credit: blueid_bbw via Flickr
The Keys and Key West, Florida are a hidden gem off the southern tip of Florida. Many travelers think of Daytona Beach, Destin, Orlando, and South Beach in Miami when they think of traveling to Florida. The Keys are a chain of small islands off the southern tip of Florida. I recently visited Marathon Key, and I had not been to the Keys in 10 years. It reminded me of what I have been missing. The sunrises and sunsets are breath-taking, and the ecological wildlife is like no other. From the dock of our condo, we saw stingrays, sea turtles, tarpon, and dolphin!
What To Do In The Keys
- Fishing: If you love to fish, The Keys is the place for you. You can bring your own boat, charter a fishing boat, or just fish off the shore. You’ll catch anything from Mahi-Mahi to Mangrove Snapper.
- Ecological Parks: There are many ecological parks that allow you to swim with dolphins, pet stingrays, view shark and sea turtles up close.
- Visit Key West: Key West is the last key of the chain of islands, and it is the most popular. Ernest Hemingway was a resident of Key West, and you can even tour the house he lived in. Key West is full of culture, and it’s a great place to eat great seafood or have a fun night out. The Southernmost tip of the United States is also located in Key West.
- Water Sports: If you are up for adventure, there are plenty of businesses that offer parasailing, jet ski rentals, scuba diving lessons, and snorkeling charters. The Keys has some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the world!
How To Get There
Key West has a small airport, but you will typically pay a lot more money to fly directly to Key West. I suggest flying to Miami International Airport and renting a hybrid car. Depending on which Key you stay, the drive from the airport will be about 45 minutes to 2 hours, but the scenery on the way is unbelievable. If you drive to Key West, you’ll cross the famous seven mile bridge, which is literally a bridge seven miles long that separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico.
Best Time To Go
Hurricane season is from June 1st to November 30th, but the peak hurricane season is during the months of August and September. You’ll take a risk of getting more rain during this time, but the prices may be cheapers at hotels and tourist attractions. March, April, and May boast the best months for weather in the Keys, but there really isn’t a bad time to visit. It just depends on how hot you’d like it to be while staying there.
So, have we convinced you to visit yet?
