Key Largo 3 Day Itinerary: A Perfect Weekend Escape

Key Largo is just south of Miami and the first in the chain of islands known as the Florida Keys. I’ve called this place home for over a decade, and find that is the perfect introduction to the Keys lifestyle and feels a world away from Miami.

This laid back town has plenty to offer just offshore. On a quick weekend in Key Largo you can have a variety of adventures on the water, from snorkeling, to fishing, to dolphin encounters. This three day itinerary highlights the best of Key Largo, my tried-and-true food spots, and tips to make the most of your time in the Florida Keys.

This article is part of my complete Florida Keys travel guide, where I share itineraries, island guides, and essential tips for planning your Keys vacation.

Getting to Key Largo

The closest airpot to Key Largo is Miami International Airport (MIA). It is about an hour and a half away (when there’s no traffic), and you’ll need to rent a car from there to drive down to Key Largo.

I do not recommend public transportation to get to Key Largo, it does not run frequently or efficiently. You’ll also still need a car once you arrive to Key Largo, as there is no central walkable area, nor are the attractions close together.

There is also an airport in Key West (EYW), but there are limited flights, and it is two and a half hours away from Key Largo. I would only recommend flying in or out of Key West if you intend to explore the entire Florida Keys and the flights are convenient for you. Check out the one week road trip itinerary for the Florida Keys and when the best time is to visit in order to guide your schedule.

Skip the hassle of looking for flights! Use my Award Booking Concierge Service. I’ll find the flights on points and let you know exactly how to book. As an experienced traveler, I also build out custom itineraries (with or without points) that let you enjoy the trip without the planning.

Day 1: Arrival & John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Once you cross that bridge with stunning water views and a tiki hut restaurant, you can take a deep breath in, welcome to Key Largo! You’ve finally arrived after driving down from Miami, and it’s time to turn your clock on island time.

Check into your hotel, I highlight several in my guide to Key Largo, but find that the best all-around resort is Playa Largo Resort & Spa. With access to one of the best beaches in Key Largo, an oceanfront pool, restaurant, and dockage, Playa Largo has everything!

Lunch: Food Truck Stop

Make sure to grab something to eat on the way down. Stop at Mike’s BBQ 101 to get some delicious brisket or pulled pork. Don’t miss out on the mac & cheese and cornbread too. This food truck has a shaded seating area, but you could always take it and enjoy it from your resort room balcony.

My other favorite food truck is Keys Wok n’Roll. Everything is so good there, from the noodles to the poke bowls, but definitely don’t leave without a sushi roll.

John Pennekamp State Park Activities

One of the first things you should do in Key Largo is visiting John Pennekamp State Park. It’s the first underwater park in the U.S., which yes, means you’ll have other get out on the water to see the best parts of it.

To be honest the ‘land’ part of the park can be a little underwhelming. However, it is a popular camping site and has two (somewhat) sandy beaches in well protected coves. When the water is clear at the beach you can snorkel and see fish and even sunken cannons.

There is a small aquarium where you can learn about the local fish; it does have more limited hours though so check if it’s open when you first arrive. If you forget anything, the gift shop has you covered, and there is also a food truck for lunch options. Learn more about all the amenities in my full guide on John Pennekamp State Park.

Entrance is $8 per vehicle plus 50 cents per person. It is open from 8 am to sundown

To park encompasses around 70 nautical miles, so they offer a few tours to explore it. Be sure to book ahead of time to ensure availability.

• Snorkeling: Tours go out 5 times a day and last approximately 3 hours, with 1.5 hours of snorkeling time. Adults $49.95, Under 18 $45.95. Equipment Rental is an additional charge.
  • Tip: Go by of the many Dive Shops in Key Largo to purchase your own mask/snorkel/fins set to use instead of renting it. It costs around the same, and you’ll get keep it to use it back at the hotel or beach.
  • If you prefer flexible cancellation and a local provider see this snorkel tour from Viator.
• Scuba Diving: Offered twice daily, these two tank tours for certified divers explore a variety of reefs, chosen based on the weather conditions. The tours are $105, and an additional $40 for gear.
  • If you are not yet scuba certified, you can get open water or advanced open water certified over 3 days here. Just do the online course and check dates with them beforehand. This is where I got open water dive certified! The whole process was safe, fun, and efficient. Not to mention if you can dive in the muck of the marina, I think you are going to be prepared for anything.
  • If you prefer flexible cancellation and a local provider see this dive tour from Viator.
• Glass Bottom Boat Tours: Don’t want to get wet? You still get to go out and see the reefs through the central glass panel in the boat. It is two and a half hours long. Adults $55, Age 4-11 $30, Under 3 free.
  • If you prefer flexible cancellation and a local provider see this glass-bottom boat tour from Viator.
• Kayaks, Paddleboarding, and Canoeing: Prefer to explore at your own pace? Rent equipment to explore some of the 50 miles of natural mangrove forest trails.

