The Florida Keys are a 120 mile long chain of tropical islands located off the southern tip of Florida. Known for their laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundance of watersports, the Florida Keys make for an amazing vacation destination. Here is an in-depth Florida Keys travel guide to help you plan the perfect trip to this island paradise.
Getting To The Florida Keys
The most common way to reach the Florida Keys is by car. The Overseas Highway (US Highway 1) connects the Florida Keys to the mainland, running from Key Largo down to Key West. It's about a 4 hour drive from Miami to Key Largo, and another 3.5 hours from Key Largo to Key West. Having a car is the most convenient way to explore the Keys at your own pace.
You can also fly into one of two airports in the Keys - Key West International Airport (EYW) or Marathon Airport (MTH) - and rent a car. There are direct flights to Key West from several major cities.
Another option is taking the bus from Miami. The Keys Shuttle runs daily bus service down Overseas Highway to Key West with stops along the way.
Finally, you can take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, from Key West. But you'll need to arrange transportation within the Keys once you arrive.
When To Visit The Florida Keys
High season in the Florida Keys runs from mid-December through mid-April. This is when the weather is driest and most comfortable, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. It's also the most crowded and expensive time to visit.
Shoulder season runs from mid-April through mid-June and again from September through mid-December. During these times, temperatures are a bit warmer and you'll encounter fewer crowds. Hotel rates are lower than in high season.
Low season is from mid-June through August. This coincides with hurricane season so there is more rain. It's also hot and humid. However, hotels are at their cheapest rates.
Getting Around The Florida Keys
Having a car is the best way to properly explore the Florida Keys. It allows you to easily drive the Overseas Highway and stop wherever you want. Parking is readily available throughout the Keys.
If you don't have a car, you can use the Key West Transit bus system to get around Key West. For travel between the rest of the Keys, there is limited public bus service. The Lower Keys Shuttle runs between Key West and Marathon. Some hotels also offer shuttle service.
Other transportation options include:
- Biking - The flat roads make the Keys ideal for biking, although the summer heat can be intense. Many hotels rent bikes.
- Rideshares like Uber and Lyft - Service is available on the more populated islands like Key Largo and Key West.
- Water taxis - For travel between neighboring islands and beaches that are close together.
- Local tour companies - Offer hop on, hop off shuttle services between the major Keys.
Top Things To Do In The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer an abundance of tropical activities both on land and in the surrounding waters. Here are some of the top things to do:
Key West
- Walk down Duval Street and enjoy the funky shops, restaurants, and street performers.
- Visit Ernest Hemingway's house museum to see where the famous author lived in the 1930s.
- Watch the stunning Key West sunset at Mallory Square Pier.
- Check out the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to see over 60 species of butterflies.
- Party on Duval Street at iconic Key West bars like Sloppy Joe's and the Green Parrot.
Islamorada
- Go fishing in the sport fishing capital of the world. Both deep sea fishing and backcountry fishing are incredible.
- Visit the History of Diving Museum to learn about the Keys' fascinating maritime history.
- Feed the massive tarpon at Robbie's Marina.
- Enjoy fresh seafood waterside at one of the great restaurants in town.
Marathon
- Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Research Center. You can get in the water and interact with these amazing creatures.
- Visit Crane Point Museum and Nature Center to explore the ecosystems of the Keys.
- Walk or bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge, an iconic spot with great views.
- Go on a kayaking or paddleboarding tour through the mangrove tunnels.
Bahia Honda State Park
- Enjoy one of the best beaches in the Florida Keys with sparkling white sand.
- Snorkel around the Sandspur Beach area to see colorful fish and corals.
- Hike along the nature trails and visit the railroad trestle bridge.
- Camp right on the water's edge for an immersed nature experience.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
- Snorkel or scuba dive the third largest coral reef system in the world.
- See the famous Christ of the Abyss statue up close on a glass bottom boat tour.
- Kayak through the mangroves to spot birds and wildlife.
Dry Tortugas National Park
- Tour historic Fort Jefferson, a massive but unfinished coastal fortress.
- Snorkel in the most pristine area of the Florida Keys reef tract.
- Spot birds and marine life like turtles, fish, and corals.
- Camp under the stars on the remote Garden Key island.
Where To Stay In The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys offer a wide variety of accommodation types to suit different budgets and styles. Here are some top options in each area:
Key Largo - Higher end resorts like Baker's Cay Resort and Marina del Mar. More affordable options like Amy Slate's Amoray Dive Resort.
Islamorada - Luxurious places like Cheeca Lodge. Mid-range spots like La Siesta Resort. Good budget picks like Ragged Edge Resort.
Marathon - Good value hotels like Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort. Budget motels like Sea Dell Motel. Unique stays like Tropical Cottages.
Big Pine Key - Charming bed and breakfasts like Deer Run Bed & Breakfast. Campgrounds like Bahia Honda State Park.
Key West - Historic inns like Curry Mansion and Ocean Key Resort. Budget hotels like The Southernmost Beach Resort. Quirky places like The Artist House.
Dining In The Florida Keys
Seafood rules the dining scene in the Florida Keys, with an abundance of fresh local fish, shrimp, lobster, stone crab and conch. Key lime pie is a specialty dessert. Here are some highly-rated restaurants to try:
Key Largo
- Fish House Encore
- Buzzards Roost Grill
- Ballyhoo's Historic Seafood Grille
Islamorada
- Lazy Days South
- Pierre's Restaurant
- Marker 88
Marathon
- Keys Fisheries Market & Marina
- Burdines Waterfront Restaurant
- Porky's Bayside BBQ
Key West
- Blue Heaven
- Louie's Backyard
- Caroline's Cafe
Typical Key West Dishes To Try
- Conch fritters
- Key lime pie
- Florida spiny lobster
- Grilled/blackened/fried grouper
- Stone crab claws
- Pink shrimp over grits
- Rum cocktails like Mojito, Hemingway Daiquiri
Safety Tips For Visiting The Florida Keys
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral ecosystem.
- Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.
- Heed warning flags and signs at beaches about currents and marine life.
- Apply bug spray regularly to ward off no-see-ums and mosquitoes.
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists when driving on the Overseas Highway.
- Don't leave valuables visible in your car or unattended on the beach.
- Check the local weather forecast and be prepared to alter plans if a storm approaches.
- Respect wildlife and give ample space to creatures like seabirds and sea turtles.
- Limit alcohol consumption and don't drink and drive on the winding Overseas Highway.
- Swim near lifeguards and be aware of your surroundings in the ocean.
Conclusion
With its tropical climate, laid-back atmosphere, and abundance of activities on land and sea, the Florida Keys make for an idyllic escape. Use this Florida Keys travel guide to help plan your island getaway, then relax and soak up the sun on America's Caribbean. Whether you spend your days snorkeling crystal waters or sipping rum cocktails on Duval Street, the Keys will provide an unforgettable tropical adventure.
