The Florida Keys are sometimes known as the American Caribbean. They are also called the outer islands of Florida.
The Keys are close to mainland Florida, but miles away from the ordinary.
Call them your ticket to paradise.
Where exactly are the Florida Keys?
They are a chain of more than 700 islands off the southern tip of Florida. Most of them can only be reached by boat, but there is a road, Highway 1, that links the main islands. Highway 1 is approximately 106 miles long, beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West.
It takes 3-4 hours to travel this distance, mainly because the road is crowded and mostly two lanes outside of major cities.
Things to do in the Florida Keys
There are plenty of things to see and do here, but most of it has to do with the outdoors, in one way or another.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are important in the Keys, because the only living coral reef in the continental United States is just offshore. Closer there are also patches of smaller reefs. And in Key West there are some small reefs near the beach. The waters of the Keys are crystal clear and warm most of the year.
If you’d love to see the reefs, but don’t want to get wet to do so, fear not. There are many glass bottom boat tours available. from all the major cities in the Keys.
If you like beaches, the Keys don’t have many… but the ones they do have are beautiful. If you want to be amazed, visit the beach at Bahia Honda State Park, just north of Key West, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida!
Are there attractions?
Sure! While Key Largo and Key West have the most attractions, there are a few others scattered throughout the islands.
Some “must sees” include Theater of the Sea, Key West Aquarium, Mallory Square, and any of the Key West trolley tours.
Fishing and Capture in the Keys
Fishing is very popular in the Florida Keys, and with good reason. You can rent a private boat, reserve a spot on a drift boat, or hire a field guide. Of course, you can also bring your own boat, or even fish from a bridge!
Popular fish depend on the season, but horse mackerel and grouper are almost always available. Other fish include dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, tuna, snapper, billfish, and bonefish.
The four main cities of the Keys
There are four major cities and towns and many smaller ones in the Florida Keys. From north to south they are:
- Key Largo
- Purple Island
- Marathon
- key West
Any of these cities will give you options to stay in anything from a quaint family run motel to a luxurious resort.
What other thing?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a passport to visit the Florida Keys, at least not if you’re already in the United States.
The timing of the keys is “slow timing”. While there are certainly schedules to stick to, as for touring, the Keys mantra is “kick back, tomorrow will always be there.”