Dinner: The Fish House

For dinner, go to The Fish House for their famous fish matecumbe. This fish is prepared with tomatoes, lemons, and capers, and baked in all those delicious juices. It is a real treat after a long day out on the water. You’ll have your choice of fish type.

The fish of the day always includes Mahi Mahi, which is a great mild flavored flaky fish. You could upgrade to the even tastier Snapper or Hogfish though when it is available. It all depends on what is in season or caught that day.

Their key lime pie is perfect for merengue lovers, since it is piled high with a toasted merengue that compliments the tart pie perfectly. This pie is my dad’s favorite. You’ll taste my Key Largo favorite tomorrow.

For more help planning your trip, visit my Florida Keys travel guide to explore island comparisons and sample itineraries.

Day 2: Dolphins, Birds, and a Sunset Sail

Morning: Dolphin Swim

Swimming with the dolphins is an experience you’ll never forget. Seeing their grace, intelligence and power is incredible. Dolphins Plus Bayside makes it a safe and enjoyable experience for all. In addition to interactive dolphin encounters, they are also dedicated to marine conservation efforts.

Lunch: Mrs.Mac’s Kitchen

Afterwards, grab lunch at Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, a local favorite for fish sandwiches and key lime pie. Their pie is one of my favorites since it is on the sweeter side with a yummy thick graham cracker crust. When you buy the whole pie you can also buy a bag of whipped cream, so you can add as much as you’d like to your slice.

Afternoon: Wild Bird Center & Sunset Sail

In the afternoon, head to Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center to learn about native bird species and conservation efforts (entry by donation). This hidden roadside stop has a variety of birds, like hawks, parrots, and even owls. Even for someone one like me, who doesn’t like birds, this is a low effort, low cost activity, that is well worth the stop to get up close with creatures you’d otherwise never spot just speeding through town.

Finish the day with a sunset cruise in Key Largo. Every day is a new painting in the sky, and it is the favorite way locals like to end the day. Enjoy an elevated dinner with your toes in the sand at Snook’s Bayside Restaurant, which pairs fresh seafood with waterfront views. you could even do your sunset cruise from Snooks on one of the floating tiki bars!

Day 3: Nature & Exploration

Morning: Seafood Brunch

Brunch at Key Largo Conch House or Buzzard’s Roost. The Conch House has an incredible cracked conch benedict and key lime pancakes. Buzzard’s Roost has a great selection on the Sundays with a live steel drum player.

Afternoon: Get out on the Water

Spend your last afternoon in Key Largo exploring the water with a choice of either kayaking, fishing, or scuba diving.

Take it easy while explore the mangroves on a guided kayak tour through the serene mangrove tunnels . This is a relaxing way to see local wildlife and experience Key Largo’s natural beauty, spot wildlife, and learn about local ecosystems. 

Get under the water with a scuba diving trip. This two tank dive goes beyond John Pennekamp for some great dive spots. If you want to see those fish at the end of your hook instead, go on a fishing charter. Get fresh mahi or snapper, perfect to bring in to one of the restaurants to cook your catch.

Even if you turn up empty-handed, for a final seafood dinner, head to Lazy Lobster. They have great selection of different seafood dishes, and even give you a banana bread to take home at the end of your meal.

If you have an extra day or two, take a drive down to Islamorada. It’s only a 30 minute drive away, and you’ll be able to stroll through the galleries, experience fine dining, and discover better snorkel spots. Fishing fanatics should visit Marathon for a low-key atmosphere. For a party atmosphere or historic charm, then get up early and head down to Key West.

Ready to plan your full itinerary? Explore my complete Florida Keys travel guide for everything you need to know before you go.