Last Updated on August 23, 2018 by Marybeth
Key Largo is known as the Diving Capital of the World, and most of us don’t go to the Keys to spend time on a beach. But when your resort has its own little beach to lounge and watch the sunset, your day of diving, boating, or day drinking at the bar down the street is complete.
But before you settle in on “your own” private beach with a sunset-hued cocktail, explore Key Largo’s fun activities that range from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the first underwater park in the US – to the iconic vessel The African Queen which you can book for a cruise or cruise and dinner.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park may still have limited park activities due to Hurricane Irma related repairs but is currently offering glass bottom boat tours, paddle sports, scuba instruction and more, check their site for continued updates.
The African Queen, built in 1912 and made famous in 1951 by the Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart movie of the same name, is once again offering tours after some years of sad and surprising neglect (in 1982 the boat was found in a cow pasture in Ocala!?!) and an engine failure in 2001 after which she remained on display but wasn’t operated. In 2012 she was restored to her original health and is registered as a National Historic Site, just in time for her 100th birthday. There is much more to her colorful history, read more – you’ll be entertained, we promise – here.
Photo courtesy of The African Queen
The African Queen is smaller than we imagined, but just a perfect size for an intimate cruise. Book early though to make sure they have room for you on board!
Anyone else have that song “Key Largo” swimming around in your head right now? “Here’s looking at you kid…” If you didn’t, you do now! Bertie Higgins did a good job giving us a song that has lasted way longer than us remembering his name (sorry, Bertie, had to look you up!)
Keeping with the Bogie and Bacall theme, your last stop before settling into your tiny home resort or cluster of vintage cottages should be The Caribbean Club, Key Largo’s favorite dive bar where the famous movie was partially filmed. Opened in 1938 and operated by the same family since 1963, you’ll need to check out this place’s history as well: suspicious fires…. gambling…. And you may have watched scenes filmed here for the series Bloodline. Dog friendly, with epic sunset views, The Caribbean Club is a must-visit while you’re in Key Largo.
Check out more to do in Key Largo at The Florida Keys and Key West.
After a long sunshiney day of exploring, it’s time to settle in to your cozy cottage.
Sunset Cove Beach Resort
99360 Overseas Highway
Key Largo
877-451-0705
Peaceful and shady with an island feel, Sunset Cove offers cottages, waterfront suites, standard motel rooms and some other interesting accommodations including campers and a classic RV. Sprinkled throughout the property are fun animal statues that add to the back-to-nature vibe. From small, all-you-need basic rooms to larger suites to accommodate more people, some have pull out sofas, some come with full kitchens, some with kitchenettes or a microwave and mini fridge. Peruse the various rooms on their site, by clicking their name above, to choose the most suitable for your stay.
- VIBE: Throwback to the simpler days of Florida vacations, mom-and-pop, cozy and welcoming.
- WALK: Just next door is Bayside Grille & Sunset Bar, next to that is Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, and just down the street is a local and visitor’s favorite, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. Several other great restaurants are within walking distance, as well as a fast-food and coffee chain. (Not naming names of those cookie-cutter establishments!)
- DECOR: Beachy and simple, very clean.
- SLEEP: Comfortable beds and bedding.
- EXTRAS: Some units are pet friendly; check the site or call ahead of time. Complimentary kayaks, paddle board, tiki hut, hammocks and BBQ, coffee, pastries and juice. Boat fees are $2 per foot per day for dock, ramp, and trailer parking.
- WE LOVE: The tropical grounds, and the short walk to the beach bar!
View of the entrance to Sunset Cove from the Bayside Grille
Photo courtesy of Sunset Cove Beach Resort
Seafarer Resort and Beach
97684 Overseas Highway
Key Largo
305-852-5349
With immaculately kept grounds and a winding path shaded with palms leading to the water, passing cheerful cottages as you go, the Seafarer Resort is one of those places you know immediately you’ll never want to leave. Another perfect mom-and-pop resort with an old-Florida feel for your Key Largo visit.
Seafarer offers a wide variety of room types including cottages, studios, villas, apartments, beach house, some with garden views or bay views. Some have kitchens while others microwaves and mini fridges. Choose the best unit for your stay by clicking on their name above for more details. The complimentary breakfast goes way above and beyond most other small properties, with freshly baked muffins and homemade egg frittatas. Coffee, juice, fresh fruit and yogurt are also available.
- VIBE: Cheerful and quiet, island-y atmosphere. Pride in ownership is obvious.
- WALK: Ballyhoo’s Historic Seafood Grille is just across the road, and two chain fast-foods are also nearby.
- DECOR: 1980’s beach cottage, cute and comfy.
- SLEEP: Our bed was cozy but we would have liked extra pillows to prop up on.
- EXTRAS: Complimentary shared kayaks for guests. Beach umbrellas, beach lounges, picnic table and lounge chairs on their own floating dock. Complimentary (amazing) breakfast, free wi-fi. Private kayaks and paddle boards available to rent, and dockage is available for registered guests; call for details.
- RATES: Check the website for current rates; at publication time rates began at $108.
- WE LOVE: The breakfast! The pristine tropical grounds and the relaxing beach.
Riptide RV Resort & Marina
97680 Overseas Highway
Key Largo
844-729-0730
Riptide RV Resort & Marina doesn’t use the word “Tiny Home” in their name. We’re not sure why… though we think it may be due to the fact that these cottages don’t have wheels, and the perception of tiny homes is that they can be moved if need be. Also, sad to say, negative press about Tiny Homes is cropping up in the media. Just recently we saw a big argument between home owners (giant homes) and a company who wants to bring upscale tiny homes nearby…. jeez why can’t everyone just get along??
Everyone gets along at Riptide. Campers, trailers, and cottages (they look like tiny homes to us so we’re going to call them that!) The grounds are kept super clean, the atmosphere is peaceful, and there is that little beach at the end of the pathway. Riptide also has a small, quaint motel on site where you could just rent a room.
- VIBE: Quiet, secure, neat as a pin. We didn’t stay here but stayed right next door; same peaceful vibe.
- WALK: Ballyhoo’s is just across the street as well as some fast food places within walking distance.
- DECOR: The tiny homes are modern and bright inside. We didn’t get a glimpse of the motel rooms but reviewers are raving over how everything is totally renovated and updated (and to ignore any reviews before 2017!)
- SLEEP: Again, reviews are glowing about the comfortable new updates.
- EXTRAS: Clubhouse, marina, boat ramp, covered pavilion, pet friendly.
- RATES: At the time of publication motel rooms were approximately $125 and tiny homes $189. Call for current pricing.
- WE LOVE: How cute the tiny homes are!
Photo courtesy of Riptide RV Resort and Marina
Motel rooms at the Riptide
Do you know of any tiny home resorts in Florida besides this one and Tiny House Siesta in Siesta Key? Let us know in the comments!
There are probably quite a few who don’t call themselves “Tiny Home” Resorts, like the Riptide. Should I call them and ask them why? Or would that be weird? (And should I care if they think I’m weird?)
Key Largo is located 68 miles south of Miami and 97 miles north of Key West.
