Frequently asked questions about 7 best florida keys islands to visit on your next beach holiday
What is the nicest island in the Florida Keys?
Islamorada is widely regarded as the nicest island for a relaxed, upscale visit. The water is the most Caribbean-like in the Keys, the fishing is world-class, and the restaurants are better than anywhere else between Key Largo and Key West. For beach quality, Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys beats everything else in the Keys. For atmosphere and nightlife, Key West is in a different category. For snorkeling infrastructure, Key Largo is unmatched.
What are the 7 Keys in Florida?
The main named keys, north to south, are: Key Largo, Plantation Key (part of Islamorada), Windley Key (part of Islamorada), Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys (part of Islamorada), Long Key, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West. There are approximately 1,700 islands in the archipelago, but fewer than 50 are inhabited. The Overseas Highway connects 42 of them. The "7 Keys" phrasing is informal and refers to the main communities rather than a strict geographic list.
Which Florida key is most like the Caribbean?
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The paradisiac Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands spread across 125 miles off the southern tip of Florida.
Nestled between the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, closer to Cuba than to Miami, these islands comprise a medley of alluring natural features.
While exploring the Florida Keys, expect to be dazzled by gorgeous beaches, pristine national parks, and lush tropical gardens.
The Keys are also home to The Florida Reef, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, which can be discovered during awe-inspiring snorkeling sessions.
The Florida Keys archipelago consists of about 1,700 islands, so deciding where to go can be challenging.
So we've done the job for you and compiled a list of the 7 islands that are an absolute must-visit in the Florida Keys.
Key West is one of the most coveted places for beach holidays in the Florida Keys.
Considered to be the southernmost point in the continental USA, this island is located at the very end of the Keys and features a medley of pristine beaches, gorgeous parks, and history-filled landmarks.
Tried and true activities on this tropical island include visiting the Zachary Taylor Historic State Park,which is a prime spot for water sports and bird watching, and lounging in the half-mile-long Smathers Beach.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to see over 50 species of colorful butterflies, as well as exotic birds, ad exotic.
Stroll in Key West’s Old Town to discover an array of historic sites like the Harry S. Truman Little White House, and the Winter White House for President Harry S. Truman from 1946 through 1952.
Key West also offers travelers easy access to the Dry Tortugas National Park, which is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
This sprawling park encloses 100 square miles of turquoise waters, and stunning marine life, including otherwordly coral reefs.
Level up your Key West vacation by staying at the legendary Casa Marina Key West.
Located along the southern edge of the island, this luxury resort is home to two oceanfront pools, and 100 feet of sandy beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests, making it the largest private beach on Key West.
This Florida Key is one of the best-kept secrets in the United States. Named after the torchwood, a native tree found in a few islands of the region, Little Torch Key is a tiny island located 24 miles from Key West.
Part of the Lower Keys, the island is known for its untouched atmosphere since there are not many businesses on the island.
Little Torch Key compensates with a few incredible oceanfront resorts and close proximity to Key West’s vibrancy.
This idyllic island also offers visitors the opportunity to spend days on end on white sand beaches framed by swinging palm trees.
Aside from sunbathing in pristine sands, you can bathe in the azure ocean waters, as well as enjoy activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
The dazzling Little Torch Key is also a prime getaway for exploring the o Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
Part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this mesmerizing protected area is a top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
While swimming in the islands' crystal clear waters, you'll come across over 150 species of fish including yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, sergeant majors, and moray eel.
Located about 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, Big Pine Key is a precious gem in Florida.
This island paradise provides travelers with easy access to some of the world’s most pristine locations, so you’ll never run out of things to do here.
On the island, visit the National Key Deer Refuge, an 8,542-acre National Wildlife Refuge that is home to the Key Deer, endemic to the Florida Keys (kids will love seeing those adorable, dog-sized animals).
Make sure to also stop by the Big Pine Key Flea Market, the island’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market, where you’ll find several stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
Big Pine is also the jumping-off point for numerous snorkel or dive destinations. A must-visit is the Bahia Honda State Park, in the Bahia Honda Key Island.
This scenic park encompasses over 500 acres and it’s home tobountiful wildlife (small tropical fish, as well as rays, barracuda, and even the small nurse shark are some of the creatures snorkelers can find here).
The Bahia Honda State Park is also home to the only natural colony of the now-rare Miami blue butterfly, which had been thought to have become extinct as a result of Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
Key Largo
Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, offers travelers a treasure trove of incredible sights.
The island is covered in show-stopping beaches, tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, two state parks, a national park, and a portion of a national marine sanctuary, making it a top destination for nature lovers.
Activities on offer here include diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom boating, and kayaking in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
The park comprises an impressive 70 nautical square miles and is home to some of the world's most eye-popping coral reefs.
Visit the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, a nature sanctuary that plays host to 84 protected species of plants and animals, or take a dolphin-watching tour to see these adorable creatures swimming in their natural habitat.
Between one adventure and the other, make sure to stop by Mrs. Mac's Kitchen to feast on some jet-fresh seafood and Key Lime Pie, a Florida Key’s specialty!
