-packed and a great spot to see the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Most evenings, the square becomes a festive spot filled with performers, street vendors, and plenty of food and drinks.

You can sample everything from Cuban food to conch fritters, a cold libation, and more.

If you want a souvenir from your trip, you’ll find an abundant selection in the numerous gift shops – but have cash available for payment.

There are plenty of artisan crafts unique to the area, including woven baskets, paintings, mouth-blown glass, and photography.  

Mallory Square is a great place to end the day and celebrate the completion of your journey from Key Largo.

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Key West Boat Tours

When you arrive at Key West, it’s the end of the road for your vehicle.

However, you can still continue traveling by taking one of the many boat tours available in Key West. 

Here are a few 5-star rated boat tours to book in Key West:

Photo credit – Key West Extreme Adventures

 Shark And Wildlife Viewing Adventure in Key West

This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 1365 reviews!

Tour length- 2 Hours

Get close to marine wildlife on this Key West boat tour. You’ll travel on board a 34-foot catamaran to see dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and birds.

When the pilot drops bait into the water, watch as sharks come right up to the boat for their feast. 

Bring your camera to capture the moment.

Book the Shark And Wildlife Viewing Adventure In Key West

Photo credit – Floridays

Sunset Sail In Key West With Beverages Included

This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 485 reviews!

Tour length- 1 hour and 30 minutes

Set sail into the waters of Key West to catch a view of the magnificent sunset while enjoying drinks. 

This intimate small group experience provides a relaxed way to enjoy the end of the day on a memorable sunset cruise.

Book the Sunset Sail In Key West With Beverages Included

Photo credit – Danger Charters

 Half-Day Cruise From Key West With Kayaking And Snorkeling

This tour is rated 5 Stars on Viator with over 1080 reviews!

Tour length- 4 hours and 30 minutes

Enjoy a half-day of fun in the sun on this combination sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling adventure. 

Cruises are available in the morning and afternoon. You’ll kayak through mangrove-canopied canals.

Then put on the snorkel and get in the water to see nearly 600 different marine species above a coral reef.

And while on the boat, enjoy snacks and drinks on a perfect Key West day.

Book the Half-Day Cruise From Key West With Kayaking And Snorkeling

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do you need for key largo to key west drive with stops.

Depending on traffic, the 113-mile drive from Key Largo to Key West has a direct travel time of roughly 2.5 hours. 

But with so many amazing stops available, you’ll have a fuller experience with one or more overnight stays during your journey. 

Your best bets for a place to spend the night between Key Largo and Key West include Islamorada, Marathon, and the Lower Keys.

Yes, you can make the journey in half a day. But scheduling several days for this trip will provide enough time to fully experience the natural beauty and best stops between Key Largo and Key West.

Route To Take – How To Get From Key West To Key Largo?

By car, the route from Key Largo is a direct journey on US-1 South. 

A trip by car is your best bet as you’ll have the most flexibility to plan an itinerary with stops along the way of your choosing.

Are There Tolls On The Route?

Florida has many toll roads. The good news is that once you enter the Florida Overseas Highway, your main pathway between Key Largo and Key West, there are no tolls .

If you spend more time in Florida, you may want to explore getting a SunPass.

Without this pass, you’ll be billed by the TOLL-BY-PLATE system, which adds an extra $25 fee on top of the toll.

Note that along the route to Key West, there is an old alternate toll road (905A Card Sound Road) for which you would need cash to cross a toll bridge. 

You can complete the journey from Key Largo to Key West without paying toll fees.

Is There A Shuttle From Key Largo To Key West?

There is a bus service between Key Largo and Key West and a private shuttle option.

However, you’ll only want to consider this mode of transport if your main interest is to get directly to Key West without experiencing the many attractions en route from Key Largo. 

If bus tickets are of interest to you, here are a few options:

• Flixbus USA offers bus travel twice daily bus routes between these two locations.
• Greyhound Bus Service operates between Miami, Key Largo, and Key West.
• Private Shuttle: Florida Keys Express Shuttle

You may be interested in these related posts:

Best Sunset Cruises In Key Largo: Highest Rated Tours

Key Largo Snorkeling Tours: 9 Highest Rated In 2023!

Key West Jetski Rentals: 5 Best Tours In 2023!

Key West Kayaking Tours: 7 Highest Rated In 2023

Key West Snorkeling Tours: 12 Best Tours In 2023

Always On The Shore contains affiliate links and if you make a purchase, we make a small commission at no cost to you.

For more information, please read the disclaimer page . 

Booking a last-minute trip to Key Largo or Key West?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!

Top Tours in Key Largo

Snorkel Trip On Reefs In Florida Keys (Half-Day Snorkeling Tour From Key Largo)

Key Largo Snorkeling Tour (With Gear, Snacks and Drinks!)

Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure ( Explore Key Largo’s Wildlife And Ecosystem)

Top Tours in Key West

Key West Sunset Sail (With Full Bar, Live Music, and Hors D’oeuvres)

Key West Reef Snorkeling Excursion (Half-Day Snorkeling Tour In Key West Florida)

Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour ( Kayak Tour Of Key West Mangroves)

Top Hotels In Key Largo

Atlantic Bay Resort – (High-Rated Beach Front Resort)

Seafarer Key Largo Resort And Beach – (Budget Hotel Nearby Beach)

Top Hotels In Key West

Douglas House – (Top-Rated Hotel Perfect For Couples!)

The Capitana Key West   – (Top-Rated Luxury Hotel In Key West)

  Looking To Get Around In Key Largo or Key West?

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗

Travel resources.

Book Your Next Trip!  For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.

To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator , they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!

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You can do this on Amelia Island, not far from Jacksonville.

- VISIT FLORIDA

Day Trips: Ideas to Make the Most of a Day in Florida

By VISIT FLORIDA Staff

So. You’re on vacation in Florida. Welcome. Isn’t it great? 

Make it even better with a day trip from where you already are. It's the best way to see, experience and enjoy even more of the Sunshine State.

Here are some suggestions for some great Florida day trips, from major vacation and airport hubs, that you can complete in a single day. Who knows – you might discover your next holiday destination.

From Pensacola  

Blackwater river state forest.

Escape the city and head to one of  Florida’s National forests . With its neighboring areas Blackwater River State Forest has the largest population of longleaf pine trees in the world. Explore the natural landscape by foot on a hike by canoe or on horseback. Float down one of the waterways and stop for a picnic on the shimmering white sands of a sandbar. 

Want more? Here are  10 additional day trips from Pensacola .

A view from Blackwater River State Forest

- J.D. Andrews

From Destin/Fort Walton Beach

Known as the birthplace of New Urbanism (and the setting for the 1998 film “The Truman Show”), Seaside is an idyllic Northwest Florida community set against the area’s stunning beaches and makes for a great Florida day trip. Check out the quaint art galleries and shops or try stand-up paddleboarding in the crystal-blue waters.

