KEY LARGO, FLORIDA

Key Largo is the first key you come to when visiting the Florida Keys by car. This northernmost key is also the longest at 33 miles.

The Spanish gave it the name Cayo Largo, or Long Key.

For many years the communities on Key Largo were all lumped together under the name of Rock Harbor. 

Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada and the Ocean Reef Club all had Rock Harbor addresses until the early 1950s.

Poster from the 1948 movie Key Largo

This changed due to the popularity of the movie "Key Largo" filmed in 1948 and starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Edward G. Robinson and others.

Although the movie was filmed in California, it still put Key Largo on the map and the local residents changed the post office name from Rock Harbor to Key Largo.

Today Key Largo is a diving center and tourist attraction.

Since it is the closest key to metropolitan Miami and other south Florida population centers, it attracts a lot of weekend visitors.

There are numerous residences, condominiums, restaurants, and marinas in Key Largo.

Christ of the Abyss Statue at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

One of the most popular and unique attractions in Key Largo is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. 

It is the first park in the United States to be under the sea.

Spirit of Pennekamp Glass Bottom Boat

The park was established in 1963 and named for an editor of the Miami Herald who was an environmental activist.

His efforts helped establish the Everglades National Park as well as the park that would bear his name.

Sea Turtle at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

The park is adjacent to the Florida Keys National Sanctuary. 

These two combined have almost 178 nautical square miles of mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

Paddleboarding at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

There are many things you can enjoy at this park including snorkeling, scuba tours, and rides in glass bottom boats. 

You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Click on Map for Detailed Information For Lodging, Restaurants, Recreation

Click on the map above for more information about Key Largo, Key West, and the rest of the Florida Keys.  Lodging, restaurants, tiki bars, and more.