The Lower Florida Keys is the moniker given to the southernmost group of islands stretching from Marathon to Key West. This roughly 60-mile stretch of small islands is connected by the Overseas Highway. And the deeper you descend into the lower keys, the more it will feel like you traveled to a different country. The water views along this drive are spectacular postcard-perfect scenes on par with any Caribbean destination.
I’ve been visiting the Florida Keys continuously for most of my life. We are lucky to have a family member who has maintained a vacation home in the Lower Keys. We have the great privilege and pleasure of using it at least once yearly. We never get tired of it. Since there is something for everyone, trips can be very different and diverse, whether traveling as a couple or bringing along the entire family, as we did on our most recent trip.
The Weather
If there is one thing you can count on in the Keys, it’s sunshine. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, most days will likely have plenty of sunshine. In the summer, afternoon rain showers are common and almost expected. The storms usually burn off within an hour or two. Just keep that in mind as you plan your daily itinerary.
Also, keep a watchful eye on the tropics. Tropical storms and hurricanes occur annually during storm season, which runs from June through November. You do not want to be caught in the Keys during one of these big storms, but they are easy to avoid with a little vigilance.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
The Keys are a paradise for family vacations. There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages. The near-constant sunshine naturally lends itself to a myriad of beach and boating activities. The natural setting also offers plenty of hiking and bicycling opportunities in areas where wildlife encounters are a daily occurrence. Then there is Key West, with its unique island vibe and quirky “conch” inhabitants. There’s plenty to do and sightsee in Key West.
Below are what I consider the must-do family-friendly spots in the Lower Florida Keys. Each attraction or activity delivers its piece of the collage that makes up that Keys fantasy vacation.
The Turtle Hospital
A family-friendly attraction sure to delight and educate the young at heart is the Turtle Hospital at 2396 Overseas Highway, mile marker 48.5, in Marathon. It’s the world’s only licensed veterinary hospital dedicated exclusively to sea turtles. The hospital and its veterinarians care for sick and injured sea turtles. Their mission is to rescue, rehab, and release sea turtles back into the ocean so they can resume their lives in the sea.
The facility offers a 90-minute guided tour ($35 for adults, $17.50 for kids 4-12, children under 4 are free). The tour guides you through their entire facility with a mix of education and conservation.
The tour starts in the education center, where you will learn about the five species of turtles found in Florida: loggerhead, green, hawksbill, ridley, and leatherback. You’ll also learn about their diets of jellyfish and crabs. Next, you’ll get a tour of the operating room, where you will see some of the special equipment used to mend turtles.
The heart of the tour is the rehabilitation area, which houses the saltwater tanks used to hold turtles during their rehabilitation. You’ll likely see turtles with visible scars and other injuries. You’ll also get to know some of the turtles and the story behind their journey to the hospital. The tour guides enjoy their jobs, which is evident in their enthusiasm.
Sadly, some turtles are too injured to return to the wild. These turtles are housed permanently at the facility and you may have the opportunity to feed them. Like most tours, it ends at the gift shop where you can pick up some memorabilia to remember your visit – proceeds collected go towards furthering their mission.
Bahia Honda State Park
When you arrive at Bahia Honda State Park (mile marker 37 on the Overseas Highway) the first thing you will notice is the old bridge. The old Bahia Honda bridge is one of the most iconic scenes in the Florida Keys. It was built in 1912 when Henry Flagler constructed the Overseas Railroad connecting Miami and Key West.
Admission to the park is just $8 per vehicle (less if you’re alone or on a bicycle). The state park is a 500-acre oasis offering beaches, snorkeling, and scenic views of the bridges and surrounding water. The Keys don’t provide too many sandy beaches; this is the best one you will find. The park also offers many snorkeling opportunities in this coral-rich region of Florida.
