Key Largo - The Gateway To The Keys

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Okay, this is where you need to drop all pretense and just have FUN. Not only is Robbie's a marina, but the business has one party boat, one offshore boat and a recently acquired snorkel boat in addition to backcountry captains and fishing guides. The owners strive to make it more of a tourist attraction/destination within Islamorada, by adding eco-tours and a cultural environment - they bring in artists on the weekends. Robbie's is a place where you come in and you feel you've stepped back in time to the Florida Keys of the past. As for the fishy residents, the beloved tarpon they have been hand feeding for over 30 years, they're part of the family just like a dog or cat might be. For a couple bucks you can get a bucket of bait fish and drop it into a 100-pound tarpon's mouth - watch your fingers! Robbie's Marina is located at mile marker 77.5 bayside in Islamorada.

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You'll see this delightful park as you travel the Overseas Highway. It's just a half-mile south of MM 74 and stretches alongside the ocean, making it a popular stop for a brief stop, sunning and swimming. You can also set up a picnic here and enjoy the quiet tropical environment. A winding boardwalk that passes through short, leggy mangrove trees also offers a scenic stroll. There is no admission fee.

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Not a place in which to swing, a hammock is a kind of island created around the roots of mangrove trees, which grow in shallow water. As it grows bigger over decades, the hammock becomes home to animals and plants as it continues to grow. At this site, rescued years ago from development, live endangered species. You can hear all about them and about the creation of a hammock on guided walks available by arrangement through rangers at Pennekamp Park. There's no admission fee.

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Dolphins have long been considered man's closest ocean-dwelling friend. Here you can swim with one. First you participate in an hour-long educational session, then you swim with the dolphins for about 30 minutes. In a more structured opportunity, you spend 45 minutes with a dolphin trainer and then enter the pool where the creatures push you through the water and dance with you. Reservations are required for both activities, and you can also tour the facility where research is done.

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Tucked across from the hubbub of activity that occurs daily at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a short nature trail that will surely enhance your tropical tree knowledge. The trail is a mere 20-minute walk that twists and turns through a small parcel of land dividing Highway 1 and the park's core of activities. Wild Tamarind Trail has over a dozen interpretive stops. With zero elevation change and two resting benches, this trail is possible for most individuals. It is not wheelchair accessible but easily toured with a cane. What is so special about this trail besides the plant knowledge? It is an ideal way to pass time while waiting on your guided scuba dive, glassbottom boat trip, or paddle excursion (tickets available inside tour house ­ beyond visitor center). You will learn about fiddlewood, soapberry, Jamaica dogwood, coffee colubrine, poisonwood, antwood, West Indian mahogany, cinnamon bark, gumbo-limbo, and many others. The myriad of semi-tropical and tropical plants found in South Florida provides a purpose for both man and animal. Examples include fruit for songbirds, hardwood for industrial and entertainment items, soap resins, spices, and wildlife shelter. In particular,... read more

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This key, named for a hardwood known as the "wood of life," is accessible only by boat. Its undeveloped land includes a variety of plant species and in them birds such as the brown pelican, ospreys and migratory warblers build their nests.

Visitors may access the island by boat, canoe or kayak.

Guided walks that last 1.5 hours are given at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Friday through Sunday. The tour fee is $1 per person. Children under 6 are admitted free of charge. Access to the Key for these tours is limited to privately owned boats or charter boats available at nearby marinas. Tour boat departs 30 minutes before listed tour times. Contact the Long Key State Recreation Area in advance for tour information. Tour times are subject to change.

The Matheson House, built in 1919, serves as the park's Visitor Center and offers a glimpse of how island people lived during a 'simpler' time when most of their needs were met by the land and sea around them. The Visitor Center is open Friday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

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Is Dino's of Islamorada a casual pizza parlor or a fine dining restaurant? Actually, both. The coastal restaurant located in the Middle Keys serves authentic Italian food in two distinct dining rooms. Bring the kids and order fresh oven-baked pizza at the family dining room, or celebrate a romantic evening in the fine dining room, decorated with crystal, linen and flowers. Traditional entrees include seafood, beef, veal and pasta. Both dining rooms are open for dinner, and the family dining room is open for lunch.

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Hurricanes are nothing new in these islands but the hurricane that occurred in 1935 is still known as the Great Labor Day Hurricane. Hundreds died in the 20-foot wall of water that crashed over the islands. They are commemorated here at this stone monument that pictures palms bending in fierce winds. Under the tiled mosaic at the base of the monument are buried many of those who died in that ferocious storm, the worst in Florida hurricane history. There is no admission fee.

