Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Tavernier, FL

  • Published 2023/03/22

Florida is one of the sunniest and most beautiful states in the country.

Its beaches are among its most potent draws, attracting thousands of tourists annually.

Visitors to Florida can engage in various exhilarating beach and water activities, making the state a great holiday destination all year through.

However, you should see one particular place in Florida on your next holiday.

It’s the village of Tavernier.

Tavernier is nestled in Key Largo, the Florida Keys’ largest island.

Its pristine waters, especially during the summertime, are irresistible.

You’ll find yourself spending so much time in the water, not just swimming but also fishing and enjoying chartered tours.

Scuba diving enthusiasts will love Tavernier’s exotic marine life.

Aside from water activities, you can also enjoy animal encounters in this part of the Florida Keys.

You can also meet different birds at the Lara Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where more than 100 birds live.

This doesn’t include the hawks, herons, spoonbills, and pelicans in the Tavernier wilds.

Now, are you itching to go on a vacation in Tavernier?

Here are the best things to do in Tavernier, FL:

Admire the Scenery at the Theatre of the Sea

Welcome sign of Theatre of the Sea

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Visit the Theatre of the Sea, composed of lush tropical gardens and lagoons, where dolphins, stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions thrive.

A trainer with a dolphin at Theatre of the Sea

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You will surely enjoy the interaction programs that feature these residents when you come here.

Since 1946, the establishment has provided a home to these animals, caring for them while sharing them with visitors.

A kid hugging a sea lion at Theatre of the Sea

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Go Biking with Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours

Tavernier is not all just about swimming and snorkeling.

You can most certainly enjoy exploring the place aboard a bike.

Key Largo Bike and Adventure Tours will rent you bikes if you don’t have one.

You can choose between booking their two-hour history tour or their self-guided tours.

There will not be a dull moment because the team knows how to spice things up, especially when they incorporate exciting activities into their bike tours.

Meet Locals at the Harry Harris Park

The waters of Harry Harris Park

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Located on Beach Road is the favorite hangout of the locals and those from Miami and Homestead, the Harry Harris Park.

Bring your family here to experience not just the calm and serene surroundings but also the beach.

Guests always have a great time here because of its laidback atmosphere and the beautiful views.

A picnic shed on Harry Harris Park's shore

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But it’s not just nature that’s worth seeing in Harry Harris Park.

It also has many other amenities to keep you busy, including the tidal pool for wading and swimming, picnic tables, bike paths, and playgrounds.

If you like to go fishing and snorkeling, you can do these outside the jetty and barbecue your catch on one of the grills.

Tall trees and white sand of Harry Harris Park

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Enjoy the Waters with JSK Watersports

Lazing on a shore is one way to relax, but if you prefer to get your adrenaline pumping, enjoy the waters aboard a jet ski.

Rent a jet ski with JSK Watersports and enjoy either one of their two tour offerings.

One is a two-hour snorkeling tour, and the other is an hour of freedom riding.

You can trust that their jet skis are professionally maintained, ensuring your safety and enjoyment on the water.

Learn the Story behind the Toilet Seat Cut

This tourist attraction has become a common household term.

You’ll see about 250 decorated toilet seats lining an artificial channel 60 feet wide.

The channel enables boats to traverse the eastern and Plantation Keys’ western end.

Don’t be surprised to see a mailbox and a five-foot-tall pirate, as these are part of the decorations.

So, when you come here, you can leave your mark with a toilet seat, the same way you mark your spot with a coin or kiss in other places.

Find Great Art at Our Place in Paradise

Our Place in Paradise features original pottery, paintings, and glassworks.

Search for the artwork that resonates with you, which you can use to decorate your home.

The place is unique because it offers a friendly and relaxed environment, where you can talk with the owners like family.

The studio supports numerous artists who use varying techniques and styles while maintaining high quality and integrity in their work.

Our Place in Paradise also offers workshops and classes for all ages that help you learn a new skill or develop your existing skill set.

