This 126-mile stretch of limestone islands, floating on the crystal clear waters of the Gulf is sometimes called America’s best-kept secret. Florida Keys was once only accessible by boat, these islands are linked to the mainland and each other by the Overseas Highway. Several of the islands have been develop into holiday resorts whilst others have been protected for their natural beauty.
Nearby, Yet a World Away
Hiring a car within Florida, makes the Florida Keys easily accessible as they lie just an hour’s drive south of Miami. One of the charms of the Keys is the close proximity of such a relaxing and beautiful place. All the keys share the blue green waters and laid back atmosphere of a tropical paradise that call visitors back time and again. There are protected waters and marine reserves where eco tourism is making its mark with diving and snorkeling to see the superb variation of marine species.
Keys Dining
With such well-stocked waters surrounding them, fishing has always been part of life in the keys and much of the cuisine is seafood based. Conch was once so common in the keys that this large mollusc with the distinctive shell gave its name to the locals – residents are still called Conch today. Another favourite are the stone crab claws served October to May in 3 sizes, medium, large and jumbo. The sweet tender flesh is very popular. Easier to eat than its Maine relatives, Spiny Lobster has an enormous tail full of tender white meat, although no claws and is available all year except June and July. Key West pink shrimp are available over the winter months and the fish of the day could also be Yellow tail Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Grouper, or Yellow fin tuna. For desert of course, first choice is always key lime pie.
Key Options
There are 30 inhabited islands in the keys and the highway connects 43, but there are over 1700 islands in total.
Key West is the furthest south you can go and is party capital of the keys with bars and nightlife to delight even the toughest party animal, but there are still plenty of time and space to sit and watch the sun go down over your rum cocktail. Key West was also the home of Ernest Hemmingway for over a decade and he penned some of his most famous works here. His home is now a museum and a fabulous place to visit.
Key Largo is the first island you reach on your drive from the mainland and is a great base for diving as it has the John Pennekamp State Park, the first underwater national park in the US, which provides superb diving and snorkeling.
If fishing is your thing then head to Marathon in the middle keys where the traditional way of keys life is celebrated in daily life across four of the islands that make up the community.
Wherever you head you can be sure of a chilled time in clean, beautiful surroundings with a wealth of options if you do decide you have time for anything more strenuous than sunbathing.
