I have gotten so many comments (especially through instagram!) of AMAZING recommendations for Key Largo. I'm going to REDO this trip and make a new video and do EVERYONE'S suggestions! Got one to add to my itinerary? I'd love to hear!
strawberry creme here’s what I got so far.. Mrs Mac for key lime pie, full moon party in Morada Bay, get on a BOAT and go to the islands and/or snorkel and sand bar and fish, go to Bahia Honda, go to Dolphins, do a sunset boat ride on Sunset Bay. Eat Shooks restarurant for a good view. Stay at Playa Largo and Bakers Cay.
My cousin who lives in key largo took us to marker 88 restaurant we had a dinner 30 feet from the beach and watched the sunset !!! My elderly daddy is handicapped so we also went to see the African Queen boat (which is in one of his favorite movies)..and all of these places were wheelchair accessible! We walked around that pier area all day looking at wild iguanas , fish and turtles my cousin also works at theater of the sea and that was a real amazing experience for us as well.
You actually have to drive further down the keys. The further down you go, the more blue green the water gets. Tips from a frequent traveler to the keys. You also have to visit Bahia Honda state park. Vegetation and beaches with blue green clear water.
endofsociety A few others have posted about Bahia Honda! It’s on my list! Any specific faves about it? Or specific things I should do there (besides enjoying the sunshine and water?)
Christine Lozada if the bridge is open that’s over looks the park, you should definitely walk up there take some pics and enjoy the views. Snorkel if you have the gear. Take the nature trail there.
I grew up there, and live on my yacht there There aren't beaches because our islands are actually coral heads So more rockish than sandy I wish I had known you, because there are a lot of realy beautiful places that aren't the touristy traps Ohhhh and no seeums don't bite at all, they actually drop a super tiny speck of an acid type liquid on you. It burns a tiny micro hole in the skin Then it sticks the world's tiniest straw in there and has a sip of you cocktail 🍸 😉
The Keys are amazing, I'm a South Florida native and I go to the Keys almost every other weekend. If I can suggest a key with great beaches Bahia Honda has an amazing beach as well as Sombrero beach in Marathon. If you want the full beach and nightlife experience then go to Key West.
I love Key Largo! The parks are amazing as is the aquatics center. I think you'd find what you listed on your wish list in Marathon by the way. Sombrero Beach is what you're looking for. It's only 40 min south of Largo.
The only..."beach" beach you could really go to (Everything is mostly closed off because it's for people who actually live there.) was America Outdoors. But that was closed down ages ago. I was born and raised there. So it'll always have it's charm for me.
To enjoy the Keys you need a boat, unless you are visiting Key West. A boat allows you to snorkel, fish, hangout at the sandbar, and see some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. My favorite thing is a sunset boat ride on Sunset Bay. Don't have a boat. Snooks restaurant offers the perfect view point. The food is average as is most of the food in the Keys but on the sunsets are beautiful. On the right day, the sky turns red about 20 minutes after the sunset. It is truly spectacular. Key Largo has a couple of beautiful new resorts that offer a beach, pool and good outdoor restaurants. I rate Playa Largo and Baker's Cay the best. Islamorada has more to offer unless you drive all the way to Key West. It is only twenty minutes south of Key Largo. Lorelei's, Islamorada Fish Company, and Morada Bay are some of the more popular restaurants. It is also closer to the famous sandbar and "the hump" for fishing.
yellowbird500 I just talking to a friend about how my experience would have been SO different with a boat. Will be in fort lauderdale tomorrow and we’re getting a boat!
I just left there for the first time. I had some good times, but overall....it was a nightmare. EVERYTHING worthwhile costs money. I brought a boat. There are very few public boat ramps. The few places I contacted was $25 to launch and $25 to retrieve your boat. It's sad. There is very little public places there. All these fancy videos and pictures of the Florida Keys were not what I saw :( to me....it was a wasted Trip. I highly recommend the Crystal River, Florida area where I live. I won't come back until I win the lottery. Fact is , 99 percent of the keys are privately owned.
this is VERY helpful info, thanks for sharing. when you start looking on google maps (satellite and earth).. i was learning that too.. they keys are amazing (for those that privately own there). i just started looking into crystal river! i'm waiting for the weather to be mo'betta before going. obviously manatees and kayaking.. but got any other faves there?
