Highland Beach in Key Largo derives its name from the elevated coral rock formations characteristic of the Upper Florida Keys, located on Cayo Largo meaning 'long islet' named by Spanish explorers after 1639 Dutch cartographer Johannes Vingboons mapped it as Caio des 12 Leguas (islet of twelve leagues). This Monroe County Florida Keys beach evolved from Calusa peoples' 1549-1566 habitation documented by shipwreck survivor Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda through 1870 'Cayo Largo' post office establishment in Rock Harbor area and 1881 'Largo' post office opening, serving Upper Keys heritage when 1948 Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall film Key Largo prompted successful 1952 Rock Harbor Post Office renaming to Key Largo Post Office, transforming the Spanish long-islet designation into Hollywood-celebrated destination defining the northernmost Florida Keys gateway identity.
The beach offers John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park access as America's first undersea park encompassing 70 nautical square miles of Atlantic waters with glass-bottom boat tours, scuba diving and snorkeling viewing colorful coral reefs and teeming marine life three daily departures year-round. Two manmade beaches including palm-lined Far Beach provide tranquil waters and snorkeling opportunities, while canoeing and kayaking explore tropical hammock trails with visitor center featuring large saltwater aquariums and nature theater videos. Fishing in designated areas, swimming, picnicking and short trail walks complement 2½-hour tours allowing 1½ hours reef time, creating underwater park heritage celebrating coral reef preservation and marine ecosystem education throughout the 70-square-nautical-mile protected waters extending from Key Largo's elevated coral rock shoreline.
Key Largo dining includes Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for famous key lime pie and casual Keys comfort food served since 1976, The Fish House for waterfront fine dining featuring fresh catch and spectacular sunset views, and Sundowners for Tiki bar atmosphere with live music and Caribbean-influenced seafood overlooking Florida Bay, serving Monroe County's Upper Florida Keys community along this Hollywood-celebrated Cayo Largo where 1948 film transformed Spanish long-islet name into iconic gateway destination marking the beginning of the 113-mile island chain stretching to Key West.
