best places to stay on the florida keys

Best Places To Stay Along The Florida Keys

The natural beauty of the Florida Keys has been enticing travelers to visit the island chain for generations. What’s not to love? Beautiful sugary white sand beaches, tranquil gin clear water, and the third largest barrier reef in the world provide a dreamy tropical paradise.

You’ll find that the Keys have a laid-back culture all to themselves and that during your stay here you’ll adapt to island time. There are a stunning 1,700 islands that make up the magical Florida Keys. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and use this guide to the best places to stay along the Florida Keys to book your trip.

Key West

As the most popular destination in the Keys, of course, Key West is one of the best places to stay. In terms of nightlife, shopping, and restaurants you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot than Duval Street. Accommodations in Key West have the added benefit of having ocean views thanks to it being the southernmost point in the United States.

Best Places To Stay In Key West

Margaritaville Key West Resort

245 Front Street

Located in Oldtown Key West, just minutes from Mallory Square, you’ll love the ocean views at the Margaritaville. This upscale resort is fun and friendly with spacious rooms that offer balconies complete with amazing views of the ocean. The fun open-air bar and outdoor pool are perfect for days spent relaxing in Key West.

Southernmost Beach Resort

1319 Duval Street

This resort is a short walk from the fun and lively Duval Street, which is full of shops and restaurants. Southernmost Beach Resort features colonial architecture with a modern coastal flair. Here you can enjoy a private beach and pier, lawn games, and a delicious onsite restaurant.

Truman Hotel

611 Truman Avenue

The bold and modern rooms at the Truman Hotel provide spacious digs for any budget. Complete with a picturesque poolside shaded by swaying palm trees. While some rooms feature balconies, others have lounges for relaxing in comfort during your stay. A complimentary continental breakfast is offered each morning and the iconic Ernest Hemingway House is just a 3-minute walk from the hotel.

Key Largo

If you’re looking for nature and an outdoor paradise in the Florida Keys then you will find Key Largo as the perfect base for your vacation. This island offers a huge range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Key Largo is also a great base for those looking to dive and snorkel. Home to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which has the world’s largest artificial reef, perfect for diving adventures. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets while staying in Key Largo.

Best Place To Stay In Key Largo

Playa Largo Resort

97450 Overseas Highway

Just a short 1-hour drive from Miami you’ll discover the beautiful luxury resort, Playa Largo. Sitting on an expansive 14 acres, the resort features spacious rooms with balconies and beach-inspired decor. This is a great resort for families and the amenities even include a kids club. The resort also offers dining options and sunset sailing charters.

Hampton Inn Key Largo

102400 Overseas Highway

At the Hampton Inn Key Largo, you’ll find comfortable and clean rooms in a low-key setting that’s great for those looking to relax. Certain rooms have ocean views, and you’re sure to appreciate the relaxing tropical vibes at this hotel. Hampton Inn Key Largo features a small beach where you can sunbathe under palm trees, as well as an outdoor pool. The hotel is just 5 minutes from the gorgeous Dolphin Cove.

Atlantic Bay Resort

527 Caribbean Drive

This budget-friendly option is located on Key Largo’s largest deep-sea marina. Rooms are comfortable, spacious and offer amenities such as coffee makers and mini-refrigerators. If you want a balcony with beautiful marina views make sure to book a suite. For your convenience, you can pay for overnight boat dockage at the marina if you are arriving by boat.

Islamorada

Islamorada consists of six small islets in what is referred to as a village of islands. These islands are known for their beautiful wildlife and amazing reef diving opportunities. Known as a place where you can have close encounters with dolphins or view a real buried treasure from the 16th century at the History Of Diving Museum. If you’re interested in marine life then the Theater Of The Sea is a must-visit while on Islamorada. Here they offer all kinds of interactive exhibits including swimming with dolphins and meeting sea turtles. There is a wide range of resorts in Islamorada, you’ll find everything from luxury all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly hotels.

Best Place To Stay On Islamorada

Cheeca Lodge And Spa

81801 Overseas Highway

This popular luxury resort, Cheeca Lodge and Spa, has hosted U.S. Presidents and celebrities among their guests. This family-friendly resort is home to white sand beaches, a nine-hole golf course, and a fishing pier, and this resort has something for everyone. The amenities here include a kids club, 3 swimming pools, and 4 tennis courts.

La Siesta Resort And Marina

80241 Overseas Highway

A great family resort La Siesta is an easygoing and comfortable hotel. The resort consists entirely of suites so there will be plenty of room for the whole family. A bonus is that kayaks, bike rentals, and fishing rods are all included in your nightly fee. Its close proximity to the Overseas Highway makes it perfect for those who are road-tripping through the Florida Keys.