I spent couple summer in the Keys in the early 2000s. Key Largo used to be a very sleepy town back then, but it has now become very "touristy" and costly to visit and stay. Based on my experiences, Pine Key offers the most picturesque, photo-ops sceneries in the Florida Keys. Remember that you got to be on the west side of the keys in order to see sunset. Unfortunately, most of beach access are of private properties, and the only choice left for you are bars, restaurants, and private resorts (where you can watch as the sun dives down). National Parks too are also good options to catch that beautiful sunset, but the most parks, ironically, will close at sunset. Key Largo, made famous from Humphrey Bogart's film noir, and the 1980s song that bear the same name, isn't an exciting place to stay. Islamorada and Marathon offer a bit more excitement with the outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Key West, on the other hand, provides lot of places to catch sunrise and sunset, but you do have to prepare to deal with a very large crowd of people.
YESSSS! I love love love reading this comment. Thank you for taking the time to write and WOW you know a thang or 5,000,000. I actually JUST booked my return trip to the keys (this month).. I'll be hitting Key Largo again and also Key West. Pine Key... ON MY LIST! Thank you!!
We had a place in Key Largo that we vacation rented through VRBO. The one piece of advice I gave every person inquiring about renting is to do your research. Everyone thinks the Florida keys is miles & miles of white sand beaches and palm trees. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Florida keys are a chain of Mangrove islands and there are no natural beaches. There are beaches, but they are all man made beaches, which is why you could not find one to watch a sunset other than the resorts. You said there are no sidewalks in Key Largo, there are walking & bike paths (sidewalks) parallel to Overseas Highway all the way through that area. I like that you made the best of your trip to Key Largo, but a little planning in advance & you would have not wound up making due. I watched a couple of your videos and you do a great job with them, but I'm surprised as a seasoned traveler you did not do more planning.
Thanks for the helpful tips!! I’m planning on redoing this trip. Not every trip is perfect.. especially when you fly 6-10 times a month and sleep in hotels/airbnbs 250+ nights a year 😆 . you’ve got some good info in here!
Thank you for this video. I love snorkeling and wanted to go to the nearest Floriday key, thinking that I could do exactly as you said could not be done, jumping in with snorkela and fins at the nearest beach. You just saved me alot of money and time, driving from Texas.
I live in Key Largo get an airbnb take a boat to Grecian Rocks to snorkel or go see Christ! Eat ate Num Thai for sushi/Sundowners for cooked fish/pilot house or Big Chill for drinks. Drive down to Key West for a party!
coral cove.. it's not a beach, but its on the inlet! in jupiter! and also navarre beaches (all of them). and international: cabbage beach (bahamas). or 7 mile.. anywhere (grand cayman)
Yeah...so not really a beachy place! You got mostly coral rock and mangrove roots...and suddenly water. A boat is almost a must-have...*then* yer talkin'...! :-P The water down near Islamorada is amazing turquoise. (I can't get the sailboat into a lot of that area.) This sounds very pedestrian, but I kinda enjoyed the Holiday Inn. There's a pool with a bar, another restaurant/bar next door on the water (watch the dusk mosquitos in season); and the dive boat from Sea Dwellers is right next to you in the canal that leads out to the reefs. But it's probably all gone to seed by now, so forget I said all that... LOL Loved the virtual tour, though!!! Well done as always!!!
oh heyyyyy I know this gentleman! thanks for the helpful info and you'd be proud to know i used zero mics and just my phone to both take the video and edit this one. LOL!!!!
We're about to be in Key Largo in a few days so I just search "Key Largo" and came across your video. Thank you for the great tips! By the way, at 6:24...props for wearing locals slippers! :)
@@ChristineLozada 8 new pairs will last you decades! I have brand new pairs from years ago sitting in my closet since I've been on the same pair for the past 5 years or so haha
Cool video, we are going tent camping at a campground in key largo in march. Flights from Indy to fort myers are CHEAP. 1/3 the price to Miami. Worth the drive for a party of 4. Compiling a list of places to go. Thanks!
