(and All Day Long!)
Key Largo, Islamorada, Key West… every spot in the Florida Keys has its own vibe, its own personality, and its own way of stealing your heart. Key Largo is the perfect place to start (or end!) your Florida Keys adventure. There’s so much to do, see, eat, drink, and explore… and one of the biggest questions I get is:
“What are the best things to do in Key Largo at night?”
Don’t worry — I’ve got you. But first, let’s talk about everything you’ll want to squeeze in during the day, because Key Largo shines long before the sun goes down.
Things to Do in Key Largo During the Day
Before you start hunting down the best nightlife, make sure you take advantage of everything Key Largo offers in the sunshine.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Open every single day until sunset, this is the place to explore the underwater world. It’s the country’s first undersea park, covering 70 nautical miles of coral, fish, and crystal-clear water. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, hike the trails, or just sit on the beach with your toes in the sand.
👉 Fun fact: Key Largo is the Dive Capital of the World and home to the world’s third-largest barrier reef.
Everglades National Park
The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.! Take a guided tour, go bird-watching, walk the nature trails, and keep your eyes open for over 300 species of birds.
Pro tip: Download the NPS app before visiting any national park — it’s a lifesaver for trail maps, updates, and seasonal info.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Covering 3,800 square miles of protected water, the sanctuary preserves the fragile ecosystems of the Keys. If you make it down to Key West later, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is a must — and yes… it’s free!
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Love to bike, run, or walk? Explore 90 miles of gorgeous trails, including 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges. This gives you a completely different perspective of the Keys.
African Queen Canal Cruise
Step onto the actual 1912 steamboat from the Humphrey Bogart movie The African Queen! Cruise through the Key Largo canals for views, history, and a fun story to tell forever.
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
You can’t explore the refuge itself, but the butterfly garden and visitor center (open during daylight hours) are worth a visit. They also host special events throughout the year.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Want to see tropical fish and coral without getting wet? Glass bottom boat tours are the way to go — perfect for families or anyone who wants an easy, breezy day out on the water.
Check out the most popular tours on Viator here.
History of Diving Museum
Rainy afternoon? Heat index on “surface of the sun”? This museum is a great indoor option.
Another option in Islamorada to visit… not on a rainy day is the …
Theater of the Seas
Dolphins, sea lions, turtles, fish, birds, and interactive shows — this is one of the most popular attractions in the Upper Keys.
The Keys – things to do and where to eat
Love to shop? Check out the many gift shops in Key Largo.
- Florida Keys Gift Company
- Largo Cargo Co.
- Shell World
- Island Treasures
- Sandy Dreamz Boutique
- Old Conch Harbor
- Sandal Factory Outlet
Fishing Charters
If fishing is your love language, Key Largo will be your happy place. There are dozens of charters, from family-friendly trips to serious sport fishing.
Want to fish the waters around Key Largo? Who wouldn’t right? Check out the many Key Largo Fishing Charters.
Pool & Relaxation Time
And honestly? One of the best things you can do in Key Largo… or anywhere in the Florida Keys… is to sit by the pool, sip something tropical, and just be. You’re in the islands — let yourself relax.
Now… What to Do in Key Largo at Night
Once the sun dips into the bay (trust me, Key Largo sunsets are chef’s kiss), the nightlife scene comes alive. Here are the best things to do after dark:
Nightlife
Key Largo after dark gives you those laid-back, toes-in-the-sand island vibes we live for. Enjoy a sunset cruise, grab a cocktail by the water, listen to live music, and ease into island time.
Sunset Cruises
Start your evening with a relaxing trip on the water. Catamarans, classic boats, romantic options — you name it. Watching the sky light up in pinks and oranges over the bay is pure magic.
Check out the many options available here.
Restaurants and Bars
Looking for an evening cocktail? A yummy dinner? Or a place to stop for dessert? Here ya go…
Caribbean Club
Opened in 1938 and famous for being a filming location for Key Largo. The sunsets here are unreal, the cocktails are cold, and the vibe is pure Old Florida. Live music Thursday–Sunday and karaoke on Wednesdays.
Sundowners
Great food and sunsets. Enjoy fresh seafood or simply come over for Sunset Happy Hour.
Other Great Spots
- Mile Marker 88 – Great for sunsets (temporarily closed but worth watching for updates).
- Pilot House – Local hangout with a fun vibe and live weekend music.
- Key Largo Conch House – Featured on multiple food shows.
- Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen – A Key Largo legend since 1976.
- The Fish House – An award-winning dining tradition since 1982.
- Harriette’s Restaurant – Come here for breakfast after your night out.
Dessert Stops
- Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory
- Key Largo Chocolates
- Pinecrest Bakery
- Mr. C’s Ice Cream
Local Breweries
A must for beer lovers:
- Florida Keys Brewing Company
- Islamorada Brewing & Distillery
Nightclubs & Live Music
Whether you want tropical chill or a lively dance floor, Key Largo has an option for every mood.
- Cactus Jack’s (inside Sundowners)
- Breezer’s Tiki Bar
- The Tiki Bar
- Kili Tavern
- Bayside Grille
- Sharkey’s Sharkbite
- The Catch
- REEF Lounge
- Shipwreckers
- Jimmy Johnson’s
- Blackwater Siren
Art After Dark
Stroll through Key Largo’s small but mighty art scene:
- Kona Kai Art Gallery
- Our Place in Paradise (Islamorada — closes at 5pm)
- Key Largo Art Gallery
Epic Road Trip – Miami to Key West
Where to Stay in Key Largo
A few great lodging picks depending on your style:
Gilbert’s Resort
Party vibes, water views, live music, and a whole lot of fun. Grab a waterfront room — trust me.
Jules Undersea Lodge
Yes… underwater. Stay overnight or come for a day experience. It’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Playa Largo Resort
For luxury lovers who want the full resort experience.
Bayside vs. Oceanside?
Bayside = stunning sunsets, oceanside = gorgeous morning views. You can’t go wrong.
Final Thoughts
From daytime adventures to breezy nighttime fun, Key Largo is a place that pulls you in and keeps you dreaming long after you’ve headed home. Explore, relax, sip something tropical, and soak in that irresistible Florida Keys magic.
You’ll be planning your next trip before you even leave.