Seaside, a Northwest Florida town built from scratch in the 1980s, is the standard for New Urbanism, a design movement that emphasizes an organic marriage of street life, local businesses, and neighborly gathering spots. The beach is pretty extraordinary, too.

- Kevin McGeever

From Tallahassee

Wakulla springs.

Wakulla Springs is more a park than a city but one well worth making a special day trip from Tallahassee. Located fewer than 20 miles from Tallahassee’s city center  Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park  features one of the largest and deepest  natural springs in Florida . That may be why “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” was filmed here! Take a boat tour to see local critters such as alligators turtles and birds. Of course you won’t be able to resist dipping into the refreshingly cool springs too.

Not done yet? Here are  10 more days trips from Tallahassee .

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is the world's largest and deepest freshwater spring rimmed by an ancient cypress swamp.

- Stacy Hilton

From Jacksonville

Amelia island and fernandina beach.

Amelia Island is a golf and spa haven while  Fernandina Beach  to the north is a quaint historic town known for its artwork antiques and boutiques. Both are great day trips from Jacksonville. Some must-see attractions on Amelia Island are  Fort Clinch State Park  which served as a military post during the Civil War the Spanish-American War and World War II; Amelia Island Lighthouse which began operating in 1839 and still operates today; and American Beach which was founded in 1935 by A.L. Lewis Florida’s first African-American millionaire.

Wait. We're just getting started. Here are  10 more days trips from Jax .

And. with  St. Augustine  less than an hour away. Here's  what to do  in this historic city.

Woman riding brown horse on the beach at Amelia Island

- Patrick Farrell

From Gainesville

St. augustine.

Tour the nation’s oldest city via a guided tour bus or tram and stop at all the major points of interest including an authentic Spanish fort and the Fountain of Youth. You can also take in the sights on a scenic boat ride or helicopter tour. Just off Interstate 95 in St. Augustine is the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. Nearby golfers can get their fill at World Golf Village and the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The Castillo de San Marcos, located on the bayfront of Historic St. Augustine, is the oldest masonry fortification in the US.

From Daytona Beach

Ormond beach.

Located just north of Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach offers a few quirky local attractions for a Florida day trip. Tour The Casements the former winter home of John D. Rockefeller that now serves as the city’s cultural center. Spend some quality time outdoors at  North Peninsula State Park  with more than 2 miles of sandy beaches. Visit Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens for nature trails fish ponds and fountains set amid lush tropical gardens. The best part? All of the attractions are free.

Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach were named two of the top 13 places to surf in Florida - Coastal Living 2018. This designation makes the area a great place to learn to surf safely with the guidance of expert outfitters.

From Orlando

Daytona beach.

Though known for its famous beaches, Daytona Beach offers plenty of other attractions. Catch breakfast at the Dancing Avocado Kitchen in historic downtown Daytona Beach. Get behind the wheel of a racecar at the  Richard Petty Experience  at Daytona International Speedway or take a tour of the famous racetrack with the Daytona 500 Experience. Indulge your sweet tooth with a free tour of Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory. Take in the exhibits at the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Arts and Sciences.

There's much more to experience near Orlando. Check out these  10 additional day trips from Orlando .

And, there's also  plenty to do  in  St. Augustine , a historic city only about 90 minutes away from Orlando.

Along the Daytona Beach shore. - 500PX

From Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater

Charlotte harbor.

A day trip to Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands can include a morning swamp buggy tour through the 90 000-acre Crescent B Ranch a working cattle ranch with Babcock Wilderness Adventures. Enjoy a waterfront seafood lunch at Laishley Crab House. Spend the rest of the day strolling the shops at  Fishermen’s Village .

Keep going... to  10 more day trips from Tampa/St.Petersburg/Clearwater .

Sailing competitiotns like the Conquistador Cup are part of a full calendar of events taking place in and around Charlotte Harbor.

- Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands

From Sarasota/Bradenton

Anna maria island.

Start with breakfast at Ginny and Jane E’s a local favorite featuring delicious pastries and island-themed gifts. Go on a paddle tour with Captain Scott to Robinson Preserve where you’ll take in native landscapes and miles of trails (and perhaps catch a glimpse of a bald eagle). Finish the day with a spectacular sunset followed by casual dining at Island Time Bar & Grill or semi-fine dining at Bridge Street Bistro. Use the free Island Trolley to make your way around the island. Stay at the  BridgeWalk Resort  across from the beach if you decide to linger another day.

The clear waters and white sand of Anna Maria Island

- beachhunter.net

From Naples

Big cypress reservation.

Explore Florida’s biggest attraction the Everglades at  Billie Swamp Safari . Learn the history of the Seminole Tribe and try a swamp buggy tour an airboat ride alligator show and more. Sample frog legs or alligator tail at the Swamp Water Café. If you’re so inclined you can even stay the night in an authentic native-style chickee hut.

"The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Protecting over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther." (Source: National Park Service)

From Palm Beach

Get back to nature at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge America’s first national wildlife refuge or St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park home to wildlife such as manatees scrub jays Southern bald eagles and bobcats. During June and July you can learn about Florida's giant sea turtles and possibly see a nesting loggerhead or leatherback sea turtle on a free ranger-led tour.

Kayakers enjoy a paddle in St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park.

- Photo by Ken Gruden

Visit the famed Florida Keys without the long drive. Stop in Key Largo for its world-class diving at  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park . Visit the Holiday Inn marina to see and take a tour on the original African Queen from the classic Humphrey Bogart flick of the same name. Cigar aficionados can even stop at one of the oldest cigar shops in the Keys the Island Smoke Shop. At only an hour drive from Miami, Key Largo is a fantastic Florida day trip from Miami.

That's not all. Here are  10 more day trips from Miami.

Christ of the Abyss is one of the favorite sites for adventurers in Key Largo.

Gainesville

Gainesville is where miles of hiking trails intersect with world-renowned museums. Nowhere demonstrates that better than the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention , located in the scenic Depot Park, with 32 acres of natural wetlands, ponds, and trails to explore.  

And after all that adventuring? Enjoy the sunset with a delicious meal and drink from the restaurants, wine garden, or brewery that look out over the park. 

The Cade Museum in Gainesville.

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What to expect from Debby: A Florida city-by-city impact breakdown

As of Sunday afternoon, Tropical Storm Debby is 12 to 16 hours from making landfall in Apalachee Bay, likely as a Category 1 hurricane.

Dangerous surge will peak Monday morning in eastern Apalachee Bay and the Nature Coast, with winds capable of snarling trees and powerlines in coastal sections of the Big Bend and possibly inland.

Debby’s track is angling a bit east today, but no matter where it makes landfall, a broad and serious flood threat will persist over northeast Florida, and eastern Georgia and the Carolinas deep into the week.

As of the NHC’s 5 p.m. advisory, Tropical Storm Debby’s maximum sustained winds remain near 65 mph, about 10 mph shy of Category 1 hurricane status.