Its opening event featured 25 artists from England and across the country.

Meet the Birds of the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

One of Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center's entrance

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The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a nonprofit organization that provides the birds with care and sustains their needs.

Through her passion and care for the environment, these wild birds have a home they can call their own.

Since its inception, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center has rescued, rehabilitated, and released native wild birds.

Otherwise, the center provides a humane shelter for specific birds that couldn’t be released.

Most importantly, it aims to educate the people about how important it is to co-exist with various bird species.

Learn to Sail with Sunshine Coast Adventures

If you’ve always wanted to go sailing or learn the sport, now’s the time to do it.

Sunshine Coast Adventures is an American Sailing Association (ASA) sailing school that offers exciting live-aboard sailing lessons and sailing charters.

The award-winning sailing school teaches you about basic sailing, coastal navigation, and even advanced sailing.

What can be better than learning a new skill while enjoying your vacation?

You get to do it in the country’s biggest living coral reef.

Learn Scuba Diving with the Florida Keys Dive Center

Whether you want to go scuba diving or learn the sport, the Florida Keys Dive Center has your back.

The full-service PADI scuba diving center offers scuba instruction, daily scuba diving trips, and private dive charters.

Join them and explore sunken wrecks like the Duane, Spiegel Grove, and Bib.

You can dive ledges like the Conch Wall and the Snapper Ledge or join charter trips to Davey Crocker, Hens and Chickens, and Molasses reefs.

If you don’t have your scuba diving gear with you, the center offers gear for rent, refresher courses, and PADI certification.

Grab a Meal at Dillon’s Pub and Grill

After spending enough time at the beach and enjoying the water, give in to your gastronomic cravings and visit Dillon’s Pub and Grill.

This place is where you can find local families enjoying its friendly sporting and dining events.

Bring your friends to the pub and catch the big game.

Hold a beer in one hand while watching the games from one of the nine HDTVs and a 116-inch projector screen!

It also has a full-service bar and liquor store, Bill’s Liquors, which offers premium craft beer, wine, and domestic beer.

Explore the Florida Keys with “Paddle the Florida Keys”

Kayaking along Key West

Kim Lewis Photography / Shutterstock.com

Now, back on the water!

Paddle the Florida Keys offers some of the area’s best tours, showing you Florida Keys’ pristine waters aboard a kayak or paddle board.

It’s got everything you need for a complete adventure, as its launch and shop are on the Tavernier Creek’s protected area.

Plus, it has hard and inflatable boards, paddles, and paddle boards that suit every skill level.

You don’t have to worry about your gear, including waterproof bags, leashes, and lifejackets.

All you need to bring is sunglasses, sun protection lotion, gloves, and hats.

Everything else is available at Paddle the Florida Keys.

Go Flats Fishing in the Florida Keys

One great thing about the Florida Keys Flats is that they are home to some of the world’s most treasured inshore fish.

Currently, three stand out, and you have the chance to catch them all in one day if you get lucky.

One of these is the bonefish, the favorite of the flats fishery in the area.

Since they’re unpredictable, they can be hard to find, requiring you to have the unique skills to hook them.

Besides that, bonefish swim fast, reaching up to 40 miles an hour.

Another type of fish here is the Tarpon, considered the signature fish of Florida.

Likewise, Silver Kings are protected species in the Sunshine State, so you will have to release them back into the water when you catch them.

This type can weigh up to 200 pounds, so you’ll need all your strength for this battle.

The third type is the Permit, considered the hardest to catch since they have keen senses of smell, hearing, and vision.

Explore the Amazing Old Settler’s Park

Add variety to your excursion by stepping out of the water and visiting the Old Settler’s Park on Albury Blvd.

This historic park has beautiful nature surrounding you.

Though it’s relatively small, the park has trails that take you through the native flora and the butterfly gardens.

You can either continue your walk here at the pavilion or go on your way to the ocean.

Whichever of the two you choose, you won’t regret the experience.

