The 125-mile island chain that makes up the Florida Keys starts at mainland Florida just south of Miami and reaches out over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The Florida Keys’ five regions include Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each has its own vibe, but all offer the beauty of the water, plus lovely flora and fauna. All are a part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The Keys are home to the continental United States' only living-coral barrier reef, and marine life is abundant the length of the Keys about five miles offshore. Needless to say, this is a scuba diver’s paradise.
Highlights of the Keys include Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater preserve in the U.S. and home to 55 varieties of corals and more than 600 species of fish. You can snorkel, scuba and take a glass-bottom boat to the coral reef.
Islamorada is the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World. Anglers can find sailfish, marlin, dolphin (the fish, not the mammal), kingfish and more. Marathon’s attractions include the Dolphin Research Center, one of five places in the Keys where you can swim with the dolphins.
Key West’s historic 100-year-old gingerbread mansions and relaxed lifestyle are just part of the island’s appeal. It’s a writers and artists mecca, and you’ll find numerous galleries to explore. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must see, as is experiencing at least once the nightly Mallory Square Dock "sunset celebration" with arts and crafts exhibitors, street performers and more. Shopping in the Keys offers a variety of stores from souvenir and gift shops to local artwork and home décor.
Since commercial fishing is the second-largest industry in the Keys, it should come as no surprise that seafood is the way to go in terms of dining. Big local treats include the Key West pink shrimp, the mollusk conch andstone crabs. Cuban food is also big here, as well as a variety of international dishes. No visit to the Keys would be complete without finishing a meal with Key lime pie.
Which part of the Florida Keys you are visiting will decide which airport is best to fly into. Miami International Airport is the closest for the Upper Keys (about one hour). At the end of the Keys is the Key West International Airport. The Florida Keys Marathon Airport in the middle of the Keys offers regional flights.
The Keys are linked to mainland Florida by U.S. 1, the Overseas Highway. The drive is about 3.5 hours from the mainland to Key West. Directions to anything along the highway are designated by “Mile Makers.” Fun ways of getting around in Key West can be via Old Town Trolley, moped, Conch Cruiser bicycle, two- and four-seater electric cars or simply on foot. There are also traditional taxis and city buses.
The Florida Keys are the only frost-free place in Florida. Average temperature in Key West in January and February is mid 60s° to 75° F, while the summer months average low to high 80s° F. Water temperature averages in the mid 80s° F.
A bicyclist wearing a leopard-skin Speedo and “Key Weird” T-shirt waves to tourists outside the Hemingway home in Key West, Fla. The tourists board a sailboat for the golden hour with top-flight wines and cheeses instead of watching the Sunset Celebration ritual of wacky performers,...Read More
When SeaWorld Orlando made its debut in 1973, it offered little more than two shows, a tropical reef aquarium and a few feeding pools. Since then the park has welcomed numerous attractions. Its first roller coaster, Kraken, debuted in 2000 when sister park Discovery Cove opened, and this was...Read More
Nearly 40 years after opening in tandem with the Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort welcomed an addition in the form of Bay Lake Tower. The hotel became the seventh Disney Vacation Club property when it began welcoming guests in August 2009. But as is the case with most...Read More
For a port that sees most of its cruise business only five months each year, Seattle has grown by leaps and bounds. In 1999, a total of 6,615 passengers used the Port of Seattle, sailing onboard six vessels that were primarily headed for Alaska. The passenger count jumped to 120,000 on 36...Read More
From the time of the Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon to the days of Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway and through to Jimmy Buffett, Key West has been immensely popular among travelers coming from near and far. But not everyone visiting is there to see the setting sun with a cocktail in...Read More
Previous |Next
1
-
5
of
178
Last |First
Islander Resort
Hotel
