Seniors Bask In The Sun In Key Largo

 Key Largo, an island in the upper Florida Keys archipelago, is the largest section of the Keys, at 33 miles long. Senior visitors find that Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, is an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports, and a world away.

This island boasts natural wonders plus friendly locals who are ready to help senior visitors enjoy them. You can arrange an eco-tour, float on a parasail, thrill yourself on a jet ski, or relax on a sunset sail or sightseeing tour. And then you can unwind at one of several parks or beaches or stroll through a local art gallery.

Senior visitors can enjoy Key Largo’s ties to the sea including scuba diving, snorkeling, an underwater hotel, sport fishing, eco-tours, beaches and dolphin encounter programs.

The island also offers nature trails and a rehabilitation center for wild birds. Senior visitors will find plenty to keep busy including some great sport fishing.

 Seniors Find History Of Pineapple And Key Lime

Fodor’s notes that the first settlement on Key Largo was named Planter,back in the days of pineapple, and later, key lime plantations. For a time it was a convenient shipping port, but when the railroad arrived, Planter died on the vine. Today three communities—North Key Largo, Key Largo, and Tavernier—make up the whole of Key Largo.

The lush flora and lively fauna abound in the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Everglades National Park.

Underwater, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary teems with life, where senior visitors might catch a glimpse of the American Crocodile that thrives at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Key Largo is an ideal place to come face to face with dolphins at a site called Dolphins Plus and scuba divers enjoy exploring Spiegel Grove.

Seniors Plan Weekend Getaway

Key Largo is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a short day trip, located about 60 miles from downtown Miami. The local Chamber has a website with great information including a calendar of events, a visitors guide and a Visitor Center.

Looking for a truly unique experience? Jules Underwater Lodge is a hotel located 30 feet below the water’s surface. I think that I would prefer a glass bottom boat tour where I could watch marine life from a distance in the comfort of a boat. I did that once before in Mexico and would do it again in a wink.

Snorkeling would also be of interest to my wife and me. Key Largo is known as the “Dive Capital of the World”.

Senior travelers, make your way to the Keys and enjoy all that Key Largo has to offer. -jeb