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The Keys are the most scenic destination in Florida. Temperate weather, pristine beaches, and a range of all-inclusive hotel accommodations are what keep visitors hooked all year round. Although one can't go wrong with any of the Florida Keys, the one question many people want to know is which of the Keys is the prettiest - and yes, there is an answer! Many compare places like Islamorada, Key Largo, and Key West before choosing one for their vacation, as each destination is stunning.

However, Key Largo is by far the most popular Keys destination and is also one of the most recognizable. Its scenic ocean views are what land it on the front of nearly every travel magazine when it comes to summer destinations, giving it a popular reputation with both locals and tourists.

UPDATE: 2023/05/12 13:36 EST BY NOAH STAATS

We've Now Added The Best Time To Visit Key Largo, Florida!

This article has been updated with new information on visiting Key Largo in the Florida Keys and the best months to see it. Whether someone wants to spend the holidays in paradise or spring break: Key Largo is the place to be!

What Makes Key Largo The Prettiest Of All The Florida Keys?

Key Largo, Florida
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Captivating aerial panorma of Key Largo, Florida
  • Key Largo is easy to get to, as well as being close to the Bahamas.
  • Snorkelers flock to Key Largo for its pristine water conditions.
  • Key Largo is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: a favorite in the state.

It's easy enough to say that Key Largo's easily-reachable location and proximity to the Bahamas make it such a popular destination. However, that's not why it has the best views of any Florida Keys. Key Largo is also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which implies that the water just off its sandy shores is shallow and great for exploring. The coral reef, which is located just off the coast, allows visitors to take a glass-bottom boat and snorkeling tours of the area, which provide incredibly scenic views, alone.

  • Fact: Key Largo is home to the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys and in all of Florida as a whole.

The nature that can be found in Key Largo is very diverse as well, and its beaches include a mix of natural and artificial areas. Both of these are beautiful in their own ways and give those classic beach views that everyone expects when visiting. If a perfect sunset and palm trees swaying in the breeze are what a traveler is after, then Key Largo is the place to find it.

Related: 10 Florida Keys Resorts That Also Offer The Best Views

Where Can You Find The Most Scenic Views In Key Largo?

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo in the Upper Florida Keys
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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo in the Upper Florida Keys
  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers some of the area's best views.
  • The Overseas Highway is another must-visit destination for views in Key Largo.

Key Largo is where people go to forget about the world for a little while and just appreciate the maritime nature that surrounds them. The island scenery surrounds travelers wherever they are in this slice of heaven on earth, but visitors looking for the best views can start with these.

  • Fact: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is home to the only living coral reef in the continental U.S.

People snorkeling should keep an eye out for an underwater statue of Jesus Christ, which is another landmark that this state park is known for.

The Overseas Highway

Key Largo begins at the end of US Highway 1, just out of Florida City. It's the first stop on the long line of the Florida Keys, which makes it an easy go-to for locals and visitors, but those who continue driving almost to the end of Key Largo will bring them to the Overseas Highway.

This highway is the first scenic road in the Keys before 7 Mile Bridge and gives views of both Florida Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Occasionally, visitors will be able to spot dolphins breaching the water during their drive, along with other native marine species.

Hungry? Stop at Sundowners for a quick bite during a day trip to Key Largo.

Which Key Largo Beaches Are The Best?

a sign for key largo in the florida keys
  • Far Beach and Cannon Beach are two of Key Largo's most popular beaches.
  • The Florida Keys are home to some of the United States' best beaches.

No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without a trip to some of its best beaches, which also happen to be found in Key Largo. Not only are they easy to access, but they're also home to some of the best water views, swimming, and sunbathing in the Keys.

This park is home to two public beaches, with the aforementioned being the more popular choice for beachgoers. Shallow water makes it great for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling, while its warm waters make it a great option for swimming, as well.

  • Found At: Mile marker 120 in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Those looking to avoid some crowds they might find at Far Beach can opt for Cannon Beach, the second of the two beaches found in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. This park also has a bit of history, and visitors will be able to see the cannons from which it gained its name along the shoreline. These date back to the 17th century and are all part of the allure that brings beachgoers to explore its shores and its offshore snorkeling areas.

While Key Largo is undoubtedly the prettiest of all the Florida Keys, it's also one that's home to plenty of activities for the avid beachgoer. With scenic views like this, it would be tough not to fall in love with such a beachside beauty!

  • Fun Fact: This beach is also home to an offshore Spanish shipwreck for those who don't mind swimming out further to do some underwater exploration.

For anyone wanting a road trip, this five-day Miami to Key Largo drive will be fun to try.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Key Largo, Florida?

A calm ocean in Key Largo, Florida Keys, USA
Photo by Christian Ochoa on Unsplash
A calm ocean in Key Largo, Florida Keys, USA

For people wanting to come to experience the Florida Keys, Key Largo is best visited from December through March. Because of the near-perfect weather, Key Largo is a premier winter and spring destination in the United States. Florida can become rather hot during the summer into fall, often causing tourism to slow down in Key Largo during that time.

December through March in the Florida Keys is prime time, meaning people will be everywhere. Winter break and spring breakers fall into these months, bringing plenty of new faces to the area. However, if someone prefers a quieter vacation and doesn't mind the heat: summer or fall will be cheaper and less populated in Key Largo.

These ten things to do in Key Largo might be worth reading.

This all depends on temperature preference and when someone wants to come to see the beautiful Florida Keys.