Mad Miata Yesss! Have FUN! In case you didn’t see it, a Key Largo native below in the comments suggested Mrs Mac for key lime pie! It’s on my list for next visit too!)🙋🏻♀️
I lived in Key Largo, not the most attractive island.. they do have sidewalks so I dont quite understand that part. Theirs a few remote islands with the clear waters you were searching for.. not easily accessible of course. Problem with the keys is any semblance of a beautiful beach is privatized and commercialized by Hotels and the rich. If anyone wants to visit a beautiful beach.. visit the light house in Miami.
EL Sun How long did you live there for and what was your favorite thing to do or place to eat? I’m going to REDO this trip so I’ll take any and all recommendations! Also- I recently visited the lighthouse in miami and i LOVED it. A video coming out soon on that one! amazing spot for a sunset
@@ChristineLozada Exactly.. I was supposed to go this week, but because of the the rain, i had to rebook it for next week, (again pending any weather changes🙄) ..south florida weather at its finest, lol
chris330271 seriously! weather here is nuts. i had to get my nails done while i waited bc it was storming outside.. THEN went snorkeling 2 hrs AFTER high tide in palm beach and it was murky 😖. i say this and i also say.. ‘this is not a real problem’ 😂
@@ChristineLozadaI know you mad😆 and now im here we suppose to be getting some more saharan dust this coming week, its supposed to bring mega heat and humidity,causing safety issues so here we go all over again..new week new problems..may have to postpone this trip again.
@@chris_fitness85 how was your latest trip? i'm reading back through all the comments because the weather looks AMAZE-BALLS and i'm going to key west. like. tomorrow.
Yadira J Excuuuuuse me?! I just looked this spot up on google images and choked on my wine. HELLO gorgeous. It’s added to the bucket list. Great tip thank you!
Yes girllll! I did lots of research before i went to the keys cuz i got mixed reviews. But i LOVEDDDD my experience. Going there again in a month! 🥰☀️🏖👙
I have gotten so many comments (especially through instagram!) of AMAZING recommendations for Key Largo. I'm going to REDO this trip and make a new video and do EVERYONE'S suggestions! Got one to add to my itinerary? I'd love to hear!
Christine Lozada what are some recommendations? i’m going this weekend for valentine’s day with my bf.
strawberry creme here’s what I got so far.. Mrs Mac for key lime pie, full moon party in Morada Bay, get on a BOAT and go to the islands and/or snorkel and sand bar and fish, go to Bahia Honda, go to Dolphins, do a sunset boat ride on Sunset Bay. Eat Shooks restarurant for a good view. Stay at Playa Largo and Bakers Cay.
My cousin who lives in key largo took us to marker 88 restaurant we had a dinner 30 feet from the beach and watched the sunset !!! My elderly daddy is handicapped so we also went to see the African Queen boat (which is in one of his favorite movies)..and all of these places were wheelchair accessible! We walked around that pier area all day looking at wild iguanas , fish and turtles my cousin also works at theater of the sea and that was a real amazing experience for us as well.
thank you so much for watching lynn! and thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! i love these tips!
You actually have to drive further down the keys. The further down you go, the more blue green the water gets. Tips from a frequent traveler to the keys. You also have to visit Bahia Honda state park. Vegetation and beaches with blue green clear water.
endofsociety A few others have posted about Bahia Honda! It’s on my list! Any specific faves about it? Or specific things I should do there (besides enjoying the sunshine and water?)
Christine Lozada if the bridge is open that’s over looks the park, you should definitely walk up there take some pics and enjoy the views. Snorkel if you have the gear. Take the nature trail there.
endofsociety all written down.. THANK YOU for these! and when it’s time.. stay tuned for a video about it 😉
Christine Lozada can’t wait 😁
I grew up there, and live on my yacht there
There aren't beaches because our islands are actually coral heads
So more rockish than sandy
I wish I had known you, because there are a lot of realy beautiful places that aren't the touristy traps
Ohhhh and no seeums don't bite at all, they actually drop a super tiny speck of an acid type liquid on you. It burns a tiny micro hole in the skin
Then it sticks the world's tiniest straw in there and has a sip of you cocktail 🍸 😉
Oooooh I'll be headed back! I gotta redo this trip for SURE!
