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Things To Do in Upper and Middle Keys
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Upper and Middle Keys Attractions
The Seven-Mile Bridge is the longest fragmented (unconnected pieces) bridge in the world. Completed in 1985, it was constructed parallel to the original bridge, part of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad, which served as the original link to the Lower Keys. Some people may recognize the remnants of the old bridge from the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie True Lies. Others fearfully contemplate a wrong turn leading them to the old bridge instead of the new one. Not to worry: The old bridge is closed to cars and has been transformed into the world's longest fishing pier.
For other top sights, attractions and activities in the Upper and Middle Keys, click on the points of interest we have on this website. As with all Frommers.com material, they were prepared by an impartial journalist, a person who is paid only by Frommer Media, and never by the sites she reviews. We are journalists, not influencers here!
10 Results
- Park/Garden
Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trails
Crane Point Hammock is a little-known but worthwhile stop, especially for those interested in the rich botanical and archaeological history of the Keys. This privately owned, 64-acre nature area is considered one of the most important historic sites in the Keys. It contains what is… - Zoo/Aquarium
Dolphin Research Center
Of the several such centers in the continental United States (all located in the Keys), the Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit facility and one of the most organized and informative. Although some people argue that training dolphins is cruel and selfish, this is one of the most… - Zoo/Aquarium
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
An immersive aquarium, this attraction is entirely outdoors (there are tiki huts for shade where needed) and includes 20-minute long biologist-led educational tours of the facility at 10 minutes before each hour. In addition, the staff’s biologists conduct 15-minute long… - Park/Garden
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Wander through lush stands of mangroves on wooden walkways to get up close and personal with some of the Keys’ most famous residents—the large variety of native birds, including broad-wing hawks, great blue and white herons, roseate spoonbills, cattle egrets, and lots and lots of… - Museum
History of Diving Museum
For over 4000 years, human beings have been trying to explore the undersea world. This passion project, created by Drs. Joe and Sally Bauer, unpacks that history, with interactive exhibits, and artifacts from the Bauer’s vast collection of hand-operated air pumps, armored suits,… - Historic Site
Pigeon Key
This 5-acre island was the camp for the crew that built the old railway in the early 20th century, then served as housing for the bridge builders. From here the vista includes the vestiges of Henry Flagler’s old Seven-Mile Bridge and the one on which traffic presently soars, as well… - Landmark
Robbie’s Pier
One of the best and definitely one of the cheapest attractions in the Upper Keys at famed Robbie’s Pier are fierce steely tarpons, a prized catch for the backcountry anglers who have been gathering for the past 20 years. You may recognize these prehistoric-looking giants that grow up… - Landmark
Seven-Mile Bridge
A stop at this wide, arching span, completed in 1985 at a cost of more than $45 million, is a rewarding and relaxing break on the drive south. Built alongside the ruins of oil magnate Henry Flagler’s incredible Overseas Railroad, the “new” bridge (btw. MMs 40 and 47) is considered an… - Zoo/Aquarium
The Turtle Hospital
Adapted from a former bar and motel on Boot Key, this nonprofit is the world’s only state-certified hospital for marine turtles, rescuing and rehabilitating animals that are sick or injured, especially by traumatic contact with humans, such as run-ins with motorboats or monofilament… - Zoo/Aquarium
Theater of the Sea
Established in 1946, the family-owned Theater of the Sea is one of the world’s oldest, continually operated marine mammal parks. The park’s dolphin and sea lion shows are entertaining and informative, especially for kids. If you want to swim with dolphins and haven’t booked well in…
More About Upper and Middle Keys Attractions
Upper and Middle Keys Nightlife
Nightlife in the Upper Keys tends to start before the sun goes down, often at noon, as most people -- visitors and locals alike -- are on vacation. Also, many anglers and sports-minded folk go to bed early.
Locals and tourists in Islamorada mingle at the outdoor cabana bar at Lorelei. Most evenings after 5pm, you’ll find local bands playing on a thatched-roof stage, mainly rock or reggae, and sometimes blues. Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge, 73814 Overseas Hwy., (tel 305/390-4572) has a full-service waterfront restaurant, expanded menu, and bar at Caloosa Cove Resort and Marina, replacing the beloved Safari Lounge, a locals' favorite watering hole for cocktails and snacks and a filming location for the Netflix series "Bloodline." Hog Heaven, MM 85.3, just off the main road on the ocean side, Islamorada (tel. 305/664-9669; Fri-Saturday 11am–4am, Sun-Thurs 11am-2am), opened in the early 1990s, the joint venture of young locals tired of tourist traps. This whitewashed biker bar is a welcome respite from the neon-colored cocktail circuit. It has a waterside view and diversions such as big-screen TVs and video games. The food isn’t bad, either. The atmosphere is cliquish because most patrons are regulars, so start up a game of pool to break the ice.In Key Largo, The Caribbean Club, 10480 Overseas Hwy. (tel. 305/451-4466), is a divey waterfront spot for karaoke Wednesdays and nightly live music. Plus, it’s the place where many movies, including Bogie and Bacall classic “Key Largo,” were filmed, so the locals and staff have good, salty stories. It’s open from 7am(!) until 1am-ish daily and it’s cash only, but there’s an ATM inside. For a higher end nightlife Pierre’s, 81600 Overseas Hwy., (tel. 305/664-3225) is the place, or, cross the sand to neighboring Morada Bay for a toes-in-the-sand scene.
Located bayside in Key Largo Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, 10400 Overseas Hwy, (tel. 305/453-9066) is a massive entertainment and boozing complex owned by the legendary football coach featuring several bars, restaurants, a pool, and nightly entertainment. It’s more for early birds as it closes at 9pm. Nearby is another popular day and night drinking spot, Skippers Dockside, 528 Caribbean Dr., MM 100, Key Largo, (tel. 305/453-9794), featuring an outdoor tiki bar, live entertainment, and a Monday through Friday happy hour from 3 to 6pm that often keeps people happy until the place closes around 10pm on weeknights and 11pm on weekends. Locals also love Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, 99470 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo (tel. 305/453-5004), featuring three bars, fab views, live music every night from 5:30 to 9:30pm, daily happy hours from 4 to 6pm, and good food.
Sundowners Key Largo, 103900 Overseas Hwy., (tel. 305/451-4502), has fabulous views from its bustling bar, as well as live music nightly until at least 10 or 11pm, but get this, leaving from Sundowners is Cruisin’ Tikis (tel. 800/941-7080), a floating tiki bar offering BYOB day and night trips starting at $60 per person.
In Marathon, Sunset Grille, 7 Knights Key Blvd., (tel. 305/396-7235;) has spectacular sunset sips overlooking the Seven Mile Bridge and a daily 3 to 5pm happy hour, as well as a very popular, splashy Sunday pool party with DJs, cornhole tournaments, food and drink specials, and a beach barbecue. And, although it closes somewhat early, around 8:30pm, Burdine’s Waterfront is a Marathon hideaway, 1200 Oceanview Ave. (tel. 305/743-9204), featuring fab drinks and views of the water.
