Top 10 Keys "Instagrammable" Stops
Some places ask you to take a photo. The Florida Keys practically grab your phone, find the good light and say, “You’re welcome.”
From underwater icons to giant roadside lobsters, the Keys are packed with scenes that are bright, beautiful and a little quirky. In other words, perfect for Instagram. Here are 10 photo-worthy stops from Key Largo to Key West.
Dive In
Christ of the Deep in Key Largo
This is not your average vacation selfie. The famous Christ of the Deep statue sits underwater at Key Largo Dry Rocks and has become a symbol of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The 9-foot bronze statue has its arms raised toward the light above, making it one of the most memorable underwater sights in the Keys.
Snorkelers and divers can swim past it, which means your vacation photo may come with coral, clear water and a little “how is this real?” energy.
Feed Tarpon
Robbie’s of Islamorada Tarpon Feeding
At Robbie’s of Islamorada, the fish are not shy. This famous Florida Keys stop is home to world-famous tarpon feeding and is a must-visit destination in Islamorada.
Come ready for a big smile, a bigger fish and a very Keys kind of story. It is thrilling, splashy and just weird enough to be perfect.
Cruise Out
Alligator Reef Lighthouse
Despite the name, this is not where alligators go on vacation. Alligator Reef Lighthouse stands off Islamorada in the saltwater ocean, near a reef known for shallow water, coral and abundant marine life.
The black-and-white lighthouse is an iconic scene and can be seen from the Overseas Highway. For visitors exploring by boat, it is a bold, beautiful landmark surrounded by classic Keys blue.
Meet Betsy
Betsy the Lobster in Islamorada
Meet Betsy. She is 30 feet tall, 40 feet long and always ready for her close-up.
Betsy the Lobster greets visitors at Rain Barrel Village in Islamorada. This giant Florida Keys spiny lobster sculpture is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Keys. She is weird, wonderful and exactly the kind of roadside icon that makes people say, “Pull over. Now.”
Catch Sunset
Sunset at Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada
For golden-hour glory, head to Papa Joe’s Waterfront in Islamorada. This waterfront spot is known for signature sunset views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay on Upper Matecumbe Key.
With a large open Tiki bar, outdoor patio and that only-in-the-Keys glow, it is made for a sunset photo. Order something cold, find the good light and let the sky do the heavy lifting.
Sunny Marathon moment
Sombrero Beach
Sombrero Beach is a well-maintained Middle Keys gem in Marathon, open from sunrise to sunset. It has sand, open sky, a fishing pier, a kayak launch, volleyball courts and shady picnic spots.
It is relaxed, easy to love and very photo-friendly. Think beach-day smiles, blue-water backdrops and “yes, we should have packed extra sunscreen” energy.
Snap South
Southernmost Point Buoy
The Southernmost Point Buoy in Key West is one of The Florida Keys’ most recognizable icons. The colorful concrete marker sits at South Street and Whitehead Street, near the Atlantic-side historic district.
It is a classic Key West photo stop. Stand beside it, smile big and enjoy your official “yes, I made it this far south” moment.
Beach Better
Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park brings the beach beauty. This 500-acre park in the Lower Keys has soft sand, warm shallow water, excellent snorkeling and beaches facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors can also see the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, which offers stunning views and a classic Keys backdrop. Come for the beach photo. Stay because leaving looks like a terrible idea.
Go Remote
Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson
For a scene that feels far away from everything, Dry Tortugas National Park is hard to beat. Located 68 miles west of Key West, the park includes seven tiny coral-and-sand islands.
Historic Fort Jefferson sits on Garden Key and is one of the most striking sights in the Keys. It is remote, historic and dramatic in the best way. Your photo will look like you found a secret island, because you sort of did.
Walk History
Old Seven Mile Bridge and Pigeon Key
The Old Seven Mile Bridge is an oft-photographed 2.2-mile span that serves as the gateway to Pigeon Key. After a major restoration, it reopened for pedestrian recreation.
With open water, historic bridge views and a walkable Keys setting, this spot is made for slow strolls and “just one more” photos. It is a perfect final frame for a Florida Keys photo adventure.
Ready for Your Close-Up?
The Florida Keys are not just pretty. They have personality. Where else can you photograph an underwater statue, a giant lobster, a famous buoy, a historic fort and some of the bluest water around?
So charge your phone, bring your sunglasses and leave extra room on your camera roll. The Keys are ready for their close-up... and yours.