The official NHC intensity forecast is calling for steady strengthening through landfall, with peak maximum sustained winds of 85 mph by Monday morning.

Steady rather than explosive strengthening expected as Debby contends with dry air

As of Sunday afternoon, an eye is trying to appear on radar, but dry air to Debby’s west is slowing development of a symmetrical core; there is a broad area of tropical-storm-force winds to the circulation center’s east, but none to its west. 

For this reason, I continue to think strengthening into landfall will be steady rather than explosive, and a landfall intensity of 75 to 90 mph is probable.

Debby closing in on Taylor County, but a hurricane is not a point to be fixated on

Debby is now moving north at around 12 mph. As of 5 p.m., the NHC forecast track calls for continued northward movement this evening, followed by a gradual bend north-northeast overnight. The NHC track, which suggests a most likely landfall point in western Taylor County on Monday morning, may well slide a bit further east prior to landfall.

A hurricane is not a point, and impacts from Debby, especially rainfall, will extend over a large part of Florida and the Southeast for many days regardless of its exact track.

However, Debby’s surge impacts will occur near and to the east of the landfall point, with little or no surge to the west, and the strongest winds will occur in its core, which is likely to be 30 or so miles wide at landfall.

Tallahassee may again be spared the worst of a tropical threat

If you’re in Tallahassee or western Apalachee Bay, that means there is a big difference between a more westward track towards Alligator Point and a more eastward track towards Steinhatchee. West means a Hermine-like hit from the core in Tallahassee, and east brings some gusty rain, but not much else.

Observations on Sunday afternoon suggest a more eastward track in which the core of Debby passes east of Tallahassee and spares central and western Apalachee Bay destructive surge.

As Debby’s low- and mid-level centers became better stacked this afternoon, the storm slowed down, which often presages a change in direction as well. In the last few hours, Debby appears to be moving due north, or even a touch east of north.

Though we should not over-interpret short-term wobbles, the position of the steering upper-level trough is such that Debby should not move any farther west than where it is now, which is about 150 miles due south of St Marks.

Hurricane history: Tallahassee's hits and near misses since the 1800s

Hurricane Idalia retrospective: A 'meteorological sneeze' separates fortune from utter ruin

Hurricane Idalia déjà vu?

Track models for Debby have broken down along similar lines as during Idalia.

The GFS and hurricane-specific models like HAFS and HWRF have favored a Hermine-like track into western Apalachee Bay over the last few days, while the European and British models have held serve into the eastern Big Bend, with the NHC forecast consistently leaning east as well.

This afternoon’s GFS and hurricane models shifted east, but all of the GFS ensemble members are still too far west comparing their short-term forecasts to what Debby is actually doing in the real world. Expect the GFS to cave to the Euro in the end, as in Idalia. 

For that reason, I’d put my money on a landfall in Taylor County, probably just northwest of Steinhatchee.

Assuming that scenario is what plays out, let’s take as specific a look as possible at Florida’s region-by-region impacts, from least to worst.

Surge, wind, rain: A Florida impact breakdown by region

Remember, these are short-term impacts through Tuesday: Debby is also likely to have a long tail of flood risks in eastern Georgia and the coastal Carolinas as it moves slowly over those areas or just offshore through Thursday or Friday.

Southeast Florida, East-central Florida, and Western Panhandle

(including Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Melbourne, Orlando, Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola)

Debby’s impacts will be minor here. Look for periodic bands of showers today through Tuesday, more frequent in east-central Florida and the central Panhandle. Rainfall will add to up 2 inches or less, other than in the western Panhandle, which sees little precipitation due to Debby wrapping in drier air from its west.

Southwest Florida and west-central Florida

(including Tampa Bay, Naples , Fort Myers , Bradenton, and Sarasota )

Southwest Florida and Tampa Bay’s primary impact will be the 2-4 feet of storm surge that is already being felt this evening, and the heavy, continuous rainfall that has been falling since this morning.

Areas south of Tampa have already seen 2-4+ inches of rainfall in the last two days, and another 3-6+ inches is probable through Tuesday, heaviest north of Tampa.

Peak wind gusts along the coast have been in the 45-55 mph range today and these type of gusts will slowly end from south to north between late today and mid-day Monday.

Northeast Florida and coastal Georgia

(including Jacksonville , Gainesville , St. Augustine, Brunswick, and Savannah)

This area will be on Debby’s “dirty” eastern side, with rainbands increasing later tonight and heavy rainfall continuing into at least Tuesday as Debby crawls east-northeast across southeastern Georgia post-landfall.

Flooding rainfall is the major threat here, with widespread totals through early Wednesday of 6-12”, and higher local totals possible.

Savannah is in a rare and ominous high risk region for flash flooding in the NWS’ excessive rain outlook, and the rest of Northeast Florida and eastern Georgia is also under an elevated risk of flooding.

Offshore winds mean little or no surge threat in Florida, but coastal Georgia and South Carolina north to Charleston may see a few feet of surge by Tuesday. These areas are under a Tropical Storm Watch and Storm Surge Watch.

There is also an inland Tropical Storm Watch over portions of northeast Florida, where lower-end tropical-storm-force wind gusts of 40 to 55 mph are possible through the day on Monday.

Eastern Big Bend and Nature Coast

(including Taylor and Madison County)

This region will bear the brunt of Debby. Storm Surge Warnings are in effect for all of Apalachee Bay and Nature Coast, with life-threatening surge peaking out at 6-10 feet in eastern Apalachee Bay south to Cedar Key.

The area of highest surge danger is between Taylor County and the northern Nature Coast, where Hermine’s surge values (7.5 feet in Cedar Key) are probably a decent guide as to what to expect.

Farther south, likely surge will be 5 feet or so along the Nature Coast. The timing of overnight high tide in eastern Apalachee Bay of around 4 a.m. is not ideal, though at least it is likely to come a few hours before landfall.

The eastern Apalachee Bay coastal counties (Taylor, Dixie, and Levy) will also see the most damaging winds from Debby Monday morning, amplified by the region’s direct hit from Category 3 Idalia last August.

This isn’t Idalia, but hurricane-force coastal gusts are probable in eastern Apalachee Bay and the northern Nature Coast Monday morning, and moderate-to-strong tropical-storm-force gusts associated with Debby’s decaying core will likely again angle toward Madison, where inland Hurricane Warnings are in effect.

Torrential rain beginning this evening and continuing through late Monday will also cause a severe flash flooding threat across the Big Bend and northern Nature Coast.

Rain totals of 10 inches or more are expected, though Monday’s heavy rain will likely taper to intermittent showers on Tuesday, and the region should be mostly dry on Wednesday. 

Western Big Bend/Eastern Panhandle

(including Tallahassee)

Finally, Florida’s Capital Region will probably (but not certainly) dodge the worst of Debby.

