The Keys are a destination for travelers who crave a tropical paradise with a quirky culture and vibrant history. The Keys, which lie about 15 miles south of Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba, are often referred to as America’s Caribbean. The archipelago is home to more than 1,700 islands along a 112-mile stretch.
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Which Florida Key is most like the Caribbean?
Perhaps one of the most Caribbean-style beaches in the mainland United States, Bahia Honda State Park has it all: crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, and plenty of breezy palm trees. The island is located about three-fourths of the way down the Florida Keys at Mile Marker 37 on Big Pine Key.
What is so special about the Florida Keys?
Designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 1990, the Keys are surrounded by the continental United States’ only living-coral barrier reef (third largest in the world), encompassing more than 2,900 nautical miles of protected waters.
Does Florida count as the Caribbean?
As the maps are drawn, Florida is considered the northern border of the Caribbean, not geographically a part of the region itself.The islands of the Caribbean were colonized by the British, the Dutch, the Spanish, and the French, whereas the United States as we know it was founded by runaway Brits.
Is Florida Keys Tropical?
The Florida Keys are situated within the subtropical region of the Western hemisphere. Because of its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys have a mild tropical-maritime climate where the average summer and winter temperatures rarely differ more than 10 degrees.
What is the prettiest Key in Florida?
Most Scenic Views in the Florida Keys
- Key West – Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.
- Big Pine Key – National Key Deer Refuge.
- Marathon – Bahia Honda State Park.
- Marathon – Seven Mile Bridge.
- Pigeon Key.
- Islamorada – Florida Bay.
- Key Largo – John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
What is the prettiest beach in Florida?
Best Florida Beaches
- Destin.
- Sanibel Island.
- Clearwater Beach.
- Naples.
- St. Petersburg, FL.
- Siesta Key.
- Marco Island.
- Santa Rosa Beach.
What should you avoid in Key West?
Avoid these 5 tourist traps to keep your Key West vacation relaxing and enjoyable
- T-Shirt Shops. For years, Key West had a well-documented problem with Duval Street t-shirt shops.
- $5 Shops. Many of the shady t-shirt shops have tried a new line of attack – the $5 store.
- Jewelry Stores.
- Shady Art Galleries.
- Cosmetic Shops.
Are the Florida Keys beautiful?
Popular among many travelers, the islands that make up the Florida Keys are known for their natural beauty and charming, eccentric atmosphere.
Can you see Cuba from Key West?
Key West Island – You Can Almost See Cuba From Florida
Key West and the other Florida Keys is located in the Strait of Florida within the US state of Florida. The island extends over a land area of 4.2sq mi and is on the southernmost end of the US.
What part of Florida is closest to the Caribbean?
The place you seek is called Bimini, a mere 50 miles east of Miami. Bimini’s actually comprised of two islands: North Bimini and South Bimini.
What Caribbean island is closest to Florida?
The Bahamas
Located about 50 miles from Florida and easily accessible on nonstop flights, this 700-island archipelago is a prime spot for sun-soaked holidays that don’t break the bank.
What are the 7 Caribbean islands?
The Caribbean Islands
- Greater Antilles. the most-visited region in the Caribbean.
- Haiti. Port-au-Prince, capital city of Haiti.
- Leeward Islands. the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain.
- Guadeloupe. Basse-Terre, capital city of Guadeloupe.
- Saint Barthélemy.
- Sint Eustatius.
- Windward Islands.
- Martinique.
Do hurricanes hit the Florida Keys?
Since the mid-1800s, hurricanes have affected the Florida Keys in each of the six months that make up the hurricane season. However, truth be told, over 70% of all hurricanes that have swept through or near the Keys have occurred during the two months of September and October.
How hot is Florida Keys?
At Florida Keys Marathon International Airport, the summers are long, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy and the winters are short, comfortable, humid, windy, and mostly clear. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 65°F to 91°F and is rarely below 55°F or above 93°F.
What part of Florida is most tropical?
Despite its difficulty getting to, Loggerhead Key is by far the best tropical beach in all of Florida. Located in the Dry Tortugas National Park and only accessible by boat, this is the only beach where you feel like you are truly in the middle of the Caribbean.
Which Florida Key has the best beaches?
Bahia Honda State Park
1. Bahia Honda State Park Beaches. The sandy shores of Bahia Honda State Park are, far and away, the best beaches in the Florida Keys. These natural beaches are absolutely stunning.
Is it better to stay in Key Largo or Islamorada?
For those wishing for a more laidback, small-town vibe, Islamorada is the way to go; and for those wanting a more bustling, high-energy spot, Key Largo is where it’s at. Either way, travelers will find an amazing vacation destination that showcases the best of the beautiful Florida Keys.
What is the best month to visit the Florida Keys?
To enjoy the Florida Keys, Ft. Lauderdale, South Beach and the Everglades, the best time to visit to avoid the crowds is to come between June and August. Beaches are at their best between June and August while it’s best to head to Key West in January and May.
What side of Florida is better?
The waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast of Florida are, in general, known to have more wave action than the Gulf Coast. It means more opportunities for surfing (Kelly Slater grew up surfing this coast) and general water play for those looking for a vacation that includes a more active beach experience.
Where is the bluest water in Florida?
Surveys for the clearest water in Florida consistently rate Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast as Number One. This esteemed title of clarity includes Destin, Miramar Beach, all the picturesque coastal villages along South Walton’s Scenic 30A, and Panama City Beach. The water here is usually “swimming-pool clear”!
