COME AS YOU ARE!
The Florida Keys
& Key West
COME AS YOU ARE!
The Florida Keys
& Key West
With some of the world’s best fishing and diving, a thriving art and music scene, an incredible variety of restaurants and bars, and their legendary laid-back attitude, the best part of a visit to The Florida Keys may just be tomorrow. Whether you’re in the mood for beach relaxation, vibrant nightlife or a mix of both, you’ll find just what you’re seeking in the Keys. We’re here to help plan the perfect getaway.
With some of the world’s best fishing and diving, a thriving art and music scene, an incredible variety of restaurants and bars, and their legendary laid-back attitude, the best part of a visit to The Florida Keys may just be tomorrow. Whether you’re in the mood for beach relaxation, vibrant nightlife or a mix of both, you’ll find just what you’re seeking in the Keys. We’re here to help plan the perfect getaway.
Plan Your Florida Keys Vacation
Plan Your Florida
Keys Vacation
The Islands
Key Largo
Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, is an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports, and a world away.
Home to tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, two state parks, a national park and a portion of a national marine sanctuary, Key Largo boasts some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state. Accommodations from small family-owned properties to vacation homes and condominiums or large resorts are available for all tastes.
The Islands
Key Largo
Key Largo, the first and northernmost of the Florida Keys, is an hour’s drive from South Florida’s two major airports, and a world away.
Home to tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, two state parks, a national park and a portion of a national marine sanctuary, Key Largo boasts some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state. Accommodations from small family-owned properties to vacation homes and condominiums or large resorts are available for all tastes.
Islamorada
Situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park and the deep blue waters of the Florida Strait is Islamorada, made up of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.
Shoppers can browse burgeoning boutiques and art lovers revel in the monthly Third Thursday Art Walk hosted by the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.
Islamorada
Situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park and the deep blue waters of the Florida Strait is Islamorada, made up of six islands: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.
Shoppers can browse burgeoning boutiques and art lovers revel in the monthly Third Thursday Art Walk hosted by the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.
Marathon
Marathon is a 10-mile-long family-oriented island community conveniently situated in the middle of the Keys island chain, comprised mainly of Vaca Key and Grassy Key.
Experience iconic learning centers with educational focus where you can enjoy unique interactive experiences including The Turtle Hospital, which was the world’s first licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to the treatment of sea turtles, and Dolphin Research Center, a not-for-profit education and research facility since 1984.
Marathon
Marathon is a 10-mile-long family-oriented island community conveniently situated in the middle of the Keys island chain, comprised mainly of Vaca Key and Grassy Key.
Experience iconic learning centers with educational focus where you can enjoy unique interactive experiences including The Turtle Hospital, which was the world’s first licensed veterinary hospital dedicated to the treatment of sea turtles, and Dolphin Research Center, a not-for-profit education and research facility since 1984.
The Lower Keys
Where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly turn toward the sunset, the Lower Keys are home to two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary and a state park, and are surrounded by a marine environment filled with abundant terrestrial and marine wildlife.
This quiet region of small islands is connected from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge at Sunshine Key, mile marker (MM) 40, to Stock Island at MM 5. The hub of the Florida Keys commercial shrimping industry, Stock Island is defined by a rustic authenticity that flavors its colorful marinas, art studios and waterfront bars and restaurants.
The Lower Keys
Where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly turn toward the sunset, the Lower Keys are home to two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary and a state park, and are surrounded by a marine environment filled with abundant terrestrial and marine wildlife.
This quiet region of small islands is connected from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge at Sunshine Key, mile marker (MM) 40, to Stock Island at MM 5. The hub of the Florida Keys commercial shrimping industry, Stock Island is defined by a rustic authenticity that flavors its colorful marinas, art studios and waterfront bars and restaurants.
Key West
Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida’s irreverent southernmost subtropical paradise, a unique confluence of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture and unabashed romantic appeal.