With the center likely to move across eastern Apalachee Bay Monday morning, surge risks west of St. Marks are falling as long as Debby doesn’t take any unexpected wobbles to the left. Otherwise, expect a sharp gradient in wind and rain impacts across the eastern Panhandle, with the precise location of that dividing line going down to the wire.

Assuming a track to Taylor County, the eastern Panhandle will see bands pushing through from the southeast for the remainder of this evening, with heavier and steadier rain associated with Debby’s outer core beginning after midnight.

These heavy outer core rains, which will have embedded wind gusts in the 40 to 50 mph range, will extend perhaps a county west of Tallahassee at their furthest extent due to Debby’s lopsided structure and impinging dry air.

Look for the worst of the rain and wind in Tallahassee and the Capital Region mid-morning as Debby follows an Idalia-like track through the eastern Big Bend, with conditions easing to intermittent gusty showers in the afternoon. Rain totals will range from just 1-2 inches along the Apalachicola River to 6-8 inches in Monticello. 

If Debby was to continue due north from its current position or make an unexpected jaunt westward, that would bump the western Big Bend into the Hermine-like 55-70 mph peak wind gust range, as well as increasing rain totals and flood risks dramatically.

I don’t expect that to happen, but will be watching closely, as the NHC track is yet another exceedingly close shave for this part of North Florida.

Finally, a major longer-range threat down the road remains the extreme rainfall totals caused by Debby’s expected slow motion over the next five days. Rain totals of 10-15+ inches from the Suwannee Valley into coastal North Carolina, create prime conditions for widespread flash flooding. These risks start Monday and continue through Friday, especially across the coastal Southeast.

Last word: Cat. 1 Debby will likely pack an outsized punch

In short, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Debby is expected to be a Category 1 at landfall and its core will probably just miss Tallahassee to the southeast, but Category 1 hurricanes can pack an outsized punch.

Debby is very likely to pack that punch in surge terms along eastern Apalachee Bay and the Nature Coast, and in flooding terms across a swath of the Southeast U.S. this week.

Back at 9:30 p.m. with a live video forecast. In the meantime, good luck and keep watching the skies.

Dr. Ryan Truchelut is chief meteorologist at WeatherTiger, a Tallahassee company providing forensic meteorology expert witness services, and agricultural and hurricane forecasting subscriptions. Visit  weathertiger.com  for more information. Email Truchelut at [email protected]

From Miami to Key Largo: 5 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Shandley McMurray Jan 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Shandley McMurray has spent years traveling on trains, planes, and automobiles throughout Florida.

Quaint Key Largo lies in contrast to Miami's buzzy scene and exciting beaches . A haven for tourists looking to escape Miami's hustle and bustle, nearby Key Largo offers a more natural vacation filled with sparkling marinas, cute restaurants, and optimal diving conditions.

Key Largo is located just over 60 miles south of Miami , making it a popular day trip destination . There are multiple ways to reach Key Largo, but the easiest way to get there from Miami is by car. Or, if you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, taking a bus is the cheapest way to travel. Have oodles of cash? Charter a boat or book a private plane.

Use our list of the best ways to get from Miami to Key Largo to help plan your visit.

On This Page:

• From Miami to Key Largo by Car
• From Miami to Key Largo by Bus
• From Miami to Key Largo by Tour
• From Miami to Key Largo by Plane
• From Miami to Key Largo by Boat

1. From Miami to Key Largo by Car

The best way to get from Miami to Key Largo is by car . If you're arriving at Miami International Airport, as many tourists do, rent a car at the terminal to save time and hassle. The drive, which is about 60 miles, will take about 1.5 hours , depending on traffic.

Avoid tolls by taking the FL-826 S in Fontainbleau before following US-1 to Key Largo. This will add about 15 minutes to your drive versus taking the Ronald Reagan Turnpike to the US-1, which is the fastest driving route from Miami to Key Largo .

If you have time to spare, make a pit stop at the Ernest F Coe Visitor Center in Homestead to search for gators in the Everglades. There are multiple trails nearby if you're hoping to stretch your legs while visiting some of Florida's most famous creatures. This will add about 40 minutes of driving time, but the experience is phenomenal, and exploring the Everglades is one of the best things to do in Florida .

The most popular car rental companies used in Miami include, Sixt , Hertz , and Enterprise , which can be found at the airport. Or, up your swagger with a plush rental from Miami Luxury Auto Rent . Did someone say Lamborghini?

Be sure to ask the rental car company about their policy on tolls. Many companies charge an additional fee for taking their car on a toll road, so you'll want to be prepared.

2. From Miami to Key Largo by Bus

Not up for driving yourself? No worries. There are plenty of other ways to hit the road without having to be responsible for directions. For instance, taking a bus is one of the easiest ways to get from Miami to Key Largo . The bus journey will take about as long as it would to drive yourself (about an hour and a half), but you'll have less stress in the long run.

Greyhound makes the run multiple times a day from one of two locations: 4450 NW 20 th Street or the Miami Intermodal Center at the Miami Airport. They arrive at 99501 Overseas Highway in Key Largo.

You won't be bored during your trip—these buses come complete with free Wi-Fi and an onboard entertainment system. There's also extra legroom for those who'd like to stretch out. Fares are super affordable, ranging from $12 to $23.

FlixBus is another good option, with rides leaving from Miami Beach, downtown, and the Miami Intermodal Center for a very reasonable price ($9 and up). It, too, offers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard entertainment.

Book a Florida Keys Shuttle for a private luxury trip in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van. They will pick you up wherever you'd like (Miami International Airport, for example, or a hotel) and drop you at your hotel or another location you choose.

Be prepared, though, this ride could cost as much as $650 depending on how long you'd like to hire the bus. The shortest time is two hours for $350. That said, the bus seats 14, so it's a reasonable deal if you're splitting the bill with friends or family.

3. From Miami to Key Largo by Tour

It's easy to enjoy a day trip from Miami to Key Largo, especially if you book an official tour. Leave the driving and planning to someone else, so you can sit back, soak up the scenery, and have a professional show you around the best places to visit.

The Key Largo Day Trip from Downtown Miami offers tourists a well-rounded way to see the area's sights and participate in one of the best things to do in Key Largo: snorkel. Each tour includes round-trip transportation on an air-conditioned bus, a guided two-and-a-half-hour snorkeling excursion on a catamaran, and use of snorkeling gear.

Aside from the snorkeling trip, visitors have free reign to enjoy Key Largo's attractions on their own and grab a bite to eat at one of the tasty local restaurants. This tour begins at 7am at the entrance to Bayside Marketplace (401 Biscayne Blvd) and returns around 9:30pm.

4. From Miami to Key Largo by Plane

Just can't wait to get to Key Largo? Why not hop on a plane? The closest major airport to Key Largo is Miami International Airport , but you can always charter a private plane from a company like Evo Jets to take you the rest of the way.

