Beachfront Resorts in Key Largo

Key Largo is just a few minutes' drive to mainland Florida.Florida Keys Beach Bridge in Background image by pelvee from Fotolia.com

Known to locals as "the diving capital of the world," Key Largo is the largest and northernmost island in the Florida Keys. Key Largo offers a variety of lodging accommodations, including beachfront resorts. The island is also a popular sports-fishing location and features the largest artificial reef in the world.

Rock Reef Resort

Situated on 4 acres, Rock Reef Resort has played host to weddings, family reunions and business events. Rock Reef features beachfront cottages, family-size apartments and spacious guestrooms. Beachfront cottages boast full-scale kitchens and cathedral ceilings. There are also barbecue pits, picnic tables, hammocks and a Jacuzzi.

Restaurants within walking distance include The Fish House and Ballyhoo's. The resort also features a private beach, a 110-foot pier and boat dock, a swimming and snorkeling area, paddle boats and kayaks. Pets and jet skis are not allowed. Discounted rates are available to AAA members.

The Marriott Key Largo is a beachfront venue offering bay view suites and guestrooms. Two-bedroom suites feature more than 1,200 square feet and include a private balcony, a separate living room, a fully-equipped kitchen and a breakfast bar.

The resort also has a full-service day spa, a heated outdoor pool, a poolside bar, a private beach and a fitness center. Recreational activities available include volleyball, tennis, Ping-Pong and shuffleboard. Opportunities within 5 miles of the resort include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing.

The resort's full-service restaurant -- Gus' Grille -- features Florida-Caribbean cuisine and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Flipper's Poolside Tiki Bar and Breezer's Bar and Grille serve appetizers and drinks daily.

The Kona Kai, on the shores of Florida Bay, features large guestrooms and suites, each with private bathrooms and views of the bay or the botanical gardens. On-site amenities include a private beach, dock, heated beachfront pool and Jacuzzi, tropical fruit garden, hammocks and tennis and shuffleboard courts. Guests can use the resort's dock for sunning or fishing. Kayaks and paddle boats are also available. Nearby restaurants Doc's Diner, Sushi Nami and Rib Daddy's Steak and Seafood are within walking distance of the resort. The Kona Kai does not allow pets and all guests must be age 16 or older.