Google Map Of Florida Keys
Introduction
Florida Keys is a chain of islands located off the southern coast of Florida. It is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and fascinating marine life. In addition to the natural beauty, Florida Keys offers a plethora of activities for travelers, including historical landmarks, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and vibrant nightlife. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more to help you plan your perfect trip to Florida Keys.
Top Attractions
Florida Keys is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and natural wonders in the world. Here are some of the top attractions you should not miss:
– Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: This indoor butterfly habitat is home to more than 50 species of butterflies. Visitors can walk through the garden and observe the butterflies up close.
– Dry Tortugas National Park: This remote national park is located 70 miles west of Key West. It is home to a historic fort, crystal clear waters, and some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world.
– John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This state park is located in Key Largo and is known for its coral reefs, underwater caves, and marine life. Visitors can snorkel, dive, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the underwater world.
Hidden Gems
Florida Keys has a lot of hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Here are some of the hidden gems you should check out:
– The Turtle Hospital: This hospital is located in Marathon and is dedicated to the rehabilitation of sea turtles. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and learn about the rehabilitation process.
– Anne’s Beach: This beach is located in Islamorada and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. It is also a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
– The Florida Keys History and Discovery Center: This museum is located in Islamorada and showcases the history of Florida Keys. It has exhibits on shipwrecks, pirates, and the fishing industry.
Food Scene
Florida Keys is known for its seafood, but it also has a diverse food scene with a variety of cuisines. Here are some of the best restaurants to check out:
– Blue Heaven: This restaurant is located in Key West and is known for its Caribbean-inspired cuisine. It has a beautiful outdoor seating area and live music.
– Hogfish Bar and Grill: This restaurant is located in Stock Island and is known for its fresh seafood. It has a casual atmosphere and live music on weekends.
– Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen: This restaurant is located in Key Largo and is known for its homemade pies and seafood dishes. It has a cozy atmosphere and is a popular spot for breakfast.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Florida Keys can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
– Visit during the off-season: The off-season is from May to November and prices are lower during this time.
– Stay in a vacation rental: Vacation rentals are often cheaper than hotels and offer more space and amenities.
– Take advantage of free activities: There are many free activities in Florida Keys, such as visiting beaches, hiking trails, and visiting museums.
Outdoor Adventures
Florida Keys is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures to try:
– Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Florida Keys has some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world. Visitors can explore the coral reefs and see a variety of marine life.
– Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Florida Keys has many calm bays and channels that are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
– Fishing: Florida Keys is known for its fishing. Visitors can go deep sea fishing or try their luck at catching bonefish and tarpon in the flats.
Family-Friendly Activities
Florida Keys is a great destination for families. Here are some family-friendly activities to try:
– Dolphin Research Center: This center is located in Marathon and allows visitors to interact with dolphins and learn about their behavior.
– Theater of the Sea: This marine park is located in Islamorada and has shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and parrots.
– Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters: This aquarium is located in Marathon and allows visitors to interact with marine life, such as sharks and stingrays.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Florida Keys has many off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth checking out. Here are some of the best:
– The Bat Tower: This tower is located in Sugarloaf Key and was built in the 1920s to attract bats to control the mosquito population. Today, it is a historic landmark.
– The African Queen: This boat is located in Key Largo and was used in the 1951 movie of the same name. Visitors can take a tour of the boat and learn about its history.
– The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This museum is located in Key West and was the home of the famous author Ernest Hemingway. Visitors can take a tour of the house and see the six-toed cats that live on the property.
Natural Wonders
Florida Keys is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Here are some to check out:
– Seven Mile Bridge: This bridge is located in Marathon and is one of the longest bridges in the world. It offers stunning views of the ocean.
– Bahia Honda State Park: This state park is located in Big Pine Key and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
– The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
Vibrant Nightlife
Florida Keys has a vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs. Here are some to check out:
– Sloppy Joe’s: This bar is located in Key West and is known for its live music and cocktails. It was a favorite spot of Ernest Hemingway.
– Green Parrot Bar: This bar is located in Key West and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and live music.
– Hog’s Breath Saloon: This bar is located in Key West and is known for its outdoor stage and live music.
Local Markets
Florida Keys has many local markets where visitors can buy fresh produce, seafood, and handmade crafts. Here are some to check out:
– Key West Farmers Market: This market is held every Thursday at Bayview Park in Key West. It features local produce, seafood, and crafts.
– Islamorada Farmers Market: This market is held every Saturday at the Florida Keys Brewing Co. in Islamorada. It features local produce, seafood, and crafts.
– Big Pine & The Lower Keys Island Art Festival: This festival is held every third Saturday of the month at the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. It features local art and crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Florida Keys is known for its beautiful beaches, but it also has some mountains. Here are some to check out:
– Sandspur Beach: This beach is located in Bahia Honda State Park and is known for its white sand and clear waters.
– Curry Hammock State Park: This park is located in Marathon and is a great spot for hiking and birdwatching.
– The Blue Hole: This sinkhole is located in Big Pine Key and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Cultural Immersion
Florida Keys has a rich cultural history that visitors can explore. Here are some cultural immersion experiences to try:
– The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: This museum is located in Key West and showcases artifacts from shipwrecks off the coast of Florida Keys.
– The Key West Art and Historical Society: This society has several museums and galleries that showcase the history and culture of Florida Keys.
– The Conch Tour Train: This train tour takes visitors through the streets of Key West and showcases the history and architecture of the city.
Art and Music Scene
Florida Keys has a thriving art and music scene. Here are some to check out:
– The Studios of Key West: This art center is located in Key West and showcases the work of local artists.
– The Key West Songwriters Festival: This festival is held every May in Key West and features some of the best songwriters in the world.
– The Florida Keys Celtic Festival: This festival is held every January in Marathon and features Celtic music, food, and culture.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore the history and architecture of Florida Keys. Here are some to try:
– The Key West Cemetery Tour: This tour takes visitors through the historic cemetery in Key West and showcases the unique gravestones and monuments.
– The Hemingway House Tour: This tour takes visitors through the home of Ernest Hemingway and showcases his life and work.
– The Truman Little White House Tour: This tour takes visitors through the historic home of President Harry Truman and showcases