Florida Keys, Florida Keys Travel Guide

Known for their beautiful beaches, laid-back lifestyle and some of the world’s best sport fishing and diving, the Florida Keys are an island group of around 1700 islands just south of Miami. The Florida Keys are all accessed and inter-linked by the Overseas Highway from the mainland. The Keys are home to unique animal and plant species such as dwarf deer and the Key Largo Woodrat. The waters surrounding the archipelago are protected by a marine sanctuary and contain many aquatic species and coral reef.

The islands are categorized in groups of Upper, Middle and Lower Keys. Beginning at Key Largo, the Upper Keys are where tourists will find a wider variety of accommodation, shopping, dining and nightlife. The Middle Keys and Lower Keys feature a more quiet and remote atmosphere. Key Largo is the first Key reached on the Overseas Highway and is home to the underwater Christ of the Abyss statue, which can be observed by divers and snorkelers. Another of the larger Keys, Big Pine is where tourists can see the knee-high whitetail deer. Islamorada Key is touted as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World” as well as a popular diving spot. Located on Vaca Key, Marathon is popular for its tourist amenities and facilities as well as the Seven-Mile Bridge. At the southernmost point of the United States is Key West, which features the former home of author, Ernest Hemingway.

In addition to the beaches, diving and snorkeling, the Florida Keys offer botanical gardens, a variety of museums, family attractions like the Theater of the Sea, and several outstanding state and national parks where tourists can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.