History

Key Largo is among the largest of the islands in the Florida Keys. Original residents were the native American tribes, but the Europeans later came and claimed the land. Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer, took note of the islands in his logs. “Key” was thought to be derived from “cayo”, Spanish word for “small islands.”

Florida was under Spain until 1763, when the Spaniards bartered the territory for Havana with the British. The British claimed that Key Largo is part of Florida. In 1783, Key Largo was returned to Spain. In 1821, Florida and its islands became territories of the United States.

In 1826, a lightship was positioned at the northern part of Key Largo to warn ships of nearby coral reefs. In 1852, a lighthouse was built.

Only boats could travel to the islands until the dawn of 1900s. During that time, the Florida East Coast Railway was built, thanks to the mogul Henry Morrison Flagler. It was finalized in 1912. The railway was damaged by a hurricane in 1935, and was replaced by the Overseas Highway in 1938. Thereafter, bridges had been built to link the islands.

Getting There

By car/vehicle, Key Largo is accessible by two road routes. The Overseas Highway in US Route 1 connects to Key Largo at Jewfish Creek, then it goes to southwest direction. The Card Sound Road links to the north of Key Largo via Card Sound Bridge. This route goes southeast and links to County Road 905, which goes straight to the southwest direction and connects to US 1. Florida City is the start of these routes.

Tourists planning a bus ride can take the Greyhound Keys Shuttle. It has three departures from Miami and Miami Airport to the Keys.

Tourists can also take the Key West Shuttle, which is a ferry service in transporting tourists to the Keys.

Airport transportation is also possible, as there are airlines available in and near the Keys.
*Key West International Airport
*Florida Keys Marathon Airport
*Miami International Airport

Weather

Average high temperature is 90°F, usually on August. Average low temperature is 65°F, usually on January. Along with other places in the Florida Keys, Key Largo is sunny and warm, as the Keys is located near the equator.

What to Wear

During summer months, it is advisable to wear light-colored and cool clothing, especially those made from cotton. Women can wear skirts and cool sundresses. Flip flops are definitely something to bring. If you plan to stay outdoors for longer hours, bring along a hat, a pair of shades for eye protection, and apply a generous amount of sunblock with a high SPF, applying every 2 to 3 hours.

When on business meetings, wear appropriate clothing made of light-colored and cool materials. For night outs, it is advisable to wear appropriate outfits.

During the rainy and cold seasons, be sure to have a jacket or sweatshirt.

Fishing

Key Largo is a precious find for those who love snorkeling and being in the waters. Beautiful coral reefs can be found in this town, which is located in the Florida Keys. Key Largo is dubbed “diving capital of the world.” The beautiful and warm seas surrounding Key Largo also provide the anglers the fishes that will entice and challenge them. Here are some of these fishes.

bonefish
tarpon
permit
redfish
snook
sea trout
dolphin
wahoo
blackfin tuna
yellowfish tuna
sailfish
blue marlin
yellowtail snapper
mangrove snapper
grouper
cobia
king mackerel
amberjack
barracuda
shark

BEST MONTHS TO FISH

bonefish – September to November
tarpon – April to June
permit – May to July
redfish – January to March
snook – February to June
sea trout – February to March
dolphin – April to July, October
wahoo – November to February
blackfin tuna – March to May, October to Decmber
yellowfish tuna – September to April (fair)
sailfish – December to March
blue marlin – May to September
yellowtail snapper – whole year round
mangrove snapper – April to October
grouper – November to July
cobia – November to May
king mackerel – November to April
amberjack – December to March
barracuda – whole year round
shark – whole year round

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
The following are the most appropriate outfit when going for a fish:

• hat
• sunglasses
• light long sleeves, cool light-colored cotton outfits
• jacket or other rain gear
• boat shoes
• sun screen with high SPF

The following should also be in your A-list:

• camera
• cooler
• water or your preferred beverages
• food
• medicine kit
• fishing apparatus

Attractions and Activities

Key Largo is a precious find for those who love snorkeling and being in the waters. Beautiful coral reefs can be found in this town, which is located in the Florida Keys. Key Largo is dubbed “diving capital of the world.”

