Florida Keys
A perfect day in the Florida Keys
F
lorida Keys is one of the most unique places on earth. Calm. Serene.
Laid back. Just the right setting to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate
your spirits.
Start your Keys experience on your drive south from Miami to Key Largo
– the gateway to the Keys, about an hour’s drive from Miami.
Once in Key Largo, kick off your shoes and put on your togs. This is the
perfect place to explore dazzling underwater parks and reef.
The real fun begins at mile marker 113, where the Florida Keys Scenic
Highway begins. From Key Largo to Key West you’ll cross 42 bridges over
bright blue water, including the engineering marvel that is the Seven
Mile Bridge.
Next you’ll hit Islamorada – why not have a go at game-fishing before
heading further south to Marathon, right in the heart of the Keys
and a place where pirates once roamed. Here you can check out the
archaeological digs at Crane Point Hammock which have revealed over
seven centuries of natural treasures.
Last but not least, you’ll arrive in Key West – the end of the line and the
southernmost point in the United States. An island city of palm-lined
streets boasting Victorian homes and gingerbread conch houses, head to
Duval Street in Old Town Key West where you’ll find the best restaurants
and shops.
Finish up your day by enjoying a cocktail watching a spectacular sunset
and mixing with the fun-loving locals.
Our favourite places to stay:
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Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel
Orchid Key Inn, Key West
The Marker Waterfront Resort
Our favourite things to see and do
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – A perfect introduction to
the Florida Keys, this nature reserve offers snorkelling, diving, camping
and kayaking. An underwater highlight is the massive Christ of the Deep
statue.
Under the Sea – Whether you scuba dive, snorkel, or ride a glass-bottom
boat, don’t miss gazing at the coral reef.
Sunset at Mallory Square – Witness the circus-like atmosphere of this
nightly celebration, it might seem touristy but it’s a must for all first time
visitors.
Duval Crawl – Shop, eat and drink. Key West’s Duval Street and the
nearby streets make a good day’s worth of window-shopping and people-
watching.
On the Water – From angling for trophy-size fish to zipping out to the
Dry Tortugas, you just have to get out on the water.
Key Largo – The best place for first time divers and one of the best
places to learn is at the Key Largo National Maritime Sanctuary which has
kilometres of coral reefs.
Islamorda – This is one of the world’s top game-fishing destinations. For
nearly 100 years, seasoned anglers have fished the clear, warm waters
teeming with trophy-worthy fish.
Marathon – Boasting some of the best boating activities anywhere,
including deep-sea, reef or flats fishing, plus a local sand bar, waterfront
restaurants, Jet-ski tours, kayaking, paddle-boarding, or just cruise the
turquoise waters.
Key West – A beautiful tropical island, where the moonflowers bloom at
night and the classical Caribbean homes give off an air of romanticism.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory – Walk through a magical
environment filled with hundreds of the most beautiful butterflies, an
impressive collection of flowering plants, colourful birds and cascading
waterfalls.
The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum – Right in Old Town Key
West, this unique property was home to one of America’s most respected
authors. Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than 10 years.
Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens that witnessed the most
prolific period of this Nobel Prize winner’s writing career.