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The accommodations at Tarpon Flats takes you back to the bygone Victorian era with a Caribbean flair. The pace is slower, in synch with the rhythms of nature. Each of our lovely rooms is furnished with British Colonial mahogany furniture, and each has a veranda view of beautiful Largo Sound and the Parks that surround the most beautiful bed and breakfast in the Florida Keys. A stay at Tarpon Flats puts you minutes from the finest fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling Key Largo has to offer. Not Interested in those things? That's OK, Tarpon Flats offers so much more….

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The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park represents over 100 square miles of mangrove shoreline, grass flats, and coral gardens lush with tropical fish. Adjacent to the park is Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. Anglers visiting the area find quiet backcountry saltwater fishing. A Florida saltwater fishing license is required.

Many wade the shallows in search of crabs, oysters, and shrimp. Snook and tarpon are prevalent in the deeper waters of the mangroves. Both snapper and grouper are offshore bottom dwellers; however, their young congregate in the mangroves. Many tourists turn to backcountry guides for maneuvering through the very complex and confusing environment. The marina has details about guided excursions, the canoe trails, boat mooring, diving lessons, gear rental, and much more.

While visiting the park, be sure to stop by the visitor center and view the 30,000-gallon saltwater tank. The park offers two beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, and a variety of water sports.

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The Visitor Center is a large complex that introduces visitors to the various habitats of the park and America's first underwater park. The center is found at the northern tip to Largo Sound. The cornerstone of the center is a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Unique marine sights include sponges, fan corals, brain corals, parrot fish, conchs, sea horses and more. The coral reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park are among the most beautiful and diverse of all living communities showcased through audio-visual programs, nature talks, and variety of tours.

Next to the center is a picnic grove, Cannon Beach, and a main concession that sells tour tickets, a sundry of supplies, rents paddleboats, and more.

Far Beach is located just moments away offering a quieter beach experience than Cannon Beach. The Mangrove Boardwalk Trail can be accessed from this parking lot. Fishing and camping are natural additions; advance reservations are necessary at this busy park.

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Kudos to the late "Miami Herald" editor John Pennekamp for helping to create the first undersea park in the United States.

Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established by the state legislature in 1961 to protect the miracle of America's only living coral reef, allows access to abundant underwater wildlife, large brain, staghorn and elkhorn coral formations and a four-foot barracuda who likes to be photographed.

Only a 90-minute drive from Miami, Pennekamp is incorporated in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a 2,800 square nautical mile span of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamp on both sides of the Keys island chain, Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

One of the park's most popular dive sites is the nine-foot bronze statue that rests in 20 feet of water. The statue is a replica of the "Christ of the Abyss" statue in the Mediterranean Sea and was donated to the Underwater Society of America in 1961 by industrialist Egidi Cressi. It is also referred to as "Christ of the Deep."

Underwater enthusiasts can take a reef adventure on a glass bottom boat, snorkeling or scuba diving. If you're not into the underwater scene, John... read more

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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary covers approximately 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangrove swamps. The park extends 3 miles into the Atlantic Ocean and is approximately 25 miles in length. These areas were established to protect and preserve a portion of the only living coral reef in the continental United States.

The upland area of the park offers two short hikes: a nature trail located in a tropical hammock and a mangrove swamp incised by a boardwalk.

A large visitor center and marina complex offer sights of a 30,000-gallon saltwater fish tank, an audio-visual program, exhibits, regularly scheduled nature talks, ranger-guided canoe trips, snorkeling tours, diving lessons, glass bottom boat tours, and the newest addition - a sailing catamaran. It is the ultimate in a smooth and relaxed ride with a passenger capacity of only 24 making it ideal for those who are looking for a quieter, more relaxed reef adventure.

Viewing the twenty-five different kinds of coral reef and the 650 species of tropical reef fish are the main wildlife attraction at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Be sure not...

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Theater of the Sea, located at 84721 Overseas Highway (MM 84.5) in Islamorada, offers a sit-down parrot show that is surprisingly entertaining and hilarious to watch parrots playing with shapes, ringing bells, playing poker and taking part in guessing games.

This is an educational and entertaining marine-animal park and shows are up-close and personal, and is the second oldest park of its kind in the world; the animals live there in natural saltwater lagoons, such as Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, crocodiles, alligators, marine invertebrates and birds of prey.

