Victoria Lupascu 
Although I’m more of a mountain and forest girl, I can’t say no to a tropical destination! The sunshine, the ocean breeze, and all those cocktail on the beach just scream holiday.
In this post, you will find a well-detailed guide on the best areas where to stay in Key Largo plus a carefully curated list of some fantastic hotels on the island. The top site here is Tavernier, as it has many attractions and great accommodations.
However, you will find 3 more spots in this post that cater to different interests like relaxation, and families, or are perfect for visiting the John Pennekamp State Park; Rock Harbor, Sunset Cove, and Tarpon Basin.
Today we’re taking a virtual trip around Key Largo (my favorite place in the Florida Keys) and only one of the top spots in Florida for watersports!
No matter which area you choose, Key Largo, FL is one of the most popular places in the Florida Keys, so I recommend booking your hotels in advance. This island gets so packed with tourists all year round!
Let’s go!
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Tavernier – where to stay in Key Largo for the first time
- 2. Rock Harbor – best place to stay in Key Largo to relax
- 3. Sunset Cove – best place to stay in Key Largo for families
- 4. Tarpon Basin – where to stay near the John Pennekamp State Park
- Frequently asked questions about hotels in Key Largo
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Want to book your hotels right now? Then have a look at this list with the best accommodations in Key Largo, all located in Tavernier:
Here’s a map of all the areas where to stay in Key Largo that I will be talking about in this post:
- Tavernier: for first-timers
- Rock Harbor: for relaxation
- Sunset Cove: for families
- Tarpon Basin: for diving
1. Tavernier – where to stay in Key Largo for the first time
Sunshine lots of water sports and fantastic dining options! That sounds like the dream holiday, right?
Well, if you’re traveling to Key Largo, Florida then that’s what you’ll be doing all day long! The best area here is definitely Tavernier, it has many attractions and of course beaches (I’m sure that’s where most of you will spend your time).
Out of all the places in the Florida Keys (like Key West or Islamorada), Key Largo is known as the top one for watersports. Fishing, paddle boarding, and jet-skiing are just some of the activities that you can try in Tavernier.
At one point though you’ll want to spend some time inland as well. When that happens, I recommend visiting the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center. The bird sanctuary is so amazing and it hosts so many unique species!
Oh yes, Tavernier’s chill atmosphere will keep you here more than you anticipated! That’s why booking your hotels in advance is a must in Key Largo, as it’s one of the most sought places in the Florida Keys. Many tourists come here annually!
Hop from bed straight to the beach! Coconut Palm Inn is nestled in a coconut grove and it offers a private beach area and on-site amenities like private boat docks and barbecue facilities. Enjoy your morning coffee near the swimming pool get ready for a full day of activities!
Other accommodation options in Key Largo
This hotel offers beach access, a swimming pool, guest rooms with free wifi, and a flat-screen tv
Chill in the hammock at this Key Largo resort that has a private beach area and a garden
I love the design of this place to stay in Key Largo that has a kitchen, free wifi, and a private patio
Things to do in Key Largo
- Relax all day on Harry Harris Beach
- Go on a kayak tour in Key Largo
- Catch a sunset near Old Settler’s Park
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at Snappers Oceanfront Restaurant & Bar
- Spot cute birds at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
2. Rock Harbor – best place to stay in Key Largo to relax
Planning to do nothing but relax during this vacation?
Then the area around Rock Harbor will be perfect for you! Here you can find many boat rentals and jet ski rentals and enjoy a few hours of chilling in the boat, admiring the blue ocean, and maybe sunbathing for a bit (definitely bring your SPF sunscreen)!
Rock Harbor allows tourists to get a taste of the local life here in Key Largo. The area is quieter than the rest so that you won’t find as many attractions maybe, but I’m sure that the time spent out in the sea and relaxing at your hotel will make this holiday a success!
Ready to chase sunsets on the beach and swim in the ocean? Playa Largo Resort Spa Autograph Collection is a great place as it offers spa services, a fitness center, and a continental breakfast. This is one of the best resorts in Key Largo where you can relax in the hot tub or outdoor pool after a day of snorkeling and enjoy the atmosphere!
Other accommodation options in Rock Harbor
Go for a swim in the pool early in the morning at this hotel that has a private beach area and a hot tub
Grab a quick breakfast in the morning and head to the private beach to enjoy the sun
This super spacious condo in Rock Harbor offers beach access, a shared pool, and free wifi
In case you’ve missed your chance at one of the hotels on the list here’s 1 more amazing luxury option for you: Bay Harbor Lodge! Enjoy a glass of champagne on the terrace of Bay Harbor Lodge after a day spent exploring Key Largo and Florida Bay or spend your evening in the seasonally heated outdoor for some relaxation!
