A Travelers Guide to Grassy Key, FL

There’s nothing quite like a Florida Keys vacation; with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees, it’s the closest you’ll get to the Caribbean without needing a passport.

While there’s something special on every island in the Keys, today we’re focusing on Grassy Key. With beautiful scenery, lots of fun things to do, and dreamy oceanside vacation rentals, Grassy Key is a great spot for a relaxing getaway.

Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Grassy Key!
 

About Grassy Key

Grassy Key is a small island located in the Middle Keys that spans just a little over two square miles. It is part of the city of Marathon, which encompasses several other nearby islands and is known as the heart of the Florida Keys.

While there’s plenty to do on the island, Grassy Key is best known for its relaxed vibes, abundance of nature and water recreation, and close proximity to other islands. It has become a favorite among many travelers, especially those wanting a quiet, relaxed place to stay while still being a short drive away from major attractions in the Lower and Upper Keys.

Grassy Key is a little over two hours from Miami, an hour from Key Largo, and an hour and a half from Key West, making it the perfect location, right in the center of it all!

Best Things to Do in Grassy Key

Whether you’re just looking to relax on the beach or you want to stay active with hiking and watersports, there’s something for everyone to do in Grassy Key. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to spend our days when visiting Grassy Key.

1. Have a Beach Day

Photo Credit: Giongi

While there’s only one small beach on Grassy Key, at Sunset Park, you’re just a few minutes away from the beautiful beaches of Curry Hammock State Park on Fat Deer Key or Coco Plum Beach and Sombrero Beach (where you can snorkel) on Vaca Key. Relax with your toes in the sand and enjoy swimming in the calm, clear waters.

2. Go Fishing

Photo Credit: Rocksweeper

The waters surrounding Grassy Key and the other Marathon islands are home to numerous species of game fish, such as tarpon, snapper, bonefish, grouper, and much more. You can rent a rod and reel at local bait and tackle shops and fish from Tom’s Harbor Channel Fishing Bridge or book a local fishing charter departing from the Grassy Key Marina.

3. Enjoy Nature

Photo Credit: 4kclips

If you enjoy hiking, biking or just want to take a leisurely stroll and look for wildlife, Grassy Key and the surrounding islands have some can’t miss nature trails.

Hike through a tropical forest filled with wildlife at Curry Hammock State Park. Take a stroll or a bike ride down the paved Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, which connects to several other islands and offers incredible ocean views. Or, take a short drive over to Crane Point Hammock and explore 63 acres of woodlands, nature trails, and gardens.

4. Spend a Day on the Water

Photo Credit: Maridav

There’s nothing quite like spending a day paddling on the water, exploring mangroves, and maybe even meeting some manatees. If this sounds like your kind of fun, Grassy Key offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided eco-tours to learn about the local environment and look for wildlife.

You can book a tour or arrange a kayak or paddleboard rental through Florida Keys Kayak and Paddleboard, or — if you’re staying with Coco Plum Vacation Rentals, many properties include the use of kayaks and paddleboards, so you can hit the waterways anytime you’d like!

If you’re looking for more adrenaline-pumping watersports, you can rent jet skis at the Grassy Key Marina. Or, head over to The Lagoon Adventure Park and try your hand at cable water skiing or run the action-packed, floating obstacle course. Don’t worry; falling off into the water is all part of the fun!

5. Rhum Runner at The Lagoon on Grassy Key

BOOK HERE 

Jump, climb, and slide your way through the twists and turns of our massive floating playground, which features everything from floating trampolines to towering climbing walls. Challenge your friends and family to a race along the course or take on the obstacles solo for an extra adrenaline rush! 
 

6. Meet Some Marine Life at The Dolphin Research Center

Photo Credit: Justgofamily

The pride and joy of Grassy Key for over 40 years, the Dolphin Research Center is a must-stop when visiting the island. You can tour the sanctuary and learn all about the dolphins and sea lions that call these special saltwater lagoons home.

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can get in the water with these special creatures by booking a dolphin encounter. You can choose from several different types of dolphin encounters, including private tours, or even become a dolphin trainer for a day.
 

Best Time to Visit Grassy Key

Like the rest of the Middle and Lower Keys, Grassy Key has a tropical maritime climate. It maintains mostly sunny, breezy, and warm conditions and welcomes visitors year-round. There’s really never a bad time to visit! However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the weather and crowds.

Grassy Key Weather

Average temperatures in Grassy Key remain mostly in the upper 70s to mid 80s, with some slightly higher temperatures in the summer, reaching into the 90s, and slightly lower temperatures in the winter, occasionally dropping down into the 60s.

From June through November, Grassy Key can see increases in rain and thunderstorms and face the risk of hurricanes, as this is also hurricane season. While direct hits are rare, it’s important for visitors to keep an eye on the weather and heed any storm warnings or evacuation orders.

High Season in Grassy Key

While Grassy Key sees a mostly steady stream of visitors year-round and doesn't get as crowded as some of the larger islands, accommodations can fill up at certain times of the year.

In general, winter and early spring tend to be considered the high season. This is when all the Florida Keys have an influx of Northern visitors, also known as “snowbird season.” During special events like the Marathon Seafood Festival, Grassy Key and neighboring islands can also see more visitors.

If you’re planning to visit during the high season or around a special event, just be sure to book your vacation rental early!
 

Best Restaurants in Grassy Key

Photo Credit: Brandon Cornell

Being situated between the Atlantic Ocean and The Gulf of Mexico, Grassy Key is all about fresh seafood! But don’t worry landlubbers, there’s plenty for you to enjoy, too. Here are a few of our favorites you must try when visiting Grassy Key.

• S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill: Local family-owned favorite serving up fresh seafood, sandwiches, Cajun specialties, and award-winning Key lime pie.
• The Rhum House: Upscale spot featuring surf and turf and creative seasonal dishes, reservations are recommended.
• Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden & Cafe: Laid-back, breezy joint with an impressive menu of craft beer and island favorites like fish tacos and lobster rolls.

Ready for a Great Trip to Grassy Key?

Grassy Key’s gorgeous island landscapes and laid-back vibes make it the perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger islands while still maintaining proximity to the Overseas Highway and all the best Keys’ attractions.

Ready to plan your grassy flats getaway? Book your stay with Coco Plum Vacation Rentals to relax in your own private, fully-furnished vacation home with luxury amenities like private pools, hot tubs, docks, Tiki bars, and much more.