Welcome to the Florida Keys: A Tropical Paradise Worth Exploring!
Welcome to the Florida Keys, a stunning tropical paradise made up of approximately 1,700 islands connected by the scenic 125-mile Overseas Highway and its 42 bridges. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, this unique island chain offers breathtaking water views, charming coastal communities, and unforgettable adventures from Key Largo to Key West. The islands themselves are remarkably narrow, ranging from less than half a mile to just a few miles wide, creating the feeling of being surrounded by turquoise water wherever you go.
Take a trip like no other to Dry Tortugas National Park!
One of the most unforgettable experiences in the Florida Keys is visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, located about 70 miles west of Key West. This remote tropical paradise is accessible only by ferry, seaplane, or private boat, making the journey part of the adventure.
For my visit, I chose the seaplane. It was one of the best travel decisions I made. While the ferry journey takes 2 ½ hours each way, the seaplane reaches the park in less than an hour, offering spectacular aerial views of the turquoise waters, coral reefs, and scattered shipwrecks along the way. If you're considering the seaplane, be sure to book your reservation well in advance, as seats fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
The Keys are divided into five distinct regions, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Key Largo is known as the "Diving Capital of the World," offering incredible snorkeling and scuba diving experiences in vibrant coral reefs. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first US undersea park and features the third-largest barrier reef in the world.
Islamorada is a haven for anglers and water sports enthusiasts, with world-class fishing and paddleboarding opportunities.
Marathon is perfect for families, featuring beautiful beaches, marine life encounters, and the famous Seven-Mile Bridge. Lunch stop MUST at the Keys Fisheries before 7 Mile Bridge; must get the Lobster Reuben sandwich or the Lobster Chowder and Key Lime Pie.
Big Pine Key & Lower Keys are the natural keys and a haven of wildlife, home to the adorable Key deer and peaceful nature preserves. Another quirky dining experience is the No Name Pub on Big Pine Key, and after eating, cross the bridge onto No Name Key to look for the tiny Key deer that live only in the Florida Keys.
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental US, which combines rich history, colorful architecture, and a famous quirky culture, the Ernest Hemingway Home, and unforgettable sunsets at Mallory Square. Bring your patience and check the event calendar to see if you are there during “Bone Island Bare It All” (look it up) or some other fantasy event. Who knows, you might like it.
Love to tour Key West! Here are your cool first stops ⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇
So Much To Do!
Key West City Tour via Train – a sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights
Southernmost Point in the US – take your iconic selfie where vibrant turquoise waters meet endless horizons
Tour Hemingway Home of Six-Toed Cats – step into the captivating world of Ernest Hemingway, where you'll encounter the famous six-toed cats amidst the charm of the author's former residence
Tour Truman Little White House – formerly Harry S. Truman’s winter White House, visit Florida’s only Presidential Museum and delve into the rich legacy of Truman & American politics
Key West Sunset Cruise – experience a famous Key West sunset aboard a catamaran, sipping on refreshing drinks as you soak in the captivating colors of the evening sky
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – walk through thousands of butterflies
The Key West Lighthouse - climb 88 spiral iron steps to the top observation deck for a 360-degree panoramic view of Key West
Sunset at Mallory Square - vibrant street performers (bring cash tips), local artisans, and panoramic views of the sun dipping below the Gulf of Mexico
Places To Eat!
Moondog Café breakfast - hearty breakfasts, flaky croissants, and excellent coffee
La Grignote artisan French bakery - Eggs Benedict, say no more
Iconic Sloppy Joe's Bar – get the Original Sloppy Joe Sandwich and either a Sloppy Rita or the Sloppy's Key Lime Drink. And a T-shirt.
Square Grouper Key West – hands down the best seafood around! Conch, octopus, butternut squash soup, Snapper, Filet with Grilled Shrimp, coconut shrimp paired with their Asian sweet chili sauce, or try the whole yellowtail snapper fried to perfection with an Asian twist. And of course, key lime pie! No reservations; lunch starts at 11:30, and supper hours start at 5:00.
Blue Heaven – eccentric, outdoor seating, live music, and free-roaming roosters’ atmosphere is why you come to Key West. Two service times, but the bar is open longer. Try the banana bread, pancakes, lobster Benedict, surf and turf Benedict or any surf and turf like fillet
Take the Key Lime Pie Challenge!
Looking for the perfect tangy, sweet-but-not-too-sweet, silky-smooth filling and a delicious graham cracker crust. Bonus points for pie uniqueness and location atmosphere. Here are my Top 5:
#1 Square Grouper: classic, perfect sweet balance, tangy, silky-smooth filling
#2 Key Fisheries: tangy and sweet, delicious crust, cheesecake texture
#3 La Grignote Cafe & Bakery: rich, buttery crust and a perfectly tart filling
#4 Moondog Café: fun, vibrant atmosphere, with graham cracker crust, acidic tart filling with a fluffy toasted meringue
#5 Blue Heaven: winner for atmosphere, with an outdoor festival-beachy seating area, walls of art, and roosters. The pie is a towering, mile-high, arty torched meringue that stands 6” tall, while photo-worthily it is kind of bland.
