The Florida Keys
IF YOU LOVE PLAYA DEL CARMEN , MEXICO , YOU ’ LL LOVE THE FLORIDA KEYS .
• Perfect for : Shoppers , boaters and nature lovers
• Don ’ t miss : Dolphins Plus Bayside , a ride in a glass-bottom boat at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
• Fly into : EYW ( Key West ) Located just south of the Florida Panhandle , the Florida Keys are a collection of 1,700 small islands that extend over 198 square miles . The Keys are accessible by car , plane or boat , but the most scenic way to get there is a journey across the Overseas Highway . While speed demons might struggle with the strictly enforced 55 mph speed limit , the Overseas Highway is a modern wonder that ’ s well worth the extra time spent thanks to its fabulous views of the relaxing waters below and the bright sky above .
While there are many notable pit stops along the Florida Keys , the most popular area to vacation is Key West where the locals are quirky , the food is good and the watersports are aplenty . While some of the more popular activities in the area include visiting the southernmost point in America and snorkeling amongst marine life , this destination also offers some more bizarre attractions . For example , you can “ cheers !” while in your birthday suit at the Garden of Eden , a clothing-optional rooftop bar on Duval Street , or see what goes bump in the night on a haunted walking tour while visiting some of the islands ’ most notoriously spooky establishments .
Most-shopped hotels by VAX agents 1 . Casa Marina Key West , a Waldorf Astoria Resort 2 . The Reach Key West , Curio Collection by Hilton 3 . Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa
THIS PAGE : COURTESY OF HYATT
Surprise ! Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the U . S . Caribbean
• What to expect : History , wildlife and camping Seventy miles west of Key West sits Dry Tortugas National Park , a 100-square-mile park consisting of seven small islands . Among the park ’ s main attractions is Fort Jefferson , one of the nation ’ s largest 19th century forts open to visitors to explore . Aside from its historic value , travelers also flock to Dry Tortugas for its expansive coral reefs and vast variety of birds .
SPRING 2021 / THE COMPASS / 61