• GIFT IDEAS
  • CRAFTS
  • ORGANIZE
  • CLEAN
  • BEAUTY
  • STYLE
  • GARDEN
  • HEALTH
  • BABY
  • HOME
  • DISCLOSURE

The Frugal Girls

Recipes, Money, Home & Garden, DIY, Beauty and Travel

  • EASY RECIPES
    • ALL RECIPES
    • 5 INGREDIENTS OR LESS
    • APPETIZERS
    • BABY FOOD
    • BREAD
    • BREAKFAST
    • CANNING & PRESERVING
    • CROCKPOT
    • DESSERTS
    • DINNER
    • DRINKS
    • HOLIDAYS
    • INSTANT POT
    • SALADS
    • SAUCES
    • SEASONINGS
    • SIDES
    • SOUPS
    • COOKING TIPS & TRICKS
  • ENTERTAIN
  • TRAVEL
  • RESTAURANT HACKS
  • STORE HACKS
  • SAVE MONEY
  • ABOUT
  • WORK WITH ME

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

February 6, 2014 By Heidi 4 Comments

I may get paid for ads or purchases made through links in this post.

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!

Florida Keys Travel Tips Vacation Ideas

Best Ways to Visit Florida Keys Travel Tips at TheFrugalGirls.com

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!

Here’s what you need to know before you go…

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

How to Visit the Florida Keys on a Budget:

So you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys?  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’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…

Easy Side Hustles to Save Money For Vacation

Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online

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…

Best Travel Hacking Credit Cards! {How I Get FREE Flights and Hotel Nights}

Hacking Credit Cards Travel

25 Southwest Airlines Hacks! {What To Know BEFORE You Fly}

Southwest Airlines Tips and Tricks for Flights

17 American Airlines Flight Hacks {Weird Tricks Everyone Should Know}

16 Delta Airlines Travel Hacks {Savvy Travel Hacking Ideas}

Where to Stay in The Florida Keys:

Wondering How to Earn Free Hotel Nights for your next beach vacation?  It’s so much easier than you think!  Here’s how I travel the world and stay at nice hotels for FREE…

How to Earn Free Hotel Nights {7 Secret Tricks}

How to Save Money on Hotels

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

VRBO Discounts and Hacks

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?  Use your Free Walmart Gift Cards!  Check this out…

How to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards

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

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.”

Florida Keys Travel Guide

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!!”

Florida Keys Vacation Spots

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!”

Florida Keys Travel Blog

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

Starbucks Money Saving Tips and Ideas

More Visit Florida Keys Travel Tips:

20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars

Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars Tips

Free Gas Gift Cards + 10 Ways To Save BIG on Road Trips!

How to Travel for Free or Cheap {19 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks}

What to Pack for the Florida Keys:

Best Baby Travel Gear

So will you be traveling with Baby?  Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials!  I’ve taken my babies on the long flights and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!

19 Carry On Must Haves for your next flight

Carry On Must Haves for Long Flights

17 Beach Bag Essentials

Beach Bag Essentials List

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}

Beach Memory Jar

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…

20 Miami Travel Tips! {What to Know BEFORE You Go}

Miami Travel Tips

22 Orlando Travel Tips and Florida Family Vacation Ideas

17 Tampa Florida Travel Tips and Vacation Ideas

Tampa Florida Travel Tips and Vacation Ideas

Atlanta Travel Tips and Guide {35 Best Things To Do}

22 Savannah Georgia Travel Tips and Things To Do

101 Charleston South Carolina Things to Do

33 Myrtle Beach Travel Tips and Things to Do {What to Know Before You Go}

20 Outer Banks Travel Tips for the Perfect Getaway!

20 Road Trip Must Haves for your next Vacation

Road Trip Must Haves for your next Vacation

34 Ways To Entertain Kids On A Trip

M4034S-4211

How to Remove Sand from Feet at Beach! {2 Easy Tricks}

How to Remove Sand from Feet at Beach

Ultimate Beach Getaways {plan your perfect beach vacation}

Top 10 Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

Whether your dream honeymoon destination would be a sun kissed beach, a fairy-tale kingdom or a romantic journey through time… You’ll love exploring these destinations!

10 Winter Family Vacation Ideas! {Top Destinations}

Is it time to get out of the cold and score yourself some warm sunshine?

Winter Family Vacation Ideas! {Top Destinations}

10 Most Spectacular National Parks in the US

Sometimes a trip to one of the Most Spectacular National Parks in the US is just what you need!

Most Spectacular National Parks in the US

101 Frugal Travel Tips and Best Kept Secrets

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

Frugal Girls Email Updates

TheFrugalGirls on Instagram

The Frugal Girls on Pinterest | TheFrugalGirls.com

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!

Filed Under: Most Popular 4, Travel, Travel Destinations

Comments

  1. Christie says

    April 26, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    I’ve never been to the Florida keys but I bet it’s so beautiful! I’ve visited Florida once and I loved it a lot. So thank you for sharing this great post!

    Reply
    • Heidi says

      April 26, 2021 at 2:29 pm

      Isn’t Florida SO gorgeous? You would love the Keys too! Maybe one day you’ll be able to visit? 🙂

      Reply
  2. Dolphin Man says

    July 13, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    If you love dolphins, don’t forget there are five facilities to see dolphins and interact with them too! Enjoy your vacations.

    Reply
  3. Deb says

    May 30, 2015 at 9:43 am

    I have been going to the Keys since a kid in the 70’s – it’s magical – always so relaxed there! Bahia Honda is lovely, love walking or biking the old 7 mile bridge. Fort Zachary State Park beach in Key West is great too. Too many great things to list……..will be moving there in the next few years …..

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hey there... it's so nice to meet you! I'm Heidi: a Frugal Girl living in sunny Arizona! I love sharing Easy Recipes, DIY Decor, Style & Beauty Hacks, Gardening Tips, Travel Hacks, and Creative Ways to Live the Sweet Life on a Budget. I'm so glad you're here!
More About Me >>
 

Don’t Miss These New Posts!

Deviled Egg Recipe with Bacon {The BEST!}

Teriyaki Noodles Recipe {20 Minute Ramen}

What Other People Are Reading:

Lemon Stovetop Potpourri Recipe

Lemon Stovetop Potpourri Recipe! {with Rosemary & Vanilla}

How to Safely Pack Plates

101 Moving Packing Tips and Tricks! {Best Hacks For a Smooth Move}

Hawaiian Lemonade Recipe

Pineapple Lemonade Recipe! {3 Ingredient Hawaiian Lemonade}

Walmart Shopping Hacks and Tips

Get Free Walmart Gift Cards! {16 Tricks + Shopping Hacks}

Copyright © 2009 - 2023 | Work With Me | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Home