The Florida Keys consists of Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys and Key West island. The chain is 120 miles long and takes 3 1/2 hours to drive by car from the mainland of Florida. The drive on U.S. Route 1, which changes to the Overseas Highway once you hit the Keys, offers breathtaking views. But you can travel to the keys by plane, train, boat or Greyhound as well.
Driving will give you a chance to visit the different islands andstop on the Overseas Highway to take pictures. You will see the aqua water of the Gulf on your right and the deep blue water of the Atlantic on your left. Stop and talk to the many fishermen along the bridges.
Greyhound makes stops along the way, beginning at Miami International Airport and ending in Key West. Call 1-(800)-231-2222 or (305)-296-9072.
Amtrak will get you to Miami; you'll transfer to the Keys Shuttle bus. Call Amtrak: 1-800-USARAIL.
Key West Express is a ferry service that can be accessed at Ft. Myers Beach or Marco Island. It docks at the Bight Ferry Terminal in Key West. Call 1-(888)-539-2628.
Private boats can travel the Intracoastal Waterway. Check with a marina for further information.
Fly to Marathon on Florida Coastal Airlines or SeaCoast Airlines and pick up a shuttle bus or rental car.
You can fly into Key West International Airport from a variety of Florida cities.
Each island has a variety of facilities and accommodations for families and couples. On Key Largo, consider Largo Lodge, Marina Del Mar Resort and Marina, Ocean Pointe Suites and the Pelican Hotel. Islamorada, Marathon, and the Lower Keys have many guest houses and bed-and-breakfast inns. Key West offers many places to stay. Consider Atlantic Bay Resort, Bay Cove Motel, Coconut Palm Inn and Island Bay Resorts. A link is provided to all lodging available on all the islands.
Try hiking, paddling, snorkeling or diving to experience the nature of the Keys. See coral formations, mangrove cuckoos, herons, sea turtles, sharks and tropical plants. While diving you will see natural coral formations and marine life. Most dive sites are a short boat ride from the islands. Or you can hire a charter boat and fish for tarpon, barracuda, grouper, snapper, bone fish and Spanish mackerel, to name only a few. Anglers can also fish off the bridges. Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and John James Audubon drew inspiration from the Keys. Visit the galleries, community plays, festivals and symphony orchestras.
Visit Key West and the Hemingway home. Stop at the southern most point and watch the sunset. Lunch on fresh fish. Rent a scooter and travel the island, but be careful of all the chickens and roosters who may block traffic during a cockfight. Key West is a laid-back area, so dress comfortably and enjoy the interesting shops.
Take your time and soak it in. The Florida Keys is filled with nature, art, and beauty galore. Enjoy each island, whether you stay overnight or just spend the day.
