Florida Keys vacation rentals: choose your island

Choose the island before the rental. Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Key West are separate places along the Keys, and a home in one area may be a long drive from an activity in another. Start with your planned boat trips, beach visits and meals, then compare addresses.

Which part of the Keys should you choose?

Key Largo and Islamorada

Compare these upper Keys bases if most of your plans are in that part of the island chain. Match a rental to the marina or activity departure point you will use. Check whether the home faces the ocean, bay or a canal and what water access is actually included.

Marathon

Consider Marathon when comparing middle Keys accommodation. Curry Hammock State Park is in the Marathon area and has opportunities for paddling. Check the park’s current conditions and plan each outing from the rental’s exact address.

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

Look at this area if Bahia Honda State Park is part of your plans. The park has sandy beaches, parking and kayak rentals, but it can temporarily close to new arrivals when day-use areas reach capacity. Check availability and conditions before driving over.

Key West

Choose a Key West address if that is where you expect to spend most of your time. Check the walking route to the places you want to visit, the parking allowance and any vehicle-size limits. Our Key West dining guide has meal ideas to check with the restaurants.

Waterfront does not always mean a swimming beach

Ask what lies at the water’s edge: a sandy beach, seawall, dock or canal. Confirm where swimming and beach access are available, and whether you will need to drive. Review Bahia Honda State Park visitor information and Curry Hammock State Park details for public park options.

Bringing a boat?

Get the dock length, permitted boat size and water-depth information for your dates from the host. Ask about bridge clearance on your planned route, nearby launch arrangements and where a trailer may be kept. A photograph of a dock is not confirmation that your boat can use it.

For any Keys rental, confirm the permitted stay length and parking arrangements for the exact property. Check the road journey between your accommodation and activities before committing to reservations.

Before you reserve

Check the beds and bathrooms against your group, then ask about steps, lifts and bathroom access if anyone needs them. Confirm the parking allowance for your vehicles and any restrictions on visitors, pets or minimum stays. A private pool, heated pool and community pool are different features; ask which applies and whether heating costs extra.

Our booking guide explains payments, cancellation terms and guest support. For help checking a particular home, contact Book Villas with your dates, group size and property ID.

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Visitor information checked October 31, 2026. Check the linked local authority pages for current access, parking and facility updates before travelling.