@@ChristineLozada well, let me know when you do 🏝🚢🏝
The Keys are amazing, I'm a South Florida native and I go to the Keys almost every other weekend. If I can suggest a key with great beaches Bahia Honda has an amazing beach as well as Sombrero beach in Marathon. If you want the full beach and nightlife experience then go to Key West.
Geralt of Slavia ooo thank you for these suggestions!! I appreciate it!!
Yup key west does have a couple great beaches. Love the duval crawl experience. Should also experience the sunset celebration at Mallory square.
I was thinking the same thing, Key West is we’re it’s at!
I LOVED Key Largo despite it being different from what I expected. Have you been? What's your favorite thing about Key Largo?
I love Key Largo! The parks are amazing as is the aquatics center. I think you'd find what you listed on your wish list in Marathon by the way. Sombrero Beach is what you're looking for. It's only 40 min south of Largo.
ooo adding this to my list! thank you!!!!
I work at the Reefhouse and honestly you need to rent in a resort if you want to see nice sunsets and enjoy the beach
thanks for the tip!
The only..."beach" beach you could really go to (Everything is mostly closed off because it's for people who actually live there.) was America Outdoors. But that was closed down ages ago.
I was born and raised there. So it'll always have it's charm for me.
thanks for this insider tip!
To enjoy the Keys you need a boat, unless you are visiting Key West. A boat allows you to snorkel, fish, hangout at the sandbar, and see some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. My favorite thing is a sunset boat ride on Sunset Bay. Don't have a boat. Snooks restaurant offers the perfect view point. The food is average as is most of the food in the Keys but on the sunsets are beautiful. On the right day, the sky turns red about 20 minutes after the sunset. It is truly spectacular. Key Largo has a couple of beautiful new resorts that offer a beach, pool and good outdoor restaurants. I rate Playa Largo and Baker's Cay the best.
Islamorada has more to offer unless you drive all the way to Key West. It is only twenty minutes south of Key Largo. Lorelei's, Islamorada Fish Company, and Morada Bay are some of the more popular restaurants. It is also closer to the famous sandbar and "the hump" for fishing.
yellowbird500 I just talking to a friend about how my experience would have been SO different with a boat. Will be in fort lauderdale tomorrow and we’re getting a boat!
I agree every vacation is different. 😉Enjoy every environment.
Yes!
I just left there for the first time. I had some good times, but overall....it was a nightmare. EVERYTHING worthwhile costs money.
I brought a boat. There are very few public boat ramps. The few places I contacted was $25 to launch and $25 to retrieve your boat. It's sad. There is very little public places there. All these fancy videos and pictures of the Florida Keys were not what I saw :( to me....it was a wasted Trip. I highly recommend the Crystal River, Florida area where I live. I won't come back until I win the lottery.
Fact is , 99 percent of the keys are privately owned.
this is VERY helpful info, thanks for sharing. when you start looking on google maps (satellite and earth).. i was learning that too.. they keys are amazing (for those that privately own there). i just started looking into crystal river! i'm waiting for the weather to be mo'betta before going. obviously manatees and kayaking.. but got any other faves there?
I spent couple summer in the Keys in the early 2000s. Key Largo used to be a very sleepy town back then, but it has now become very "touristy" and costly to visit and stay. Based on my experiences, Pine Key offers the most picturesque, photo-ops sceneries in the Florida Keys. Remember that you got to be on the west side of the keys in order to see sunset. Unfortunately, most of beach access are of private properties, and the only choice left for you are bars, restaurants, and private resorts (where you can watch as the sun dives down). National Parks too are also good options to catch that beautiful sunset, but the most parks, ironically, will close at sunset. Key Largo, made famous from Humphrey Bogart's film noir, and the 1980s song that bear the same name, isn't an exciting place to stay. Islamorada and Marathon offer a bit more excitement with the outdoor activities, such as boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Key West, on the other hand, provides lot of places to catch sunrise and sunset, but you do have to prepare to deal with a very large crowd of people.
YESSSS! I love love love reading this comment. Thank you for taking the time to write and WOW you know a thang or 5,000,000. I actually JUST booked my return trip to the keys (this month).. I'll be hitting Key Largo again and also Key West. Pine Key... ON MY LIST! Thank you!!
I loved key largo. Hope heaven is kind of like that
🤘🏽
Just came back from the last key. Key west was awesome I loved bike riding every where and the water also didn't disappoint.
