Nature reigns supreme in the Florida Keys, a vast 200-km string of islands that leaps off mainland USA. By day, you can play in 10 state parks and two national parks (Biscayne and Dry Tortugas). You can wander streets lined with funky shops and galleries, and hang out in neighbourhoods where it’s still the 1890s.
You can do it all safely, too, because the Florida Keys is blessed with wide-open spaces where local attractions offer original, authentic experiences guaranteed to make you smile.
Start south from Miami to take the ultimate scenic drive along the fabled Overseas Highway and prepare to explore the unique side of Florida.
KEY LARGO
The first eco jewel in the chain sits astride the ocean playground of Biscayne National Park. Feel like scuba diving? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first undersea park, is a protected area that scores high on the sustainable front. Take the family to the Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, a non-profit group that rescues and rehabilitates injured whales and dolphins.
ISLAMORADA
This string of six islands is revered as the sport fishing capital of the world and offers outdoor seekers a natural playground of four state parks. At Windley Key, tour this state park of fossilized coral reefs and later swim with bottlenose dolphins at Theater of the Sea. Indian Key is accessible only by boat, and San Pedro is an underwater archaeological preserve with a shipwreck.
MARATHON
A popular boating and family destination, there are ample animal attractions from the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital, to Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Hire a guided fishing charter at Seven Mile Fly Shop and cruise pristine waters. If you’re a marsh lover, head to Curry Hammock State Park where you can hike through a nature trail. Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge is home to America’s largest wading bird, the park’s namesake.
THE LOWER KEYS
The Lower Keys are indeed low key ... filled with idyllic getaways. You can get close to an endangered Key deer at National Key Deer Refuge. Learn the art of sailing at Bluesail Vacation Yachts & Sailing Academy. Take the kids to the beachy Bahia Honda State Park with great snorkelling and sea turtle nesting grounds.
KEY WEST
Closer to Cuba than to the U.S.—only 145 km, this southernmost city is a popular beach town where quirky and fun intersects with local traditions. Roam the shady streets around the Ernest Hemingway House, and tour inside the writer’s residence. Ogle wildlife drawings at the John James Audubon house or visit President Harry Truman’s home, a museum open for tours. And don’t miss the nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Docks, complete with jugglers and fire-eaters.
TRAVEL PLANNER
For the latest protocols on health & safety, please visit: fla-keys.com; 1-800-fla-keys
