Road Trip: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West and Beyond

You'll find Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key, which boasts the finest beaches in the Florida Keys.

- Lauren Tjaden for VISIT FLORIDA

By Kara Franker

Put the top down and get ready to blast an island-inspired playlist — it’s time for a Florida Keys road trip.

You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit, flip-flops and a taste for adventure.

In the Florida Keys and Key West, there’s a lot to love. Rich in history, arts and culture, the area is also perfect for outdoor types, with eco-tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing and more.

The 120-mile island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef, so it offers up unparalleled diving experiences.

Here are some of the best spots to visit on your Florida Keys road trip.

Road Trip to Key West - Diving in Key Largo

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1. Key Largo

In Key Largo, snorkel your way through schools of brightly colored fish at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and visit the Spiegel

Grove, a sunken U.S. Navy ship that’s home to its own thriving underwater ecosystem.

Driving the Florida Keys - Fishing Stop in Isla Morada

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2. Islamorada

Don’t miss Islamorada, the village of islands where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing were pioneered. Cast your reel on a charter vessel, or board an eco-tour boat and explore backcountry waters full of marine life like dolphins, manatees, and crocodiles.

Driving the Florida Keys Through Marathon Key

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3. Marathon

Further south, in Marathon, history fans can see the Old Seven Mile Bridge, a section of Henry Flagler’s original Overseas Railroad—it’s also a prime spot for fishing or taking photos against a gorgeous backdrop.

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4. Big Pine Key

In Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park boasts an award-winning beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing; if you’re up for an adventure, book a guide and go fishing for tarpon.

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5. Key West

Lively Key West, Florida’s southernmost island and legendary home of Ernest Hemingway, hosts film festivals as well as regular neighborhood gallery strolls for art and entertainment lovers.

A flight over the clear, emerald-hued waters of the Dry Tortugas provides spectacular views.

- Peter Green, Key West Seaplane Adventures

6. Dry Tortugas

Ok, so you can't actually get here on a road. But a plane or boat ride will land you at this 100-square-mile national park island cluster known as the Dry Tortugas. It's a great outing, for snorkelers, birders and adventurers of all stripes.

Insider Tip: Check out Fla-Keys.com to help plan your trip to the Florida Keys and Key West.

All photos are courtesy of Fla-Keys.com.