The Florida Keys & Key West ... Laid-Back and Legendary
Located at the southernmost tip of Florida and the continental United States, the Florida Keys form a 125-mile-long island chain connected by the scenic 113-mile Overseas Highway and its 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
With
panoramic views of turquoise waters everywhere you look, driving the route –
Florida’s first All-American Road and one of the U.S.’s
most iconic road trips – is a core component of the holiday experience.
Beginning just south of Miami, the Florida
Keys are divided into five regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, The Lower Keys, and Key West. Each area in
the archipelago has its own unique flavour. Between them, they offer world-class fishing, diving,
cultural heritage, natural wonders and fantastic food and drink – with new MICHELIN accolades for two Key West eateries: Blue
Heaven and Moondog Café & Bakery.
Visit the Florida Keys and expect to find
vistas of blue sea and sky, edged with tall palm trees and olive-green
mangroves. Sharing this eco-paradise is an abundance of wildlife including white
herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, ospreys, Key deer and countless
underwater creatures including dolphins, manatees and endangered sea turtles.
The coastal waters of the island chain,
including its shallow-water flats, mangrove islets and coral reefs, are
designated the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Protecting the continental U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef,
it’s home to over 6,000 species of marine life and plants. There are also nine
historic shipwrecks to explore within it which comprise The Shipwreck Trail.
With adventures awaiting on land, in, and on the water, here
are 10 stops not to miss as you journey along the ‘the highway that goes to sea’
and discover the Florida Keys’ unique spirit.
Start your trip in Key Largo by immersing yourself in
America’s first undersea park. Whether you choose to snorkel, scuba dive, or
take a glass-bottom boat tour, the underwater playground is home to vibrant
coral reefs, spectacular marine life and the famed ‘Christ of the
Deep’ statue.
For a dose of history and film lore, stop at this legendary Key
Largo bar famously used as a filming location for Humphrey Bogart’s 1948 classic
of the same name. It offers a rustic, authentic Keys atmosphere. Nearby, you can
also take a 90-minute sightseeing canal cruise through the Port Largo Canals on
the beautifully restored 1912 built African Queen. It’s the original
steamboat featured in its namesake 1951 motion picture.
The first Upper Keys microbrewery, stop here to tour the brewery
and sample a flight of local craft beers. Located in the heart of Islamorada’s Morada Way Arts and Cultural District, it’s
known for its colourful, beer-cap-covered taproom and beer garden. It’s the perfect
place to experience the local island culture.
This lively waterfront marina is famous for its
tarpon-feeding dock, where you can hand-feed these enormous silver fish as
pelicans wander nearby. Browse the open-air market, enjoy fresh seafood at Hungry Tarpon, or join a fishing,
snorkelling, kayaking, or boat excursion from this quintessential Keys stop.
As you head deeper into the Keys, crossing this engineering
marvel is a highlight. At 6.79 miles long, it’s one of the world’s
longest segmental bridges. Beginning at the end of Marathon, it runs all
the way to the start of the Lower Florida Keys. Stop at the dedicated pull-off
areas to photograph the stunning expanse of turquoise water stretching to the
horizon. As you drive across the modern-day structure, look out for
natural movie star Fred the Tree (known locally
as a ‘Celebri-Tree’). Find him growing on the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge
which runs parallel to the newer structure. Also, check out Pigeon Key. A 2.2-mile
section of the old bridge leads to the island which once housed workers who
built Henry Flagler's (now closed) Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad in the early
1900s.
Visit this working hospital in Marathon which is dedicated
to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sea turtles. An educational and
moving experience, it highlights the Keys' commitment to marine conservation. It
has successfully treated 3,000+ sea turtles since 1986. Look out for public
turtle releases and learn more about the Keys’ ‘Connect & Protect’ eco-initiative
here.
7. National Key Deer Refuge
Drive slowly through Big Pine Key in the Lower Keys for a
chance to spot the endangered Key deer, a subspecies unique to this part of the
world. These tiny, friendly deer are protected by the 1957 established National
Key Deer Refuge. Today its home to 20+ endangered and threatened plant and
animal species.
Tour the historic Key West home where the famous author
lived and wrote and meet the descendants of his polydactyl (six-toed) cats that
still roam the property. Across town, Hemingway fans may also want to stop by Sloppy Joe’s, a famous and infamous saloon
beloved by the author. The Hemingway Look-alike Contest takes place here
each summer.
9. Duval Street
This iconic Key West street stretches for around 1.25 miles
from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. Lined with colourful bars,
independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and historic buildings, it’s the
place to soak up the island’s famously laid-back yet lively atmosphere. Home to
some of the island’s best landmarks like Sloppy Joe’s, a stroll along the road
is an essential part of any Key West visit. By day, explore local shops, admire
architecture and stop for a bike to eat. After dark, explore cocktail bars, a
fabulous live music scene and legendary nightlife.
End your journey by joining the nightly tradition at Mallory
Square. As the sun dips into the Gulf, the square comes alive with street
performers, artisans, and a vibrant community atmosphere to celebrate another
day in paradise. Top tip: Look for the ‘Green Flash’ as the sun sinks into the
ocean.
To find
out more about The Florida Keys & Key West, visit: VisitFloridaKeys.com.
