5 Things to Do In…The Florida Keys

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in Big Pine Key, FL

We could easily say visit a different island every day and you’ll find five things to do in the Florida Keys. But if we’re being serious, The Florida Keys have a million different ways to spend any time in this tropical paradise. We’ve got the short list below:

  1. Screen Connections: The island known as Key Largo has many connections to Hollywood. First off, it’s the name of the iconic Humphrey Bogart/Lauren Bacall film as well as the setting for the film. It is also home to the African Queen, the steamboat featured in another Bogart film (you can guess the name) and is now a tourist attraction that runs dinner cruises. The island’s Caribbean Club bar was also featured in the film, Key Largo, and has the distinction of being the oldest bar in the Upper Keys. If the Fast and the Furious movie franchise is your favorite, then the Seven Mile Bridge should look familiar. Also, Bloodline (Netflix series) was filmed in and around The Keys, with plenty of filming done on Islamorada so a visit might turn up a few familiar sights. Check out these locations for a little brush with fame.
Florida Keys Aerial View
  1. The Dry Tortugas: The name is derived from the Spanish word for “turtle” which is what Ponce De Leon found in plenty when he discovered the area in 1513, thus naming it Las Tortugas. However, because of something that wasn’t found in abundance originally – fresh water – the island’s name was changed to Dry Tortugas. Comprised of seven islands, the Dry Tortugas have a lot to offer visitors from history to wildlife to wonderful beaches. It is the only regular U.S. nesting site for the sooty tern – look for them on Bush Key from March through September. It is home to Fort Jefferson, one of the largest 19th century forts in the US, which visitors can tour, and it is home to five different types of turtles – you can glimpse them floating in the sea. Plus, it’s also a snorkeler’s paradise with large coral heads as the underwater show!
Dry Tortugas National Park, FL
  1. Theater of the Sea: Consider it the vaudeville of the seas – a place where you can enjoy variety and be in awe of the show unfolding before you. The Theater of the Sea, located on Islamorada, is a marine mammal park with lagoons hosting sea lions, turtles, stingrays, alligators, and sea birds. This is the place to swim with dolphins, sea lions and even sharks and get up close and personal with the turtles, alligators, and parrots. Looking for a unique souvenir from your visit? Consider having a dolphin create some art just for you – check out the Paint with the Dolphins package offered here. Your friends will be jealous!
  1. Shipwreck Museum: What’s a group of islands in the sea without a nod to shipwrecks? Of course, the Keys has a shipwreck museum, and it can be found on Key West. The Key West Shipwreck Museum tells the history of 400 years of shipwrecks in the area, which on average, happened once a week! Through the use of actors, artifacts, and film, you can experience this interesting maritime heritage of the area.
  1. Nurture Nature: There are all kinds of nature-type experiences you can enjoy when visiting the Keys, including the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key, the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary on Tavernier Key, and the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital, both on Marathon Key. FYI, the Key Deer can only be found in the Lower Keys and Marathon’s Turtle Hospital has successfully treated and released over 1500 sea turtles since it was founded in 1986.
Colorful Cottage at Fiesta Key in Long Key, FL

For the ultimate in Keys accommodations, consider booking a colorful cottage at Fiesta Key or a perfectly appointed tiny home at Sunshine Key. Either option is right on the water and feels like your own private slice of paradise. Both resorts are the perfect location for all things Keys as well as a great place to call “home” while you enjoy America’s answer to a tropical vacation.   

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Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina: Tiny Homes, Big Adventure

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina has always been a popular destination for travelers seeking a convenient and idyllic location from which to explore the nearby Florida Keys and all their attractions. The resort itself sits on the 75-acre Ohio Key in the Lower Florida Keys. The resort has a host of amenities and activities for both land and water lovers, which includes a marina, swimming pool, fishing opportunities, an outdoor pavilion, game room, horseshoe courts, pickleball courts and of course, the scenery. Think: scenery that includes plenty of palm trees, blue skies, and ocean views.

What makes a stay at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina even more exciting these days is the addition of a tiny house village which offers unique accommodations for your Floridian getaway. Located on Ohio Key, these colorful tiny houses are just 30 miles from Key West and minutes from Bahia Honda State Park. Each house is full of personality and charm and makes for the ultimate relaxation destination.

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

Bahia Honda State Park, at over 500 acres, has a fabulous beach (named one of the best for sunbathing), the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge (perfect for photo ops and scenic views), and swimming, kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. Stay all day and catch the sunset – it’s well worth it!

While on Big Pine Key, don’t miss the National Key Deer Refuge, which was established in 1957 to protect the Key deer and other Keys wildlife. The Refuge includes freshwater wetland and mangrove forests and is home to 23 endangered plant and animal species. The Key Deer can only be found in the Florida Keys.

Islamorada, which is about 45 miles from Sunshine Key, is home to the History of Diving Museum where visitors can see one of the largest collections of diving gear, including helmets, armored suits, as well as photos and other diving-related memorabilia. The museum’s mission is to tell man’s story of exploring the sea and they do a great job through the exhibits, collections, and videos.

If feeding a tarpon is on your bucket list, head over to Robbie’s of Islamorada. Schools of tarpon, numbering upwards of 100, like to congregate around the marina providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to toss a snack or two to these “silver kings.” For just the price of admission ($2.25 per person) and $4 for a bucket of fish, you can experience this unique, aquatic, must-do.

On an Island in the Sun
On an Island in the Sun

Robbie’s is also the perfect place to schedule other water adventures including parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and deep-sea fishing excursions. Robbie’s also has an open-air market that sells jewelry, beachwear, art and more. Grab a bite to eat at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant and relax and enjoy Robbie’s experience.  

After exploring the Keys, come back to your colorful and cozy tiny home, settle in and say goodnight to a great day!

Make your reservations for the Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina today!