Palm-lined streets with gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses were home to Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett, a few of the famous people who discovered solace and inspiration in the island city whose Bahamian and Cuban heritage in large part was inspired by Bahamian wreckers, commercial fishermen, spongers and Cuban cigar makers.
Key West
Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida’s irreverent southernmost subtropical paradise, a unique confluence of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture and unabashed romantic appeal.
Palm-lined streets with gingerbread mansions and tin-roofed conch houses were home to Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett, a few of the famous people who discovered solace and inspiration in the island city whose Bahamian and Cuban heritage in large part was inspired by Bahamian wreckers, commercial fishermen, spongers and Cuban cigar makers.
Discover the Beauty of the Florida Keys & Key West
Discover the Beauty of the Florida Keys & Key West
They’re Famous for…
Diving & Snorkeling
The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers scuba diving vacation memories that last a lifetime. These coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish, from impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy green moray eels. Once you visit the Keys, you’ll see why renowned dive photographers and writers make this their home base.
Fishing
The arc of islands that comprises the Florida Keys creates a fishing environment unique in the world, and means a noteworthy or at least edible catch is possible virtually any time of year. Florida Bay, edged by the “inner” curve of the Keys and the Florida mainland, is referred to locally as the backcountry, home to five of the most sought-after game fish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish (red drum) and snook. Off the Keys’ “outer” curve and nearby Gulf Stream lies the Atlantic Ocean.
Arts & Culture
Florida Keys & Key West attract people interested in heritage and cultural tourism and who want to experience the arts, with events ranging from an annual literary seminar to a professional symphony orchestra series. Outdoor artistry flourishes in the island chain, from offbeat large-scale sculptures to murals promoting ocean conservation. A prime example can be spotted along the Overseas Highway as roadside creations depicting the area’s abundant marine life.
Food & Drink
Indigenous Florida Keys cuisine incorporates diverse and delicious influences with an abundant array of fish and seafood harvested from local waters. Fresh fish and seafood that graces a restaurant table headline nearly every restaurant menu. Key West pink shrimp, among the most popular of their “natural resources,” are considered sweeter than other crustaceans. Savor Key West pinks sautéed in scampi, battered and fried, nestled atop salad or pasta, or simply steamed and served with savory sauces.
They’re Famous for…
Diving & Snorkeling
The 120-mile Florida Keys island chain is home to the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef. This teeming backbone of marine life runs the length of the Keys about five miles offshore and offers scuba diving vacation memories that last a lifetime. These coral formations are famous for their abundance of fish, from impressive schools of blue-striped grunts to toothy green moray eels. Once you visit the Keys, you’ll see why renowned dive photographers and writers make this their home base.
Fishing
The arc of islands that comprises the Florida Keys creates a fishing environment unique in the world, and means a noteworthy or at least edible catch is possible virtually any time of year. Florida Bay, edged by the “inner” curve of the Keys and the Florida mainland, is referred to locally as the backcountry, home to five of the most sought-after game fish among recreational anglers: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish (red drum) and snook. Off the Keys’ “outer” curve and nearby Gulf Stream lies the Atlantic Ocean.
Arts & Culture
Florida Keys & Key West attract people interested in heritage and cultural tourism and who want to experience the arts, with events ranging from an annual literary seminar to a professional symphony orchestra series. Outdoor artistry flourishes in the island chain, from offbeat large-scale sculptures to murals promoting ocean conservation. A prime example can be spotted along the Overseas Highway as roadside creations depicting the area’s abundant marine life.
Food & Drink
Indigenous Florida Keys cuisine incorporates diverse and delicious influences with an abundant array of fish and seafood harvested from local waters. Fresh fish and seafood that graces a restaurant table headline nearly every restaurant menu. Key West pink shrimp, among the most popular of their “natural resources,” are considered sweeter than other crustaceans. Savor Key West pinks sautéed in scampi, battered and fried, nestled atop salad or pasta, or simply steamed and served with savory sauces.
Falling for Florida
Falling for Florida
