Greatest Locations to Go to within the Florida Keys, In line with a Native

There’s a tongue-in-cheek saying we now have in South Florida that you simply’ll see held on indicators in every single place: “I reside the place you trip.”

With over 1,700 islands, 800 keys, and year-round, sunny climate, the Florida Keys are a slice of key lime-flavored heaven. Regardless of which one you go to, you possibly can’t go incorrect—however there are actually issues that I return to after I make the trek again right this moment. 

Rising up, my household owned a house in Islamorada, Florida. I’m not speaking in regards to the conventional two-story Floridian stilt homes, however somewhat a one-bedroom trailer off of mile marker 87.5, with the Atlantic Ocean as our porch. We regularly woke to observe the dawn from the roof of our dwelling and would later stroll over to the bay to take a seat in Adirondack chairs and sip frozen drinks as the lads went off to fish. Rising up within the Keys instilled a sure wildness in me that may solely come from a childhood of being raised on island time.

These are the very best locations to go to within the Florida Keys, in line with a once-local.

The Seas Round Islamorada

It might be incorrect to go to the Keys with out fishing, and in my view, the very best island for it’s Islamorada, “the sports activities fishing capital of the world.” Hop on a constitution at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, the place you may have your selection of expeditions and boats. Look within the mangroves for snapper, sift by the low sea grass for an opportunity to catch tarpon, or troll on the again of your boat for scrumptious mahi-mahi or swordfish. To troll correctly, you’ll wish to take the Gulf Stream, situated about seven to 10 miles offshore, to the top of the reef. Then, you may wish to solid out the place the reef drops off to a depth of 300 toes.

Christ of the Abyss at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Hidden within the depths of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park lies a nine-foot-tall statue of Jesus. It is one in all simply three on the earth (the opposite sister statues are in Grenada and Italy), and this explicit one has been in Key Largo since 1965. I as soon as took a snorkeling tour to see the statue and between the Floridian waves and hidden “treasure,” it really felt like a magical expertise.

Bahia Honda State Park

For individuals who need a little bit little bit of historical past, rest, and exploration, Bahia Honda State Park is the right place to go to. It has three totally different seashores, two on the Atlantic Ocean and one Bayside. The historic Bahia Honda bridge, which was accomplished in 1912 by Commonplace Oil founder Henry Flagler, nonetheless stands right this moment and is a habitat for lobsters, starfish, sea turtles, and extra. After I was a baby, we might discover the park at low tide, looking for little sea creatures.

The Caribbean Membership

This dive bar in Key Largo is caught within the Nineteen Sixties in one of the simplest ways doable. This cash-only, reside music joint is likely one of the oldest watering holes within the Higher Keys, and was one in all Jimmy Buffett’s favourite locations to seize a drink. It is also an awesome place to observe the sundown—pull your boat as much as its complimentary dock or just drive over.

Robbie’s

Come for the fish sandwich and keep for the fish feeding. Robbie’s is not like another attraction on the planet. This shack sells $2 buckets of bait fish to feed to massive tarpon—it is like a Keys model of a petting zoo. Be cautious of the pelicans, who will steal fish proper out of your fingers. The marina additionally serves as an awesome launch level for paddleboards (or leases), and you’ll discover the close by mangrove for hours—it’s possible you’ll encounter manatees and different colourful sea creatures.

Key Largo Fisheries

Key Largo Fisheries is a one-stop spot for your whole seafood wants. I choose to take a seat on the bar, the place you could find stone crabs for $4 per claw throughout comfortable hour, making it some of the inexpensive locations to eat the state delicacy. Professional tip: ask the marketplace for the “ugly claws,” that are often damaged and bought at a less expensive worth. 

Pierre’s Restaurant

Pierre’s is sort of actually a scene out of a film, or somewhat, a TV present—the property served as a filming location for the Rayburn home in Netflix’s Bloodline. Amongst locals, the restaurant is thought for its Mediterranean-style aptitude and French fusion meals. As soon as a month, friends come collectively to bop beneath the night time sky at its legendary full moon events. As a baby, I keep in mind operating round on the property’s expansive seaside whereas my dad and mom danced the night time away.

Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

In line with Journey + Leisure, this nationwide park is likely one of the least visited and most stunning within the nation, with historical past and wonder all in a tropical paradise. The property encompasses 64,700 acres, and most of it’s open water and small islands. Nevertheless, the park additionally consists of historic Fort Jefferson, which protected vital transport lanes within the Gulf within the 1800s. Every year, my dad takes a week-long fishing constitution that passes by the park and comes again with such an enormous catch that we find yourself having to vacuum-seal half of it for later.

Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Space

Islamorada has a spread of actions for each sort of journey, however a lot of the magic occurs offshore. 4 miles off the coast, you may discover Alligator Reef Gentle Home, a protected marine habitat that marks the location of an outdated shipwreck. As a baby, I might dive by the construction, in awe of the massive barracuda, sea turtles, and “sea puppies,” aka nurse sharks. Even in case you aren’t diving between the waves, the sheer measurement of the construction will go away you in awe.

Founders Park

Founders Park was my go-to seaside in my teenage years. I might bike over with a pal and spend your entire day sunning, snorkeling, and laughing between the waves. We regularly took benefit of all of the facilities the park had, together with its Olympic-size pool, pickleball courts, and boat launch.