For beach-loving newlyweds, it isn’t easy to top a Florida Keys honeymoon. The Keys are over 800 tropical islands off the southern tip of Florida. They offer everything you could want in the best honeymoon destination: beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, warm weather, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
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Are the Florida Keys A Good Place for a Honeymoon?
The Florida Keys are an excellent place for a honeymoon for many reasons. The Keys offer a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying quality time together as newlyweds. These islands are very LGBTQ-friendly. If you are a same-sex couple looking for a welcoming and inclusive destination for your honeymoon, the Florida Keys is a great choice.
There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in the Keys, from snorkeling and swimming to exploring the local restaurants and bars. And, of course, no trip to the Florida Keys would be complete without spending some time soaking up the sunshine on one of the many beautiful beaches.
What Honeymoon Activities Can You Do in the Florida Keys?
- Attend Fantasy Fest: Every October, Key West comes alive for Fantasy Fest, a 10-day party that features costumes, parades, concerts, and more. If you’re looking for an adults-only, festive, community-oriented atmosphere for your honeymoon, this event is for you.
- Visit State and National Parks: The Florida Keys have several gorgeous State Parks and national monuments, such as Dry Tortugas National Park.
- Kayaking: What could be more romantic than exploring the crystal clear waters or mangroves of the Florida Keys by kayak? Plenty of tour companies offer half-day or full-day kayak rentals, so you can paddle at your own pace and explore as much (or as little) as you want.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving: The Florida Keys is world-renowned for its abundant marine life. Snorkel or scuba dive in the beautiful waters and see colorful fish, coral reefs, and perhaps even some turtles or dolphins.
What Is the Best Month to Visit the Keys?
The best time to visit the Florida Keys is between December and April when the weather is warm and dry. This is also the busiest time of year, so book your accommodations well in advance. March to May is ideal if you prefer to visit during a shoulder season. The weather is still comfortable, and there is less tourism.
Summer is the least popular time to visit because the heat and humidity can be excruciating.
What Is the Average Price of a Honeymoon in the Florida Keys?
The average honeymoon price in the Florida Keys can vary greatly depending on the time of year, the specific location, and the type of accommodations you seek. That said, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 per couple for a week-long stay in the Keys.
How to Plan a Budget Honeymoon in the Keys
- Travel during the off-season. If you want to save money on your honeymoon, consider traveling during the off-season (May through October). You will find that hotel rates are significantly lower during these months. There will be fewer crowds, and airfare will be less expensive.
- Research the best locations. Whether you want to stay in Key West, Islamorada, Marathon, or any other key, you can find a place that fits your budget and caters to your needs. If you are willing to sacrifice some amenities, you can easily find a place to stay that won’t break the bank.
- Book hotels with honeymoon packages. Regarding accommodations, there are several excellent options for couples on a budget. Many hotels and resorts offer special rates for honeymooners, so be sure to ask about discounts when you book your room. Several camping and RV sites are also available throughout the Keys if you want an even more affordable option.
- Consider low-budget activities. Once you’ve decided on when and where you’d like to stay, it’s time to start thinking about what activities you’d like to do during your trip. Luckily, there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in the Keys.
What Is the Cheapest Time to Go to the Florida Keys?
The best time to visit the Florida Keys on a budget is summer. You’ll find the lowest hotel and airfare prices from June to August. The weather is hot, sunny, and humid.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, plan your trip for September or October when rates are still relatively low but the weather is more relaxed and less crowded.
Remember that Florida’s hurricane season is from June to November.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to the Keys?
There are many ways to travel to the Keys, but flying into Key West International Airport (EYW) is the most convenient way to access the islands. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to your hotel. If you stay in Key Largo or Marathon, you can take a ferry from Key West.
You can also take the Key West Express ferry from Fort Myers or Marco Island and vice versa.
Traveling Within the Keys
If you want to experience the Keys at a relaxed pace and see as much natural beauty as possible, consider renting a boat or car and taking a leisurely road trip down Highway 1. To explore one island, rent a bike. No matter how you travel within the Keys, bring your camera to capture all the stunning scenery.
Which Florida Key to Stay on For Your Honeymoon
Key West
Key West is the perfect place to honeymoon if you want to spend your days relaxing on the beach and your nights exploring a vibrant nightlife. The island has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
Key West is the home to the Old Town of Duval Street, lined with many cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. Visit attractions like Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, take a glass bottom boat tour of the coral reef, or snorkel in the most transparent blue waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to catch a beautiful sunset at Mallory Square before returning to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Key Largo
Key Largo is located just 60 miles from Miami. The nightlife in Key Largo is unrivaled, and there are plenty of bars and clubs to keep you entertained. If you’re looking for a more romantic setting, Key Largo has plenty of intimate restaurants and cafes, away from the noise.
