Stone Crabbing, Fishing & Laid-Back Island Vibes...
If you’ve never been to the Florida Keys, here’s what you need to know—this place is as casual as it gets. Think flip-flops, sundresses, and breezy beachside bars where the only dress code is comfort (a perfect fit for Shookhill Style). Whether you’re escaping the lingering chill up north or just looking for a relaxed getaway, Key Largo is the perfect destination for a sun-soaked spring break filled with incredible seafood, adventure, and plenty of time to unwind.
Where to Stay: Waterfront Bliss in Key Largo
For the ultimate spring break retreat, we recommend staying at Baker’s Cay Resort or Playa Largo Resort & Spa—both offer stunning oceanfront views, beach access, and all the amenities you need to kick back and relax. From floating docks to kayak and jet ski rentals, these resorts make it easy to enjoy the water without ever leaving the property.
Fresh Catches & Local Flavors: Where to Eat
Casual dining is the name of the game in the Keys, and you won’t find better fresh seafood than at Key Largo Fisheries—a must-visit for stone crabs and conch fritters. Craving sushi? Num Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar serves up incredibly fresh rolls and Thai dishes in a relaxed, no-fuss setting.
Stone Crabbing: A Florida Keys Tradition
One of the highlights of our trip was heading out with friends from Ocean Reef for a day of stone crabbing and fishing. If you’ve never tried stone crabs, you’re in for an absolute treat!
Here’s how it works:
- Setting the Traps – Traps are baited and dropped in shallow waters, then left for a few days.
- Harvesting the Claws – Once the pots are pulled onto the boat and inspected, the crabs are carefully measured, and only legal-sized claws are taken. The crabs are then safely released to grow new claws.
- Boiling & Cracking – Freshly caught claws are boiled, chilled, and cracked open for the most delicious, sweet crab meat.
We served our stone crabs Key’s style—chilled, with a homemade mustard dipping sauce (a simple mix of yellow mustard, mayo, fresh lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce). Participating in this process with local residents was such a wonderful opportunity, but if you don’t know a local with all of the licenses and equipment, a great place to source stone crabs is Key Largo Fisheries. You can eat them there or buy them to go along with a cracker and dipping sauce.
Fishing for Snapper
We also spent a day fishing the patch reefs for mutton and yellowtail snapper. The Keys are home to some of the best fishing in the world, and we had a fantastic time reeling in fresh snapper.
Pro tips:
- Use live bait like ballyhoo or shrimp.
- Fish around reef structures where snapper love to hide.
- Be patient—the fight is worth it!
Back at shore, our catch was filleted and cooked Reef-style with lemon, capers, and butter—served alongside our stone crab appetizer, a fresh salad, and homemade Key Lime Pie. Pure island perfection!
Scuba Diving: Explore the Beautiful Reefs
For those who are a little more adventurous and love to dive, we recommend coordinating a day or two with the Rainbow Reef Dive Center. Make these plans ahead of time and enjoy the breathtaking reefs and warm waters of the Keys. With an abundance of marine life, colorful coral formations, and crystal-clear visibility, scuba diving in Key Largo is an unforgettable experience.
Beach, Pool & Sunset Magic
Between fishing trips and seafood feasts, we made time to unwind. A day at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offered snorkeling and beach time, while lazy afternoons by the pool were spent reading and sipping cocktails. For sunset, here are a few recommends:
- Anne’s Beach in Islamorada – A serene spot to catch the colors of the evening sky.
- Snooks Bayside Restaurant – Enjoy cocktails and apps with a side of sunset views.
- Sunset Cruise (Viator options available) – Because everything looks better from the water.
The Perfect Spring Break Getaway
From hauling up crab traps to reeling in snapper, savoring fresh sushi, snorkeling, and biking along the coast, this trip to Key Largo had the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re in the mood for deep-sea fishing or just a beachside cocktail, the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys makes it the ultimate spring break destination.
Have you been to the Keys? Tell us your favorite seafood spot or sunset view in the comments!
Want to add a little Key’s flavor to your life, try making our Key Lime Pie. Our recipe is a delightful balance of tart and sweet. This pie offers a refreshing and tangy finish to any meal, capturing the essence of the Florida Keys. Enjoy!
Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1¾ cups graham cracker crumbs from approximately ¾ pound of graham crackers
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- For the filling:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 can 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ⅔ cup fresh Key lime juice
- Grated zest of 1 lime
- For the topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs.
- Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix in the granulated sugar, melted butter, and sea salt until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg yolks and lime zest on high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and continue to beat until thickened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly incorporate the Key lime juice until just combined.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
- Bake the Pie:
- Bake the pie at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
- Transfer the pie to the freezer until ready to serve. Allow pie to warm up slightly before serving.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Whip the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Serve:
- Place the whipped cream in a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the whipped cream evenly around the outer rim of the chilled pie.
- For a decorative touch, garnish with additional lime zest or thin lime slices, if desired.
