Vacation Spots in the Florida Keys
- The Overseas Highway (Rt 1)bridge crossing image by MPH from Fotolia.com
Stretching out, separating the Atlantic and the Caribbean oceans, the Florida Keys provide the feeling of the Caribbean Islands within the confines of the United States. With sandy white beaches, sparkling emerald waters, and incredible sunsets, the Florida Keys have a funkiness all their own, and each part of the keys (upper, middle, lower, and Key West) has its own unique properties. - The first key off the mainland, Key Largo, is the largest of the strand. If scuba diving and snorkeling are your desire, the breathtaking reefs off the shore are sure to please. Accommodations run from beachfront motels and luxurious resorts with all amenities to the truly unique underwater experience, Jules Undersea Lodge, which caters to divers. The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has camping for those who truly want the full outdoors experience.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
(305) 451-6300
pennekamppark.com - Islamorada is known for its great fishing. Charter a boat or join a party boat for a fantastic day of fun on the water. Not to be missed is the Theater of the Seas, a marine animal park where you can frolic with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays and visit with parrots, sea turtles, and iguanas. There are many accommodations choices. The Moorings Village, consists of 17 cottages and houses on acres of lush tropical grounds of palm trees. You'll find hammocks, pools, white sand beach, and opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, and tennis, among other amenities.
The Moorings Village and Spa
123 Beach Rd.
Islamorada, FL 33036
(305) 664-4708
themooringsvillage.com - Marathon is located at the end of the middle keys, halfway between Key Largo and Key West. Marathon is known for shipwreck adventures, so grab a mask and fins and go investigate the "Adelaide Baker" submerged just 25 feet below the waterline or snorkel amid the elkhorn forest, found throughout the six reefs, called the Coffin's Patch. Rent a cabin by the beach at Bahia Honda State Park or park yourself by your own private pool at your villa at Hawk's Cay Resort. This 60-acre resort, with restaurants, bars, marina, fitness room, spa, and tennis court provides you with no reason to leave the property.
Hawk's Cay Resort
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
Duck Key, FL 33050
(305) 743-7000
Hawkscay.com - Key West sunsetkey west sunset image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
This southernmost city in the U.S. is known for its Bahamian "Margaritaville" reputation and as the hideaway of Ernest Hemingway. Key West offers fishing, diving, beaches, Duval Street with its pubs, shopping, and great eateries--in other words, something for everyone. A hidden gem, Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is the perfect spot to watch the famous Key West sunsets. Spend a day biking the trails, walking paths, or strewn out on the beach. All types of accommodations are available in Key West, from rustic campgrounds to luxurious resort accommodations. Vacation rentals in all categories are also a great choice.
Key West Vacation Rentals
1075 Duval St. C-19
Key West, FL 33040
(800) 294-9560
fla-keys.com
