The Florida Keys -- Ticket to Paradise!

"The Florida Keys are so amazing! And there is plenty to do, from Key Largo to
Key West."

The Florida Keys are unique islands in the sun. Picture blue skies, turquoise seas and tropical breezes.

There is fishing, snorkeling, diving and boating. Sunset cruises. Playful dolphins, lots of lobster. Everything and more you've come to Florida for.

From Key Largo to Key West and everywhere in between, the Florida Keys are truly amazing. Do you prefer the great Florida outdoors? The Keys are made for you.

How about those who crave the wild life, er, destination of Key West? Gotcha covered. If you're into fishing, check out Islamorada and Marathon -- both are great.

Welcome to a tropical paradise!

No Passport Required!

Stretching from round about Miami all the way down to Key West, the Keys are a magical place. It's like visiting a Caribbean island, only you don't need a passport (and English is the primary language). The waters are warm and inviting, the sea life amazing. Did I mention the fantabulous sunsets? Or the sunset cruises that go with them?

But surprisingly, relatively few people actually visit the Keys, compared to other parts of the state. Why, you may ask, since it sounds like such a wonderful place?

One reason why is that it's harder to get to. Yes, there is an airport at Key West, and yes, it is small (in keeping with the island itself). The biggest nearby airport is Miami, and it will still take you hours of driving (and it seems like half the time it takes is just getting out of Miami) to get to Key West. (There is also one in Marathon, but it's more for private planes and teeny puddle jumpers, so don't count on using it.)

Florida Keys Tourist Information

For Florida Keys tourist information, you're covered! There are all kinds of things to do and While you're here.

First, know that the activities are mostly the outdoors type. Swimming, diving, snorkeling, boating, fishing...you get the idea. Here in the Keys (and especially Key West) you can find parasailing, sunset cruises and waverunning.

For those of you who'd rather pursue more indoors-type of activities, there is plenty of shopping available. Attractions are sprinkled throughout the Florida Keys, and are pretty concentrated in Key West.

If you are into shopping and/or people watching, do check out Duval Street in Key West. It's the Sunshine State variation of the French Quarter (how's that for a combo).

The Florida State Parks and the National Parks are well worth visiting, even if all you do is stroll the trails. Outdoor Florida is an amazing place. You may especially want to check out John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo and Bahia Honda State Park near Key West -- both are totally awesome! Oh, and don't forget about Everglades National Park either! Oh, there is also Dry Tortugas National Park, but it's only accessible by boat or seaplane.

Here's a list of all the State Parks in the Florida Keys.

Florida Keys Hotels & Attractions

Where can you stay once your're here? Outside of the outdoorsy-type things, what else is there to do? Not to worry, here are some Florida Keys hotels & attractions for you.

There are four "parts" to the Keys -- the upper, middle and lower Keys, and then Key West. Each has their own atmosphere, their own "specialty".

There are four cities that are hubs; click the links for lots more information (places to stay, things to do, etc.):

Key Largo: closest to the Florida mainland, so it's most like the mainland. But still, you are in the Keys and it's a wonderful place to start your vacation.
Islamorada: also known as the sportfishing capital of the world. While fishing is the most popular activity, snorkeling and diving is great, too.
Marathon: dive and snorkel to your heart's content -- it's close to some neat reefs. There is also some shopping to be had in Marathon.
Key West: need I say more? It's the "ultimate" Key. You can check out some things to do while you're on the island.

A Place for Honeymoon Romance

If you'd like an absolutely unforgettable honeymoon on a tropical island, consider a Key West honeymoon vacation. From champagne sunset cruises to staying on a private island to taking a seaplane to a superb snokeling and diving location, look no farther than Key West.

Don't Forget...

Remember to order Key Lime Pie. And if you see that the pie is green, send it back. Key Lime juice is a pale lemony color, and if they put food coloring in, they probably tinkered with the recipe and it's just not the same.

And before I forget -- try the seafood and lots of it! If you come to the Florida Keys and only eat steak and/or chicken, you are missing out. (Try the conch fritters -- uummmm, good!)

Take a sunset cruise -- it's out of this world!

Remember, the sun is tropical -- do not forget the sunscreen, and drink plenty of fluids (it's hot, too).

If you plan to be outdoors in the State and National parks in summer, do yourself a big favor and bring some sort of bug spray. The mosquitoes will drive you crazy of you don't (or forget to put it on). If you are near or on the water you'll probablay be OK, though, as long as there is a breeze of some kind.

Unless you really prefer to be spontaneous, book your Keys vacation well ahead of time -- the farther in advance, the better deals on Keys and Key West hotels and resorts.

Have a great vacation here in the "American Caribbean"!

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