*Dolphins Plus – Key Largo
31 Corrine Place
Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: (866) 860-7946
Fax: (305) 451-3710
info@dolphinsplus.com

*Key Largo Scuba Shack
97684 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 735-4313
http://www.keylargoscubashack.com
info@keylargoscubashack.com

*Dolphin Cove
Mile Marker 101.9
Bay Side Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: (305) 451-4060
Fax: (305) 451-4021
info@dolphinscove.com

*John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Overseas Hwy
Mile Marker 102.5
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-1202
pennekamppark@yahoo.com

*Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
93600 Overseas Hwy Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL 33070
(305) 852-4486
http://www.florida-keys.fl.us/flkeyswildbird.htm

*Key Largo Parasail
103900 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305)-453-0440
http://www.keylargoparasail.com/

*Sea the Keys Transport & Party Bus
230 Normandy Dr. Tavernier, Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: (305) 896-7013
Fax: (305) 517-6459
http://www.keywestdaytrip.com/index.html

*Florida Keys Dive Center
M. M. 90.5, Oceanside Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL 33070-2349
1-800-433-8946
Fax: 305-852-1293

scuba@floridakeysdivectr.com

*Blue Iguana Charters
53 Garden Cove Drive Key
Largo, FL 33037
(561) 797-2540

Home

*Caribbean Watersports
Mile Marker 97 Bayside
97000 South Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
Tel: (305) 852-4707
Fax: (305) 852-5160
http://www.caribbeanwatersports.com/07_contact_us.html

Where to Stay

*Island Bay Resort
92530 Overseas Highway, Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL 33070
(305) 852-4087

Home

*Dove Creek Lodge
147 Seaside Avenue, MM 94.5 Oceanside,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 852-6200

*Hampton Inn Key Largo
102400 Overseas Highway,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(Formerly Key Largo Resort at Manatee Bay)
(305) 451-1400
www.hamptoninnkeylargo.com

*Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo
500 Burton Drive, Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL 33070
(800) 882-9464

*Ocean Reef Club
35 Ocean Reef Drive,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 367-2611
http://www.oceanreef.com/Welcome-to-Ocean-Reef-2.html

*Holiday Inn Key Largo
99701 Overseas Hwy, Mile Marker #100,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(877) 859-5095, (305) 451-2121
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/key-largo/kylfl/hoteldetail

*Courtyard by Marriott Key Largo
99751 Overseas Highway,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(Formerly Ramada Limited)
(305) 451-3939
www.ramadakeylargo.com/

*Marina Del Mar Resort And Marina Key Largo
527 Caribbean Dr,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-2121
www.marinadelmarkeylargo.com/

*Bayside Inn Key Largo
99490 Overseas Highway,
Key Largo 33037
(305) 451-4450
http://www.baysideinnkeylargo.com/

*Largo Lodge Motel
101740 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305)-451-0424
LLodge@bellsouth.net
http://www.largolodge.com/

Where to Eat

Confused as to where to eat brunch? Just wanting to dine on a budget? Tourists have options on where to eat. And at Key Largo, restaurants cater to suit everybody’s needs and wants. Go for restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with your kids, or work your brains in business dinners. These restaurants also provide the kind of cuisines that your tongue is dying to taste. Name it, American, Caribbean, French—they have it.

*Tasters Grille & Market
Tavernier Towne Center, Mile Marker 91, Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL
(305)-853-1177
www.tastersgrille.com/default.aspx

*Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen
99336 Overseas Hwy., MM 99.4 Southbound US Hwy. 1,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-3722
http://mrsmacskitchen.com/

*Hobo’s
101691 Overseas Hwy,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-5888
www.hoboscafe.net/Hobos_Cafe/Welcome.html

*Cafe Moka
Overseas Highway, Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL 33070
(305) 942-1468

*Rib Daddy’s Steak & Seafood
102570 Overseas Hwy,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-0900
www.ribdaddysrestaurant.com/

*Harriette’s Restaurant
95710 Overseas Highway, BS,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 852-8689

*The Buzzard’s Roost
21 Garden Cove Dr,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 453-3746
www.buzzroost.com/

*Sharkey’s Pub & Galley Restaurant
522 Caribbean Drive,
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 453-0999

*Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar
103200 Overseas Hwy,
Key Largo, FL 33037-2827
(305) 451-5955

*Chad’s Deli & Bakery
92330 Overseas Highway, Tavernier,
Key Largo, FL 33070
(305) 853-5566