Remember, though, that there are no restrooms in the park, and it closes at sunset.

See Stunning Marine Life with Islander Girl Snorkel and Tours

A mom and daughter tandem operates this tour service, and they know where to take you for a good time.

Both women also grew up in this part of the state.

They have knowledgeable captains who will take you to the best parts of the island for a great snorkeling session.

See the stunning marine life in this part of the world, all glowing underwater.

Venture into the Waters with a Boat Rented from Anchors Away Boat Rentals

Florida Keys’ stunning waters are worth traversing while on a boat ride.

And Anchors Away Boat Rentals can ensure you get the fleet you need for that water trip.

This family-owned and operated boat rental company has been serving the communities of Tavernier, Islamorada, Key Largo, and Marathon for over 20 years.

From small groups to at least 8 people in your large circles, there’s always a reason to party and explore the water wilderness.

Some of the attractions you may encounter while on your route include Pelican Key, Playa Largo Bayside, and Founders Park.

Anchors Away Boat Rentals is on Overseas Highway.

Get a Taste of Key Lime Pies at Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory

Don’t finish your Tavernier vacation without a taste of its famous key lime pies.

Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory serves you only the best of these special pies.

Established in the 90s, this pie shop was once in Key West.

In 2014, it moved to Tavernier where it stayed for years to come.

Aside from pies, choose from its variety of key lime recipes, including cookies, candies, and rum cakes.

One of its most-visited features is the Serenity Garden, where many present their love locks as a souvenir.

Head over to Overseas Highway to reach Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory.

Join an Event Hosted by the Garden Club of the Upper Keys

Established in 1952, the Garden Club of the Upper Keys is a non-profit organization that highlights the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.

It got its name from a nurse who went by the nickname Angel of Mercy of the Keys.

It hosts its annual meetings and clean-ups at The Francis Tracy Garden Center.

From yearly Fall Festivals to simple Garden Walks, you can learn a lot more about gardening and flowers.

Take a deep dive into Tavernier’s best private gardens and enjoy some refreshments while you do so during these events.

The Garden Club of the Upper Keys is on Overseas Highway.

Marvel at the Sculpture Garden at Old Road Gallery

Old Road Gallery is one of the community’s art staples.

Opened in 2014, this gallery is an art sanctuary showcasing a multitude of artworks made in bronze and clay.

The gallery is home to a copper and pottery studio.

With its array of detailed human and wildlife sculptures, you are sure to find inspiration.

Browse through the displayed art pieces at the gallery’s outdoor sculpture garden.

Located along Old Highway, Old Road Gallery is a must-visit for everyone interested in the arts.

Enjoy Solitude within the Palm Trees at Island Bay Resort

Island Bay Resort is your ultimate stop for an all-around staycation while in the Florida Keys area.

This boutique resort comes with upgraded Cottages and a tropical atmosphere unique to this Florida district.

Its themed rooms offer a breath of fresh air when it comes to art, interior, and design.

Among its amenities include a verdant botanical garden, open-air tikis, and a bocci ball court.

Bring the whole family over for a fun and exciting time at this multifaceted resort.

Island Bay Resort is on Overseas Highway.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Go on a Sandbar Tour with Wild Dolphin Tours

If you’ve never been on a sandbar tour, you’re missing out on a lot of adventure.

You can find it in Islamorada, Florida, 17 minutes from Tavernier.

Let Wild Dolphin Tours take you to the Islamorada Sandbar, located less than a mile from the shore, for some adventure on the sandbar.

The depth of the water may vary depending on the tide, which may range from ankle-deep to waist-deep.

The kids will love splashing on the water and admiring the clear, inviting, and pristine waters.

Final Thoughts

If you love the ocean, Tavernier is a great choice.

Both kids and adults can have their share of fun activities, as well as activities that they can do all together.

The place receives many visitors, and its attractions provide high-quality service.

So, are you ready for your next adventure?

Book your Tavernier trip today!

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