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5 Unique Places to Stay in the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer sunshine, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs – a dream destination for relaxation and adventure. But what if your accommodation could be just as unforgettable as the surroundings?
Look beyond the standard hotel room and discover these unique places to stay in the Florida Keys that will transform your Florida Keys trip into an extraordinary experience:
1. Undersea Lodge in Key Largo
Ever dreamt of sleeping with the fishes? Love diving or want to learn?
Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo offers hotel rooms where you can watch outside your window as fish swim by. This rustic underwater habitat, submerged in a vibrant coral reef teeming with marine life, offers a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
If you’re a diver or want to learn, you just might love this place! Imagine falling asleep surrounded by colorful fish and waking up to a panoramic view of the underwater world.
This is UNIQUE! But it is not luxury. If you’re a diver, if you love unique places to stay and new experiences, if you love the ocean and reef fish… you may love this experience! Check out their website for more information, here:
2. Luxury Cottages on a private island off Key West
Indulge in ultimate seclusion and tranquility with a stay on your very own private island at Sunset Key.
If you’ve ever enjoyed Key West’s Mallory Square at Sunset, you’ve seen Sunset Key. It’s the island right in front of the sunset you’re enjoying, only accessible by ferry from Key West.
It offers a variety of unique accommodations, from luxurious vacation rentals to rustic beachfront cottages. There’s a spa, pool, dining and snacks, tennis, beautiful beaches to enjoy and more.
In the evenings, enjoy breathtaking sunsets and stargazing under the vast night sky, all while having your own private slice of paradise.
3. Houseboats at a Marina in Islamorada
Enjoy the Keys from a whole new perspective with a houseboat rental.
Bud n Mary’s Marina in Islamorada is a big bustling marina known for many world class charter fishing choices, plus they have lodging choices on land and a couple of houseboats to choose from as well.
Houseboats? Yes! They make an excellent unique place to stay in the Florida Keys! Enjoy the fun and fishing vibes of an active marina, while sleeping on a boat in super comfy conditions.
You’ll be right there a few boats over, as your charter fishing captain gets your charter ready to go! There’s lots to do in Islamorada besides fishing, and this location is a great spot to stay and enjoy it all. The bonus is the peaceful sleep you’ll have on a houseboat complete with couch, deck, tv, shower, microwave and refrigerator and full sized beds.
To find out more about the different houseboats available, and other accommodations on site, or to make a reservation, check out their official website here:
4. Conch Cottages in Key West
Immerse yourself in the charm of Key West with a stay in a conch cottage. There are a bunch of colorful, pastel-hued cottages (bungalows) with wraparound porches and lush gardens offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and architectural heritage.
Many cottages are conveniently located near shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions in Key West. Ride bikes or walk to food, historic sites, beaches and fun!
There are a bunch of Key West Cottages to choose from BUT they book up far in advance. They are especially hard to book for the most popular Key West festival weekends.
If you haven’t been to Key West yet, here are a few tips: stay in Old Town close to Duval Street for the most walkable experience. Parking can be tricky, if you can ride a bike, do it. Bike rentals are as little as $10 for the day and there are bike racks everywhere.
Start here to find Conch Cottage accommodations:
5. Beach Camping in a Tent on an island
Bahia Honda is a magnificent award-winning beach and Florida State Park that offers beach camping opportunities unlike most any other place on Earth!
You can visit for the day, but camping on this little island makes for an even better experience!
For budget-conscious adventurers who crave an authentic connection with nature, beach camping at Bahia Honda State Park offers a truly unique experience. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore, stepping out of your tent onto a beautiful sandy beach with pristine crystal clear water, and enjoying the breathtaking sunrise.
Bahia Honda boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Keys, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Loggerhead Beach is shallow and a favorite spot for snorkeling.
The park offers tent camping, RV spots plus there are a few cabins as well (but they book way ahead of time!). There’s hot water in the restrooms, a snack and gift shop, kayaking and 3.5 mile bike path. There are also charter fishing boats you can book ahead of time.
Insider Tip: Reservations at Bahia Honda State Park fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Plan your trip well in advance and book your campsite as soon as possible to secure your spot on this idyllic beachfront paradise.
Bring your snorkeling gear, this is one of the best places you’ll ever find for snorkeling!
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These 5 places are unique, but most are far from “luxury”. Make sure to look at reviews and check out the official websites before making reservations. While exploring unique places to stay, don’t forget to factor in your your travel style and the amenities and comfort level you’re happy with.
With these unique accommodations, your Florida Keys vacation will be an unforgettable adventure that goes beyond the ordinary. If you love real Florida and the outdoors, these 5 unique places to stay in the Florida Keys are great options to consider!
Tip: if you make reservations at any of these places, and it’s for a special occasion, make sure to tell them when you make your reservations! Ask them what they recommend to make it even more special. For example: if you stay at Jules Undersea Lodge for a birthday, you can have a birthday cake and a pizza delivered by a diver!
