9 Destinations For Your Next Family Road Trip

Family road trips can be a blast, as long as you plan ahead with the right snacks, entertainment, and road trip pit stops. The Florida Keys have nine destinations that will make the six-hour round trip drive enjoyable for every member of your family – even the one who doesn’t want to be in the car.

1. Everglades National Park

The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness area in the United States and they are home to the largest protected mangrove forest in the entire Western hemisphere. While marshes dot the southern United States, none are exactly the same or as vast as The Everglades.  

The Everglades National Park is a unique stop with a lot of activities. The large park can be enjoyed on foot or in the comfort of your vehicle. Within the national park there is an alligator farm, emu petting, educational opportunities, and much more. 

The Everglades National Park is a flexible stop that can be a quick bucket list check or a multiple hour visit. The nice thing about this destination is that it can fit into the day however you need it to. While not every activity is readily available all of the time, the park is technically open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. 

2. Harry Harris Park

A trip along the Keys isn’t complete without at least one beach stop. Further south on Key Largo is Harry Harris Park. This area has a man-made beach with a softer surf, making it easy to swim here. Harry Harris Park is also known to be a common place for marine life to stop. If you don’t want to swim you can look at the coral rocks, view the tidepools, watch for manatees, or play at the playground.

3. Islamorada

Islamorada is one of the two best island chains to take children to. Islamorada has beautiful beaches and enough to do that some families will spend an entire trip in just this location. If your family is content at the beach, then Islamorada is a location you will want to spend a day or two in.

4. John Pennekamp Reef

If you’re traveling with a certified scuba diver or someone who enjoys snorkeling, then the John Pennekamp Reef is a must-stop in Key Largo. Multiple shops will help lead you on a dive or snorkeling trip. If you don’t want to get in the water or have young kids, there are glass-bottom boat tours as well.

5. Long Key State Park

Stop along mile marker 67.5 to stretch and enjoy Long Key State Park. You can enjoy a short hike, kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on the beach.

6. Marathon Key

The next destination on the list is a Marathon must-see if you decide to stay over. Marathon Key is the other best island to stay with kids in the Keys archipelago. There are sandy beaches, good restaurants, and activities children enjoy. There are multiple kid-friendly resorts to spend a night or two along your journey as well. 

7. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter

The website of the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter boasts that it has been voted the best place to take kids for 5 years running. This is an excellent midway stop along the Keys and a place that children are certain to enjoy.

If you are taking your time along the Keys and plan on spending multiple days making the journey, this aquarium is a place you can spend many hours at.

8. Dolphin Research Center

Another Marathon stop is the Dolphin Research Center. While there are multiple places along the Keys where you can view or swim with dolphins, the Dolphin Research Center is arguably the most ethical. You can book a tour to see the facility, watch the dolphins train, and even swim with them. If you want to enjoy the center before or after your trip, their website has a live webcam during business hours so you can enjoy the dolphins from home.

9. Key West Sunset Cruise

Before you head back up to Key Largo and end your trip, you must take a Key West sunset cruise. The views are breathtaking.

Key West Charter Boat provides multiple cruise options for those who want to commemorate reaching the southernmost tip of the Keys. You can book a public or private boat tour for a simple cruise, an overnight adventure, a snorkeling trip, or a sunset meal. There are so many options that one is bound to meet the needs and desires of your family.