About the Florida Keys

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As you cross the Jewfish Creek bridge, you are transported into a vibrant new world. This world is filled with tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, and sparkling aqua blue waters that teem with colorful sea life, stunning coral reefs, and fascinating underwater treasures. The turquoise expanse of the Atlantic Ocean lies on one side, while the emerald green waters of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico lie on the other. This region is an archipelago of islands situated at the southern tip of Florida. Spanning 110 miles, these islands are linked by 42 causeways, including the renowned Seven Mile Bridge. From the welcoming island and diving capital, Key Largo, to the colorful tourist town of Key West, the “Last Resort” at the tip of the Florida Keys, you can embrace the diversity on an iconic road trip along the Overseas Highway, aka US 1. Discover unique towns, natural beauty, and a spectacular underwater universe.

Key Largo

The first key of the Florida Keys is Key Largo, known as the Diving Capital of the World. Experience the only living coral reef in the US and the third longest in the world. Just off the shores of Key Largo is the spectacular John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park. Key Largo is a perfect introduction to the Florida Keys, attracting divers from around the world to its famous dive sites. Enjoy the unique wildlife found roaming the trails winding through the tropical hardwood hammocks of Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the spectacular ecosystem 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 Flagler’s 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 the 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.