Read More:

The Complete Vacationers Travel Guide to Islamorada, Florida (The Florida Keys)

Our Stay at Amara Cay on Islamorada Key (The Florida Keys)

Marathon

Marathon stretches over 10 miles of beautiful beaches and is a great choice for families. This island located in the Middle Keys is a great place to spend family time on the beach and swim in the calm, roped-off waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the Turtle Hospital with the whole family where you can learn about turtle conservation in the Keys. There are a huge variety of accommodations of all price ranges on Marathon.

Best Places To Stay On Marathon

Isla Bella Beach Resort

1 Knights Key Boulevard MM 47

This modern-lux resort is perfect for adults and couples and is a fairly new addition to the Florida Keys beach resort scene. Thanks to clever design, all of the rooms and suites have ocean views for you to enjoy those gorgeous technicolor Keys sunsets. On-site amenities include a beautiful beach bar, exceptional dining, 5 swimming pools, and a private marina.

Tranquil Bay Beachfront Resort

2600 Overseas Highway

The classic decor at Tranquil Bay will have you feeling relaxed and at home immediately. These simple yet opulent rooms are cozy and perfect for downtime in between adventures in Marathon. Tranquil Bay also offers the option of a 2 or 3-bedroom beach house, which is perfect for those traveling in large groups or with larger families.

Captain Pip’s Marina And Hideaway

1480 Overseas Highway

Set along Florida Bay, this down-to-earth hideaway is only 3 miles from the Seven Mile Bridge. These low-key rooms offer wifi, flatscreen TVs, and coffeemakers. You can easily hit the water by renting a boat or booking a snorkeling trip at Captain Pip’s Hideaway.

Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is known for its laid-back attitude and its namesake, the big pines that grow all over the island. You won’t be bored in this outdoor enthusiast paradise, visit Bahia Honda State Park. Enjoy the chill vibes of the island by swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Big Pine Key. If you’re looking to spot alligators take a hike around Blue Hole, a former limestone quarry. Or visit No Name Pub and add a dollar to their impressive collection for a little fun. Accommodations on Big Pine Key tend to be more affordable than many of the other islands.

Best Places To Stay On Big Pine Key

Looe Key Reef Resort And Dive Center

27340 Overseas Highway, Ramrod Key, FL 33042

If you are in the Keys to dive then you won’t find better accommodations than the Looe Key Reef Resort. As a true Florida Keys scuba diving and snorkeling hotel they are equipped with a dive shop, boats, and pools for all of the water lovers. There are also daily scuba diving trips to Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. The comfortable and clean rooms are decorated with an ocean theme and have free wifi. After a fun day of diving check out the onsite Looe Key Tiki Bar And Grill for food, drinks, and live entertainment.

The Barnacle Bed And Breakfast

1557 Long Beach Drive

This laid-back bed and breakfast has comfortable rooms with an island flair. Your stay comes with free kayak and bike rentals making it easy to explore the laid-back, Big Pine Key. The bnb also has its own private beach, tiki hut, and plenty of bbq areas. You’ll appreciate the relaxing atmosphere after a full day of exploring in the Keys.

Little Torch Key

Little Torch Key is among the smallest islands in the Keys, but you’ll find it both charming and beautiful. Friendly locals and a laid-back island vibe make Little Torch Key a great destination for couples looking for a relaxing getaway. This Key also has a backcountry feel that is perfect for those looking for outdoor adventures like kayaking and fishing. For some added romance, catch a boat to Little Palm Island.

Little Palm Island Resort

28500 Overseas Highway

The perfect getaway resort for adults and couples can be found on Little Torch Key. The Little Palm Resort is an all-inclusive property that features just 30 luxury bungalows. If you are looking to get away from it all then this is the resort for you. Cell phones are not permitted in public areas and there are no TVs in the bungalows. Amenities include a spa, a fine dining restaurant, and a posh pool.

Parmer’s Resort

565 Barry Avenue

This unique collection of cottages, suites, studios, and rooms is spread out over 5 acres on relaxed Little Torch Key. You can choose from basic hotel accommodations or well-equipped multi-room rentals. The resort has a beautiful 90-foot beach where you can kayak, paddleboard, or rent or charter a boat. The resort also has an outdoor heated pool perfect for relaxing and offers seaside yoga.

No matter which island or accommodations you choose, the Florida Keys will treat you well! Pack your bags and get ready to experience the white sand beaches, tranquil turquoise waters, and epic sunsets in the Keys.

Read More: The Best Travel Guide to Key West To Plan Your Perfect Vacation