Finest Locations to Keep in Key Largo (Areas + Motels)

This submit was written by Nicole Edwards, a solo-sailing freelance author for BMTM.

Key Largo is the primary of the Florida Keys, and at 33 miles lengthy, it’s also the biggest. The self-proclaimed “diving capital of the world,” it’s residence to lovely wildlife refuges and seashores, plus distinctive excursions and excursions, like spearfishing and the African Queen Canal Cruise. 

Not like Key West, Key Largo’s sights are extra unfold out. It’s not handy to discover on foot, which makes it essential to choose a centrally positioned place to remain, like Mid Island or Tavernier, and have entry to a automobile or bike. Right here’s what I discovered about one of the best locations to remain:

Mid Island – solo-traveler’s headquarters

Mid Island is a considerably unofficial time period for the part of Key Largo that begins the place the historic Abroad Freeway begins and ends simply north of Tavernier. It’s a really perfect spot to remain in if you wish to give attention to snorkeling or exploring most sights; you’re lower than a ten-minute trip from all of Key Largo’s greatest seashores, parks, in addition to the favored African Queen Canal cruise. You too can simply dart again as much as Miami to catch your flight again residence.

Inside Mid Island, you’ll discover a number of different neighborhoods, like Angler’s Park, Thompson, Newport, and Rock Harbor. Once I visited, I obtained the sense that these divisions had been primarily for presidency functions (census and voting). As a result of Key Largo is fairly inaccessible by foot and the neighborhoods are inside a five-minute drive of one another, you’ll be able to relaxation assured you’re in a central location irrespective of which you select. 

So, except for choosing a resort based mostly on its facilities, opinions, and charges, the largest deciding issue is whether or not it’s on the bay facet or ocean facet.

A lot of the top-rated resorts in Mid Island are positioned on the bay facet, as a result of they will capitalize on the nonetheless waters surrounded by mangroves. That is the place you’ll discover a whole lot of personal seashores and complimentary kayak leases. 

Motels on the ocean facet of Key Largo are located on the canals and sometimes would not have clear views of the ocean. They’re additionally extra centered round excursions.

Bay Aspect Motels – mini resorts

• ($) Rock Reef Resort: It is a family-run resort, positioned nearer to the northern a part of Key Largo. Lower than 5 miles from John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, it’s extremely rated amongst solo vacationers. Included in your keep is a non-public seaside, a temperature-regulated swimming pool, kayaks, and a peddle boat! Rooms are non-smoking, and all have air con (surprisingly unusual within the Florida Keys!). Charges begin at $159/evening. E book a keep right here.

• ($) Amoray Dive Resort: It is a great place for a solo traveler due to its central mission to get individuals out on the water, together with its personal snorkeling and sundown excursions and excursions. If you wish to get scuba licensed, you are able to do that right here, too. Company have entry to a non-public seaside, a dock, free kayaks and bikes, a heated pool, and snorkel gear. You might simply bike to Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, and should you didn’t go for an tour with the resort, John Pennekamp is just some miles additional south. Rooms begin at $181/evening. You may e-book a room right here.

• ($$) Sundown Cove Seaside Resort: This cozy small resort is nestled alongside the shoreline. There’s a non-public seaside with straw-roofed gazebos and seaside chairs, offering the proper setting for a private yoga follow or to look at the solar rise or set. Your keep contains complimentary kayak and stand-up paddleboard leases, and a continental breakfast. You may stroll out on the pier, and should you’ve achieved any deep-sea fishing whereas in Key Largo, you’ll be able to prepare dinner your catch on the complimentary grills. Rooms begin at $208/evening. E book a keep right here.

• ($$$) Bay Harbor & Coconut Bay Resort: Bay Harbor & Coconut Bay Resort: This resort features a personal seaside with chairs and complimentary use of paddleboards, peddle boats, and kayaks. There’s additionally an outside heated pool, a backyard, a library, and barbecue grills, in addition to free parking. The property is positioned just some minutes’ drive from John Pennekamp, a bit of additional south from the center of Mid Island. Rooms begin at $255/evening. You may e-book a keep right here.

• ($$$) Gilbert’s Resort: Established in 1903, this is among the oldest spots within the Florida Keys. It’s a little off the overwhelmed path, however nonetheless just some minutes from John Pennekamp and Dagny Johnson. What units it aside is its nightly dwell leisure and contemporary seafood on the waterfront Tiki Grill & Bar. Locals dock on the marina to benefit from the dwell music, which makes this an amazing place to satisfy new individuals. There’s additionally a pool, and parking is free. You may e-book a room, beginning at $279/evening, right here.