While Key Largo doesn't have its own airport, there's a private airport at nearby Ocean Reef Club . It lies 10 miles north of Key Largo. An "executive turboprop" can fly you here in 10 minutes for between $10,500 and $14,100 return. Or, shave four minutes off your travel time by flying on a "heavy jet," like a Gulfstream G-IV. It will cost upwards of $47,200 but think of all that extra time you'll have.

Keys Seaplanes is another good option for those who'd rather take to the skies to enjoy a bird's-eye view of Key Largo. This is a more affordable option and can work with your own schedule, not to mention the fact that they can land on water and on land.

5. From Miami to Key Largo by Boat

No ferry runs between Miami and Key Largo, which is sad for those of us who want to cruise the azure ocean water. If you won't be happy with a land-based journey, consider chartering a boat.

Miami Charters has a slew of fun options to choose from, including speed boats, mega yachts, and catamarans. You can even rent a fishing charter to try your luck at reeling in a big one along the way.

More on Florida

Donald Trump says he has accepted invites for three September debates with Kamala Harris

Trump's encounter with reporters took place as his campaign seeks to draw a contrast between the former president and vice president harris..

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated with new details.

In a wide-ranging news conference , Donald Trump said he has accepted debate invites from three networks as he was peppered with questions at Mar-a-Lago for more than an hour Thursday.

The encounter was designed to highlight his campaign's recent criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, for not having conducted media interviews — but it also raised significant scrutiny about a number of the former president's statements.

Trump said the trio of debates next month would be aired by Fox on Sept. 4, NBC on Sept. 10 and ABC on Sept. 25.

"I look forward to the debates because we have to set the record straight," Trump said. "I hope she agrees to them."

Trump, who last week boasted that he had been a better president than Abraham Lincoln for Black Americans, on Thursday drew more scoffing when he claimed his Jan. 6, 2021, speech, which preceded the violence at the U.S. Capitol, was better attended than the Rev. Martin Luther King's August 1963 "I Have a Dream" address at the Lincoln Memorial.

"Nobody's spoken to crowds bigger than me," he said. "When you look at Martin Luther King, when he did his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people if not we had more. And they said he had a million people but I had 25,000 people. But when you look at the exact same picture ... and you look at it, and you look at the picture of his crowd, my crowd, we actually had more people."

More confusing was Trump's assertion that former California political leader Willie Brown had bad-mouthed Harris during a helicopter trip that, according to Trump, ended with an emergency landing. Reached by media afterward, Brown denied that he had been on a helicopter ride with Trump and restated his support for Harris, with whom he had been in a relationship years ago.

On Saturday, the New York Times reported that former Los Angeles city councilman and state senator Nate Holden, now 95, said he was with Trump on a helicopter ride 34 years ago in New Jersey that encountered mechanical trouble. Holden's assertion and Brown's denial not only cast doubt on Trump's initial telling of the anecdote but potentially fueled more questioning of Trump's memory and cognitive status.

Harris campaign slams MLK comments, insists on ABC debate Sept. 10

The Harris campaign took immediate aim at Trump's claim about attendance at King's historic rally 61 years ago this month.

"We worked to pin down reality so Donald Trump, bless his heart, doesn’t have to," the campaign said. "January 6th was decidedly nothing like MLK’s 'I Have a Dream' speech. And Trump did not get a bigger crowd than Martin Luther King Jr. on that historic day."

In a statement following his remarks, the Harris campaign insisted "the ABC debate is September 10th. Not the 25th," a reference to the previously agreed-to debate between Trump and President Joe Biden before Biden bowed out of the race. 

According to CNN reporting Thursday from Detroit, where Harris and her vice president candidate Tim Walz were campaigning, Harris said she agreed to the Sept. 10 debate on ABC. She did not comment further on other dates mentioned by Trump.

Trump restates many stump talking points, falsehoods during Mar-a-Lago news conference

For the most part, Trump restated many of his campaign talking points.

He said Harris "destroyed" San Francisco while she was the chief prosecutor there, claimed that the Biden administration has allowed millions of immigrants to cross the border straight out of insane asylums he described as "mental institutions on steroids." He said Americans cannot afford bacon and also harped on what he describes as the inadequacies of electric vehicles.

He repeated his dystopian future for the country, saying this week's stock market "crash" is a signal of a potential economic "depression" and concerns World War III lies ahead.

"We have a very, very sick country right now," he said.

Trump also incorrectly said "they took the presidency away" from President Joe Biden, although Biden remains as president. And he aired grievances about media reports of the candidate's crowd sizes saying his rallies far outdraw Harris' events.

"Give me a break," he said. "We have the enthusiasm, the Republican Party, and me as a candidate, the Republican Party has the enthusiasm."

Trump also said he will hold a news conference at "an appropriate time" to say how he will vote on Florida's Amendment 4 on reproductive rights, and added his feeling the outcome could be "a liberal" result.

Trump said despite being shot by an assault weapon, he has not changed his views on gun safety issues, saying the toughest firearms control laws are in Chicago and the city was the scene of more than 100 shootings during the July Fourth weekend.

"When I was president, I protected the guns," he said. "Our Second Amendment is a very important right, and it has to be protected."

Trump accused Harris of avoiding media questioning

Trump spoke Thursday as polls showed a tightening race. The Cook Political Report changed its ratings on battleground states Arizona, Nevada and Georgia from "leaning Republican" to "toss-up." The scheduling Thursday of a news conference took place as his campaign seeks to draw a contrast between the candidates .

"It's Day 18 and Kamala Harris is still ducking the media — no press conferences, interviews, or substantive reporter engagement of any kind," Trump-Vance officials wrote in a press statement early Thursday.

The Trump campaign has been emphasizing what it says is a difference between Trump, who frequently answer s questions as a candidate, as well as when he was president, and  Harris . It is a peculiar line of attack, strategists have noted, given Trump's own record as a disruptor of political norms, including skipping all four 2023 Republican Party primary debates in which the now-nominee would have been asked questions from journalist moderators and also asked to respond to criticism from his rivals.

The vice president's campaign derided the comparison, noting Trump's often controversial pronouncements that Walz went viral with by calling Trump and running mate J.D. Vance "weird."

"The most insecure man in America takes the mic. What could go wrong?" the campaign said in a statement about an hour before's Trump news conference. "Donald Trump is off the campaign trail. Instead of visiting battlegrounds, he is rage-Truthing from his basement. Instead of talking to voters, he is spiraling online."

After Trump left the podium, the Harris campaign slammed what it termed his "meltdown" in front of television cameras.

"He hasn’t campaigned all week. He isn’t going to a single swing state this week. But he sure is mad Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are getting big crowds across the battlegrounds," Harris for President said in a statement listing more than 30 falsehoods it attributed to Trump during his news conference. "The facts were hard to track and harder to find in Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago meltdown this afternoon."

The anti-Trump group Lincoln Project said the former president was "unhinged and rambling" as he spoke.

“You think this is bad? Now imagine him with full immunity and unfettered power," the group said in a statement. "Democrats need to get out and campaign like it's the last election — because if Trump wins, it might be.”

