Are you on the hunt for the best things to do in the Middle Keys? Don’t go too far! Here we have a list of some of the best activities in the Middle Keys that you definitely cannot miss out on!
The Middle Keys are a stretch of the Florida Keys that are gorgeous and perfect for all kinds of vacations! Whether you’re looking for things to do in the Middle Keys with kids or with a group of friends there are plenty of great spots for some beautiful kayaking, amazing locations to enjoy stargazing, and even gorgeous stops for scuba diving! Don’t miss out on any of these awesome activities!
So sit back and relax while we walk you through some of the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
What Is Considered the Middle Keys?
The Middle Keys is a section of the Florida Keys filled with amazing views, phenomenal wildlife and of course plenty of adventures!
This section of the Florida Keys is comprised of a series of small islands including the city of Marathon, Duck Key, Fiesta Key, Pigeon Key, Long Key, Long Point Key, Crawl Key, and Key Colony Beach!
Located between the Key Largo, the Lower Keys, and Key West, the Middle Keys is the heart of the Florida Keys and definitely should not be overlooked! Rich in reefs and shipwrecks, the Middle Keys are filled with seaworthy adventures all over, for skilled or beginner divers as well as people who have small children there are plenty of wrecks for everyone!
It’s also a haven for eco-friendly vacations! There are a lot of marine facilities within the Middle Keys aimed at promoting the protection and restoration of natural sea-life habitats as well as rehabilitating injured sea-mammals!
The Middle Keys are a haven for eco-enthusiasts and historians alike and there is plenty to experience! So buckle up and get ready for some of the best Middle Keys activities!
Best Things To Do In The Middle Keys
Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center puts a focus on the education, research, and rescue of Dolphins in the Florida Keys and is definitely one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
They are famous for their promotion of peaceful coexistence and cooperation between marine mammals and humans and the environment they share! The facility has been open since 1984 and is open every day from 9-3! Their last admission is at 2:30, so if you’re planning your trip make sure to make it in before the cut!
They have different educational programs and kids activities to ensure that everyone is enjoying and learning what they can from the research they do! They also offer some interactive programs that feature the dolphins and sea lions on the property! The admission costs are 25 dollars for adults and 23 for children! This is definitely one of the best Marathon activities!
Try Some Key Lime Pie
Key Lime Pie is a Key staple dessert and definitely a have-to-do for your visit to any of the Keys! Of course, it would not be a trip without trying this classic American dessert pie!
Key Lime Pie is made of lime, egg yolk, condensed milk, and meringue! It’s paired with either a regular pie crust, a graham cracker crust or no crust at all! Three different and delicious ways to indulge on this yummy treat! Definitely one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys you can’t miss out on!
This classic option for the best things to do in the Middle Keys is definitely made complete at most restaurants in the area! You can’t miss out on tasting this sweet dessert at Porky’s Bayside Restaurant and Marina, and Sweet Savannah’s of the Florida Keys in Marathon!
Pigeon Key
Pigeon Key is the best tiny little island of all the tiny little islands and definitely one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
Pigeon Key is a small island that contains a lot of history! It’s five acres and home to eight buildings that all have something to do with the origins of the island. They remain as a reminder of the original purpose of the island, to work as a camp for workers of the Florida East Coast Railway! The buildings have been converted into a museum!
This Key is on the National Register of Historic Places and is accessible by walking or biking down Old Seven Mile Bridge! This is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Middle Keys!
Key Colony Beach
Key Colony Beach is definitely one of the Middle Keys attractions that you have to see. A gorgeous mixture of sandy beaches and exciting ocean wildlife, there is something in Key Colony Beach for everyone!
It’s a small municipality in the middle keys and is the most perfect destination for people looking to vacation and snorkel every single day! It is home to Coffins Patch which is in a Sanctuary Preservation Area and is named for its wreckage! This little section of the ocean is home to the Spanish Galleon Ignacio which was shipwrecked in the 18th Century and filled with coffins, definitely a little spooky!
Key Colony Beach has a wide variety of sea life with six areas of reef in different locations to keep you and everyone else on their toes. If you’ve got your own gear and want to explore off the shoreline, this is definitely one of the cool free things to do in the Middle Keys! But if you’re definitely interested in Coffins Patch, you’ll have to look into chartering a boat, remember there are no anchor spots around and it’s about four miles out!
