There are So Many Things to do in Key West! Visitors to Key West will find lots of things to do, from water sports, sunset cruises, fishing, snorkeling, diving and exploring Old Town and Duval Street. It’s such a great vacation spot for so many reasons, including world class salt water fishing, scuba diving the wrecks and coral reef, or just hanging out on Duval Street for shopping, dining, bars and entertainment if your’e a land lubber. If you’re on land for the day, discover Key West’s past history of pirates, wrecking, US Naval history, Ernest Hemingway, and Cuban culture, all of which have been interwoven into today’s Key West. Venturing Outside of Key West If you crave an adventure and are willing to leave Key West for a day, a day trip to Dry Tortugas is a must. Built in the 1900s as a military structure for border defense, Fort Jefferson still stands today on what is known as the Dry Tortugas, a collection of small islands way out to sea. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas are accessible by ferry out of Key West, with return trip same day. You can arrange to be left at the fort overnight for some tropical camping. Tents can be set up near the beach outside of the fort walls. A few rangers are there on the island as well. Getting to Dry Tortugas Take the Yankee Freedom, which leaves from docks at Key West’s Historic Seaport area. Dropoff point for the ferry is behind the Half Shell Raw Bar, next to Turtle Kraals restaurant. There is no designated parking for Dry Tortugas visitors- you’ll have to either be dropped off or allow time to park your car in one of Key West’s public parking garages. The ferry leaves at 8:30, but don’t worry, you can just roll out of bed and hop onto the ferry. They serve breakfast! In fact, the price of your ferry ticket covers much more than just the two-hour ride out to the Dry Tortugas. You get breakfast waiting for you once you board in the morning. You get a very knowledgeable naturalist tourguide to accompany you and who gives instructional talks on the way out. She’ll also give a guided tour of Fort Jefferson once you get there, too. Then she may set up her telescope so everyone can look through and see birds nesting on the smaller island surrounding the biggest island of the Dry Tortugas, which is the one where you’ll be exploring the fort. You also get lunch, served aboard the docked ferry, at midday. They also supply you with plenty of bottled water. The ride home, you get to pourchase beer and snacks. And boy, will you be hungry after all that exploring, snorkeling, walking around the fort, the moat, and taking in the beautiful views from atop the fort walls, over the turquoise flats waters. Don’t forget to look for the lighthouse while you’re up on the fort walls.



By: jamiehanson

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Sprinkling off the southwest coast of Florida, the sandy gems known as the Keys agreement one exciting opportunity after another for vacationers in seek of stimulation and relaxation. The islands stretch for 120 miles, and within that span you’ll find art, annals, music, wilderness, and as much birth beauty as your senses can grip. Each island has its own distinctive qualities, but you’ll find that they all assign the ability to impress and charm someone wise enough to stray from the mainland.

Key Largo, the northernmost island, is a great place to launch your tour of the Keys. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, this vicinity of land and sea will provide underwater explorers access to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as Spiegel Grove, a 510 foot recessed fleet liner. Sport fishing is also a prevalent attraction, so plan for an experienced head to take you out for a spin if you have your core set on reeling in an exotic hitch. Key Largo’s close proximity to the Everglades make eco-tours exciting prospects, and kayakers with a honey for the environment can be seen paddling all around the grassy marshland.

Next in line is Islamorada. Though ocean fishing is an activity regular in all the Keys, Islamorada claims the label of Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Reel in a sailfish, tuna, tarpon, or bonefish, or just watchdog the saltwater hunters do their thing. Diving, too, is popular here, as the coral reef winds its way all around this enchanting line of islands. Islamorada has a few glory parks for your enjoyment, and enough of shops and galleries that assuredly limit the whole souvenir.

Marathon is the Heart of the Keys, and offers up bounty of reasons to make it a priceless addition to respite of its sisters. An airport and hospice give it a fresh, useful feel, but there are tons of light-hearted diversions to keep you reaction calm. Sombrero Reef is a haven for snorkelers, Crane Point Hammock holds 64 acres of museums and a sort core, and the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital take control of the naval animals that make their home in Marathon. Spend sometime enjoying the amazing conditions for ocean activities in Boot Key Harbor, and then last your journey to the next textbook island.

The Lower Keys have a quieter request, but still deal enough to see and do. Bahia Honda State Park on the Key of the same name is considered one of the most striking beaches around, and Little Duck Key home to Veterans Memorial Park. Big Pine Key has the best shopping in the quarter, and it also exists as a shelter for Key Deer, the tiny and delicate creatures who add another fascinating allocate to the already entrancing atmosphere of the Lower Keys. This is an ultimate sphere to set up a tent or rent a leave home, as its uncultivated land and stunning sunsets make it fully appealing.

Finally, at the end of the line you’ll find the major personality of all, Key West. Home to Ernest Hemingway, a healthful artistic society, and festivals galore, this fun-loving shelter from negativity is the place to be for everyone looking to enhance their lust for life. Whether you feel like sipping a margarita on Duval Street or raising your hands to the nightfall on Mallory Square, you’ll feel comfortable and embraced by the diverse population that inhabits and visits the most open-minded Key. Anywhere you rest along the sprawling collection of comfy islands will reception you to lengthy down for a while and eavesdrop to the sounds of sweet contentment. Stay active or stretch out on the smooth, no one will be judging you for putting your own safety first and actually enjoying your hard-earned rest. On this message, be effective to choose a place to sojourn that will emphasize the education of the Keys; nurse manually right and stopover comfortable.