Election 2024: Trump credits son Barron Trump for appearance on Gen Z livestream with Adin Ross

Trump's most recent media relations efforts have had mixed results

How much a distinction over press availability will play with the electorate is unclear. Poll after poll has spotlighted the economy and immigration, generally trailed by abortion rights and worrisome foreign conflicts, as the top concerns on voters' minds in Florida and elsewhere.

Trump's recent media appearances have had mixed results.

On Aug. 5, he answered questions from an ally, right-wing streamer Adin Ross, and the Republican nominee walked away with a new gold Rolex watch and a Tesla Cybertruck gifted to him by Ross for appearing on the show.

Trump used the opportunity to reach out to an important constituency for him: young, conservative males, who follow Ross. The 23-year-old streamer in the past has drawn criticism for having aired interviews with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and for seeking out neo-Nazis. He reportedly said he did so to open a dialogue about their views.

But a July 31 moderated discussion at the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago turned volatile and tense with Trump complaining that the questions were "disgraceful" and that the chat was carried out in a "horrible manner."

He repeatedly lashed out at ABC News reporter Rachel Scott, one of the panelists, and said the network was "fake news" and blamed her for a faulty microphone issue that delayed the start of the interview. He also seethed he had been "invited under false pretenses."

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at  [email protected] .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today .

New film explores: Could a Swedish serial killer be responsible for the Boca mall murders?

Randi Gorenberg had finished shopping at the Boca Town Center mall about 1:15 p.m. and was walking to her car, her phone to her ear. She walked slowly as if speaking to someone, then stopped, put her phone in her purse and started walking briskly.

That is the last sighting, found on surveillance video, of the 52-year-old mother of two alive and well. About 40 minutes later and five miles away, a witness hears a gunshot and sees a woman being dumped bleeding from an Mercedes SUV onto a road in a county park. Gorenberg had been fatally shot in the left temple.

The March 2007 slaying of a pillar of the west Boca Raton Jewish community wasn't the only attack connected to the Boca mall that year. In August, another mother would be carjacked with her 2-year-old son. They survived. Then in December, Nancy Bochicchio and her 7-year-old daughter, Joey, were found slain in their idling SUV.

Randi Gorenberg’s mother: Killer of my daughter ‘has to be caught’

The cases remain unsolved, but now a filmmaker is offering another possible person of interest: Peter Mangs, a Swedish serial killer. In the documentary, "Under the Radar — Secrets of a Swedish Serial Killer," filmmaker John Mork travels to South Florida to look at seven cases, including five linked to Palm Beach County, to see whether Mangs committed the crimes. The documentary premiered Tuesday, July 30, on the streaming service Viaplay on Amazon Prime.

Mangs, a white supremacist in a Swedish prison for two murders and eight attempted murders, had told a psychologist that he committed two murders in Florida and that a song he wrote called "Under the Radar" offered clues to who he killed. Using Mangs' diary and photos of him in South Florida, Mork along with other investigators put together possible evidence linking Mangs to the crimes then presented it to law enforcement.

The other cases linked to Palm Beach County were:

• A Lake Park woman whose body was found near Key Largo.
• The fatal shooting of a man on 22nd Street in West Palm Beach.
• A mysterious house in Boca Raton, which Mangs leads Mork to in another song. Mork found it encased in foliage. A K-9 he hired alerted on human remains.

Cold case murders in Palm Beach County: 10 homicides where the killer hasn't been found

Gorenberg bought a John Legend CD and a blouse at Old Navy

Gorenberg grew up in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. She married her husband, Stewart, in 1979. They moved to South Florida after he got his chiropratic degree.

Her son, Daniel, lived with his parents in 2007 in a 7,000-square-foot home west of Boca Raton. Her daughter, Sarie, was attending the University of Florida, intending to become a teacher.

Gorenberg had dropped by the mall March 23 and bought a John Legend CD as well as a blouse from Old Navy. When investigators found her car behind a Home Depot after her death, her $600 Kooba purse, black-and-white Puma sneakers and phone were missing.

More: PBSO hopes social-media blitzes crack Randi Gorenberg, Cynthia Moffett cold-case murders

Jim Rathmann, who investigated the "Tiger King" and grew up in Boca Raton, helped Mork throughout Mork's investigation. Rathmann found film of a white Chrysler 300 following Gorenberg into the mall parking lot. They also had a picture of Mangs and an diary entry about him test driving a white Chrysler 300 around the same time.

Mangs describes a July 2009 visit to Mizner Park in his diary, seeing the "nice cars owned by Jews."

Peter Mangs' father lives in Boca Raton

Mangs is responsible for a series of shootings from 2003 to 2010 in Malmö, a diverse city in southern Sweden. Most of his victims were immigrants. He is serving a life sentence for two killings, but he is suspected of more.

Mangs' father, Rudolph, lives in Boca Raton. Mangs lived with him from 1996 to 1999. Mork believes Mangs was radicalized as a white supremacist during that time. Mangs visited South Florida in the 2000s. Rudolph was interviewed at his home in the film. He showed Mork a number of guns that he owns and said Peter was a good shot.

His father also said Mangs read "The Turner Diaries" while he lived in Boca. The book, written by neo-Nazi William Pierce, was a favorite of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. He said that he and his son have similar views on immigrants.

Mork also looked at the cases of two Jewish men killed in Broward County: Kobe Lankry at his home in February 2007 (a month before Gorenberg) and Vitaly Kardash at his car dealership in July 2009 (the same month Mangs visited Mizner Park).

The August attack at Boca mall of a mother and her toddler

One August afternoon, another mother and her 2-year-old son had been shopping at the Boca mall and returned to their Lincoln Navigator in the Nordstrom's parking garage.

The woman strapped her son in his car seat then stowed her shopping bags in the back. She was sitting in the front seat, key in hand, when she got the fright of her life.

A man was sitting in the back seat next to her son pointing a gun at his head. The man was wearing a floppy hat and sunglasses.

Boca mall murders update: Reward increased; suspect had Dade Co. ties

She tells him to take whatever he wants and begs him not to hurt them. He tells her to drive to an ATM. She withdraws $600.

When they return to the mall, he orders her into the back seat, binds her with cheap handcuffs and zip ties and affixes her neck to the headrest. He places blacked-out swim goggles over her eyes.

He threatens to kill her and her son if she reports the crime.

Yet he seems strangely kind, asking her if she wants a glass of water and bringing her her asthma inhaler.

When she reports it to police, the mother is able to describe him for a sketch.

When Mork shows it to a forensic artist in the film, he thinks Mangs is a match.

Then-Palm Beach County Sheriff Office Chief Deputy Michael Gauger said he was happy to review the information Mork gave them. Afterward, he said found he the resemblance in sketch "curious." Gauger is now running for sheriff.

Christmas shopping trip ends horribly

Nancy Bochicchio picked up her daughter, Joey, from her second-grade classroom at St. Jude Catholic School in Boca Raton for a doctor's appointment Dec. 12. Afterward, they decided to go Christmas shopping.

