Not often is it possible to find a land of dichotomy—one marked by serene natural surroundings as well as exhilarating activities and excursions. But the drive down the Florida Keys reveals the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, which you will encounter at each stop along the way. Here are highlights from each of the 5 districts that you simply must see when in town.
KEY LARGO
The first and northernmost of the Florida’s Keys is Key Largo, known for its fascinating botanical scenery as well as its impressive underwater sanctuaries and subtropical wilderness. A visit to Everglades National Park is a priceless way to see rare and endangered species, such as the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther in their own habitats. The park covers 2,400 square miles packed with outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, fresh and saltwater fishing, biking, and camping in the ultimate wilderness.
Key Largo is also home to the 70-nautical-square-mile John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the U.S. The best way to experience the park fully is to book a snorkeling tour or scuba-diving expedition, which will take you around the living, coral reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. For those who prefer to experience this beauty in style and comfort, there are glass-bottom catamarans that allow a unique peek at the serene undersea.
ISLAMORADA
Islamorada is known as the sport fishing capital of the world and as the birthplace of backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing. It also boasts a waterfront dining scene that is laidback, unpretentious, and packed with fresh catches for seafood lovers. At Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar, the sunsets are famous as is the conch chowder and nightly live bands.
The region also has an arts scene that is supported by the community. The Morada Way Arts & Cultural District is an area within downtown that often hosts special programs and festivals. Locals and tourists alike turnout to discover live music, great food, and installations in support of local artists and gallery owners.
MARATHON
Situated in the middle of the Keys island chain, Marathon is truly a family friendly destination. The Turtle Hospital is a small, nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and return of endangered sea turtles to their natural habitats as well as public education about these amazing creatures. You can take a guided, 90-minute tour that explores the process of the turtles’ rehab and a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities, concluding with the chance to feed the permanent residents.
There is also the Dolphin Research Center where you can interact—and learn more about—dolphins and sea lions. For young families, there is the Family Dolphin Splash experience where a trainer-supervised visit from a dolphin is on the itinerary. A professional photographer will document the session in which guests are submerged only waist deep and get to interact with dolphins in a fun, interactive way.
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BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS
As you continue down the Keys, you’ll encounter Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys, home to national wildlife refuges, a marine sanctuary, a state park, and so much more. On Stock Island, you will find laidback charm in its marinas and resorts. The Perry at Stock Island Marina Village is an industrial-chic hotel characterized by modern rooms with oversized balconies that look out over the 220-slip marina, its beautiful pool deck, and fire pits. Be sure to walk the Marina Village and pop into local artists’ studios, who create eclectic artworks. You might even find a food truck or two where you can indulge in authentic cuisine.
The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957, in order to protect the Key deer and other wildlife in the Florida Keys. Today, it consists of approximately 9,200 acres that include pine rockland forests, freshwater wetlands, and mangrove forests and is home to 23 endangered and threatened plants and animals. Here, you can be the ultimate wildlife spectator. Observation platforms like the one at Blue Hole have large spotting scopes and binoculars. Or, you can take a guided tour—walking, biking, and kayaking excursions are available—with a refuge ranger who will bring you to the best spots for viewing and photographing wildlife, such as Key deer, great white herons, alligators, butterflies, and more
KEY WEST
Arguably the most popular “Key,” Key West is a subtropical paradise filled with history, vibrant architecture, natural beauty, and unabashed cultural appeal. The nightlife is a big draw as Key West has so many eateries from which to choose—from laidback local cafes to music-pumping bars to upscale restaurants. Hot Tin Roof is an upscale Latin bistro with al fresco dining on the veranda and Thirsty Mermaid is a chic-yet-casual oyster bar—just two of many amazing epicurean experiences.
After you get your fill of local cuisine, feed your cultural appetite with a visit to Hemingway Home and Museum. Nestled in the heart of Old Town Key West, it was the residence and writing studio of one of America’s greatest authors for ten years. Now it is a registered national historic landmark that can be toured along with the accompanying lush grounds and gardens.
A scenic ride along through The Keys is a great way to see and experience this unique land. Just make sure you leave enough time to thoroughly enjoy each stop. Or, you can make plans to come back again, as there is always more to explore.
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