Curry Hammock State Park
Another nature hot spot in the Middle Keys is Curry Hammock State Park! This is definitely one of the best beaches in Marathon and you shouldn’t miss out on it!
It is open from 8 am to sunset, 365 days a year and admission is 4.50 for one person, and for more than two it’s 5.50! Extremely reasonable for how awesome the park is!
This state park is located along both sides of the US1 starting at mile marker 56.2 on Crawl Key! It’s home to 1,200 feet of sandy beach and is perfect for all kinds of sunbathers, swimmers, birdwatchers, and snorkelers! They also have some campgrounds so if you haven’t decided where to stay consider pitching a tent and enjoying a gorgeous burning Florida sunrise! This is definitely one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital is one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys with kids! It is located in Marathon, Florida and focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing all sea turtles that are brought into their care!
This is one of the perfect things to do in Marathon if you or your kids are going crazy over animals, you get to see the work they do on educating the public through their outreach events! They conduct and aid in a lot of research on sea turtles and work towards legislation that will make beaches and the water safer for them!
Their property is in the old Hidden Harbour Motel! This location is super cool because they’re repurposing an otherwise abandoned piece of land! The old motel rooms serve as housing for staff and storage at the facility!
This is definitely a must-stop destination as it’s one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys! Don’t miss out on contributing to the great work that this establishment does! It is a fully functioning veterinary hospital for sick and injured sea turtles so please be respectful when you visit! Looking for spots to see sea turtles in the wild? Here’s our list of the great spots for sea turtles!
Sunset Sail
Sunset sails are a must when vacationing in the Middle Keys! But whether it’s actually at sunset, or just has the vibe of sailing into the horizon with good friends or great partners, this is one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys for adults!
There are plenty of great chartering companies to go with for every kind of sailor or adventurer! So whether you’re going to have some drinks on the open ocean, to catch some awesome fish, or just experience the fresh sea air, there are options for you! The Sea Dog Marathon Fishing Charters is perfect for those looking for the best fishing spots. Marathon Lady Party Boat is perfect for the idyllic Keys weekend with girlfriends! And of course, Seasquared Charters is the best for any kind of adventure!
Definitely don’t miss out on a sunset sail when considering what to do in the Middle Keys!
Curly’s Coffee and Marina
Everyone needs a cup of coffee and Curly’s Coffee and Marina is definitely one of the things to do in the Middle Keys when needing that fresh cup in the morning!
Curly’s is the perfect place to relax and refuel while admiring the great views of the water! They have a menu that’s extensive and perfect for all your mocha, chai, coffee, hot chocolate, or Italian soda needs!
You can even rent water sports equipment, charter a boat, or explore the waterways on a kayak or paddleboard at their Marina! Visiting Curly’s means you get your coffee fix and your adventure kicks all in one place so definitely don’t miss out on one of the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails is a must-stop for the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
It’s filled with historic sites, amazing hiking trails, and fun activities for kids, this is definitely one of the fun things to do in the Middle Keys with kids! Walk the trails and boardwalk through nature with tree canopies and plenty of animals to catch their eye! Visit the lagoon where a 600-year-old canoe resides and a children’s pirate ship and watch fish swim in their pond!
They have four immersive butterfly gardens so you can walk through the gardens and see plenty of butterflies! It’s also home to a museum where you can wander and discover the story of the Lion Fish and explore their historical artifacts and discover what it means to live under the sea’s surface!
They also have the Adderly House which was built in 1904 and is a historic site! Don’t miss out on this cool option for Middle Keys attractions!
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar
If you’re looking for fresh seafood and fantastic views, then this is definitely one of the best Middle Keys activities for you!
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar is a great option for things to do in the Middle Keys of its old-school establishment serving for over 50 years! This is the place to go for shrimp fried in beer!
They have 32 bars on tap, and were recently featured on Guy Fieri’s Diner’s, Drive-in’s and Dives! The restaurant is open for brunch Thursday through to Monday, don’t miss out on this gorgeous view while sipping 3-dollar mimosas!
Try their linguini alfredo, their Mahi topped with scallops and shrimp, or their fresh lionfish roll! Don’t miss out on this option for yummy Middle Keys attractions!