They headed to Boca Town Center. That evening Joey was scheduled to practice lines with a friend for a Christmas pageant the next day. She was going to be a reindeer.

They left the mall about 2:15 p.m, and made their way back to their 2007 Chrysler Aspen SUV. Within the hour, they were seen on a bank's video withdrawing $500 from an ATM.

More: Boca Raton police release photos, seek tips on goggles used in 2007 mall murders of mother, daughter

The killer had Bochicchio drive back to the mall. He put Nancy Bochicchio in the back seat, tied her neck to the headrest and put blacked-out goggles on both of them. Then he shot them each point-blank in the head.

A security guard found the car idling around midnight. He called police to investigate.

Bochicchio was raised in the Bronx — a New York native who was fiercely protective of her child. The single mom had finalized her divorce a year earlier. "She lived for her daughter," friends said.

Her ex-husband said in court papers that he and Nancy had been working to get back together as he underwent addiction treatment. Philip Hauser also was forming a bond with his daughter.

Between September 2007 and the time of her death, he said he and Nancy spoke on the phone almost every day. They had planned for him to travel from his home in Pennsylvania to stay in Nancy's house for the holidays and to celebrate Joey's birthday.

Nancy and Joey sent him a card. Joey wrote:

“To: Dad. I love you, your daughter Joey. We are together in our heart."

Deaths of Kahlil Holmes and Christine Kaye

Kahlil Holmes' life ended on a street outside his apartment in the 500 block of 22nd Street in West Palm Beach in July 2009. He'd been shot to death.

A witness saw Holmes being chased out of his apartment by two men. He was shot and died in the street. A truck that had dropped off one of the men behind Holmes' apartment picked them up afterward and sped away.

Arrested and charged with first-degree murder were a man known to use the truck and a neighbor who was the one who said he saw the men chasing Holmes. Then charges against the two men were dropped. So the murder remains unsolved.

Donnie Murrell, a West Palm Beach defense attorney, represented one of the men who was charged. He told Mork that a witness saw a person wearing a large hat and sunglasses kill Holmes.

Mangs in photo on bridge near where Lake Park woman's body was found

Christine Kaye of Lake Park had a drug addiction. She could sometimes be seen wandering the streets of Riviera Beach, her ex-husband said. She had had several brushes with the law, but they were all minor, none even close to violent.

Yet sadly, the 48-year-old met a violent end.

Her body was found on Oct. 27, 2009, in mangroves off the Jewfish Creek Bridge in Key Largo. It was wrapped in plastic and she had a pillow over her face.

She was never reported missing. Detectives used DNA to find her ex-husband.

Mork had a picture of Peter Mangs on that bridge around the same time as Kaye died. Mangs' sister died of an overdose so he didn't like people addicted to drugs, Mork said.

Kaye left behind a 23-year-old daughter.

More: Lake Park woman found in Keys wrapped in plastic identified; Monroe County authorites say never reported missing

The mysterious house in Boca Raton: Dog alerts on human remains

Mangs sent Mork another song. This one is based on the 1995 movie "Heat" called the "Empty Telephone."

Robert De Niro says he's going to kill someone and talks to what he calls an empty telephone.

Here's what Mangs' song says:

"I'm talking to the empty telephone

the girl on the other side is lying all alone

by a beach house in Boca Raton

You don't get no better with an AK-47

Next to her little hand there is blood on the sand ."

Directed by Mangs' letter, Mork travels east across the Spanish River Boulevard bridge and walks several hundred meters. Across the street is a lot overgrown by foliage. Mork plows into the plants and finds a wall. Beyond it is a house that has been burned out or partially demolished.

A K-9 that Mork hires alerts on human remains.

Police have not initiated any more investigations, according to the film.

Holly Baltz is the investigations editor at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected] .

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Florida (FL) » 15 Best Day Trips from West Palm Beach

15 Best Day Trips from West Palm Beach

Located in the south of Florida along the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area, West Palm Beach is a popular getaway spot not just for tourists, but also for locals from elsewhere in Florida.

The city is known for its excellent nightlife, with a huge variety of bars, clubs and other nighttime entertainment attractions. The entire Palm Beach region is lined with over 40 miles of gorgeous beaches that keep visitors entertained and relaxed, with activities spanning from adrenaline-fueled watersports to regular sunbathing and relaxing boat rides.

If you are staying a little longer in the area, however, it can be tempting to consider one of the many day trip options available in the Southern Florida region.

Here are the 15 best day trips you can take from West Palm Beach

1. Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee – Florida’s largest freshwater lake – is only a short distance away from West Palm Beach and is full of natural beauty.

It is also well known as one of the best fishing spots in Florida and is, in particular, famous for its award-winning largemouth bass population. The fish population of the lake is large and sustainable, so you are free to fish as much as you want; you do not need to pay if you don’t catch anything, making it a great place to try your hand at fishing if you are new.

By far the largest city in the region, Miami attracts visitors from across the world. You’ll be spoiled for choice for things to do within a day trip.

The city’s famous boardwalk runs along the coast and is a natural first stop for most visitors. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities – from chains to boutiques – across Miami that will excite visitors looking for some retail delights.

Miami is also a great place to experience Cuban culture, with the small island nation having a huge impact on the city thanks to the influence migrants have had on local culture.

3. Everglades National Park

A unique environment that stretches across the south of Florida, the Everglades also attracts multiple visitors from across the US and abroad.

Most visitors opt to take an airboat around the area to explore further. You can safely do this by yourself, but there are also plenty of tours available in the area. This is, of course, one of the best spots in the country to spot alligators but you should definitely keep a safe distance from the reptiles.

If you would rather avoid the airboats altogether, there are some great hiking and cycling trails around the area and visitors centers that describe the science behind this one-of-a-kind spot.

4. Fort Lauderdale

Just south of West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale is another popular beach town on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Known as the “Venice of the United States”, Fort Lauderdale has an extensive canal system that can be fun to explore.

The Strip is an area along the beach that is full of restaurants, bars and unique retail stores that can easily fill a day trip on its own.

There are also plenty of water sports activities available, such as kitesurfing, kayaking, and parasailing.

In the evening, there are dinner cruises, and the Brazilian influenced restaurants across the city come alive with samba music and live performances.

5. Cape Canaveral

Part of America’s “space coast” region, Cape Canaveral hosts the Kennedy Space Centre. This space center has a huge visitor’s complex that will entertain guests with a keen interest in space exploration.

You can take bus tours of former launch sites and preparation facilities, visit a park designed around previous shuttles, and indulge in the history of space exploration at the museum and IMAX cinema.

On launch days, the park closes; however, it is still worth visiting to see the launch for yourself from a safe distance with the crowd of onlookers that often come to witness these events.

