Florida Keys itinerary 7 days – itineraries with things to do based on your type of holiday
With a Florida Keys itinerary in 7 days, you will see and experience so much of this archipelago.
The best way to make the most of your week is to plan well in advance your itinerary, experiences and accommodations.
In this guide, I have organised all my tips to build a Florida Keys 7 days itinerary for any kind of holiday, for couples, families or for a bit of everything, with beaches and sport activities to spice up your stay.
Ok, you got the point, now let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
You can read also
- Where to stay in the Florida Keys (the 7 best islands)
- Best 33 things to do in the Florida Keys (including unique gems)
- Great areas of Key West to stay (for beaches, history, nightlife or a quiet time)
- How to plan your best stay in Miami downtown or get the most out of Miami Beach
Florida Keys itinerary 7 days – in a nutshell
If you spend seven days in the Florida Keys, you’ll be able to see a lot of the archipelago.
Keep in mind, however, that there are over 1,700 islands connected by 42 bridges. It’s not really a small area.
Most of the organized activities are in Key West, however, I would not discount the other keys, all with their own character and style.
Below is a map of the archipelago, along with the major keys/islands and attractions that I will describe in this post.
- Florida Keys itinerary 7 days for couples: I would suggest splitting your stay between Islamorada, Big Pine Key, and Key West if you have 7 days. You’ll find a wide range of activities in Key West, as well as bars and restaurants. Big Pine Key offers seclusion and privacy on a romantic beach where you will be probably on your own. Islamorada will be great for some adventures. Read more below on a full romantic itinerary
- Florida Keys itinerary 7 days for families: When traveling with children, I would suggest staying in one accommodation and exploring the area from there. With kids, I know how much time it takes to move bags, sports gear, and toys :). Marathon Island is probably the best family destination. The beaches and nearby activities are perfect for a relaxing time with the kids. Additionally, you can take a day trip to Islamorada, Key Largo or Key West to snorkel or swim with dolphins. Read more below on a family itinerary
- For a bit of everything: Enjoy the best of the Florida Keys, including Scuba Diving or crocodile spotting, by splitting your stay between Key Largo, Marathon Island and Key West. Read below for more details
- Main attractions in the Florida Keys: Are you just interested to the attractions and experiences of the archipelago? Check out my extensive post on 33 things to do in Florida Keys.
Florida Keys itinerary 7 days for couples
My recommendation would be to book your first part of the stay in Key West, then move north to the quiet Big Pine Key and finish your holiday in Islamorada.
Key West offers a wide variety of entertainment options, including great bars and restaurants.
Big Pine Key offers seclusion and privacy, with romantic beaches at your fingertips
Islamorada is a great island from which you can explore the north part of the Florida Keys
Day 1 (overnight in Key West)
Start by checking out Duval Street, that’s packed with shops and restaurants to entertain tourists.
The street begins from Mallory Square to the Southernmost Point marker and is a popular tourist strip, which hosts events like summer’s Hemingway Days Festival.
You can go on an Urban Adventure Quest, an interactive scavenger hunt that turns the trip into a game for you and your significant other.
Plan your day to end at Mallory Square for the sunset and evening street performances, where it feels like a carnival.
Day 2 (overnight in Key West)
Take the Old Town Trolley Tour, which has 12 stops from which you can visit different points of interest in Key West – with a friendly guide narrating all the way.
The tour goes over the entire city, and you get to avoid the hustle of driving by yourself and parking at different stops.
Hop on and off at any point and explore the city.
Day 3 (overnight in Key West)
Start your morning with a trip to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory where there are dozens of species of colourful butterflies and exotic birds.
The glass conservatory, a natural garden habitat, is truly memorable.
Once done, head on over to Harry S. Truman Little White House on 111 Front Street, Key West.
It was built back in 1890 and was used as a vacation retreat by Truman and subsequent presidents, where items like Truman’s piano have been preserved.
Another property you can visit from the 19th century is the Audubon House and Gallery, with its beautiful gardens and furnishings from the 18th- and 19th-century period.
For the evening, hop onto a Catamaran for a Sunset Party Cruise and dance away with your partner.
Day 4 (overnight in Big Pine Key)
It’s time to drive north, direction Big Pine Key, the island for the next two days.
Your first day here can be all about the sun and sand.
Head out to the white sand beaches of Bahia Honda State Park.
The views are stunning – and you should definitely take a walk on the bridge.
There are plenty of water activities, from boating to scuba diving and snorkelling.
You can also go fishing on the Atlantic side of the bridge.
Day 5 (overnight in Big Pine Key)
Today will be about wildlife.
Drive to the National Key Refuge to check out the cute wild deer roaming freely.
There are some alligators at the Blue Hole at this refuge – which is actually the largest freshwater lake in the Florida Keys, and you can also go on a hike.
Learn more about the Key deer at the refuge’s visitor centre, which is in the Winn Dixie Shopping Centre.
