Where to Stay in Key Largo: Local’s Guide to The Best Hotels & More
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Not to be confused with its party animal sister, Key West, Key Largo is a peaceful town that serves an introduction to the Florida Keys. I’ve been living here for over a decade and found that it is the perfect place to relax away from the buzz of Miami and the best access to the watersports the Keys is known for.
Just an hour south of Miami, Key Largo is often the first stop on a Florida Keys road trip. Known as the “Diving Capital of the World,” it’s a paradise for water lovers, offering vibrant coral reefs, mangrove forests, and endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. It’s also home to some of the best resorts in the Keys, where you can wake up to ocean breezes and finish your day with sunset cocktails.
Whether you’re visiting for adventure, romance, or relaxation, here’s your ultimate guide to where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in Key Largo. 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.
Best Hotels in Key Largo
Playa Largo Resort & Spa
A luxury Marriott Autograph Collection property, Playa Largo offers spacious rooms, suites, and bungalows with modern tropical decor. The resort has a palm-lined pool facing the ocean, a private beach, a full-service spa, and multiple on-site restaurants.
The beach here is pretty nice and goes to a nice depth, making it a go to spot for us on the boat to pull up some distance away from the shore to enjoy the clear waters and sandy bottom.
One highlight is Sol by the Sea, a waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired cocktails perfect for sunset dining. We often come here for lunch just to feel like we are on vacation! The great views and relaxed atmosphere immediately give you island vibes.
Families will appreciate the kids’ club and water activities, while couples will love the secluded bungalows tucked away in the mangroves.
Bungalows Key Largo
If you’re craving indulgence, Bungalows Key Largo is one of the few all-inclusive, adults-only resorts in the U.S.. Each bungalow features private outdoor soaking tubs, waterfront patios, and a laid-back luxury feel.
Guests enjoy gourmet dining, unlimited cocktails, and complimentary water sports like paddleboarding and snorkeling. With a strict no-kids policy, it’s a romantic escape perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries.
Bay Harbor Lodge & Coconut Bay Resort
For a more boutique experience, Bay Harbor Lodge & Coconut Bay Resort offers cozy cottages and suites surrounded by tropical gardens. Guests love the complimentary homemade scones and coffee each morning, as well as the free use of kayaks and paddleboards. It feels intimate and personal—ideal for travelers who want local charm instead of a big resort atmosphere.
Baker’s Cay Resort
Baker’s Cay Resort is a Hilton property with a small beach, waterfront dining, and a large lawn for games. The pool is not waterfront, but does have a bar right next to it to attend to guests. When we went to the restaurant, service and food/drinks were exceptionally slow.
However, the front desk agents were very nice, and the recent renovations have definitely given this older property a resort feel. They will soon be debuting new luxury suites that seem like a great addition.
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.
Where to Eat
Key Largo’s dining scene is all about fresh seafood, island flavors, and laid-back atmosphere. Here are the best restaurants to try:
- The Fish House – A classic Keys spot serving freshly caught fish prepared three ways: grilled, blackened, or “Matecumbe style” (topped with tomatoes, onions, and herbs). Don’t miss the Key Lime Pie, one of the best in the Keys and my dad’s favorite.
- Lazy Lobster – Known for hearty portions and a relaxed setting, the standout dish is the lobster scampi pasta or their lazy days style fish. Get your fish prepared according to your favorite style in either a sandwich or as a plate. If you prefer a water view with your meal, then keep on driving to Islamorada for the same menu at Lazy Days.
- Buzzard’s Roost – Tucked away near a marina, this hidden gem serves a fantastic conch chowder and stuffed shrimp. Their waterfront tiki bar is the perfect spot for Sunday brunch, when they usually have a musician playing the steel drums.
- Key Largo Conch House– My favorites here are during brunch, the cracked conch Benedict and key lime pancakes are delicious! Although we’ve never been disappointed by their fresh fish sandwiches for lunch and unique dinner options.
- Mikes BBQ 101 – For a change from seafood, Mike’s is loved by locals for smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches. This food truck is an affordable, delicious, and quick meal to pick up for dinner or have on the go.
For more help planning your trip, visit my Florida Keys travel guide to explore island comparisons and sample itineraries.