6. Walt Disney World

Any family trip to Florida would be incomplete without a visit to at least one of the Disney parks; if you get up early enough, it is more than easy to make it a day trip from West Palm Beach.

If this is your first time at any of the Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom is your best bet for a typical Disney experience. Here, there are a variety of rides, character meet and greets, and parades.

If you are looking to visit more than one park, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are connected by a boat and can easily be visited together in one day. Queues can be long during peak seasons, so we suggest you take advantage of their FastPass system if you only have one day.

7. Universal Studios

The other big park in central Florida, Universal Studios is a better option if you are with older kids and teenagers. There are more thrill rides within the park and the variety of movies represented spans a wide age range. We suggest Islands of Adventure for older children and the main Universal Studios park for teenagers.

Universal CityWalk is also a free entertainment district before you enter the park, where you can pick up some fun souvenirs and grab a tasty bite to eat. There are more rides with height restrictions in Universal than in Disney, so check these in advance if you are planning to visit with smaller children.

Neither of the famous parks is within Orlando proper, and the city is often overlooked even by international visitors to the area.

The huge tourism industry in the region has brought a lot of other attractions to appeal to older members of the family, including outlet malls, golf courses, and themed restaurants.

International Drive is the main hotel strip in Orlando and is filled with dinner show venues, independent fairground rides, and discount stores. There are also some fun museums, including the Orlando Museum of Art and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

For adult tourists without kids, there is also a great nightlife scene within the city, with unique bars and cosmopolitan restaurants.

9. Boca Raton

Located halfway towards Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton has a reputation as a destination for wealthy visitors. Whilst this gives the town a safe, upscale atmosphere, it can, in fact, be enjoyed by a variety of tourists.

There are many free attractions in the city, including kids’ museums, nature centers, and even the art gallery on select dates.

There are a variety of beaches along the coast of the town, with a much quieter feel than many of the other, more famous Florida beaches.

The town also has a vibrant arts scene, with a good array of independent and large-scale cinemas as well as local art markets, boutique stores, and craft workshops.

10. Fort Myers

Fort Myers is even more relaxed and casual than other South Florida towns, and the locals truly embrace the sweet life.

The town is famous for the Butterfly Estates; here, you can view all of the native butterfly species from Florida, walk amongst exotic plants, and indulge in natural beauty.

If you want to get up close and personal with some larger animals, there are regular dolphin cruises departing from the marina, where you will be almost guaranteed to spot a few dolphins and possibly other marine life.

The town is a great gateway both to the Floridian coast and to the Everglades, and for a day trip, will provide you with a relaxing experience.

Over on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a much calmer city compared to its east coast counterparts. The famous streetcar system will transport you around most of the city and is the number one tourist attraction within the city itself.

You can also check out the Channelside area for a variety of restaurants, entertainment facilities, and stores.

Ybor City is one of the most popular regions in the city for visitors, due to its multiethnic vibe – largely thanks to Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrants. It is also the cigar capital of the United States.

12. Busch Gardens

Located in the northern suburbs of Tampa, Busch Gardens not only serves as an excellent amusement park, but it is also a great place to get up close to the animals in the zoo segments of the park.

Animal lovers will likely prefer this to the Animal Kingdom, as it features much more facilities for learning about the animals and better spaces for spotting them.

The roller coasters are also among some of the top rated in the country by thrill seekers – including a wooden roller coaster, one of the nation’s oldest rollercoasters, and even a coaster that used to be the largest in the world. There are plenty of tamer rides for younger children to enjoy.

13. Florida Keys

Though visiting all of the Keys within a day might be challenging from West Palm Beach, Key Largo is easily reachable and can make for a fun day trip. There is a huge coral reef surrounding the island that is just waiting to be explored.

At the visitor’s center, you can learn more about the reef and hire snorkels, scuba sets, and fishing gear. There are also plenty of picnic facilities and camping areas. Diving, in particular, is a very popular activity on the Keys and many divers regard this as one of the best places in the country to try it.

For culinary delights, you can indulge in the excellent seafood provided by the island restaurants, as well as some of the best Cuban-inspired cuisines, including Cubano sandwiches and coffee.

14. Pine Island

Only a short distance from Fort Myers, Pine Island is the largest island on the Gulf Coast and gives a very unique experience to Florida visitors.

Kayakers and canoers will fall in love with Pine Island Aquatic Preserve, which is filled with mangroves, plant life, and even fresh fruit trees. There are also plenty of fishing spots around the island, with rod hire readily available.

Other visitors will enjoy the secluded atmosphere of the island and the unique culture. The beaches feel a lot quieter and the towns are painted in pastel colors. Birdwatchers regularly flock to Pine Island Sound to check out native Floridian birdlife, and the natural beauty in the area is astounding.

Another interesting town along the Gulf Coast, Naples has a unique atmosphere that some call almost European.

The town is a great place for cyclists, as riding bicycles is actively encouraged and many of the residents enjoy it as their main mode of transport.

The Naples Pier is a free spot to fish from and is also a great place to watch the sunset or try to spot some dolphins.

Tin City is a fisherman’s wharf that was converted into a large shopping area, where you can pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Like all other Southern Florida coastal towns, the beaches in Naples are breathtaking. They are also, however, a lot more peaceful than the busier beaches of the Atlantic coast.

15 Best Day Trips from West Palm Beach:

• Lake Okeechobee
• Everglades National Park
• Fort Lauderdale
• Cape Canaveral
• Walt Disney World
• Universal Studios
• Busch Gardens
• Florida Keys
• Pine Island

Small World After All: New Jersey students, parents to take over Disney

With summer vacation ending, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your next getaway. 

Might be New Jersey's week to take over Disney World. 

New Jersey week at Disney World is the week our state's teachers hold their annual convention. That means no school for students. Many families celebrate this by heading south to Disney World. 

And we're about three months from it happening. 

When is New Jersey Week at Disney World?

With the convention falling on Nov. 7 and 8, 2024, Jersey Week will be the first full week of November. Schools will be closed from Monday, Nov. 4 to Friday, Nov. 8. And according to disneytouristblog.com, expect a lot of us. 

"Jersey Week occurring the first full week of November exacerbates crowds," the blog said. "Even though it’s only one state, families from those school districts descend upon Walt Disney World in large enough numbers to impact crowds in a meaningful way." 

The blog said that there will be an uptick in guests anyway because of the Veterans Day holiday. 

"Throw Jersey Week into the mix, and we expect crowds in the 8/10 range that week," Disneytouristblog wrote. "Our expectation, though, is that crowds start before Veterans Day and drop precipitously after it's over (that isn’t always how it works–it’s just a matter of timing). Accordingly, we’re expecting one of the worst 10 weeks of the year to be November 4-11, 2024." 

When to plan Jersey Week Disney trip?

It's not too late to plan your trip, but at this point you might want to wait for 2025. Since it's one of the busiest weeks of the year, Disney suggests planning about a year in advance. And if you're looking for deals, you might be out of luck, but it never hurts to check out Disney's discount page.