70 Florida Keys Travel Tips! {What to Know BEFORE You Go}

So are you planning a trip to down to the Keys?  These Florida Keys Travel Tips will show you everything you need to know before you go!

With swaying palms, tropical treats, and breathtaking beaches, you can’t go wrong planning a trip to the Florida Keys!

These budget Florida Keys Travel Tips will help you plan that dreamy beach vacation… without spending a fortune!

It’s time for a tropical adventure in The Keys!  Read on for the top Florida Keys Travel Guide and let’s get planning your next vacation!

Keep reading for all the very best Florida Keys travel tips and things to do shared by your frugal friends…

A special thanks to frugal friend Megan for sharing this fun Visit Florida Keys Travel Tips photo above!

Florida Keys Travel Tips

Related:

• How to Travel for Free or Cheap {20 Budget Travel Hacks}

Things to Do in the Florida Keys:

April Mae writes: “Annes Beach!!! South of MM74 (about a mile or so).  It’s such an amazing place, with no admission charges, and the boardwalk has some of the best scenery you’ll find.”

Stacie writes: “Rent Vespas!”

Faith writes: “Yes, rent a scooter, way more fun than driving car!”

Kendra writes: “If you go to the beach, do Crandon Park off Key Biscayne.”

Kelly writes: “You MUST go to the Dry Tortugas for some of the best and easiest snorkeling in the whole Caribbean.”

Jackie writes: “Take the day trip by plane or ferry boat to Dry Tortugas National Park – it was fun to explore & snorkel there.”

Kristin writes: “Southernmost point, the Hemingway House with the 6-toed cats, and the Lighthouse.”

Lizzy writes: “Check out Garl’s Coastal Kayaking in Key Largo.  He takes people on croc hunts and sunset kayak outings.  It’s amazing!!”

Katherine writes: “Danger Cruises mangrove kayaking trip is a must.”

Keeley writes: “Scuba diving!  You don’t have to be certified either.  They give you a class on how to do it in a pool then they take you out for two 30 min dives.  Also the jet ski tour around the island is fun.”

Jennifer writes: “Just got back from a trip to the Keys for our honeymoon.  Do the Danger Snorkeling/Kayaking excursion in Key West.  In Key Largo, do the glass bottom boat.”

Jayme writes: “In Key West we went on wave runners.  My husband still talks about the wave runners and that was almost 8 years ago.”

Dawn writes: “Key West sunset sailboat tour on the Floridays was amazing.”

Chim writes: “Go to Pennekamp State Park for snorkeling and hanging out. Robbie’s of Islamorada is a must-see for kids to feed the tarpon!”

Jacqueline writes: “I lived there for 4 months.  You must go to Bahia Honda Beach!!  The water is so light blue, its almost white!  Unbelievably beautiful!!”

Perymar writes: “We went to Bahia Honda State Park last week and it was beautiful!  Crystal clear water!”

Jessica writes: “Bahia Honda is beautiful and usually not busy!  Made the top 10 beaches a few years ago.  Also try snorkeling off of Key Largo at John Pennenkamp State Park.”

Helen writes: “Pedicabs!”

Susan writes: “I am going in two weeks and will be staying in Key West.  The plan is to head to Marathon to see the Dolphin Research Center.”

Sharron writes: “Kino Sandals is a must! If you are taking kids don’t stay in Key West. Stay on one of the other keys and just visit Key West.”

Heather writes: “Fish, boating, sand bar”

Katie writes: “When I was a teenager we went to Flippers Sea School on Marathon Key; it is where Flipper was filmed.  I was able to swim with the dolphins there.  Gotta see the southernmost point and Hemingway’s House.”

Sylvie writes: “Hawks Cay. Marathon… trust me.”

Lisa writes: “You must go to the pier at sunset!  It’s such a small town, you can get it all in. Enjoy!”

Susan writes: “In Key West, go to the lighthouse, the southernmost point marker (90 miles to Cuba).”

Tina writes: “Been going to Cudjoe Key for years, love the Keys, so relaxing…”

Julie writes: “Watching the sunset on the east side of town on the seawall.  Everyone shows up-it’s awesome, there’s live music, food booths, street fair acts, etc.  Totally fun!”

Char writes: “John Pennenkamp State Park in Key Largo, take a glass bottom boat or snorkel to the God of the deep, hire a fishing charter from Marathon Key, and camp at Key Largo Kampground; low rates for tent or RV, pool, a private beach, and laundry/shower facilities…. my favorite!!!”

Amy writes: “Visit Mallory Square”

Nancy writes: “We go yearly.  Camp at Long Key State Park, the campsites are on the ocean side.  Go to the ice cream shop across from CVS in Key West. (tropical ice cream- guava, papaya, passion fruit, etc.)”

Mindy writes: “Visit the Turtle Hospital”

Ashley writes: “The Butterfly Garden in Key West is breathtaking.”

Bayley writes: “Go to the Dolphin Research Center”

Vickie writes: “Take a seaplane from the airport out to Fort Jefferson National Park. Beautiful scenery and snorkeling”

Carrie writes: “We loved just walking around old town and looking at the old houses.”

Leann writes: “It’s a super cool place to visit but make sure sure that you aren’t seeking a “beach” trip! It may be surrounded by water but it doesn’t have nice beaches or fun waves. Duval street was a lot of fun!”

