Escape to Key Largo

Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys, immediately puts visitors on “island time” with its natural beauty both on land and underwater, and its friendly, relaxed and welcoming vibe. 

Known as the Diving Capital of the World, the area includes many extraordinary dive sites. From Key Largo, scuba divers and snorkelers can easily access the quiet underwater beauty along the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef.

On land, numerous restaurants serve everything from gourmet delights to “Keys casual” dishes, many featuring the area’s bounty of fresh seafood, with tropical cocktails in waterfront settings. 

It's easy to embrace fitness in the Upper Keys enclave with a variety of ways to work off vacation indulgences and boost spirits. Options include paddling kayaks or paddleboards through mangrove tunnels and nearshore waters, nature hikes or classes at area fitness and yoga studios. 

Escape to Serenity: Visitors can cultivate contentment during the weekly Monday sunset yoga class on the dock over the waters of Florida Bay at Baker’s Cay Resort, mile marker 97 bayside, led by an instructor from Key Largo Yoga. A mind-body connection can also be created during a gentle candlelight yoga class, perfect for finding relaxation and rejuvenation, at the organization’s studio located at 99198 Overseas Highway. keylargoyoga.com

Escape on the Water: Few experiences can equal an underwater pilgrimage to snorkel or dive Key Largo Dry Rocks, the location of the famous Christ of the Deep statue — an enduring symbol of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The reef, located six miles offshore in 25 feet of water, is only accessible by boat. Both divers and snorkelers can see and swim past the 9-foot-tall statue with arms upraised toward the light above. The location can be accessed by booking boat trips at the state park or with area dive operators such as Amoray Dive Center, which schedules Wednesday morning trips to view the inspiring underwater work of art. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park, amoray.com/scuba-diving

Escape into Renewal: An enriching learning experience can be shared with Keys locals and other visitors during engaging, ocean-themed presentations by guest speakers at the REEF Fish & Friends free, monthly community social and seminar hosted by Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Complimentary light refreshments are provided during the events at the REEF Key Largo campus at 98300 Overseas Highway. reef.org/reef-fish-friends

Escape into Nature: The peaceful, shady world of the native hardwood forest at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park can be enjoyed on a self-guided nature walk or bike ride. The protected enclave of more than 2,000 acres is home to 84 species of plants and animals, including the endangered Schaus swallowtail butterfly. The park is located at mile marker 106 off County Road 905. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dagny-johnson-key-largo-hammock-botanical-state-park

Escape to a Hidden Haven: At the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center’s Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, located at mile marker 93.6 overlooking Florida Bay, people can visit rehabilitated native Florida and migratory birds that are physically unable to be released back into the wild. Cared for by staff and volunteers, the birds live out their lives on the sanctuary’s peaceful grounds, where some serve as educational ambassadors to raise awareness about ways to help native wildlife. The sanctuary’s scenic waterfront boardwalk is a perfect spot to take in a Key Largo sunset or simply enjoy moments of quiet reflection. keepthemflying.org/laura-quinn-wild-bird-sanctuary