Nestled between the crystal clear Caribbean, the deep blue Atlantic, and the calm waters of the Gulf lie the Florida Keys. This stunning, 120-mile-long string of islands, reefs, bays and beaches — connected by 42 bridges has beckoned visitors with its sunny weather, ocean breezes, spectacular scenery and laid-back lifestyle for decades.
Whether your pleasure lies in arts and culture, shopping and dining, adventure and sports, or simply relaxing on the beach, you’ll find what you’re seeking in the Florida Keys. From Key Largo to Key West, come explore the Keys with us!
Key Largo
On the Key’s northernmost edge lies Key Largo, a.k.a. the “Scuba Diving Capital of the World.†Key Largo’s location at the confluence of the fresh waters of Everglades National Park and the salty waters of Florida Bay create some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. Take a dive charter to John Pennekamp State Park, home to manta rays, turtles, grouper, eels, and colorful tropical fish, or explore nearby shipwrecks and keep your eyes open for bottle-nose dolphins and sea lions.
Home to almost 13,000 people, Key Largo is also known for its vibrant culture. Don’t miss the annual Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, the regular schedule of performances by the Key Players Community Theater Group, or the many galleries lining its streets. And, of course, Key Largo is also rightfully famous for its gorgeous beaches and beautiful sunsets.
Islamorada
Just a short drive south of Key Largo lies Islamorada a town of about 6,400 residents that’s spread across six islands. Known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, this stunning “village of islands†is home to sport fishing charters galore. Whether you prefer salt-water fly fishing, offshore sport fishing for sailfish or bonefish, or backcountry fishing in the flats, you’ll find the perfect guide in Islamorada’s many marinas.
After you’ve had your fill of exciting angling, get up close and personal Islamorada’s marine life — and swim with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea Marine Mammal Wildlife Park, or explore the region’s biodiversity at the Keys History and Discovery Center. And speaking of history, discover the Key’s rich past at the History of Diving Museum and the Indian Key Historic State Park.
Marathon
About 26 miles from Islamorada lies Marathon. Known as the heart of the Florida Keys, this 10-mile-long chain of islands is a popular destination for families. The town is known for its fishing heritage, thanks to the “Marathon Hump,†a natural ocean feature that’s home to huge game fish such as wahoo, marlin, tuna, sharks and sailfish.
This town of about 8,600 residents is also home to The Turtle Hospital, the world’s only veterinary clinic for sea turtles; the Dolphin Research Center, home to bottle-nose dolphins; and the Crane Point Museum, Nature Center, and Historic Site, set in the midst of a preserved hardwood forest. This lovely town has much to offer visitors, including the country’s only living coral barrier reef, located just a few miles off the Marathon shoreline.
Key West
The muse of many a Jimmy Buffet song and home to the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost, Key West has an allure that’s very much its own. Nestled at the southernmost point of the Keys — and the U.S. the city known as the “Last Resort†offers stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife, world-class shopping, golf courses, and a wide array of water sports, from snorkeling to sport fishing.
And then, of course, there’s the Key West lifestyle: Relaxed, laid-back, and more than a bit irreverent. Spend your days exploring the shops, eateries, and pubs on always-lively Duval Street, or get back to nature at Dry Tortugas National Park. Explore the region’s rich past and diverse cultural influences in the Bahama Village neighborhood, or tour the bungalow where Hemingway wrote his masterpieces. There’s truly something for everyone in colorful, vibrant Key West!