Florida Keys Vacation

The Florida Keys are a popular vacation destination for Americans.  Visiting the Florida Keys, or America’s Caribbean, is a great way to get to a tropical destination without having to leave the country.  In the Florida Keys you can find all the great island attractions that are available in other tropical island destinations such as scuba diving and snorkeling, boating, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.  Along with all of these activities the Florida Keys also have excellent restaurants, galleries, museums, theaters, state parks and historic monuments.  A Florida Keys vacation has something to offer visitors of all ages.

The Florida Keys are made up of a string of islands stretching over one hundred miles and are connected by bridges and causeways.  Each of the Florida Keys Islands is unique and offers its own taste of paradise.

Key Largo is the largest of the islands making up the Florida Keys.  It is the closest island to Miami and Fort Lauderdale making it the first Florida Keys island that most vacationers encounter.  Water sports are some of the big attractions on this island.  Key Largo offers some of the best snorkeling and diving of all the islands.  Parasailing and watercraft rentals are a few of the ways tourists enjoy the water in Key Largo.  John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a main attraction offering snorkeling, scuba, and glass bottom tours out to see the beautiful reef.

Islamorada is the next island destination in the Florida Keys.  Islamorada is made up of six islands and is known as the sport fishing capital of the world.  Visitors charter boats to enjoy some of the best angling in the Keys.  Other than fishing the island is home to Long Key State Park where visitors can stroll through tropical nature trails.  The Theater of the Sea Marine Mammal Park offers guests the opportunity to swim with dolphins and the Indian Key Historic State Park and Ligumvitae Key Botanical State Park allow visitors to catch a glimpse of the Florida island’s history.

Marathon Key is the island at the midway point of the Florida Keys.  From Marathon Key the reef and the Gulf of Mexico are easily reached.  If you’re wanting to experience all of the Florida Keys islands on your Florida Keys vacation staying on Marathon Key makes a lot of sense.  Since Marathon is in the middle all of the other islands are easily accessible.  Marathon is excellent for fishing including shark fishing.  If you’re looking to dive while at Marathon some favorite places are the Sombrero Reef, Adolphus Busch wreck, Thunderbolt wreck and Coffins patch.

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys are a more laid back, quiet and solitary world.   These islands are a premier diving and snorkeling destination as well.  Boating is also a favorite in the area.  These islands feature charming resorts and lots of family friendly destinations.  The National Key Deer Refuge is a fun excursion while visiting the Lower Keys as is Bahia Honda State Park with its white sand beaches and abundant wildlife.

Key West is the southern most point of the Florida Keys.  The center of the island is the historic old town area.  Strolling down the streets enjoying the beautiful architecture and exploring the galleries of fine art should not be missed.  Key West is famous for its lively night life beginning with the Sunset Celebration on Mallory Dock.  Then the street pubs, restaurants, and sidewalk cafes come to life.

No matter what you’re looking for in your Florida Keys Vacation you are sure to find it on one of these unique islands.