The Key to a Perfect Florida Keys Getaway
The chain of islands that comprise the Florida Keys offer a memorable getaway all year long. Located just south of Miami, the 125-mile island chain includes the continental United States’ southernmost point, renowned for its balmy climate, breathtaking beauty and easygoing atmosphere that serves as a respite from the stressors of everyday life.
Visitors can expect to find picturesque palm trees surrounded by beautifully-colored waters alive with herons, pelicans and underwater wildlife — including endangered sea turtles. With preservation and sustainability at the forefront, the ecosystem is designated the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, offering protection for the United States’ only living barrier coral reef.
Five diverse cities comprise the island chain — Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys and Key West — each offering their own unique personality, experiences and cuisine. Connected by the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, comprising 42 bridges spanning nearly seven miles over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether you’re hoping to experience America’s only coral reef in Key Largo, tap into your inner angler in Islamorada, spend a day on the boat in Marathon, learn about sustainability in Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys or dance the night away in Key West, the diverse stretch of islands truly offer something for every traveler.
Planning a trip to the Florida Keys? Here is the ultimate guide to your perfect tropical getaway.
Key Largo
The longest island of the Keys chain, Key Largo is home to the aforementioned underwater preserve, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. A must-visit destination for Key Largo explorers, the park offers a variety of water-related activities including scuba, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions to the coral reef.
For even more adventure, Key Largo boasts several dive charter companies that conduct dive trips. Many include a stop to the famed underwater “Christ of the Deep” statue, and some even host underwater weddings!
With endless options for water and wildlife adventures, Key Largo is home to a number of hotels, campgrounds, rental properties and bed & breakfasts. Embrace laid-back luxury at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina, or keep the adventure going with a stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge (which is, you guessed it, undersea).
Self-proclaimed the “hottest spot in the Keys to cool off,” visit Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill for dining, entertainment and breathtaking sunset views. With every table offering unobstructed water views, unwind after a long day at Snook’s Bayside Restaurant & Tiki Bar.
Islamorada
Moving west to Islamorada, which measures 20 miles long but barely 150 feet wide in some spots, is the centerpiece of a group of islands sometimes referred to as the "purple isles." A perfect destination for anglers, Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Renowned for its sport-fishing and diversity, anglers can expect to find sailfish, redfish, marlin, dolphin, kingfish, snapper, barracuda, tarpon and more.
Not a fan of fishing? The area also offers eco-tours, watersports and land activities such as hiking and tennis. Off the water, guests can visit the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District for art galleries and restaurants. Home of the world-famous rum runner, a visit to Holiday Isle Tiki Bar is a must stop for post-sun, pre-dinner cocktails, before indulging in seaside decadence at Raw Bar, both located at Postcard Inn.
Indulge in panoramic ocean views and Caribbean-style homes at the Caribbean Resort, or relax in one of the area’s many vacation homes and bed and breakfasts.
Marathon
With plenty of fun for the whole family, Marathon is a renowned boating destination in the center of the Keys. Rich with history and archaeology, Marathon is home to Crane Point, a 63-acre land tract that was once the site of an entire Native American village. Attractions include the historic Adderley House museum, the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters and several nature trails.
Animal lovers will enjoy the Marathon Wild Bird Center and The Turtle Hospital, dedicated treatment and rehabilitation center for ill and injured birds and turtles, respectively. Visit the Dolphin Research Center, an acclaimed nonprofit marine mammal research and education facility where visitors can swim and interact with the resident dolphins.
Stay right on the beach at Tranquility Bay Beach Resort or indulge in luxury at Marathon Bay Resort & Marina, each offering well deserved R&R after days filled with coastal adventure. With expansive dining options, enjoy Marathon’s Polynesian-inspired Mahina Restaurant fo fresh, local seafood, or dine under the historic lighthouse at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club.
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop at Pigeon Key, a small island lying beneath the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling and sunset viewing.
Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys
Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys are west of the Seven Mile Bridge, known for its commitment to preservation and environmentalism. The Lower Keys are a collection of islands including Summerland Key, Big Torch and Little Torch Keys, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key, Big Coppitt Key and Stock Island.
The quietest of each of the Florida Key cities, the Lower Keys make for an excellent family pit stop at Little Duck Key and Veterans Memorial Park, known for its sandy beach, picnic areas and pet-friendliness. Offering spectacular shallow-water diving, Looe Key Reef, west of which rests a 210-foot island freighter, provides an excellent habitat for marine life and an intriguing site for diving.
For both dining and lodging, look no further than one of the Keys’ newest resorts, Ocean’s Edge Resort & Marina. Matching the vibe of Stock Island, Oceans Edge spans 20 acres of palm trees, swimming pools and luxurious guest rooms. Onsite dining options range from a coffee shop and poolside bar to an oceanfront cafe, Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen.
Key West
Perhaps the most popular destination in the Keys, Key West is America’s southernmost city — situated closer to Cuba than Miami! The town is characterized by quaint palm-studded streets, historic mansions and a relaxing aesthetic.
Key West has nurtured world-renowned literary talents with dedicated museums in the area, including Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Naturally, the island is a draw for notable authors now.
With countless adventures waiting to be had, visitors can enjoy environmental attractions and eco-experiences, watersports and excursions, public gardens, culinary tours and classes, historic sites and an overflowing calendar of festivals and special events. The town is also home to acclaimed nightlife, ranging from live music to theater and comedy to drag shows.
Each day, crowds gather at Mallory Square to experience a nightly tradition of the “sunset celebration,” where musicians, jugglers, acrobats and other performers provide entertainment as the sun slips below the horizon. After an inspiring close to a long day, grab dinner at Latitudes, a resort-casual eatery on the private beach of Sunset Key. Finish your evening with gelato from Duetto Pizza & Gelato. Of course, no trip to the Keys would be complete without an iconic key lime pie. For one of the best, visit Kermit’s Key West.
Stay at Curator’s Southernmost Beach Resort, located near Key West’s historic Old Town only a short walk to the area’s shops, vibrant nightlife, inspiring architecture and dining.
The Florida Keys offer a tranquil, inspiring getaway for any type of traveler. With the best in wildlife, fishing, dining, nightlife and relaxation, rejuvenation can be found in any of the Keys’ vibrant cities — each set to a sweeping backdrop of sunny blue skies and tranquil turquoise waters.
