Key Largo has gone by a few names and nicknames over the years: It’s the First of the Keys, given its northernmost perch within the chain of islands below the tip of Florida. It also used to go by the names Planter and Rock Harbor—before that is, the fame that came from Key Largo, the legendary Humphrey Bogart film from 1948. But the largest of the Keys also has the rightful claim of being the Diving Capital of the World, thanks to the coral reefs and its huge underwater state park. When you travel to Key Largo—an easy drive from the mainland— you’ll find an accessible island getaway, with plenty of chances to dive, snorkel or just enjoy the beautiful sunset and the islands’ namesake pie. Read this Key Largo travel guide to explore this low-key island escape:
Things Not to Miss in Key Largo
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary
• Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
When to Go to Key Largo
The prime season for Key Largo travel is the warm-but-dry season between November and March, when you’ll also find the most crowds and the highest prices. Another good reason to come this time of year, though, is the Key Largo and Islamorada Food & Wine Festival, one of the biggest parties on the island, which happens in January. If you’re serious about water sports, though, the best time to visit Key Largo is summer. The risk of hurricane-season storms, meanwhile, peaks around September and October.
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