Florida Keys
Breath-taking underwater views, balmy tropical weather, and an abundance of sunshine are everything that makes the Florida Keys the Caribbean of the US.
The Florida Keys is an archipelago located past the southern end of Florida in the United States of America. The Keys extend south from Miami to Key West (one of the islands), dividing the Gulf of Mexico in the northwest from the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
The group of islands lies along the Florida Straits and on the edge of Florida Bay. The Florida Keys boasts the world’s third-largest barrier reef system: the Florida Reef, which runs along the edge of the Florida Straits. The reef extends from Soldier Key in the east to just south of Marquesas Keys.
Forested highlands and interior wetlands make up part of the Florida Keys, while the upper and middle Keys comprise a fossilized reef: the Key Largo Limestone.
The Florida Keys have a tropical wet and dry climate similar to that of the Caribbean.
There are two dominant seasons: hot and rainy (June to October) and dry (November to April). During the hot and rainy months, temperatures are highest in July and August, with average highs of 33°C (90°F) and average lows of 27°C (81°F).
The best to visit the Florida Keys is during the cooler months; late April to early June and November to mid-December. The weather is temperate, sunny and there is little chance of rain and hurricanes; average highs are 26°C (75°F), and average lows are 16 C (60°F).
Fresh seafood and tasty desserts are some of the foods to indulge in when visiting the Florida Keys.
Lobsters tacos are a must-try. The Key Largo Conch House Restaurant & Coffee Bar serves the best.
Treat yourself to the popular Key lime pie at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory.
The swordfish, lobster and escargot at Chef Michael’s in Islamorada are the best in the Keys.
Lazy Days prepares the best grouper and crab cakes. What’s more, if you bring a catch from your fishing trip, they will cook it for you according to your specifications.
The hogfish at Keys Fisheries in marathon and conch at Louie’s Backyard in Key West are local favorites and dishes you can’t miss out on.
If seafood doesn’t excite your palette, there are plenty of other eateries in the Florida Keys to visit.
Things to do for families
Snorkel at the Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park boasts the best beach in the Florida Keys.
Take a dip in the pristine waters of the gulf and the ocean bordering the stretch of land on either side. In some areas, the water is shallow enough for kids to swim in, and there is ample space to play around on the beach.
As for snorkelling, a gorgeous reef resides not too far from the beach, for which you won’t need a guided tour to explore if you’re not up for one.
Indulge in Key Lime pie and other sweet treats at Key Largo Chocolates
Ice cream, chocolates, sorbet, and key lime pie are the sweet treats this popular spot has to offer. If you’re looking to kill some time with the family or spoil the young ones with desserts, this spot is prime.
Take a boat tour of Key West with Wild About Dolphins in Key West
A tour of Key West is a sure way to entertain the whole family. While out on the water, you will have the chance to come across and watch dolphins frolicking in their playground and observe diverse bird species. The tour also includes a picnic, an exploration of backcountry islands and deserted beaches, snorkeling shallow reefs, and lessons about dolphins’ healing and scientific nature.
Tour Marathon Key’s Turtle Hospital
This is one activity that isn’t touristy but is both entertaining and educational. Ideal for the entire family, especially for children who enjoy interactive activities and are curious by nature. At the turtle hospital, visitors can learn about rehabilitating rescued sea turtles while observing and feeding them.
Take some pictures at the Southernmost Point landmark in Key West
Make your family vacation to the Florida Keys unforgettable by posing for and taking some photos at the Southernmost Point of the Continental US.
Get up close and personal with marine life at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
With activities for all ages, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters can be the highlight of any family’s trip. Swim with and encounter marine life like stingrays and sharks in a habitat that mimics their natural environment or feeds fish and turtles.
Water sports & ocean activities with Fury Water Adventures Key West
From glass-bottom boat tours to parasailing, there are unlimited opportunities for fun and entertainment for the whole family. There are a variety of other options too like kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin watching.
Things to do for adults and couples
Walk Duval Street in Key West | Couples & Adults
Duval Street has a little bit of everything for everyone. From bars with unique aesthetics that serve various drinks, which are sure to entertain visitors, to shops that sell anything from high-end fashion to souvenirs.
Take a Jet Ski tour of Key West | Couples & Adults
Explore the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean by Jet Ski.