Thereafter, head over to the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge for the turtles, migratory birds and fish.
Day 6 (overnight in Islamorada)
On day 6 drive north again to the Islamorada, where you will spend the last two nights
Go big by swimming with dolphins and interacting with sea turtles at the Theater of the Sea.
There are different experiences here, from Fish and Reptile Tours to the Bottomless Boat Rides that make this a must-stop location when in Islamorada.
Pop into the buffet restaurant at SandBar for the ocean views and live music.
Want to get a feel of you and your significant other having your own private island?
Then check out the Islamorada sandbars at the area next to the Whale Harbor Channel.
You can explore here – just be sure to note the tide schedule to time your exit.
Day 7 (overnight in Islamorada)
On day 7 you can discover more of Florida Key’s history and its native sea life at the 7,500-square-foot Florida Keys History and Discovery Center, complete with exhibits, a research library and movie theatre.
Are you into diving?
Then you should stop by the History of Diving Museum, where there is one of the largest collections in the world, from armoured suits to diving helmets.
Close the trip off with a visit to Robbie’s Marina where you can hand-feed the massive tarpons with your partner.
There are also watersports here, and plenty of shopping and dining areas.
Accommodations and experiences:
- Hotels in Islamorada: Amara Cay Resort (Studio or 1BR resort style), Cheeca Lodge & Spa (great beach and pool), Chesapeake Beach Resort (value for money)
- Hotels in Big Pine Key: Deer Run on the Atlantic (romantic, secluded, free kayaks & bikes), The Barnacle B&B (on the water), Sunshine Travel Trailer (1BR, a different experience)
- Hotels in Key West: Simonton Court Historic Inn (in the heart of Key West, meters from Mallory Square), The Mermaid & The Alligator (great value, a little paradise)
- AirBnb in Key West: Barbary Beach House (1BR right in front of the best beach), The Laureate (1BR, great value)
- Organised experiences in Key West: Urban Adventure Ques, Old Town Trolley Tour, Sunset Party Cruise
Florida Keys itinerary 7 days for families
If you are not into the hustle and bustle of moving bags, sports gear, and toys during a family vacation, then Marathon is the ideal destination from where to explore the Florida Keys.
It has the obvious advantage of being central to the archipelago, perfect start of any day trip, either north up to Key Largo or south, down to Key West
Moreover, Marathon has plenty of attractions and a few nice beaches to relax with the family
Day 1
Start your day with a drive across the must-see Seven Miles Bridge that is one of the world’s most famous bridges – featuring in movies like Mission Impossible III, True Lies and I Am Number Four.
Head to the Turtle Hospital, a veterinary hospital where you’ll see the recovering sea turtles and even feed some of them.
The kids will enjoy learning about the at-risk marine animals and how they are rehabilitated.
Thereafter, visit the Marathon Air Museum, complete with curated displays, flight equipment for your kids to touch and feel, and great stories from volunteer pilots.
Day 2
Get more up close with marine life at the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.
This facility has everything from touch tanks to feeding activities for you to interact with the sea creatures.
Sharks, stingrays, exhibits on guided tours – your trip here will be memorable.
Afterwards, visit the Deep Blue Dive Center in Key Colony Beach for some snorkelling and scuba-diving lessons.
While here, sign the family up for a whale-watching excursion. There are two per day.
Day 3
It’s beach day for the family, and where else than Sombrero Beach?
Relax in the sun, play in the sand, dip into the blue waters, have a picnic, play games like beach volleyball, go sailing or snorkelling – you can do it all here.
Day 4
Take your family on a hike on nature trails and with scenic views at Crane Point Nature Area.
Be sure to check into the museum that’s at the site, and there is also a bird rescue centre and marine tanks that are here.
Once done, go over to Oceanfront Park for a picnic, where your kids can also fly kites and you can even take them fishing or kayaking.
Day 5
This is a great time for a day tour to Key West for a snorkelling day.
You can go with a 3-hour morning snorkelling tour aboard a catamaran cruise, where breakfast will be served.
Afterwards, visit the Key West Aquarium for interactive experiences with marine life, and catch the sunset celebration at Mallory Square.
You can also hop on an all-inclusive Watersports Adventure Tour for this day, complete with jet skis and kayaks all through to parasailing.
Drive back to Marathon for dinner
Day 6
On this day, start things off with a visit to the Pigeon Key Foundation and Marine Science Center.
Go on a historical tour of the 5-acre island and explore relics in the island’s museum.
You can also hop onto the ferry that brings you up close to the 7 Mile Bridge (for a different point of view this time) – while checking out the wildlife in the surrounding waters.
After the tours, relax on the beach, have a swim in the calm waters, or even try to catch any of the shallow-water fish from the dock or shore if you’ve brought along your fishing rods and reel.
Day 7
Close off your trip with a day at Curry Hammock State Park.
It has different activities for your adventurous family – from hiking trails to fishing and kayaking.
