Known for a laid-back attitude, rich history, and natural wonders, the Florida Keys provide an escape from the everyday. With a full list of things to do in the Florida Keys, ranging from wild to mild, visitors will have the chance to connect with nature, learn about the Keys' history, and have some fun, all with pleasant temperatures and sunny days. The list of activities in the Florida Keys is long, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Fishing

With the warm weather, miles of open ocean, and an abundance of marine life, the Florida Keys are a favorite destination for anglers, both new and experienced. Travelers will find an array of boats to charter and local guides who know where to find the best catch. Experienced captains are experts at deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi, kingfish, and other species. Some of the charter boats can accommodate large groups; all these groups of anglers need to do is step aboard the party boat, and the local operator will supply everything they need for these fun activities in the Florida Keys. Many of the parks and beaches allow fishing, including Higg's Beach and Zachary Taylor State Park in Key West, as well as Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key.

Snorkeling and Diving

With a little bit of equipment and training, vacationers can look below the surface and find an amazing underwater world. All of the islands, from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south have places for snorkeling and scuba diving, two activities in the Florida Keys that are favorite experiences among travelers. Exploring the waters of Key Largo at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one of the most interesting things to do in the Florida Keys. Several sunken ships, including the USS Spiegel Grove, have become artificial reefs teeming with a rainbow of marine life and interesting Florida Keys activities. In the Lower Keys, Looe Key Reef is a favorite for shallow-water diving and hosts one of the most unusual events for divers and snorkelers—the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival.

Dolphin swims

Smart and friendly, dolphins may enjoy swimming with humans as much as the other way around. Companies on Grassy Key, Islamorada, and Key Largo all offer dolphin swims, educational programs, and other interesting Florida Keys activities. When spending time at the beach, one of the best free things to do in the Florida Keys, swimmers may just spot dolphins in their natural habitat.

Kayaking

Among the shallow waters and mangrove forests, travelers will find activities in the Florida Keys that are not accessible by foot or motorized boats. Several backcountry sites, home to amazing ecosystems, can be discovered by kayaking. Whether kayakers sign up for a guided tour or explore on their own, they'll have access to memorable eco-tours. Other Florida Keys activities, including hiking, swimming, and nature tours, also offer the chance to connect with nature.

Museums

Along with the beaches, nightlife, and eco-tours, the Keys are home to a rich variety of museums celebrating the islands' history, artistic expressions, and culture. Travelers can learn about both pirates and literary legends, explore treasures from shipwrecks, and connect with the local Cuban heritage, among other adventures. Several of the museums, including the Shipwreck Historeum and Pirate Soul Museum in Key West, offer top-notch interactive things to do in the Florida Keys.

Camping

For some travelers, the resorts and luxury hotels are the way to go, but others find camping more to their liking. Campsites throughout the Keys offer everything from backcountry tent camping to full-service RV hookups. Some of the popular places to camp include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Bahia Honda State Park. Each of these places offers a full list of fun things to do in the Florida Keys. It's smart to make reservations early, especially during the busy season, which is from November into the spring.