Go on a sunset cruise with Schooner Appledore | Couples & Adults
It’s said a Key West sunset is like no other. Embarking on a boat and going out on the water in Key West is a must-do for anyone looking for a little bit of fun and complete relaxation. With wine, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and seafood as complementary offerings, it’s sure to be a memorable (or romantic) trip.
Scuba dive at Molasses Reef | Couples & Adults
About six miles from Key Largo, travelers will find one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Florida Keys. Molasses Reef is home to beautiful living coral and tropical fish. Divers could encounter the gigantic goliath grouper that lives in those waters as well. Guided tours are available for anyone seeking to take on this underwater adventure.
Snorkel at the Dry Tortugas National Park | Couples & Adults
The abundant and vast Florida Reef makes for the best snorkelling experience in the US. For the ultimate adventure, take a boat or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. Once there, explore the shallow crystal-clear waters filled with majestic corals and exotic tropical fish.
Tour the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory | Couple & Adults
A magical spot in Key West for viewing flamingos, colorful birds, turtles, and stunning winged creatures, and basking in the beauty of flowering plants and cascading waterfalls.
Go stand-up paddleboarding at night | Couples & Adults
With only the lights on your paddleboard to see around, bask in the stillness of the ocean at night and the glimmering stars overhead.
Sunbathe at Bahia Honda State Park | Adults
Stunning beaches are hard to come by in the Florida Keys, but one stands out from the rest. The Bahia Honda State Park is prime for relaxation under the sun with its pristine waters and white sand beaches.
Watch the sunset on a private yacht with Sunset Sail Key West | Couples
Explore the shimmering waters of Key West with your significant other on a private cruise without any bothersome crowds and watch the sun retreat into the horizon.
Scuba Diving and snorkelling in Key Largo
If you’re looking for the best scuba diving or snorkelling adventure, look no further than Key Largo—a.k.a. the diving capital of the world. A scuba diving experience will be nothing short of memorable in Key Largo’s pristine waters and with the diverse marine life. For the best experience, go scuba diving and snorkelling when the sun is at its peak. The visibility will be better, allowing you to see more underwater.
Florida Keys Island Fest
This local festival features ‘Taste of Islamorada’ where the best chef’s in the area showcase mouth-watering island dishes. There are also fine art displays, live performances and exciting activities for the young and the young at heart.
Sunset cruises in Key West
Enjoy the renowned Key West sunset while cruising past local landmarks. Schooner Appledore offers the best cruises with complimentary cocktail shrimp and hors d’oeuvres, champagne, sangria, premium beer or your choice of non-alcoholic beverages.
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing enthusiasts will love this activity, and those who want to try out sport fishing can have some fun as well. Islamorada is the ideal place for the best catch in the Florida Keys. After a day spent fishing, bring your catch to a restaurant like Lazy Days, and they will cook it up for you as desired.
The Southernmost food tasting and cultural walking tour
Explore Key West with your palette and by foot on one of the best tours in the area. Not only will you have the chance to learn about Key West’s history, but you can also sample local delicacies influenced by the Caribbean and Cuban cuisine.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The dwelling of the renowned American writer, Ernest Hemingway, transformed into a museum to immortalize his legacy. The house is located in Key West and is famous because of Hemingway and the so-called Hemingway cats.
The History of Diving Museum
A museum in Islamorada housing the largest and most comprehensive collection of diving materials in the world. The contributions to the selection include armored suits, diving helmets, and memorabilia from over 30 countries.
The Key West museum of art and history at the custom-house (‘Old 91’)
A restored civic building with a great history. From the operating base of postal workers and customs officers to an award-winning museum. Historical events, art, and history are fused on the two exhibition floors to create a timeline for two centuries.
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
A parrot refuge in Key West was named after Nancy Forrester, a well-known environmental activist. Visitors can learn about parrots and nature, tap into their creativity or have a pleasant picnic.
Mallory Square
The popular attraction for the Sunset Celebration, a night-time festival where visitors from all over the world bask in the sunset of Key West. It is not only a chance to view a breath-taking sunset but also to explore arts and crafts exhibitions, watch street performances and indulge in local food.
Southernmost Point of the Continental US
This concrete buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental United States in Key West is one of the most photo-friendly locations in the Keys.
Duval Street
Lively watering holes and endless food choices, striking fashion and inviting shops make Duval Street the place to be in Key West.
