About the Florida Keys
Switch to island time as you enter the tropical splendor of the Florida Keys. An archipelago of islands at Floridas southern tip, surrounded by the turquoise Atlantic Ocean and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 110 miles of islands connected by 42 causeways, including the famed Seven Mile Bridge, from the welcoming island and diving capital of Key Largo to the colorful tourist town of Key West, the Last Resort at the tip of the Florida Keys. Embrace the diversity on an iconic road trip along the Overseas Highway aka US.1 as you discover the unique towns, natural beauty and a spectacular underwater universe.
Key Largo
The first of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is the Diving Capital of the World. Scour the reefs of the only living coral reef in the US and third longest in the world just off the shores of Key Largo, the spectacular John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park. The perfect introduction to the Florida Keys attracting divers from around the world to its famous dive sites, the start of the 100-mile long shipwreck trail highlighted by the massive Christ of the Deep Statue. Combined with the beautiful wildlife found roaming the trails winding through the tropical hardwood hammocks of Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the spectacular eco-system of Everglades National Park, Key Largo is a haven for nature lovers, divers and anglers. A mere hour drive from Miami, the Upper Keys are a popular weekend destination for Floridians looking to escape the city life.
Islamorada
Hook a marlin in the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada. Known for its exceptional fishing, wreck diving and shallow reefs for snorkelling, Islamorada is a tropical paradise for water activities of all kinds. Explore the reefs of the nearby Windley Key Fossil State Geological Site, catch a show at the Theatre of the Sea, view the impressive collection of diving gear at the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum and feed a hungry tarpon at Robbies Marina.
Marathon Key
Travel through the scenic Long Key State Park, once a luxury destination for the rich and famous along Henry Flaglers historic railroad, to the homely town of Marathon, the heart of the Florida Keys. Swim the warm ocean waters at Sombrero Beach, cross the causeway to Key Colony Beach, take a boat ride to Pigeon Key or learn about sealife at the Turtle Hospital and nearby Dolphin Research Center. Marathon Key to Key West is known as the Lower Keys, an oasis of islands home to the scenic Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the pristine Bahia Honda State Park where you will find Florida Keys prettiest beach. The perfect place to experience superb coral reefs and the one of a kind annual underwater festival at Looe Key.
Key West
The journey to Key West is wilder and greener than the upper keys as you pass through Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary and Big Pine Keys National Key Deer Refuge to Key West. Add a little color to your vacation in an eclectic atmosphere with a buzzing nightlife, theatres, restaurants and great live entertainment. Experience the famous nightly Key West Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square as the glowing sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico, do the Duval Crawl sipping cocktails at a carousel of off-beat bars where the sound of music fills the air and party-goers spill onto the streets or escape to the quiet side streets of the Old Town. Immerse yourself in perfect tranquillity on a voyage from Key West to the unforgettable Dry Tortugas National Park to snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of Fort Jefferson, enjoying spectacular scenery of the Marquesa Islands and Boca Grande.
A journey through the Florida Keys promises endless adventures and lifelong memories. Float the day away in a hammock, cocktail in hand as palms sway in the ocean breeze, kayak to secluded islands through lush mangrove forests, experience the finest diving and fishing in the world, dine alfresco as night falls and countless stars light up the skies for the ultimate stargazing experience. A perfect day in paradise has ended and all that is left to do is retreat to the comfort of your Florida Keys vacation rental overlooking the azure ocean waters.