Pennekamp Underwater Statue
Called the "dive capital of the world," Key Largo is a great choice for a family vacation whether you dive or not. Key Largo is located next to Everglades National Park in one direction and the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef in the other and is about 175 miles from Naples. If you take the most scenic route, U.S. 41 south right through the heart of the Everglades, it will take about 3-1/2 hours by car.
Key Largo offers accommodations at all price points, many of them are quaint, waterfront and smaller properties that cater to families. For more info on hotels, click here.
Key Largo itself is still natural in its original beauty. As a result most of the activities are water-related: snorkeling, eco-tours, fishing and boating. But there are also several parks, golf courses and a community theatre.
Once in Key Largo, make your first stop John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It is America’s first undersea park, named after the Miami newspaper editor who wrote and published articles pertaining to the preservation of the reefs. The park is a magnificent water wonderland full of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing.
Don't miss a ride on the Spirit of Pennekamp, a glass bottom tour boat offering a breathtaking view of the underwater garden known as Molasses Reef. Local legend suggests that the reef is named for a barge that ran aground there many years ago leaving behind a load of molasses barrels. Two and one-half hour tours are $24 for adults, $17 for ages 4-11 and free for children under 3.
The reef itself is a natural wonder all to itself. The blueness of the ocean, colorful fish, sponges, and coral, is almost beyond description.
If you're a history fan, look for the “African Queen” steamboat from the 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. The restaurant, Caribbean Club, is a famous location where Bogart and Hepburn filmed “Key Largo” in 1948.
You'll enjoy exploring the local restaurants where the food is simple, creative and delicious. Many offer outdoor patios and live music and the majority are very casual and family friendly.
For a $5.00 coupon for the glass-bottomed boat tour, click here.
For more information:
- www.pennekamppark.com
- www.snappersrestaurant.com
- www.suncruzcasino.com
- www.fla-keys.com