Miami holds its own when it comes to sightseeing. There are the galleries, the beaches, the Botanical Gardens and the art institutions, including the Vizcaya Museum.

But I always tell my friends to leave the city for the day and explore. 

I first tell them to visit Key Largo.

Key Largo is the closest key to Miami, about a 45-minute drive away. 

You go to Key Largo to go snorkeling. And for snorkeling, go to John Pennekamp State Park, where you can find a boat to transport you to a spectacular underwater display of brightly colored fish and coral. 

If you decide to stay the night, the Playa Largo Resort & Spa is highly recommended. 

And before going back to Miami, head west to Islamorada and dine at Lazy Days, a family-owned seafood shack right on the sand. At sunset, by the pier, is just magical.

CONTACTS

www.pennekamppark.com

www.playalargoresort.com

www.lazydaysislamorada.com

IMAGES

Lazy Days, Islamorada; Photos by Elena Alonso