Key Largo is one of the best places for scuba diving, The turquoise waters offer excellent visibility, and there are plenty of exciting things to see underwater. Key Largo is also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the United States. There are plenty of other watersports in Key Largo, including snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a secluded, quiet island perfect for a romantic honeymoon. It’s known for its clear turquoise waters and beautiful sunsets. It’s a laid-back island, making it an excellent base for exploration.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, like snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking. In fact, it is commonly known as the sport fishing capital of the world. However, if you prefer to relax, bring a book to the beach and enjoy the sound of the ocean.
Marathon
When planning your honeymoon to the Florida Keys, consider spending a couple of days on Marathon. This beautiful town is located on an island in the middle of the Keys and is known for its incredible beaches, restaurants, and nightlife. Marathon is the perfect place to relax and spend quality time with your new spouse.
Marathon is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys. Sombrero Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Marathon and features crystal-clear water and white sand beaches. Coco Plum Beach is an excellent option if you’re looking for a more private beach experience. This beach is located on the east side of Marathon and is only accessible by boat or kayak.
Big Pine Key
If you’re looking for a laid-back, quiet honeymoon with beautiful beach views, look no further than Big Pine Key. This small island is located in the Lower Keys and is known for its stunning sunsets, clear turquoise waters, and delicious seafood restaurants.
There’s also an abundance of wildlife to be spotted, from key deer to herons and egrets. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can swim with wild dolphins.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys offer various accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From all-inclusive resorts, luxury bungalows, and vacation rentals to quaint b&bs and charming inns, there is something for everyone in the Keys.
If you’re looking for a luxurious honeymoon experience, the Florida Keys has plenty of 5-star resorts. Many offer stunning oceanfront views, private pools, and world-class amenities. For a more laid-back honeymoon, consider renting a vacation home or bungalow. Many beautiful vacation rentals are available throughout the Keys, ranging from cozy 1-bedroom homes to large 4-bedroom villas.
If you’re on a tight budget, many great accommodation options are still available in the Florida Keys. Several budget-friendly hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast inns are located throughout the islands.
The architecture of the houses in the Keys is unique, with many of them being built on stilts due to the high water levels. Many of the homes were built in the late 1800s, so you can also find vintage cottages and Spanish-inspired architecture. This makes for a very different atmosphere than in other parts of Florida.
4 Local Foods to Try In the Florida Keys
- Stone Crab Claws – Harvested from October 15th to May 15th, these claws are a true Keys delicacy. Enjoy them freshly steamed with a bit of lemon and butter.
- Key Lime Pie – No visit to the Keys is complete without indulging in this tart and sweet dessert. Be sure to try a “real” key lime pie made with key lime juice, not just regular lime juice.
- Conch Fritters – These fritters are made with fresh conch meat (a type of seafood) fried and served with a dipping sauce. They’re perfect for sharing.
- Grouper Sandwich – The Florida Keys are known for their fresh seafood, so you must try a grouper sandwich while you’re here! The fish is usually grilled or blackened and served on a bun with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and onion.
What to Pack for a Florida Keys Honeymoon
- Sunscreen and insect repellent: The Florida Keys are known for their sunny weather, so remember to pack sunscreen. Mosquitos love the hot and humid weather; bringing some repellent is always a good idea.
- Beachwear: You’ll want to pack your swimsuit and beach cover-up. Remember a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in the Florida Keys, so comfortable shoes are necessary. Sandals or sneakers are best.
- Casual clothing: The Keys are casual places, so leave your formal wear at home. Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are all perfect for exploring the islands.
- Camera: Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your honeymoon memories!
Are the Florida Keys Safe for Travelers?
There is minimal crime in the Keys, making it a safe place to visit. However, there are some safety concerns weather-wise to be aware of when traveling to the Florida Keys.
- Hurricanes can pose a danger to visitors. The hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, and the Keys are particularly vulnerable to storms. If you’re planning a trip to the Keys during hurricane season, monitor the weather forecast closely and have a contingency plan in case of severe weather.
- There is a risk of rip currents at some beaches in the Florida Keys. These strong currents can pull swimmers out to sea, so it’s essential to be aware of their dangers and only swim at beaches where lifeguards are on duty.
- Some areas of the Keys are known for their unsafe driving conditions. US-1, which runs through the Keys, is notorious for its winding roads and narrow bridges. Driving under the influence is also a significant problem in the Keys, so caution is essential when behind the wheel.
The Florida Keys are safe for travelers if they take basic safety precautions. By being aware of the dangers and taking steps to avoid them, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free vacation in this beautiful corner of Florida.