While some of the animals were collected and others were born at Theater of the Sea, many cannot be released because of prolonged contact with humans and/or injuries sustained in the wild. This is hugely important during hurricane season when the animals need to be moved or secured. The care and maintenance of the animals is supported by patrons' donations.

Featuring the debonair dolphins that double as ring bearers, Islamorada's Theater of the Sea also offers marine mammal fans a variety of customized wedding packages that include dolphin and sea... read more

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Braza Lena is an authentic Churrascaria or Brazilian steakhouse that offers a continuous dining experience. Between 16 cuts of meat, an extensive "salad" bar - which has everything from soups to salads to shrimp - and a to-die-for dessert tray to choose from, you will never leave this restaurant hungry. An attentive staff keeps a watchful eye on you as your green ("Yes, more") and red ("No, thanks") table markers alert them to bring another serving of the seasoned, delectable meats. You can even sample pork, chicken and shrimp skewers. The 20-layer chocolate fudge cake, well, take it home if you cannot fit it in at dinner!

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A down-to-earth, efficient staff dishes up home-cooked favorites at this plain-looking, plain-talking local favorite. As is typical of the Keys, flash and glamour give way to comfort and simplicity. Breakfast starts at 6:30am, and includes fun features like Frittatas and Grits and Grunts. The house specialty 'Hungry Tarpon' is a plateful of hash browns, covered in cheese, eggs and sausage gravy. You will not leave hungry.

Try a sweet potato crab fritter with Caribbean cocktail sauce!

The atmosphere is decidedly "Keys casual" with room for 28 diners inside, another 28 on an outside deck overlooking Lignumvitae Pass and a private room that can accommodate 15 for special occasions and small parties.

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The accommodations at Tarpon Flats takes you back to the bygone Victorian era with a Caribbean flair. The pace is slower, in synch with the rhythms of nature. Each of our lovely rooms is furnished with British Colonial mahogany furniture, and each has a veranda view of beautiful Largo Sound and the Parks that surround the most beautiful bed and breakfast in the Florida Keys. A stay at Tarpon Flats puts you minutes from the finest fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling Key Largo has to offer. Not Interested in those things? That's OK, Tarpon Flats offers so much more….

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This is a favorite day trip for Miami and Fort Lauderdale diners in search of Keys ambience and top-notch cooking. Folks come from miles around to dine on a menu of seafood, although there are plenty of other options if you prefer something more terrestrial. Start with Cured Nova Scotia Salmon followed by it with the daily catch. This attractive location overlooks the Florida Bay and the sunsets are spectacular; it all adds up to a wonderful dining experience. A full wine selection is available.

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This key on the ocean side of the Matecumbe Islands was once home to Native Americans and ship-wreckers. Today it lies slumbering in the sun, awaiting visitors with an interest in the heritage of the Keys. Recent hurricanes have taken a toll on the island's ruins so there are no longer guided tours, but you can go on your own to walk marked trails and sites. To reach the island, go by ferry or for additional adventure, rent a kayak. In October, a festival called Indian Key Festival salutes the history of the key.

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Whether you're discovering Key Largo, which sprawls across more than 10 miles or just passing through on your way to one of the other Keys, a stop at Harry Harris Park, mile marker 93.5 oceanside, makes for a pleasant visit.

At this waterfront park, you can walk the beach, give the children a break in the toddler playground, join a game at the sports field or enjoy lunch on a covered picnic table for a lazy afternoon of sun, sand, wine, cheese and watersports.

Entry is free Mondays through Fridays. On weekends, children age 12 and under are free.

Description:

The accommodations at Tarpon Flats takes you back to the bygone Victorian era with a Caribbean flair. The pace is slower, in synch with the rhythms of nature. Each of our lovely rooms is furnished with British Colonial mahogany furniture, and each has a veranda view of beautiful Largo Sound and the Parks that surround the most beautiful bed and breakfast in the Florida Keys. A stay at Tarpon Flats puts you minutes from the finest fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling Key Largo has to offer. Not Interested in those things? That's OK, Tarpon Flats offers so much more….

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Cuban and Spanish food is the mainstay of this no-nonsense restaurant that doesn't have fancy decor but makes up for it in happy helpers and good cooks who know how to adorn local seafood with a Cuban touch. Daily specials feature fish, chicken or pork and come with a salad and crackly Cuban bread. Don't pass up the Key lime pie, which is perhaps the single most-often ordered selection here. Manny & Isa's is closed from the middle of October to the middle of November.