Key West is a gateway to unforgettable day trips throughout the Florida Keys! While Key West is famously located at Florida’s southernmost point just 90 miles from Cuba, this little slice of paradise is surprisingly accessible.
Local islands in the Keys are interconnected by the Overseas Highway. This popular road is the southern part of U.S. Highway 1. That means you can drive directly between Key West and mainland Florida. You can also use the local ferry to voyage to some of the remote islands throughout the Keys.
With so many possibilities, a day trip can mean everything from lunch by a marina to scuba diving near world-famous wrecks. Find your inspiration for an exciting day trip from Key West with these seven ideas!
1) Key West’s Magical Sandbars
A sandbar-hopping excursion is one of the best day trips from Key West! This experience lets you get away from the crowds to feel like you have a slice of Key West all to yourself on a private boat. Key West Boat Trips is the premier provider of Key West sandbar tours.
We’re one of the only tour providers capable of taking you to Mud Key and Boca Grande Key. You can even book an unforgettable cruise with dinner or lunch included. You’ll hop from one idyllic sandbar to another to bask in the glow of a Key West sunset when you book one of our signature sunset sandbar cruises.
Our guests enjoy:
Opportunities to play in shallow turquoise water
Opportunities to explore remote islands, sponge gardens, and gorgeous sandbars
Pristine boats with bathrooms
Experienced captains
Flexible itineraries
Snorkeling gear and safety gear
Reasonable rates with no hidden fees
Our Key West sandbar boat trips are perfect for honeymoons, bachelorette parties, family trips, and more! While Key West Boat Trips will do everything to accommodate your dates, our tours fill up quickly. Book your day trip to the sandbars today!
2) Discover Dry Tortugas National Park
Anyone who’s been here will tell you that visiting Dry Tortugas National Park alone is worth making a trip to the Florida Keys! This spot is only accessible by boat or plane. For most travelers, the easiest and most affordable way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park is to take the Yankee Freedom high speed ferry to Fort Jefferson out of Key West Harbor.
With its living coral barrier reef full of tropical fish and crystal-clear waters, Dry Tortuga National Park is one of the best spots in the country for scuba diving and snorkeling. This stunning park situated on the Gulf of Mexico is home to a lighthouse, amazing beaches, and the famous Windjammer wreck featuring a ship from 1875.
Fun fact: This is also a popular nesting spot for sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead and green turtles. Each year, these turtles return to the sandy beaches of the park to lay their eggs, and the park’s protected status helps ensure their survival and the health of their populations.
3) Escape To The Serenity Of Little Palm Island
Sneak over to Little Torch Key on the Overseas Highway to be pampered by a luxurious resort covering a 4-acre island at Little Palm Island. This is one of the most unique attractions in the Keys because you will truly feel like you’re on a deserted island. You’ll enjoy unmatched privacy while savoring spa treatments and world-class cuisine.
Good to know: While Little Palm Island is whimsical, this isn’t a kid-friendly spot. All visitors must be at least 18 years old. The island also has a strict no-pet policy.
4) Visit The Turtle Hospital
Located in Marathon, the Turtle Hospital is the perfect spot for an educational day trip. Guests can visit a fully functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles where beautiful creatures are rehabilitated for the purpose of being released back into their natural habitat.
However, guests will also get to meet some permanent residents who call the hospital their forever home because they weren’t suited for release.
Don’t miss the chance to learn about sea turtles from some of the country’s most dedicated experts at this important place!
Pro tip: For a fantastic experience at The Turtle Hospital, be sure to book your guided tour in advance! This way, you’ll secure your spot and get the inside scoop on the amazing rehabilitation process. Arriving a little early is a great idea too – take some time to soak in the beautiful surroundings and get excited about meeting the adorable sea turtles!
5) Dive Into Adventure In Key Largo
You can take the Overseas Highway to get from Key West to Key Largo in just about two hours. This is a must-visit spot for snorkeling. This island in the Upper Keys is also home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries that are worth visiting. Your day trip might include:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Molasses Reef
The Florida Keys Visitor Center
Key Largo Undersea Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Grecian Rocks
Harry Harris Beach And Park
While there’s no doubt that this island is paradise for scuba divers, you don’t even need to know how to swim like a fish to explore the deep. Glass bottomed boat tours are offered at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to provide glimpses of the wild ocean!
6) Experience The Charm Of Islamorada
Islamorada offers amazing historic sites and geological wonders. A day trip here is especially great for families looking for educational attractions. Here’s what’s waiting:
History of Diving Museum
Theater of the Sea (dolphin encounters)
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Florida Keys Brewing Company
Islamorada was once home to a station belonging to the historic Overseas Railroad. What makes this village fascinating is that it’s actually located on six separate islands between Key West and Miami. That means that a day trip here could bring you to points on Plantation Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Indian Key, Lignumvitae Key and Windley Key.
7) Relax On Marco Island
If you’re looking for an easy day trip out of Key West Harbor, Marco Island is a great pick! Marco Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico that’s linked to mainland Naples, FL by bridges.
Marco Island is best known for its beautiful inland network of waterways. It is also a resort spot with luxurious golf courses, hotels, and marinas.
Here’s a look at some of the things visitors can do during an afternoon getaway:
Dolphin excursions
Manatee tours
Tigertail Beach
Isle of Capri Marina
Marco Island Center for the Arts
Marco Island Historical Museum
Lunch at The Deck at 560
Pro tip: To truly unwind on Marco Island, try visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. The beaches are less crowded, and you can enjoy stunning sunrises or sunsets while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to bring a good book and your favorite snacks for the perfect beach day! Plus, keep an eye out for playful dolphins in the water – they’re often spotted close to shore!
Key West’s Fun Neighbors Are Waiting
Whether you want to spend an afternoon with turtles or soaking up the sun on a deserted beach, Key West’s neighbors have you covered. Of course, not all day trips from Key West need to take you far away.
You won’t have to arrange for a rental car or ferry ticket if you simply take a local sandbar tour with Key West Boat Trips. As Key West’s premier sandbar tour operator, we offer daytime and sunset cruises that let you customize your experience to enjoy something that includes lunch or dinner, snorkeling, swimming, special stops, and so much more!Let us help you plan an unforgettable time with friends or family exploring Key West’s magical sandbars. Book your spot with Key West Boat Trips today!
The post 7 Magical Day Trips From Key West – Escape To Adventure first appeared on Key West Boat Trips.
