12 Best Things To Do In Tavernier, Florida

1. Have fun at Harry Harris Beach and Park

The Florida Keys can be really glamorous if you want to find lavish places to stay, for sure, but if you simply want to enjoy it at its core, there’s no better way to do it than spending the day at the beach. For a laid-back afternoon by yourself or with loved ones, come to Harry Harris Beach and Park. This sheltered beach park features a boat ramp, barbecuing facilities, and sports amenities. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic and just enjoy the view. With the amenities available here, it is one of the most accessible parks in Tavernier.

Harry Harris Beach and Park

Address: 50 E Beach Rd, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States

Website: Harry Harris Beach and Park

Opening hours: 7:30am - 8pm (daily)

2. Admire wildlife at Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary

If you or even your family members have a special fondness for animals and their well-being, especially birds, you will enjoy spending the day at Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. The sanctuary houses more than 90 non-releasable birds of almost 40 different species. This wildlife rescue service center in Tavernier is a retreat for injured birds, including owls, herons, and cormorants. If your little ones are keen on interacting with the animals, there are daily pelican feeding sessions at the reserve.

Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary

Address: 93600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States

Website: Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary

Opening hours: 7am - 7:30pm (daily)

3. Discover your love for art at Our Place in Paradise

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

There’s always a place for art, even on vacation! Get those hands to crafting some personalized art and pay a visit to Our Place in Paradise. This art gallery in Tavernier not only features a fine display of refreshing art but is also a place where you can make your own. Classes and workshops are regularly held here and are suitable for all ages and skills. Whether you’re a skilled talent or just an average joe who wants to try their hand at creating something that’s meaningful, the gallery has you covered! Most of the works here are beach-inspired, as you would expect.

Our Place in Paradise

Address: 88711 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States

Website: Our Place in Paradise

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

4. Eat well at Dillon's Pub & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For a great dining experience with your friends, head down to Dillon’s Pub & Grill on Overseas Highway. This sports bar specializes in beer and cocktails in an Irish-American setting. The laid-back vibe of this pub goes extremely well with the relaxing atmosphere in the Florida Keys. You can expect bar staples like chicken wings, Angus beef burgers, and various tasty starters at Dillon’s. There are dinner entrees as well, served from 5 pm until 10 pm every day. Cap off your day at Tavernier with a dinner and a drink at Dillon’s Pub & Grill.

Dillon's Pub & Grill

Address: 91200 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070, United States

Website: Dillon’s Pub & Grill

Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am (daily)

5. Explore the ocean by paddleboard or kayak

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tavernier offers a variety of places to rent kayaks and paddleboards! The Florida Keys is one of the most highly rated companies. You’ll be able to rent directly from the store in Tavernier and go out on the water or you can book a delivery and the company will bring a paddleboard or kayak to you wherever you wish to paddle.

A single seat kayak is just 25 USD for a whole day, while a paddleboard is 35 USD per day. If you’d like to rent a boat for your whole stay, there are also weekly and monthly rates available. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you might consider renting a party board–a large paddleboard that accommodates up to four people. Bikes are also available for rental at 20 USD per day.

Paddle! The Florida Keys

Address: 90773 Old Highway Unit 3, 33070 Tavernier, FL

Website: Paddle!The Florida Keys

6. See Tavernier by bicycle

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

One of the best ways to explore the Tavernier area is by bicycle. While you may choose to bring your own bikes or rent from a variety of stores, we recommend Key Largo Bicycle & Adventure Tours. For 350 USD per rider, you can take a bike on a self-guided tour of the area.

All of the stops will be mapped out for you in advance. You’ll stop at restaurants and hotels, and choose to take a trip from a few days to a week. You’ll be able to set your own pace and explore leisurely. The company also offers bike and beer tours, beach rides, and a variety of other adventures, so check out the website for more details.

Key Largo Bicycle & Adventure Tours.

Address: 90775 Old Hwy, 33070 Tavernier, FL

Website: Key Largo Bicycle & Adventure Tours.