Long Key
Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key is an island nestled in the middle of Florida Keys.
This tropical getaway is famous for being home to the Long Key State Park, a go-to destination for beach lovers seeking to experience nature in a pristine and unique setting.
The Long Key State Park preserves several Florida Keys habitats, which can be explored through a range of scenic trails like the Golden Orb Trail.
Here, you’ll be surrounded by mangrove-lined lagoons, tidal rock barren, mangrove swamps, and peaceful white-sand beaches.
Duck Key
Duck Key is a small, secluded island in the Florida Keys.
Nestled between Miami and Key West, this gorgeous island enchants travelers with its sparkling coastline dotted with sun-kissed beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters.
The island is also renowned for being home to a collection of oceanfront resorts with private beach access, majestic swimming pools, and luxurious spas.
Aside from relaxing on your own private beach, you can enjoy a host of fun activities like boating, fishing, swimming, diving, and paddle boarding.
While spending glorious days in Duck Key, make sure to also visit Dolphin Connection. This renowned marine-life educational facility allows visitors to swim with Bottlenose Dolphins in a natural lagoon habitat.
Marathon Key
Marathon is a family-friendly island communitythat stretches for ten miles in the Middle Keys.
Stay in one of the island’s all-inclusive resorts, and start exploring Marathon’s beaches — all lined with palm trees, and featuring emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand.
Sombrero Beach is a must-visit. Aside from its immense natural beauty, this beach is a top place to see loggerhead turtles, which usually happens from April to October.
Sombrero also has a myriad of facilities such as kid’s playgrounds, filtered water stations, and restrooms.
After kayaking in Sombrero Beach, visit the Turtle Hospital, where you’ll meet several adorable rescued sea turtles.
Make sure to also drive the scenic, historic route across Marathon's famous Seven Mile Bridge, which provides the most show-stopping views of the ocean.
The Florida Keys Islands in Order: Key Largo to Key West
The Florida Keys are a chain of about 1,700 islands connected by the Overseas Highway (US-1) running 113 miles from the mainland to Key West. The keys are numbered by "Mile Marker" from north (MM 127 near Florida City) to south (MM 0 at Key West). Here are the main islands in order from north to south.
Key Largo (MM 100-106). The largest island in the Keys and the first you reach from Miami. Known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater state park in the US. Best snorkeling and diving in the Keys. Drive time from Miami: 90 minutes.
Islamorada (MM 73-91). A village that spans five islands (Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe, Lower Matecumbe, Indian Key). Known as the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World" for its offshore fishing. Has the most upscale restaurants in the Keys outside of Key West. The water here is closest to the Caribbean blue of the Keys.
Marathon (MM 47-53). A mid-Keys city with its own airport. The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the world's longest, connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. Crane Point Museum and Nature Center, and the Turtle Hospital (a working sea turtle rescue facility) are the main draws.
Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys (MM 29-40). Less developed than the Upper Keys. Home to the National Key Deer Refuge, where miniature Key deer (a subspecies of white-tailed deer) roam freely. Bahia Honda State Park, at MM 37, has the clearest water and best beach in the Keys.
Key West (MM 0). The southernmost city in the continental United States. Historic Old Town, Duval Street bars, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Mallory Square sunset celebration. 90 miles from Cuba. More cruise ship traffic than the rest of the Keys combined. Key West hotels on CuddlyNest from $89/night.
Which Florida Key to Visit: A Practical Guide
The Keys are very different from each other. Here is how to choose based on what you want.
For snorkeling and diving: Key Largo. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has the most accessible coral reef diving in the continental US. The underwater Christ of the Abyss statue is a popular dive. Day trips available from Miami. Key Largo hotels on CuddlyNest from $75/night.
For fishing: Islamorada. The world record for more saltwater game fish species has been set in Islamorada waters than anywhere else. Offshore, inshore, and flats fishing all available. Most fishing guides in the Keys are based here.
For the beach: Bahia Honda State Park. At MM 37 in Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park has white sand beaches and clear water that rivals the Bahamas. One of the best state park beaches in Florida. Entry costs $8 per vehicle.
For Caribbean vibes: Islamorada. The water around Islamorada is the turquoise-green associated with Caribbean islands. The area has reef snorkeling at Theater of the Sea and Indian Key, an abandoned historic island you can kayak to. Quieter than Key West, more upscale than Key Largo.
When to avoid Key West: Fantasy Fest (late October, 10-day clothing-optional street festival), New Year's Eve (massive crowds, prices triple), and spring break (March, very loud). Also avoid July and August if you dislike extreme humidity. November through April is the best time: lower humidity, minimal rain, cooler temperatures. Islamorada hotels on CuddlyNest from $95/night.
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Islamorada and the stretch of water around the Upper Keys most resembles the Caribbean. The teal-blue shallows around Indian Key, the coral formations at Cheeca Rocks, and the general color and clarity of the water in this area are closer to the Bahamas than any other spot in Florida. Key West has more of a tropical port atmosphere than Caribbean beach scenery. The water color throughout the Keys depends heavily on depth, season, and proximity to seagrass beds.
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