For the best snorkeling from land, head to the ocean side of the island, to Sandspur Beach. Here, you will find shallow, calm waters and abundant marine life. You’ll be snorkeling in water that averages 4-6 feet, and currents will be mild unless you venture to one of the passes on either end of the island. You can snorkel directly from the beach; snorkeling gear is available for rent if needed. Remember, if you are snorkeling in or near a pass traversed by a bridge, the currents can be dangerous, so be careful.
Do some exploring – hike the short trail to the old Bahia Honda Bridge. The old bridge was abandoned in the 1970s when the new Overseas Highway was constructed. After climbing the approach ramp, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay. You can also explore the mangroves in the area on a kayak – rentals are available for $12 and $18 per hour.
The park is also scattered with picnic tables and grills, so pack a cooler with food and drinks and load up on sunshine. The natural beauty of the island park makes it a must-see in the Lower Florida Keys.
National Key Deer Refuge
The National Key Deer Refuge (mile marker 30.5 on the Overseas Highway) offers an experience unique to the Florida Keys—and it’s free to enjoy. Spanning 9,200 acres, the sanctuary protects the endangered Key deer, a miniature subspecies of the white-tailed deer.
Start your visit at the visitor center (30587 Overseas Highway), where you can find information, including maps of the sanctuary. You can certainly drive through the sanctuary, where you are more than likely to find these adorable creatures—especially near dawn or dusk. But a much better option would be to plan a bike ride through some of the area’s less disturbed roads and trails.
Bicycles are available for rent at Big Pine Bicycle Center. The refuge features several short, flat trails perfect for families. Two options are the Jack Watson Nature Trail (0.9 miles) and the Fred Mannillo Nature Trail (0.2 miles, handicap accessible).
The Jack Watson Trail has a gravel surface and winds through pine trees and hardwood hammocks. The little deer can be shy, so peddle quietly to maximize your chances of spotting one of these beautiful creatures. Another option is the Fred Mannillo Trail, which is shorter and smoother and is ideal for beginners or families with toddlers in bike seats. It’s a loop with interpretive signs describing the habitat’s features.
One more must-see is the Blue Hole, a freshwater pond from an old quarry. There is an observation deck from which you might see deer drinking from the pond—as well as other wildlife in the area. The sanctuary is a peaceful, budget-friendly way to explore the natural beauty of the Lower Keys while letting the kids pedal off some of their energy.
Key West Aquarium
At the southern end of your journey lies Key West, where you’ll find the Key West Aquarium (1 Whitehead Street). Don’t expect a big city sized aquarium, but this pint-sized attraction offers an affordable ($20 adults, $10 kids) glimpse into the Keys’ underwater world. It can be a great change of pace to your Key West sightseeing.
Its small size means that families can see the entire Aquarium in 1-2 hours – great for kids with short attention spans. There are several shark tanks where you’ll see blacktip and nurse sharks. The highlight for kids will be the touch tanks where children can handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and conchs. Daily feedings will showcase alligators, stingrays, and sharks.
The outdoor turtle exhibit ties back to your Turtle Hospital visit, displaying healthy specimens and reinforcing the conservation theme. The Aquarium is just steps from Duval Street, so it will be easy to incorporate into your Key West sightseeing itinerary – and there are plenty of food options nearby.
Mallory Square
No visit to Key West is complete without a visit to Mallory Square’s (2 Duval Street) sunset celebration. Every day, beginning two hours before sunset, tourists gather at the waterfront dock to see the setting sun and with some of Key West’s more eccentric entertainers.
As the sun dips toward the Gulf of Mexico, the square fills with street performers and vendors. You can sip a mojito while the kids sample some local conch fritters as the setting sun ignites the sky orange.
Parking is available at the city garage (300 Grinnell Street, $5/hour), which is steps away from both the Aquarium and Mallory Square.
Final Thoughts
From Marathon to Key West, these attractions offer a rich tapestry of wildlife, outdoor fun, and conch culture. Pack your sunscreen, water shoes, and a sense of wonder. Let the Overseas Highway be your path through this family-friendly adventure. Your trip is sure to create lifelong memories for all to cherish.
