Key Largo Hotels

The Keys are the last bastion of America between the mainland and Cuba. The tip of Key West in fact, is about 40 km closer to Havana than Miami. As a result, the chain of unusual islands, some 1,700 altogether, is a popular destination for sun, leisure, recreation, marine life and plain old good times. Key Largo is a Florida Keys staple, most notable for terrific dive sites, dive bars and access to national parks and wildlife asylums. The community of 13,000 people swells with tourists throughout the year, but especially between November and May. Points of interest like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dolphin Cove, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge are eminently popular. Key Largo is also a gateway to Everglades National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Largo History

• Largo Sound Rock Castle – Built in the 1920s out of native coral rock by R. George Engel, a New Jersey dentist.
• Caribbean Club – Built in 1939, it served as the backdrop for the movie “Key Largo”.
• Cross Key Waterway – Opened in 1964 and known locally as “the cut”, this canal effectively separates Key Largo into two islands.
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Founded in 1959, this is America’s first and only park that is entirely underwater.
• Post Office – Dating to the 1940s and originally called the Rock Harbor Post Office, the name Key Largo came from the 1948 movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart.

Key Largo Art & Culture

• Holiday Lighted Boat Parade – In December, decorated boats parade along the Key Largo shore.
• New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Fireworks extravaganza sponsored by local businesses.
• History of Diving Museum – Located on the island of Islamorada, this museum offers many programs related to the world of diving.
• Morada Way Arts & Cultural District – Several art galleries combine resources to present special programs, including exhibitions, an art walk and special presentations showcasing fine arts and music.
• Light Up Key Largo – A collection of winter holiday events including a tree-lighting ceremony, live music, food and drinks.

Key Largo Shopping

• Caribbean Cigar Factory – A working cigar factory featuring the handiwork of cigar rollers from Cuba who make the famous Santiago Cubana Cigars.
• Happy Feathers – This shop specializes in local art found nowhere else in the Keys.
• The Shell Man – Sea shells from local sources and around the world are sold in this outdoor shop in Key Largo.
• Florida Bay Outfitters – Although it sells all sorts of outdoor gear, the specialty is kayaking. Sales, rentals and an expert staff make this the place for water sports.
• Key Lime Tree – Anything you can think of with key limes in it you will find here, especially the famous key lime pie.

Gay & Lesbian Key Largo

• Key Largo Marriott Bay Resort – This gay-friendly hotel is located on the water and offers a fitness centre and a tiki bar with live entertainment.
• Ocean Pointe Suites – This gay-friendly, all-suite resort features a private beach, private balconies and an ocean-front café.
• Popp’s Motel – This quiet and quaint accommodation is gay friendly and offers hammocks on the beach and kitchens.
• Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market – One of the most popular spots in Key Largo to taste fresh seafood.
• Doc's Diner – Come here for a delicious, classic American brunch and leave with a full stomach.

Attractions

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Everglades National Park
• Dolphin Cove
• Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
• Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Activities

• Dive Sites
• Water Sports
• Wildlife Tours
• Golf
• Key Largo Stone Crab and Seafood Festival

Restaurants

• Rib Daddy’s Steak & Seafood
• Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
• Old Tavernier Italian Restaurant
• Ballyhoo's Historic Seafood Grille
• DiGiorgio's Cafe Largo

Nightlife

• Hobo’s
• The Buzzards Roost
• Paradise Pub
• Caribbean Club
• D-Hooker Sports Bar & Grill

Climate

Key Largo has a humid subtropical climate, with moderate to heavy rainfall from May to October and temperatures between 15°C and 32°C for the year.