As a capital for sportfishing, boating, scuba diving, and seafood, the Florida Keys is the perfect place to get a taste of tropical Florida. Islamorada is known as the sportsfishing capital of the world, hosting the largest fishing fleet per square mile in the world.
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What makes the Florida Keys special?
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.
What is the most popular Florida Key?
Key West
Key West. Easily the most famous of the Florida Keys, there’s a reason why Key West is the most popular destination in the Keys. With everything from gorgeous historical buildings (like Hemingway’s Home) to bumping nightlife and great food, a stop here is a no-brainer.
Why do people love the Florida Keys?
The waters around the Keys play host to some of the world’s most gorgeous coral reefs. And with countless commercial outfits offering snorkeling tours, it couldn’t be easier to get out and enjoy the underwater scenery. We decided to go with a tour company operating out of John Pennekamp State Park.
Why you should visit the Florida Keys?
The Keys are famous for their white sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters and friendly locals, you’ll find all these qualities and more at the Island Bay Resort in Key Largo, the first and largest Key you’ll hit from mainland Miami.
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.
What are the 7 Keys in Florida?
The Meddle Keys are…of course in the center section of the Florida Keys, where the Marathon group of islands and the Historic Pigeon Key.
- Craig Key.
- Fiesta Key.
- Long Key.
- Conch Key.
- Duck Key.
- Grassy Key.
- *The Marathon Islands are comprised by Grassy, Crawl, Long Point, Fat Deer, Shelter, Boot, Vaca, and Knight’s Keys)
Are there overwater bungalows in the Florida Keys?
Unfortunately there are no overwater bungalows in Florida, or anywhere else in the USA for that matter, as these are specialist buildings that need certain conditions to be structural viable – conditions which can be common in the likes of The Maldives or Bora Bora but sadly not in the Florida Keys.
Which Florida Key has the clearest water?
Fort Zachary Taylor Park Beach, Key West
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is a National Historic Landmark that offers some of the clearest blue waters for snorkeling and diving in Key West.
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.
IS Key West worth the money?
So, is Key West worth visiting? Yes, it is because you can experience and enjoy so many different activities here and it’s a great location for adults and children. In Key West you can enjoy beautiful beaches and sunsets, discover local wildlife and immerse yourself in maritime, literary and political history.
IS Key West expensive to visit?
A vacation to Key West for one week usually costs around $1,192 for one person. So, a trip to Key West for two people costs around $2,383 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs $4,767 in Key West.
What is the vibe of Key West?
Closer to Cuba than mainland Florida, visiting Key West feels a million miles from the rest of the USA. The island’s boisterous history, free-spirited outlook and unique “Floribbean” vibe are powerful draws for all kinds of visitors, whether you’re into water-sports, night-life, nature, or art.
What makes Key West Special?
Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architechture.
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.
Are Florida Keys Safe?
The crime rate in the Florida Keys is low but you should still use common sense when exploring Key West, especially at night and around hectic Duval Street and Mallory Square. Be cautious if you go into the water as well; be sure to heed all flags and warning from authorities.
What is the Islamorada Hump?
The Islamorada Hump (AKA “The Hump”) is a very popular fishing spot in the Upper Florida Keys. The Hump is a large underwater mountain (seamount), that projects upward. The ocean current collides with the mountain and creates a nice upwelling that traps baitfish which attracts predators.
Are there alligators in Key West?
American Alligators are very rare in the Keys since they do not like high salinity water. They are generally limited to the few islands here with permanent freshwater lakes such as Big Pine Key where the fresh/brackish water blue hole is, but our canals and beaches are too salty for them.
Can you drink on the street in Key West?
Key West, Florida
Alright, so drinking alcohol in public is not technically legal in Key West (contrary to popular belief), but as long as it is in a plastic cup or a to go cup you should be good, or at worse given a verbal warning. Just make sure not to act too rowdy or cause any trouble.
What keys are closest to Key West?
Next to Key West, Islamorada, or “Purple Island,” is undoubtedly the archipelago’s most popular key. Just a 90-minute drive from Miami, it’s also a perfect stopping point on the way down.
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.