The Florida Keys is an archipelago located past the southern end of Florida in the United States of America. The Keys extend south from Miami to Key West (one of the islands), dividing the Gulf of Mexico in the northwest from the Atlantic Ocean in the east.
The group of islands lies along the Florida Straits and on the edge of Florida Bay. The Florida Keys boasts the world’s third-largest barrier reef system: the Florida Reef, which runs along the edge of the Florida Straits. The reef extends from Soldier Key in the east to just south of Marquesas Keys.
Forested highlands and interior wetlands make up part of the Florida Keys, while the upper and middle Keys comprise a fossilized reef: the Key Largo Limestone.
The Florida Keys have a tropical wet and dry climate similar to that of the Caribbean.
There are two dominant seasons: hot and rainy (June to October) and dry (November to April). During the hot and rainy months, temperatures are highest in July and August, with average highs of 33°C (90°F) and average lows of 27°C (81°F).
The best to visit the Florida Keys is during the cooler months; late April to early June and November to mid-December. The weather is temperate, sunny and there is little chance of rain and hurricanes; average highs are 26°C (75°F), and average lows are 16 C (60°F).
Fresh seafood and tasty desserts are some of the foods to indulge in when visiting the Florida Keys.
Lobsters tacos are a must-try. The Key Largo Conch House Restaurant & Coffee Bar serves the best.
Treat yourself to the popular Key lime pie at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory.
The swordfish, lobster and escargot at Chef Michael’s in Islamorada are the best in the Keys.
Lazy Days prepares the best grouper and crab cakes. What’s more, if you bring a catch from your fishing trip, they will cook it for you according to your specifications.
The hogfish at Keys Fisheries in marathon and conch at Louie’s Backyard in Key West are local favorites and dishes you can’t miss out on.
If seafood doesn’t excite your palette, there are plenty of other eateries in the Florida Keys to visit.
Things to do for families
Snorkel at the Bahia Honda State Park
Bahia Honda State Park boasts the best beach in the Florida Keys.
Take a dip in the pristine waters of the gulf and the ocean bordering the stretch of land on either side. In some areas, the water is shallow enough for kids to swim in, and there is ample space to play around on the beach.
As for snorkelling, a gorgeous reef resides not too far from the beach, for which you won’t need a guided tour to explore if you’re not up for one.
Indulge in Key Lime pie and other sweet treats at Key Largo Chocolates
Ice cream, chocolates, sorbet, and key lime pie are the sweet treats this popular spot has to offer. If you’re looking to kill some time with the family or spoil the young ones with desserts, this spot is prime.
Take a boat tour of Key West with Wild About Dolphins in Key West
A tour of Key West is a sure way to entertain the whole family. While out on the water, you will have the chance to come across and watch dolphins frolicking in their playground and observe diverse bird species. The tour also includes a picnic, an exploration of backcountry islands and deserted beaches, snorkeling shallow reefs, and lessons about dolphins’ healing and scientific nature.
Tour Marathon Key’s Turtle Hospital
This is one activity that isn’t touristy but is both entertaining and educational. Ideal for the entire family, especially for children who enjoy interactive activities and are curious by nature. At the turtle hospital, visitors can learn about rehabilitating rescued sea turtles while observing and feeding them.
Take some pictures at the Southernmost Point landmark in Key West
Make your family vacation to the Florida Keys unforgettable by posing for and taking some photos at the Southernmost Point of the Continental US.
Get up close and personal with marine life at Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
With activities for all ages, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters can be the highlight of any family’s trip. Swim with and encounter marine life like stingrays and sharks in a habitat that mimics their natural environment or feeds fish and turtles.
Water sports & ocean activities with Fury Water Adventures Key West
From glass-bottom boat tours to parasailing, there are unlimited opportunities for fun and entertainment for the whole family. There are a variety of other options too like kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin watching.
Things to do for adults and couples
Walk Duval Street in Key West | Couples & Adults
Duval Street has a little bit of everything for everyone. From bars with unique aesthetics that serve various drinks, which are sure to entertain visitors, to shops that sell anything from high-end fashion to souvenirs.
Take a Jet Ski tour of Key West | Couples & Adults
Explore the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean by Jet Ski.