Leigh Ayn writes: “Sunset cruise, Mallory Square, Duval Street, parasailing, Bahia Honda, Dolphin Research Center, KW Aquarium – the list goes on and on!”

Jenni writes: “We chartered a boat with some friends and went deep sea fishing.  The first mate took the fish we caught to a local restaurant, and they prepared it for us five different ways!  It was awesome!”

Julie writes: “Go to Key Largo and see the actual African Queen, the boat in the movie by the same name with Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn.”

Renee writes: “Do Snorkeling off Key West!!!”

Bernice writes: “We love the Keys! For great homemade ice cream, you have to check out Mr.C’s in Key Largo.  The Diving Museum in the Keys is fun too.”

Cris writes: “We stay at Key Largo and visit Key West once on our trip. We dive though so that’s why we avoid the touristy area and touristy prices.”

Patricia writes: “I was there about 10 years ago on business. Had no rental car, and only one free (rainy) afternoon, so I took the Trolley Tour. Many stops & the trolleys ran every 15 minutes. Come & go as you please.”

Where to Eat in the Florida Keys:

Bayley writes: “My grandma lived in the Keys for 15years! We visited often & definitely know the secrets!  Eat at Lazy Day Marathon, Key’s Fisheries, FL Keys Steak and Lobster House, and the Key Colony Inn Restaurant.”

Michelle writes: “Lazy Day Marathon is so yummy. They will cook your catch from a fishing trip, too.”

Kristin writes: “Eat at the Florida Key Lime Pie Company”

Jacqueline writes: “Go to Morada Bay restaurant for dinner, the tables are on the beach!”

Maureen writes: “Sloppy Joe’s Key West!  Tons of fun!!”

Heather writes: “There is a Marina in Marathon that serves the most incredible Key Lobster ever!”

Laura writes: “No Name Pizza off of Big Pine Key.  The BEST pizza ever.  Have to have pizza there every year when I go to Cudjoe Key.  Plus the Key Deer walk right around that area so you can see them up close.”

Carrie writes: “Get some Key Lime Pie Fudge from Key West! Ahmmazing!”

Debbie writes: “Key Colony Inn in Marathon for food. The best!”

Tammy writes: “Porky’s Bayside BBQ and Herbie’s Chowder House in Marathon.”

Chim writes: “Eat at Mrs. Mac’s, The Buzzard’s Roost and The Fish House on Key Largo.”

Karissa writes: “A&B lobster house in Key West”

Amy writes: “Islamorada Fish Co.  Great good and fun atmosphere.  They feed the small sharks in the evening and its so cool!!”

Ashley writes: “The Conch House in Key Largo has great food.”

Deborah writes: “Go to Blue Heaven.  Great breakfasts and key lime pie.  Make sure you take a good tour. The place has a great history.”

Patty writes: “Jimmy Buffett was at Margaritaville last time I was in Key West!!!!!”

Score Free Coffee at Starbucks!  With all the fresh air, sunshine, and play time… you just might be needing a caffeine fix!  There are several Starbucks locations in the Keys, so check this out…

Starbucks Money Saving Hacks

How to Visit the Florida Keys on a Budget:

To visit The Keys on a budget, you’ll need to do a little planning.  My first tip is to start stashing extra cash away now for your  ‘Florida Keys Trip Fund’.  Need to increase your travel fund cash stash?  You can make extra money on the side in your free time!  Here are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…

25+ Side Hustles Ideas

How to Get Cheap Flights To Florida:

Wondering how to get cheap flights?  My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare!  I’ve scored so many free flights this way!  Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards?  Here’s what you need to do…

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Where to Stay in The Florida Keys:

Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next beach vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!  Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…

75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know

In addition to hotels, I also recommend staying at a VRBO when visiting the Keys to save BIG on your trip.  VRBO has so many vacation rentals listed by owner, and they can be such a great way to find nice lodging that is way less expensive than the hotels.  I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO’s, and loved every one.  Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came fully stocked with beach towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and kitchens.  These amenities alone saved us SO much money!

Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO?  These little known hacks will save you SO much money!  Check this out…

How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO

Jo-Anne writes: “Tip – don’t go in September to Key West… most everything closes down!”

Jacqueline writes: “If you haven’t found a place to stay yet, Islamorada is charming!”

When You First Arrive, Stock up on Cheap Food and Beach Supplies at Walmart!

Picking up a few of your essentials at Walmart will be is an easy way to save BIG!  Grab some full-size sunscreen, food and snacks for your room, and any beach gear you need {like buckets and shovels for the kids, etc}.  Want to sweeten the deal even more? Here are a few of my favorite tricks…

How to Score Walmart Grocery Deals {20 Secret Tips}

More Visit Florida Keys Budget Travel Tips:

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What to Pack for the Florida Keys:

19 Carry On Must Haves for your next flight

17 Beach Bag Essentials

So be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!

Want a frugal souvenir idea?  Here’s a fun and frugal way to capture some of your favorite beach memories…

Beach Memory Jar! {DIY Vacation Souvenir}

Now that you’ve had fun reading through these visit Florida Keys travel tips, start dreaming of more vacations in the Southeast with these Frugal Travel ideas below…

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So don’t miss out!  Find more fun Frugal Girls Travel and Recipe Inspiration right here…

So… have YOU ever visited the Florida Keys before?

What are some of your favorite places to see, things to do, etc?

Leave a comment & share!