Glad to hear it! key west is amazing! i saw so many turtles last time i was there
Well I live in Michigan Born and raised in Southwest Detroit !!
In about 2 to 3 months I will be moving to Central Florida
love to hear that! yes!
We had a place in Key Largo that we vacation rented through VRBO.
The one piece of advice I gave every person inquiring about renting is to do your research. Everyone thinks the Florida keys is miles & miles of white sand beaches and palm trees. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Florida keys are a chain of Mangrove islands and there are no natural beaches. There are beaches, but they are all man made beaches, which is why you could not find one to watch a sunset other than the resorts.
You said there are no sidewalks in Key Largo, there are walking & bike paths (sidewalks) parallel to Overseas Highway all the way through that area.
I like that you made the best of your trip to Key Largo, but a little planning in advance & you would have not wound up making due.
I watched a couple of your videos and you do a great job with them, but I'm surprised as a seasoned traveler you did not do more planning.
Thanks for the helpful tips!! I’m planning on redoing this trip. Not every trip is perfect.. especially when you fly 6-10 times a month and sleep in hotels/airbnbs 250+ nights a year 😆 . you’ve got some good info in here!
Thank you for this video. I love snorkeling and wanted to go to the nearest Floriday key, thinking that I could do exactly as you said could not be done, jumping in with snorkela and fins at the nearest beach. You just saved me alot of money and time, driving from Texas.
stoked to hear it 🤘🏽
I'm doing something almost identical to this in a few months...this vid will be very helpful to my trip, thanks! 👌🏽
I’m so glad! Thanks so much for watching my video and taking the time to leave a comment! It means a lot!!
I live in Key Largo get an airbnb take a boat to Grecian Rocks to snorkel or go see Christ! Eat ate Num Thai for sushi/Sundowners for cooked fish/pilot house or Big Chill for drinks. Drive down to Key West for a party!
I'm committed to taking a vacation every year. Life's too short not to. This year it's vegas maybe next year I'll go here
love this mentality!!! 🤘🏽
Curious to know your personal favorite Florida beach…and International Beach?
coral cove.. it's not a beach, but its on the inlet! in jupiter! and also navarre beaches (all of them). and international: cabbage beach (bahamas). or 7 mile.. anywhere (grand cayman)
Yeah...so not really a beachy place! You got mostly coral rock and mangrove roots...and suddenly water. A boat is almost a must-have...*then* yer talkin'...! :-P The water down near Islamorada is amazing turquoise. (I can't get the sailboat into a lot of that area.)
This sounds very pedestrian, but I kinda enjoyed the Holiday Inn. There's a pool with a bar, another restaurant/bar next door on the water (watch the dusk mosquitos in season); and the dive boat from Sea Dwellers is right next to you in the canal that leads out to the reefs.
But it's probably all gone to seed by now, so forget I said all that... LOL
Loved the virtual tour, though!!! Well done as always!!!
oh heyyyyy I know this gentleman! thanks for the helpful info and you'd be proud to know i used zero mics and just my phone to both take the video and edit this one. LOL!!!!
@@ChristineLozada There's a lot to be said for simplicity...or so I keep trying to convince myself! 🤣
That was beautifully shot
oooh thanks! this was one of my first videos. makes me cringe to watch it now. HAHAA!
We're about to be in Key Largo in a few days so I just search "Key Largo" and came across your video. Thank you for the great tips! By the way, at 6:24...props for wearing locals slippers! :)
WOO! locals are the best btw. just restocked with 8 new pairs in oahu. lol. i'm good for a few more years.
@@ChristineLozada 8 new pairs will last you decades! I have brand new pairs from years ago sitting in my closet since I've been on the same pair for the past 5 years or so haha
Cool video, we are going tent camping at a campground in key largo in march. Flights from Indy to fort myers are CHEAP. 1/3 the price to Miami. Worth the drive for a party of 4. Compiling a list of places to go. Thanks!
Mad Miata Yesss! Have FUN! In case you didn’t see it, a Key Largo native below in the comments suggested Mrs Mac for key lime pie! It’s on my list for next visit too!)🙋🏻♀️
@@ChristineLozada excellent thanks!
