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Most will come to Florida for the big amusement parks and perhaps stay for just a couple of nights at one of the Keys, but if you’re travelling all this way, we recommend getting to know the Keys in more detail! There’s so much to see, and it’ll really add to your holiday experience.
This string of incredible islands south of Miami are arguably a perfect holiday destination in themselves. From Key Largo (known as the dive capital of the world) and Islamorada (the sport fishing capital of the world), every island of the Keys through to Key West has something unique and wonderful to discover, making them a perfect holiday for families, friends and couples alike, and I’m here to walk you through the highlights.
Key Largo
Under an hour away south of Miami, sandwiched between the primeval Everglades to the west and the unimaginably clear blue waters of the Gulf Stream and the nation’s only living coral reef to the east, awaits the legendary Key Largo, otherwise known as the dive capital of the world.
Divers and snorkelers alike can adventure into America’s enchanting underwater parks – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary - where you can spot more than 6,000 species of marine life from one of the world’s largest barrier reefs. Additionally, you can also explore the 510 feet USS Spiegel Grove, the largest wreck in divable US waters!
Back on land, you can explore the historic area of Tavernier to enjoy a traditional American dessert at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory; enjoy fresh seafood, live music and divine sunsets at Snook’s Bayside Restaurant and Tiki Bar; and bike or stroll the many nature trails to re-connect with nature.
Islamorada
Known as the sport fishing capital of the world, Islamorada might be just about the only place on earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish offshore and pursue bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water in the backcountry, all in the same day.
However, if fishing isn’t really your style, there are many more fun activities to be had here. With day-long music festivals, water sports rentals, tropical nature trails, the History of Diving Museum and Coral Shores Performing Arts Center to name a few, you can be sure there’s lots to see and do.
Marathon
Whether you want to kick back in a quaint family-owned boatel, cottage or resort, Marathoners make their hometown your hometown in the heart of the Keys.
Allow yourself to truly relax and unwind in the beautiful natural serenity found in Marathon, with elegant dining spots such as the Butterfly Café at Tranquillity Bay Beach resort or try classic, American favourites with a Polynesian-inspired twist at the Mahina restaurant by the Isla Bella Beach Resort.
Visit Crane Point Hammock – a natural history museum where ongoing archaeological digs reveal seven centuries of visitors and residents. Hike through a wondrously preserved tropical hardwood grove and visit the home of an early 20th century settler family. Rent a boat for a day at sea or visit The Turtle Hospital - a small non-profit organisation dedicated to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, which is entirely supported by the interest in visitors like you.
Additionally, Marathon makes for a great place to learn to dive – with shallow dive sites such as Delta Shoals, Coffin Patch and Sombrero Reef - home to coral canyons and archways providing an array of sea life.
The Lower Keys
Home to two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary and a state park, the Lower Keys are surrounded by a marine environment filled with abundant terrestrial and marine wildlife.
The epitome of an unspoiled natural beauty, the Lower Keys are as pristine and as incredible as they were eons ago. Discover white sandy beaches frequently referred to as “one of the most beautiful beaches in America” that enjoy an abundance of wildlife at the Bahia Honda State Park. Visit the National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine or go for a leisurely kayaking adventure around No Name Key.
Like all of the Keys, the Lower Keys also have a good range of snorkel and dive spots, such as the 210-foot wreck of the Adolphus Busch Sr, and Looe Key coral reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary where each year a popular and one-of-a-kind underwater music festival that promotes the preservation of Keys’ coral reefs is staged.
Key West
Dotted with adorable gingerbread mansions and palm-lined streets, in Key West you’ll discover a city dating back to the kings of Spain, where you can gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that many a celebrity, both past and present, have come to call Key West home, such as Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, the poet Elizabeth Bishop and many more.
With a great sense of community, Key West has the wholesome motto of 'one human family', which celebrates the Key's diverse cultural heritage and all welcoming atmosphere.
Residents and visitors alike frequently hold an impromptu gathering for the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the various street entertainers from jugglers and mimes to musicians and street artists whilst the sun sets in the background.
At night, the city moves to a different beat. The streets come alive, filled with promenade cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants where you can indulge in island specialty cuisines, drama, musicals and comedies on the stage.
Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida's irreverent southernmost subtropical paradise, a unique amalgamation of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture, and seriously romantic appeal.
The perfect multi-centre holiday
I am positive that at least two of the island Keys will stand out to you if not all, so it’s with great convenience that each of the Keys are only roughly 40 minutes apart from each other with its own little airport in Key West, making it super easy to combine visits to multiple islands during your stay.
With an annual average temperature of 30 degrees year-round, there’s never a bad time to book.
Get in touch today so I can help you plan an incredible holiday in the Florida Keys!