Life moves a little slower at the Islander Resort in Islamorada, Florida. Nestled on 25 oceanfront acres, the resort has 114 guest suites and villas styled in a 1950’s retro island theme. All rooms have ocean views and come with full kitchens, screened-in patios, individual climate control and wireless internet. Whether lounging at the beach, poolside, or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters, the Islander Resort offers a Florida Keys experience you’ll never forget.(more)
Tranquility Bay
Hotel
Tranquility Bay, in Marathon, Florida, lies in the heart of the Florida Keys. Guests stay in a two or three bedroom guest house complete with a gourmet kitchen, ocean view porches, handmade furniture and flat screen TVs. The state of the art spa is complete with professional masseuses and massage therapists to take care of your every stress and care. The resort also comes with a fine dining restaurant as well as water sports and a Jack Nicklaus designed putting green.(more)
Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort
Hotel
The Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort has it all when it comes to worry free relaxation and good times. Guests can take a refreshing dip in the pool, sit in the whirlpool or lay out on the private beach. Take a dive with one of the resort’s trained instructors or hit the links on the 18-hole golf course. Other onsite amenities include a full service spa and health center, as well as a 100 foot gaming yacht that cruises daily from 2pm to 1am.(more0
Pier House
Hotel
The Pier House is a Caribbean resort and spa located on Duval Street in Key West, Florida. The hotel sits on a private beach and garden and has a selection of great restaurants and bars on-site and nearby. Also available is their full service spa with massage professionals where guests can get pampered and rejuvenated. Guestrooms and suites are decorated with a tropical elegance that sets the Pier House apart from the rest.(more)
The Gardens Hotel
Hotel
The Gardens Hotel in Key West is a luxurious 17 suite mansion that sits among one of Florida’s oldest tropical gardens. Steps away from Key West’s famous Duval Street, the hotel sits on over an acre of land surrounded by lush and beautifully manicured landscaping. The guestrooms feature private entrances, outdoor verandahs, marble baths and flat screen TVs. Amenities include a heated pool, aviary, pool bar and spa.(more)
Danger Charters
Attraction
Danger Charters in Key West brings guests kayaking, snorkeling and sunset sailing through the warm, turquoise Florida waters. Guests discover a myriad of tropical fish, coral and marine life while snorkeling through the calm seas. While kayaking, learn about Florida’s mangrove ecosystem while discovering tropical birds, rays and sharks. The sunset sail is also a favorite among guests as they have their pick of hors d'oeuvres and fine wines as they sail through the painted Florida sunset.(more)
Mallory Square
Attraction
Mallory Square is at the center of Key West’s historic waterfront where a collaboration of shopping, local attractions, great restaurants and bars and the famous Florida Keys sunset all collide. Everyday at dusk, locals and visitors alike come out to the square to celebrate the beautiful red, orange and yellow hues of the sunset. Everything from street performers, to live music, to train tours and street vendors can be found at this historic waterfront square.(more)
Bahia Honda State Park and Beach
Attraction
Bahia Honda State Park and Beach, located on Big Pine Key, has some of most spectacular beaches and natural tropical landscaping in Florida. Bahia Honda is the perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling and bird watching. The park rents out kayaks and also goes out on boating excursions for snorkeling trips to the reef. The calm, balmy breezes that caress this key year-round are sure to bring back repeat visits.(more)
The Turtle Hospital
Attraction
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon is a safe haven for injured and endangered sea turtles. Locals, tourists and animal lovers from all over come to this refuge to learn about these magnificent creatures. There is a tour that takes you through the turtle emergency and operating rooms, then visitors are taken outside to see the turtles in their natural environment. Guests are even allowed to feed the turtles and are taught ways to help preserve their existence.(more)
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Attraction
Voted People’s Choice #1 Attraction in Key West, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a wonderful place to visit for any lover of nature. Visitors walk through enclosed exhibits to see hundreds of types of butterflies float and flutter among nature’s tropical plant and wildlife. There are 50 to 60 different species of butterflies on display from around the world, as well as many colorful tropical birds and fauna. There are always great photo opportunities, as the butterflies will land on plants and pieces of fruit in front of you.(more)