I spent an entire summer here doing dive medicine research and enjoyed all aspects of the area. The camping is awesome although really hot in the summer (think tropical!). There are plenty of amenities, eateries, stores, and nightlife nearby. Plenty of outdoorsy adventure as well.

You can explore the ocean, gulf, and mangroves within only a mile of each other.

You don't have to be a diver to experience the water excitement either. Many of the sites can be seen and enjoyed via snorkeling as well.

I highly recommend Key Largo as a necessary stop for your bucket list and also a kicking off point for further adventures deeper into the Keys.