There are also camping and RV areas if you want to have this night under the stars.
Accommodations and experiences:
- Hotels in Marathon: Courtyard by Marriott (view and pool to die for), Seascape Resort & Marina (bargain, free kayaks, amazing pool)
- AirBnb in Marathon: Skipjack Marina (1Br up to 4 people), Indigo Reef Resort (3Br up to 7 people)
- Organised experiences from Key West: 3-hour morning snorkelling tour, Watersports Adventure Tour
For a bit of everything in 7 days in Florida Keys
In this itinerary, you will get to see and do a bit of everything splitting your stay between 3 locations: Key Largo, Islamorada, and Key West.
In this way, you will get to experience the islands both by day and night
Key Largo is the perfect place for scuba diving, whether you’re a newbie or just trying it for the first time. Be sure to see the famous statue of Christ of the Abyss, it’s so beautiful.
Marathon is right in the middle of the Florida Keys, so handy to explore all the beaches and attractions around.
If you are looking for exciting adventures and sports activities, Key West is your best choice.
Key West has also some of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys.
Day 1 (overnight in Key Largo)
Make your way to the first hotel in Key Largo.
Once in the island, check the latest news and information about the Florida Keys by stopping at the Visitor Centre.
After that, you can swim with the dolphins at the Dolphin Plus Bayside.
This is certainly not a budget-friendly option, but it is surely unique.
It’s time to visit the Rainbow Reef Dive Center to prepare for the day after. I recommend booking your dive at least a week or more ahead of time. Snorkelling is also available.
Still have some free time?
Visit the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge or go swimming at Far Beach.
Day 2 (overnight in Key Largo)
Today is the day of the Rainbow Reef Dive Scuba Diving trip, so exciting.
If you are not into diving, you can also go snorkeling for a full day out, I may add at an affordable price
Day 3 (overnight in Marathon)
Time to drive down to the next accommodation on Marathon Island.
This is one of the best locations to explore more of the local marine life.
You can get close and personal with everything from dolphins to sea lions, stingrays, and even sharks at the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and the Dolphin Research Center.
You can choose between touch tanks and swimming with them, depending on the location.
Day 4 (overnight in Marathon)
Why not putting some action sport into day 4?
Make your way to the Keys Cable Park where you can spend the day wake boarding, drinking beer, and listening to live music.
No sold on that?
Discover the Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area, a great place for hikers, bird watchers, and anyone seeking a natural, relaxing environment to unwind in.
The area offers cycling and hiking trails besides the possibility of some paddling.
There is a lot to see and do there, whether you’re on a bike, foot, or boat.
Do you want just to seat and relax?
Head to the lovely Sombrero Beach, a popular choice, you won’t be disappointed.
Day 5 (overnight in Key West)
Make your way to Key West early in the morning.
Have a walk in the old centre along Duval Street, then check out Fort Zachary Taylor Park, a great place for a picnic and a swim.
Take your time also to visit the interesting the pre-Civil War fortress.
Then take a ride on a jet ski around the island (28 miles or 45 kms) on turquoise water with this outstanding Jet Ski Island Tour
A second rider is free, making this a bargain for couples and friends hiring and sharing just one vehicle
Have you got time for a unique experience?
Book a sunset paddleboard (SUP) tour at Paddlin’ Madeleine just outside Key West.
Day 6 (overnight in Key West)
Day 7 (overnight in Key West)
On your last day in this Florida Keys itinerary, you have a few options.
You can totally relax at one of the Key West beaches, as the popular Smathers Beach or the boutique Higgs Beach and Park
Alternatively, visit the island with this Hop-On/Off island tour on the Old Town Trolley along 12 stops located next to the most iconic places in Key West.
Or visit the Butterfly And Nature Conservatory, better in the morning when it’s not as busy and the butterflies tend to be more active.
Close the trip with the awesome Sunset Party Cruise by Catamaran, including food and drinks.
Accommodations and experiences:
- Hotels in Key Largo: Coconut Bay Resort (right at the beach, free kayaks), Dolphin Point Villas (from studio to 3BR, with pool)
- Hotels in Marathon: Courtyard by Marriott (view and pool to die for), Seascape Resort & Marina (bargain, free kayaks, amazing pool)
- AirBnb in Marathon: Skipjack Marina (1Br up to 4 people), Indigo Reef Resort (3Br up to 7 people)
- Hotels in Key West: Simonton Court Historic Inn (in the heart of Key West, meters from Mallory Square), The Mermaid & The Alligator (great value, a little paradise)
- AirBnb in Key West: Barbary Beach House (1BR right in front of the best beach), The Laureate (1BR to 3BR, great value), Casa Key West (3BR in the old town, up to 8 people)
- Organised experiences in Key West: Jet Ski Island Tour, full-day Watersports Adventure Tour, Hop-On/Off island Old Town Trolley tour, Sunset Party Cruise by Catamaran