Renting a vacation home might be the perfect way to transfer out these goals. Crowding resorts and boring lodge rooms might be unavoidable sometimes, but the Florida Keys have several different choices. Reserving an oceanfront condo in Key Largo or a secluded shore hut on its own little island will give you the destiny to truly refuge from the outer world, reconnect with your nomadic companion, and enjoy the glorious surroundings as they are doomed to be enjoyed.



By: John Singleson

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We have our own little taste of the Caribbean here in Florida known as the Florida Keys. The Keys stretch over 110 miles from Key Largo, considered the first ‘Key’, down to Key West. The gateway to the Keys is Key Largo, it is only an hours drive from the two major airports in South Florida and is considered by the locals to be the “diving capital of the World”. While that may be a little biased, Key Largo is known as both an excellent place to dive and also to go Sport Fishing.

Islamorada is actually made up of six different islands and is also a great place to dive and go sportfishing. While you’re there be sure to check out the newly opened History of Diving Museum or the Theater of the Sea Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.

Next is Marathon, the midpoint of the Keys, it is a ten mile long city and called ” the heart of the Keys” by the locals, it’s also where you’ll find one of the only two airports in the Keys, the other is in Key West. Just a few miles offshore here is North America’s only living coral reef, so again fill up those diving tanks and have some fun.

Big Pine Key is the start of the “Lower Keys” and home of the endangered and adorable Key Deer. The Lower Keys are known for their many RV Parks, campgrounds, licensed vacation homes and smaller quaint resorts. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area is here too, stop in and enjoy the wildlife or relax on their white sand beach.

A mere 90 miles from Cuba lies Key West, the Southern most point in the U.S. Lummas Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida much less the Keys. You can snorkel, sail, and fish here, and that’s only a beginning. Land lovers can shop until they drop, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square and party all night on Duval Street in Key West.

With no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Key West offers plentiful options for indoor or outdoor dining. The bars on Duval Street are as famous as Bourbon street in New Orleans there is even a term they use when you’ve partied a little to much and are stumbling into a cab it’s called the ‘Duval Crawl’. If you end up doing it you’re in good company Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Sloppy Joe’s and his picture is up on the wall there. You can also go to Captain Tony’s, yes the one referred to in Jimmy Buffet’s song. Other popular watering holes include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Crabby Dick’s and a host of other places to wet your whistle. Key West is definitely the perfect place to play all day and party all night.

So, can you feel it? You get to Key Largo and you start to relax, Islamorada comes along and you freely trade your blackberry and briefcase for some sunglasses and flip flops. You find yourself in Marathon yearning for a leafy tropical shirt and a fruity frozen drink. Big Pine Key makes you want to pitch a tent to stay forever and by the time you cross seven mile bridge to Key West the transformation is complete. With so many places in the Florida Keys having worked their magic once again and like one of the many game fish caught offshore, now you’re hooked.



By: Kirby Collins

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When searching for the perfect warm and sandy location to head to for your next vacation, consider Key West, Florida for your vacation needs. Key West is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys and offers quite a bang for its small size with its numerous beaches and abundant water activities. Whether you want to feel as if you have left the world behind or participate in all the adventure this diverse island has to offer, Key West can become your haven for a relaxing and exciting vacation.

Although the island of Key West only encompasses 4.2 square miles, visitors will certainly find plenty of space to throw down a towel for some fun in the sun. When searching for the beach that best meets your watersport needs, head over to the south side of the island to check out a few of the more popular beaches. Smathers Beach, the largest of the public beaches, is usually very busy since it provides access to the water for those who want to go jet skiing, kayaking, or wind surfing while also allowing for excitement on land with its volleyball courts.

Fort Zachary Taylor Beach is a quieter option than Smathers Beach and allows for an off the beaten path sand experience. This state park contains 67 acres of beautiful white sand and lush forests that are ripe for exploration. A favorite among the locals, Fort Zachary Taylor is a prime destination for swimming and snorkeling in the warm turquoise waters and venturing near the brim of the forests. If you decide to make your way to this beach for a glimpse of the breathtaking sunset, don’t forget your aqua shoes since there is crushed coral everywhere.

For those who head to Key West without stopping at the other islands of the Florida Keys, a journey out to the reef from Key West Harbor is an absolute must. Catch sight of the vibrant marine life and the only living coral reef in North America by journeying underneath these warm waters on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. If you prefer to stay dry but don’t want to miss out on this noteworthy sight, hitch a ride out to sea on one of the glass bottom boat tours.

Possibly the most popular activity with visitors to Key West, a deep sea fishing adventure is the best way to experience a surge of adrenaline and the thrill of reeling in a big one. With over 225 species of gamefish patrolling the clear waters off the Florida Keys, you are bound to come back with a lively story about the one you snagged, and hopefully not about the one that got away. There are numerous experienced guides available out of Key West to take you into the nearby Gulfstream, where you can try for marlin and sailfish, but make your reservation early to preserve your chance at a memorable angling adventure.

When you are ready to step back from the water and enjoy a low-key attraction, hop aboard the always popular Conch Tour Train for captivating tales about the history of the island. From the reign of the Indians to the golden age of settlement to the end of WWII, you will be taken back in time to learn about not only the island itself, but also the characters who played a key role in its growth, development, and place in history.

With so many activities in such a small, gorgeous area, the opportunities for entertainment may seem overwhelming at first. However, by staying on the island in one of the numerous Key West vacation rentals that are conveniently located near the shore, you can take advantage of the amazingly warm, crystal clear waters this island provides access to. Whether you want to catch some sun in the fine white sand or head further out for a snorkeling adventure, your vacation rental makes it easy to enjoy the best of Key West since everything you need for excitement is just a short walk away.



By: Jen W.

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