One of the most beautiful and singular archipelagos in the world, the Florida Keys provide exotic vacation excitement within easy reach of Miami. As a result, the 1,700 strong island chain in the Florida Straits, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, is a peerless tropical paradise on the edge of the continental United States.
Key West, the notable past and present home of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Jimmy Buffett and currently, about 33% of the Keys population of 80,000, deserves all the press and love. However, other islands in the chain are worth a visit as you make your way down the splendid Overseas Highway portion of U.S. 1. So in addition to the “Conch Republic”, here is a breakdown of the Florida Keys from north to south.
East of the sleepy town of Homestead and the UNESCO World Heritage Everglades, Biscayne National Park is in effect, the primary tip of the Florida Keys. The myriad visitors who come to Biscayne every year often pack scuba dive and snorkel gear. No wonder: the coral reef inside the maritime park contains a kaleidoscope of plant and sea life, such as plump, serene manatees for example.
Ever since the classic 1948 John Huston film of the same name, with such icon stars as Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Lauren Bacall and Lionel Barrymore, Key Largo has been on the mainstream map. The fact that the actors never set foot on the island never seems to bother anyone much. Key Largo is a terrific destination, for intrepid ecotourists or those who simply want to kick back under the sun.
For the sake of civic organization and perhaps, tax collection, village incorporation among disparate regions, such as the Florida Keys, became rather important decades ago. Islamorada, which counts Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key, is one supreme example. With only 7,000 inhabitants, the “town” is small but contains some of the most photogenic islands in the Keys and some of the best spots in North America to snorkel, scuba and fish.
One of the central islands in the Florida Keys, Long Key is a magnet for people who want to visit a wonderful State Park of the same name. The rich saltwater confines of Long Key State Park support a brilliant variety of fish, birds, trees and diverse marine life.
With a modest population of under 500, the few who do live in Duck Key must feel rather fortunate. The island on the Atlantic Ocean side of U.S. 1 has one resort which has been popular with Hollywood celebs in the past.
Another village incorporation in the Florida Keys, Marathon has a resident population of about 10,000 and includes the islands of Knight’s Key, Boot Key, Key Vaca, Fat Deer Key, Long Point Key, Crawl Key and Grassy Key. As such, the “city” owns much of the inherent charm in the Keys, from Sombrero Country Club to several upscale beach resorts.
Pigeon Key is a small island off the old Seven Mile Bridge, near the town of Marathon and a virtual ghost town. What remains of the once tiny town on Pigeon Key now resides on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Ideal for terrific recreational pursuits in a remarkable environment, Bahia Honda State Park takes up most of Bahia Honda Key. The protected 2.1 km? swath of landscape, in addition to proximate maritime areas, is known for deep natural channels, reefs, tidal lagoons and occasions to commune with rays, nurse sharks, barracudas and a wide range of exotic birds.
A mere 145 km from Havana, Cuba, Key West is about as different as any place one can find in the United States of America. The vibe is famously laid-back and lively, with a slew of great restaurants and bars in the Duval Street area and gorgeous Historic District. Once a haven for Hemingway and Williams, the district has some notable landmarks and architecture to explore.
Key West also has some great museums, from the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum to Hemingway’s former estate. Annual festivals and events include Key West Race Week in January, Taste of Key West in April and a Cuban-American Heritage Festival in June. The most popular event in Key West however, is the raucous Fantasy Fest held every October.
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Great post. Next week I am planning to visit Miami for vacation with family. After reading this post, I am going to add Key West on to visit list. Specially I am planning on visiting National park, Key Largo and Long Key. I have heard about glass bottom boat tour, is it in Key Largo?