Florida Keys
The 120 mile-long Florida Keys are the antithesis of Miami. With tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, and stunning coral formations, it’s no wonder Hollywood chose to film scenes from several movies there, including “PT 109” and “Key Largo”. If you are looking for unsurpassed beauty and tranquility, the Keys are just the ticket.
Key Largo is the northernmost island of the Keys. Key Largo is situated between Everglades National Park to the west and North America’s only living coral barrier reef to the east.
Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy vessel sunk in 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef.
Locals consider Key Largo the Diving Capital of the world, but it is also famous for sport fishing. You can fish for sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.
Kayakers, birders, and other eco-tourists love Key Largo for its proximity to the Everglades. There is also a thriving artist’s community whose work is shown in several local galleries.
Islamorada is our next Key, where the History of Diving Museum offers fascinating exhibits and information about the sport.
Windley Key’s Theater of the Sea offers acrobatic dolphin and other deep sea stars.
Robbie’s Marina on Lower Matecumbe Key sell buckets of bait for feeding schools of tarpon that linger near the dock. Be sure and hike the Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geological Site, where acres of fossilized coral create a fascinating visual image.
Marathon is our next Key, with an airport, a 58 bed hospital, and Sombrero Beach (impeccable). Sombrero Reef lies several miles offshore and is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
History buffs and eco-tourists will enjoy a visit to the Museums and Nature Center of Crane Point Hammock. The Dolphin Center and Turtle Hospital preserve two of Florida’s most famous marine creatures.
Pigeon Key is a mile walk across the old 7 mile bridge, and was home to the builders of Flagler’s railroad. Marathon has managed to modernize its community without losing its roots as a 19th century fishing village.
The Lower Keys are where the island chain takes a turn westward. At mile marker 37 you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area. It has beautiful white beaches and abundant wildlife and frequently makes the list of America’s Most Beautiful Beaches. A sunset cruise through the uninhabited Saddlebunch Keys (a network of sandy lagoons and mangrove islands) is the perfect way to end the day.
Key West was revitalized in the 1980’s by the gay and lesbian community. It is home to the John Audubon House and the Ernest Hemingway home. Everyone, and I mean everyone, gathers for the sunset show on the Mallory Dock. Sunsets are incredible, and after the sun goes down the nightlife is incredible too. Jugglers, mimes, musicians, street artists, sidewalk cafes, open air bars, there’s a lot to take in.
Old Town Key West has been lovingly restored and invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the past. It is an architectural and botanical treasure.
You can drive through the Keys from Miami on US Hwy 1. Mile markers are you best way to get your bearings. The highway ends in Key West at mile marker 0.
You can also reach the keys by flying into Miami International Airport, Marathon (about mid-way in the island chain), or Key West International Airport.
The Florida Keys have unbelievably clear water, fabulous pristine beaches, nature centers and museums, hotels, resorts, camping, fishing, diving, shopping and art. What a wonderful place to spend your next vacation.