Laze beneath palm trees, swim with the dolphins and take a dive into colourful coral beds in the archipelago of islands known as the Florida Keys. The islands are a popular holiday destination because of the relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches and nightlife. Come during any season to enjoy year-round good weather.
The area is a 2-hour drive from Miami across the Overseas Highway. You can also fly in to airports at the centrally located town of Marathon or Summerland Key Cove.
The northern tip of the archipelago is Key Largo, known for its incredible natural scenery and wildlife. Suit up for a dive or snorkel through the underwater coral gardens at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and National Marine Sanctuary. Go crocodile and bird watching on a hike through the Botanical State Park.
Continue to look out for wildlife in the region of Islamorada, where you can swim with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea. Visit a mid-19th century ghost town at Indian Key Historic State Park.
Head south to Marathon, where you’ll discover the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. In March you can eat huge amounts of lobster at the Marathon Seafood Festival. In April join the annual fun run across the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects Marathon to the islands further south.
Cross the bridge to Big Pine Key to explore the wetlands in the National Key Deer Refuge. Head to the old limestone quarry known as The Blue Hole, now a freshwater lake. The area is a haven for wildlife. In town, go to the strip mall on Key Deer Boulevard for shops, restaurants and bars. Try a slice of key lime pie, a Florida specialty.
At the southernmost tip of the archipelago is Key West. Here you can see the six-toed cats descended from Hemingway’s pet and where the renowned author wrote some of his works in the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Take a literary tour of the town and top it off with a drink at Hemingway’s favourite bar.