Go on a sunset cruise with Schooner Appledore | Couples & Adults
It’s said a Key West sunset is like no other. Embarking on a boat and going out on the water in Key West is a must-do for anyone looking for a little bit of fun and complete relaxation. With wine, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and seafood as complementary offerings, it’s sure to be a memorable (or romantic) trip.
Scuba dive at Molasses Reef | Couples & Adults
About six miles from Key Largo, travelers will find one of the best scuba diving destinations in the Florida Keys. Molasses Reef is home to beautiful living coral and tropical fish. Divers could encounter the gigantic goliath grouper that lives in those waters as well. Guided tours are available for anyone seeking to take on this underwater adventure.
Snorkel at the Dry Tortugas National Park | Couples & Adults
The abundant and vast Florida Reef makes for the best snorkelling experience in the US. For the ultimate adventure, take a boat or seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park. Once there, explore the shallow crystal-clear waters filled with majestic corals and exotic tropical fish.
Tour the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory | Couple & Adults
A magical spot in Key West for viewing flamingos, colorful birds, turtles, and stunning winged creatures, and basking in the beauty of flowering plants and cascading waterfalls.
Go stand-up paddleboarding at night | Couples & Adults
With only the lights on your paddleboard to see around, bask in the stillness of the ocean at night and the glimmering stars overhead.
Sunbathe at Bahia Honda State Park | Adults
Stunning beaches are hard to come by in the Florida Keys, but one stands out from the rest. The Bahia Honda State Park is prime for relaxation under the sun with its pristine waters and white sand beaches.
Watch the sunset on a private yacht with Sunset Sail Key West | Couples
Explore the shimmering waters of Key West with your significant other on a private cruise without any bothersome crowds and watch the sun retreat into the horizon.
Scuba Diving and snorkelling in Key Largo
If you’re looking for the best scuba diving or snorkelling adventure, look no further than Key Largo—a.k.a. the diving capital of the world. A scuba diving experience will be nothing short of memorable in Key Largo’s pristine waters and with the diverse marine life. For the best experience, go scuba diving and snorkelling when the sun is at its peak. The visibility will be better, allowing you to see more underwater.
Florida Keys Island Fest
This local festival features ‘Taste of Islamorada’ where the best chef’s in the area showcase mouth-watering island dishes. There are also fine art displays, live performances and exciting activities for the young and the young at heart.
Sunset cruises in Key West
Enjoy the renowned Key West sunset while cruising past local landmarks. Schooner Appledore offers the best cruises with complimentary cocktail shrimp and hors d’oeuvres, champagne, sangria, premium beer or your choice of non-alcoholic beverages.
Fishing in Islamorada
Fishing enthusiasts will love this activity, and those who want to try out sport fishing can have some fun as well. Islamorada is the ideal place for the best catch in the Florida Keys. After a day spent fishing, bring your catch to a restaurant like Lazy Days, and they will cook it up for you as desired.
The Southernmost food tasting and cultural walking tour
Explore Key West with your palette and by foot on one of the best tours in the area. Not only will you have the chance to learn about Key West’s history, but you can also sample local delicacies influenced by the Caribbean and Cuban cuisine.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The dwelling of the renowned American writer, Ernest Hemingway, transformed into a museum to immortalize his legacy. The house is located in Key West and is famous because of Hemingway and the so-called Hemingway cats.
The History of Diving Museum
A museum in Islamorada housing the largest and most comprehensive collection of diving materials in the world. The contributions to the selection include armored suits, diving helmets, and memorabilia from over 30 countries.
The Key West museum of art and history at the custom-house (‘Old 91’)
A restored civic building with a great history. From the operating base of postal workers and customs officers to an award-winning museum. Historical events, art, and history are fused on the two exhibition floors to create a timeline for two centuries.
Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden
A parrot refuge in Key West was named after Nancy Forrester, a well-known environmental activist. Visitors can learn about parrots and nature, tap into their creativity or have a pleasant picnic.
Mallory Square
The popular attraction for the Sunset Celebration, a night-time festival where visitors from all over the world bask in the sunset of Key West. It is not only a chance to view a breath-taking sunset but also to explore arts and crafts exhibitions, watch street performances and indulge in local food.
Southernmost Point of the Continental US
This concrete buoy marking the southernmost point of the continental United States in Key West is one of the most photo-friendly locations in the Keys.
Duval Street
Lively watering holes and endless food choices, striking fashion and inviting shops make Duval Street the place to be in Key West.
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