Ocean Aspect – excursion-oriented

• John Pennekamp tenting: Should you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll be able to camp in your personal tent (or RV, now not than 62 ft) at this campsite, which has electrical energy and water. There’s a picnic desk and grill at every of the 47 websites, in addition to a number of bogs with sizzling showers and coin-operated laundry machines. The park retailer has meals (together with ready breakfast and lunch choices), plus snorkeling and seaside gear leases. Make a reservation right here at the very least three months upfront, after which register on the park’s entrance if you arrive. Charges begin at $36/evening.
• ($$) Waterside Suites and Marina: These are two-story townhouses positioned on one of many canals proper the place lots of Key Largo’s snorkeling excursions and canal cruises happen. The townhouses include a kitchen and a second-floor balcony. There’s additionally an outside pool, free parking, bike leases, and watersports actions, akin to leases for Jet Snowboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding, plus parasailing and journey excursions. Charges begin at $209/evening. You may e-book a room right here.

Tavernier

Situated a bit of additional south and proper on the border of Islamorada, Tavernier is a handy place to remain if you wish to discover the remainder of the Florida Keys. Plus, you might be no additional away than a 20-minute drive from even Dagny Johnson Hammock Botanical Park, which is the northernmost common attraction that Key Largo has to supply.

Inside strolling or biking distance to Tavernier are different high locations, like Harry Harris Seaside and Park, Laura Quinn Wild Chook Sanctuary, and the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Manufacturing facility. Tavernier additionally has a bunch of cute backroads to discover, making it really feel extra like a residential a part of Key Largo. As with Mid Island, you’ve got a selection between the bay facet and the Atlantic facet.

If the south finish appears higher for you and your journey plans, listed below are 4 locations that I like to recommend staying:

Bay Aspect – peaceable getaways

• ($) Atlantic Bay Resort: That is just one.5 miles from Harry Harris Park, which has wonderful swimming and ocean views, nevertheless it additionally has its personal personal seaside and bay entry. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are complimentary, as are bikes. (Biking is an effective way to get round Key Largo. You might simply peddle over to the Laura Quinn Wild Chook Sanctuary, about three miles away.) The resort additionally has a freshwater swimming pool and personal docks, in addition to fishing services in case you want to try this. Rooms begin at $263/evening. E book your keep right here.

• ($$) Drift Lodge: This property has a non-public seaside with solar decks and complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. There’s additionally a small pier that extends out into the bay and is protected by mangroves, making it straightforward to snorkel (gear is accessible to lease). It’s positioned simply north of Tavernier, placing it virtually midway to Mid Island. Parking is free. Rooms begin at $280/evening. E book your keep right here.

• ($$$) Coconut Palm Inn: This boutique resort with beautiful waterfront views, which you’ll be able to get pleasure from from the personal seaside or dock, presents complimentary paddleboards and kayaks, and contains a pool and cabana. It’s nestled in the midst of a coconut grove, so it actually does really feel such as you’re in Florida. Parking can also be included in your keep, and should you determine to lease your personal boat, there are personal docks the place you’ll be able to tie up. Rooms begin at $327/evening. You may e-book a keep right here.

Ocean Aspect – glittering views

• ($) Oceanfront Paradise: It is a third-floor condo with lovely ocean views, although you do must be at the very least 28 years outdated so as to e-book it. Included in your keep is a washer, dryer, kitchen, gymnasium, pool, and spa. Kayaks can be found for lease. Being on the ocean facet with water entry is fairly wonderful. The water may be very clear, and there are often different boaters having fun with the submerged sandbar (shoal). This location can also be prime for visiting the small mangrove island of Tavernier Key. On a relaxed day, you could possibly even kayak out and discover the mangroves or go snorkeling. The condo averages $250/evening. E book your keep right here.

• ($) Aqua Vista: That is extra of a family-friendly trip property (no minimal keep) with entry to a non-public seaside (with a fantastic dock that ends in a gazebo) at Ocean Pointe Suites. Some rooms have balconies with ocean views. There’s additionally a shared pool, a sizzling tub, a snack bar, tennis courts, and an elevated waterfront restaurant and bar with views of the Atlantic. The rental, which comes with a full kitchen, begins at $226/evening. E book your keep right here.

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I adored Tavernier for the quieter setting that allowed me to discover the encircling areas at my very own tempo. It additionally aligned effectively with my mission of exploring the remainder of the Florida Keys. If I had been to go to Key Largo once more, nevertheless, I might most likely keep in Mid Island in order that I may very well be nearer to one of the best Key Largo snorkeling websites, which is what Key Largo is thought for! I actually loved the snorkeling, so the concept of getting SCUBA licensed within the diving capital of the world may be very tempting.

The place do you assume you’d like to remain? Tell us within the feedback!

Concerning the creator: Nicole Edwards is a solo sailor who’s presently cruising all over the world on her 1968 Columbia 26, the S/V Arta. She has visited Costa Rica, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Poland, and about half of america, together with Alaska. Her favourite half about touring is making connections with locals who share inside data, along with being launched to a different a part of her residence on planet earth and including all of it to her coronary heart.