Where to Drink
- The Big Chill – A lively waterfront bar with live music, frozen cocktails, and a fun local crowd. The perfect place to watch the sunset and dance to throwback tunes! Catch happy hour for great deals on well drinks, beers, and appetizers.
- Snook’s Bayside – Perfect for a classy sunset happy hour; there you can dine with your feet in the sand and a craft cocktail in hand (pitchers also available).
- The Caribbean Club – A historic dive bar famous for its role in the movie Key Largo with Humphrey Bogart. Great spot for a cold beer and watching boaters put their boats in the water at the adjacent ramp.
Things to Do
Key Largo is best known for its water-based activities, but it also has a few unique attractions worth exploring. See my Key Largo 3 Day Itinerary for the best schedule to put together your weekend getaway.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – The first undersea park in the U.S., this is the crown jewel of Key Largo. Take a tour to snorkel or dive among colorful coral reefs, ride a glass-bottom, or kayak through mangroves. The park’s iconic underwater Christ of the Abyss statue is a bucket-list snorkel site.
- For snorkeling, this Viator snorkeling tour takes you to other popular snorkel sites in Key Largo and includes all your equipment. Viator tours give you the flexibility of free cancellation until the day before and being able to pay later instead of when reserving. That’s why it is one of my go-to’s for trip planning.
- The park itself also offers snorkel and dive tours. This is actually where I got open water dive certified!
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center – A nice spot to break up the drive, it is located along the road and the entry fee is by donation. A sanctuary for injured birds where visitors can see pelicans, hawks, owls, and herons up close. I don’t like birds and birds don’t like me, but this is still an interesting and encouraging stop.
- Dolphins Plus – A responsible marine facility where you can swim with dolphins in a natural lagoon environment.Swimming with dolphins is truly a bucket list experience!
- Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park – Perfect for a hike or bike ride through lush tropical hardwood forests. Don’t go if it’s been rainy though, the mosquitos might carry you away.
- The Mangrove Tunnel Tour or Mangroves & Manatees Tour– Kayak through mangrove forests and learn about the animals that inhabit this unique ecosystem.
- Fishing Charter: By far one of the most popular things to do in the Keys is go fishing, and the best way to make sure you’ll actually catch fish is to go on a charter with a captain that knows all the secret spots.
- Sunset Cruise: An absolute must while in the Florida Keys. The best view of the sunset is always on the water, and I have to say we are pretty spoiled with a spectacular sunset almost everyday. If you want to make it a quirky adventure then check out the cruising tikis – where you can byob and drive a floating tiki hut out into the bay.
What’s the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving? Snorkeling occurs by swimming at the surface with a mask and snorkel. Scuba diving requires special training to use dive tanks and regulators to breathe underwater and swim at deeper depths.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Key Largo
| Pros of Staying in Key Largo | Cons of Staying in Key Largo |
|---|---|
| Quick access from Miami | Beaches are smaller and often rocky |
| More affordable than Islamorada or Key West | Limited nightlife compared to Key West |
| World-class snorkeling and diving | Farther from Lower Keys attractions |
| Great mix of resorts and boutique stays |
Bottom Line: Is staying in Key Largo the best for you?
Stay in Key Largo if you’re an adventure-seeker who wants to dive, snorkel, and kayak your way through paradise without straying too far from Miami. It’s less about nightlife and more about nature, outdoor fun, and great seafood.
If you are looking to stay longer or travel with a large family, be sure to check VRBO for vacation rentals that offer all the comforts of home.
This list doesn’t cover all the great things to do in the Keys, so check out want is best to do in the Upper Keys and Lower Keys guides. Plan to spend a whole week to cover all the highlights, as outline in my 7 day road trip itinerary.
There are also different vibes on each island, so if Key Largo wasn’t quite for you, then no worries. For a more island feel that is easy to bike around and has lush vegetation, take a look at my Islamorada guide. For boaters, don’t miss out on docking a few night in Marathon. If you are looking for historical sites, public beaches, and a walkable old town, Key West is definitely the place for you.
Ready to plan your full itinerary? Explore my complete Florida Keys travel guide for everything you need to know before you go.
