The Quiet Keys - Key Largo

Key Largo Vacations

The Florida Keys string of islands stretch more than 100 miles south of the Florida mainland. On a research journey in February I landed in Miami and drove towards the keys for the first time, not knowing what to expect.

Initially driving through Homestead on the mainland I was a little hesitant as there is absolutely nothing appealing about that area but after you are into the Everglades National Park and the Atlantic comes into view, things begin improving dramatically. One bridge later on Highway 1 lands in you in the top of Key Largo and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

To see the full beauty of Key Largo you have to drive down the side roads on the west side of Key Largo (opposite the state park) as there are cafes, bars, boutique hotels and lovely vacation homes muddled together along the coast line.  On Hwy 1 at the top end of Key Largo you will find all the normal facilities such as grocery stores, hardware, liquor stores, fishing equipment suppliers and various marina supplies.

A short distance passed all of the stores and the road straightens out between the trees with sign after sign of BnB's, lodges, guest houses and private rentals on both sides of the highway. We booked accommodation before our flight and rented a lovely motel suite with outside BBQ and water front view on the bay side of Key Largo, stayed for three nights whilst touring the area before heading further south towards Key West. The motel was better than many hotel experiences and is now included in the myrentals key largo rentals site. After three wonderfully relaxing days in Key Largo, it was time to load up the car and head further south along the road stretching out through Key Largo, passed the glorious vacation villas and onwards towards Plantation Key.