Snuck into Baker’s Cay. Well done! 👍🏼👍🏼
😂😂
I lived in Key Largo, not the most attractive island.. they do have sidewalks so I dont quite understand that part. Theirs a few remote islands with the clear waters you were searching for.. not easily accessible of course. Problem with the keys is any semblance of a beautiful beach is privatized and commercialized by Hotels and the rich. If anyone wants to visit a beautiful beach.. visit the light house in Miami.
EL Sun How long did you live there for and what was your favorite thing to do or place to eat? I’m going to REDO this trip so I’ll take any and all recommendations! Also- I recently visited the lighthouse in miami and i LOVED it. A video coming out soon on that one! amazing spot for a sunset
Just make the drive to Key West it’s worth it also you better check your season between me and between November and may is best
helpful! it is an extra drive and I LOVE KEY WEST. so rad there. huge difference
Great video and thanks for the input! Heading out there soon..solo dolo😄👊🏿✌🏾from broward as well!
chris330271 solo trips are the best! i’ve been watching the weather bc i want to go back.. august is such a weird on and off rain month 🙄
@@ChristineLozada Exactly.. I was supposed to go this week, but because of the the rain, i had to rebook it for next week, (again pending any weather changes🙄) ..south florida weather at its finest, lol
chris330271 seriously! weather here is nuts. i had to get my nails done while i waited bc it was storming outside.. THEN went snorkeling 2 hrs AFTER high tide in palm beach and it was murky 😖. i say this and i also say.. ‘this is not a real problem’ 😂
@@ChristineLozadaI know you mad😆 and now im here we suppose to be getting some more saharan dust this coming week, its supposed to bring mega heat and humidity,causing safety issues so here we go all over again..new week new problems..may have to postpone this trip again.
@@chris_fitness85 how was your latest trip? i'm reading back through all the comments because the weather looks AMAZE-BALLS and i'm going to key west. like. tomorrow.
Lovely video💖I’ll have to keep these things in mind if I ever go, I’ve wanted to go ever since I saw the movie “key largo” 😂 (that is if I ever go)
Everyone always talks about the movie! I need to watch it!
Where did you get the music for the video?
Epidemic sound! I love their selection!
@@ChristineLozada big thank you for this!
@@michaelh3560 You're very welcome!
I would love to see the Keys. And you're lovely and spunky.
George Estremera i’ve been waiting for the weather to get good so i can go back and explore again! thanks for watching!🥰🥳🤘🏽
you went to the wrong beach mam. do your research next time. Bahia Honda is where its at.
Yadira J Excuuuuuse me?! I just looked this spot up on google images and choked on my wine. HELLO gorgeous. It’s added to the bucket list. Great tip thank you!
Yes girllll! I did lots of research before i went to the keys cuz i got mixed reviews. But i LOVEDDDD my experience. Going there again in a month! 🥰☀️🏖👙
Sombrero Beach!
ooh ooh!!
I would have asked my girlfriend
To show me around Key Largo
since she's lived there 45+yrs....
WOW! that's a long time (and a great resource!!)
Damn bro, you got the whole squad laughing.
PICAZHUU i just got bro’d. SAAAAAA-WEEEEEEET! 🙌🏽
You never mentioned where you seen the sunrise?
hi mindy! the google maps link should be in the description of this video!
Lol I just got back from key largoXD
I live in Lk You definitely did not go to the right places and because there’s a bar and restaurant that’s open to the public
oooh which bar and restaurant? i’m planning a return trip!
What a babe! 💖💞💖💕 Any chance we can meet up in key largo? LOL
HAHA! this makes me lol 😂
You went alone and in winter .. next time you let me know .. and you are going to have a blast ..
Oooo I definitely need to make a return trip!!!! is it better to go in summer 👀 ??
Their r 2 roads in and out u just don't know about the locals route
It'd be great if you could provide some helpful info on the locals route so others can benefit from it! I definitely didn't know about it
I liked hat truthfull report. If great beaches are for you try Playa pilar in Cuba
oooh noting this thanks!
how can people just sit there and talk into a camera NONE STOP,man that is ssooo ANNOYING!!
This world needs more kind people, Helen. Seriously.
Just annoying drug out too long video...sorry
Sorry it didn't work out for ya Mitch! Glad my video is free and you have the ability to simply.. close... the.. browser... !