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
The Overseas Heritage Trail is a stretch of trail that runs from Key Largo to Key West, and the particular stretch of highway that is one of the best free things to do in the Middle Keys is the section from MM71 at Channel S Bridge to Long Key Bridge at MM62!
This 18-mile section of the trail is perfect for those looking for a walking or biking the trail is the best way to get spectacular views of the water and sky! You’ll pass the shorter Tom’s Harbor Channel Historic Bridge (MM61), which has cantilevered fishing platforms added to provide space for fishing and bikes!
There are a few exit sections and there is the chance to get off and explore Little Conch Key! The bike path runs along Long Key State Park with amazing views of the amazing bright turquoise waters! The Long Key Bridge is the second longest of Henry Flagler’s railroad and has been preserved as the bike and pedestrian path.
This is definitely a must-visit for the best things to do in the Middle Keys, don’t miss out on the natural beauty of the water!
Go Snorkelling
Snorkeling is the best and ultimate of the best things to do in the Middle Keys!
There are some amazing spots in the Middle Keys that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on because it is rich in shipwrecks and unique biodiverse sections of the ocean that are perfect for beginners and skilled snorkelers!
Make sure to spend time at Sombrero Reef with the shallows and deep sections spread sporadically around the beach and with plenty of spectacular underwater treasures! Long Key State Park is another fantastic option for some cool hidden underwater gems! There is also the Adelaide Baker shipwreck which was grounded in 1889 and is 20 feet under!
Don’t skip snorkeling as your amazing option for the best fun things to do in the Middle Keys, go explore the deep blue!
Where To Stay In Marathon and The Middle Keys
Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort is complete with a full-service spa and a chance to live with the dolphins! They have five swimming pools, a tennis court, fishing spots, diving, and jet-ski capabilities as well as a fitness center!
They have island themed rooms, cottages with Caribbean styled wood furniture, cable TV, fridge, and a coffee maker! The resort features six dining options ranging from Latin-fares with lagoon-side seating, seafood dishes, a Starbucks, pastries, and other breakfast fares!
It’s within 15 km from Cocoa Plum Beach, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, Sunset Beach, and Oceanfront Park!
It has a 7.3 rating on booking.com and has rooms available for as low as 240 dollars a night! Don’t miss out on the chance to stay at the Hawks Cay Resort!
Check rates: booking.com
Tranquility Bay Resort
Tranquility Bay Resort is definitely a classic option that will help you take advantage of all the best activities in the Middle Keys!
It’s home to three pools, including an adults-only pool and a heated pool for children! They have in-room spa services, a fitness center, water-sports facilities like kayaks and paddleboards! They have two restaurants, one is a seafood restaurant with great indoor and outdoor seating, and the other is filled with great salads, panini’s, selections of appetizers, and great cocktails and beer!
They are under 6km from Marathon City Marina, Marathon Community Park, Sombrero Beach, and Oceanfront Park! They have a rating of 8.5 on booking.com and have rooms available for as low as 426 dollars a night!
Check rates: booking.com
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club
Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club is another great option for a great place to stay in the Middle Keys!
The Faro Blanco Resort is distinguished by its historic lighthouse with a full-service marina, and 125 accommodations, restaurants, two outdoor pools, a games lawn, sunset cruises nightly, dive trips, and daily activities! There’s always something to do here!
The rooms include coffee making facilities, free toiletries, a fridge, wireless internet, soundproof rooms and room service! They have live music and performances, a coffee house, and a bar restaurant!
It’s located only five kilometers from Children’s Rotary Park, Sombrero Beach, Jesse Hobbs Park, Marathon Community Park, and Marathon City Marina! They have an 8.5 out of 10 rating on booking.com and have rooms available for as low as 245 dollars a night!
Looking for other options for where to stay in the Middle Keys? Want to know your options from the entire Florida Keys? We have got you covered with the best resorts in the Florida Keys!
Check rates: booking.com
There are always plenty of adventures to be had in Florida, no matter what part of the Keys you’re going to! Don’t miss out on the best islands in the Florida Keys, and make sure to check out as much as possible! Looking for things to do specifically in Marathon? All good, we have the best things to do in Marathon all ready for you! And of course, don’t miss out on the amazing food in Marathon!
Now that you’ve seen your options for the best things to do in the Middle Keys, where will you adventure to first?
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