7. Enjoy water sports on the ocean

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

JSK Watersports of Florida Keys offers the opportunity to rent jet skis and cruise the ocean. They also offer a jet ski and snorkeling package if you’d like to do both. You can rent a jet ski for 65 USD for a half hour, 100 USD for an hour, and a two-hour tour with a jet ski and snorkeling starts at 199 USD. Located right in Tavernier, this is an awesome opportunity to see the ocean up close.

JSK Watersports of Florida Keys

Address: 90311 Old Hwy, 33070 Tavernier, FL

Website: JSK Watersports of Florida Keys

8. Go sailing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School is located in Key Largo, just 20 minutes from Tavernier. Perfect for the novice sailor, you can learn to navigate a sailboat at your own pace through a sailing class. You won’t just get to experience sailing, however–sailing classes also include the opportunity to swim, snorkel, fish, and kayak if you wish.

You can even take couples sailing lessons, and there are youth classes available for the kids. Sailing classes start at a minimum of three days (there’s a lot to learn!) with four and five-day options available. The basic class starts at 895 USD per person and includes three days of classes, lunches, membership in the American Sailing Association and all written and practical exams required.

Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School

Address: 229 Banyan Ln, 33070 Tavernier, Florida

Website: Sunshine Coast Adventures Sailing School

9. Eat at Sunrise Cuban Market & Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, you can easily enjoy the sunrise over an authentic Cuban breakfast, or choose to stop by for breakfast or dinner. The food includes authentic Cuban offerings like fried shredded beef, Cuban coffee, and fried green plantain stuffed with shrimp. Other favorites include guava pastries, fresh bread, and black bean potaje. Enjoy your food in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.

Sunrise Cuban Market & Cafe

Address: 91885 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, Florida

Website: Sunrise Cuban Market & Cafe

10. Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center seeks to rescue, rehabilitate, and return birds that have been injured to the wild. The employees have cared for thousands of sick and injured birds, offering a bird hospital that seeks to rehabilitate the birds. At this Tavenier attraction, you’ll be able to meet a variety of different birds that are permanent residents, unable to be released to the wild. These include owls, a falcon, and a broad-winged hawk.

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

Address: 93600 Overseas Hwy, 33070 Tavernier, Florida

Website: Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center

11. Swim with dolphins

Don’t know what to do in Tavernier that is the most fun? As Tavernier is located right on the ocean, it’s a great place to swim with dolphins. Theater of the Sea offers a swimming with dolphins experience, as well as dolphin shows, sea lion shows, and parrot shows. The company offers a variety of experiences, including swimming with rays and sharks, and a 30-minute dolphin swim with classic dolphin behaviors like dorsal tows and kisses.

You’ll also get to snorkel with the dolphins. Don’t forget to meet the sea turtles and lorikeets before you leave! A 30-minute dolphin swim is 199 USD per person, and you can choose to “wade with a dolphin” for 185 USD per person, where you’ll wade into the enclosure and get to interact with the animals.

Theater of the Sea

Address: 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, Florida

Website: Theater of the Sea

12. Dive in with scuba diving

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’ve never gone scuba diving before, you can learn at Florida Keys Diving Center. You’ll head out into the ocean on a dive boat, and you can choose a snorkeling adventure or a scuba diving trip. If you’re a more experienced scuba diver, try a more adventurous trek like lobster diving, heavy metal diving, explore shipwrecks, or even try spear fishing.

You’ll have an experienced guide with you at all times for safety purposes. There’s no better way to experience the ocean! A basic scuba diving course starts at 199 USD per person, including rental of gear.

Florida Keys Diving Center

Address: 90451 Old Hwy, Tavernier, Florida

Website: Florida Keys Diving Center

Make friends with the ocean life in Tavernier

In Tavernier, you’ll have the opportunity to meet rescued birds, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and more. Don’t miss the chance to cross some adventures off of your bucket list: scuba diving, swimming with a dolphin and learning to sail.