Things to do in Rock Harbor
- Learn something at the Reef Environmental Education Foundation
- Visit the Claudia Moriarty Fine Art Gallery
- Go on a boat tour in Key Largo
- Buy souvenirs from the Shell World gift shop
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Sunset Cove – best place to stay in Key Largo for families
Key Largo in the Florida Keys is a great place for families! Why?
Because there are so many watersports that you guys can try, plus spend lots of time on the beach, sunbathing, relaxing, and playing some fun beach games. Who doesn’t love a good old ball game by the sea?
The area around Sunset Cove is pretty tranquil, and it also has some attractions that the little ones may enjoy (that’s if you can take them away from the beach). The Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder is such an awesome spot where you guys can meet some cute dolphins and even swim with them!
Sounds like so much fun, right? If you’re looking for more places to visit in Florida with the kids, I recommend Orlando, also known Disney capital of the world!
Ready to spend this holiday in the hotel of your dreams? This stunning all-inclusive Key Largo resort has so many cool facilities! During the day, you can try yoga, get a massage at the spa center or relax in the hot tub!
Other accommodation options Sunset Cove
With family rooms and just a 1-minute walk to the beach, this hotel also has a swimming pool
Enjoy your family vacation at this resort in Key Largo, FL that has family rooms and a picnic area
This comfortable cottage is perfect for families as it has 3 rooms and it offers beach access
Things to do in Sunset Cove
- Spend a fun day at the Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder
- Eat some fresh seafood at Key Largo Fisheries
- Go on a snorkeling tour
- Enjoy a sunset walk along the pier
- Have a cocktail at the Pilot House Restaurant & Marina
4. Tarpon Basin – where to stay near the John Pennekamp State Park
If you’re an avid diver who has always dreamed about visiting the country’s first undersea park, then I think Tarpon Basin is the best area for you!
John Pennekamp State Park is one of the most popular diving spots in the world, and it sits 1 mile (2 km) away from the Tarpon Basin area. This means that you can just walk to the park!
The place is super fun, and it’s not only the park that will keep you busy as a bee! You’ll also find an aquarium (where you can swim with the dolphins), plenty of restaurants and of course, you can always go snorkeling and on boat tours!
Order a cocktail by the pool and enjoy those breathtaking sea views! This resort offers a private beach area and a garden! Plus different water sports on-site like fishing and canoeing.
Other accommodation options in Tarpon Basin
Take a short nap under the sun in a hammock at this boutique hotel that has a private beach area
This tiny air-conditioned house has free wifi, a kitchenette, a dining area, and private bathroom
Enjoy your stay in Key Largo at this comfortable home that offers access to a pool and to the beach
Things to do in Tarpon Basin
- Spend a fun day at the Dolphins Plus Bayside Aquarium
- Have a delicious dinner at The Fish House
- Visit the John Pennekamp State Park
- Enjoy the views of Florida Bay during a cruise
- Grab a coffee at Grati Cafe
| 👑 Luxury price: | $450 |
| 💵 Mid Range: | $300 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $200 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | $450 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | High |
| 📍 Best area: | Tavernier |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Sunset Cove |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Coconut Palm Inn |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Atlantic Bay Resort |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Island Bay Resort |
Frequently asked questions about hotels in Key Largo
🌊 Where should you stay in Key Largo?
Tavernier is the best area to stay in Key Largo, FL. It has plenty of attractions, restaurants, and some great hotels like the Coconut Palm Inn and Atlantic Bay Resort.
🤔 Is it better to stay in Key Largo or Islamorada?
Key Largo is great if you want to try all kinds of watersports like kayaking, snorkeling, and diving while Islamorada is great for people who want to relax and enjoy world-class fishing.
🔝 Is Key Largo nice to stay in?
🏖️ Does Key Largo have good beaches?
Key Largo doesn’t have any natural beaches due to its shallow waters, but it does have some man-made beaches that are awesome!
Conclusion
What a fun destination! I think you’ll have the best time ever trying all those watersports and exploring other places in the Florida Keys like Key West!
Let’s quickly sum up what we talked about in this post. You’ll find a detailed guide with the best areas where to stay in Key Largo, plus a list of the top hotels in each place.
In case you’re having a hard time trying to decide which hotel to choose, here are my top 2 favorite options both located in Tavernier:
- Coconut Palm Inn – A luxury resort with a private beach area
- Atlantic Bay Resort – Beachfront hotel that has family rooms
Key Largo is super popular among tourists who want to escape the city noise and relax in the tropical Florida Keys, so I highly recommend booking your hotels in advance here, as most of them will sell out fast!
Enjoy your trip, go diving, explore all that the Florida Keys have to offer, and don’t forget to leave me a comment below if you have any questions or comments!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
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