Florida Keys A Vacation Like None Other

The Florida Keys is the non-fictional Magic Kingdom in Florida. Visiting the islands especially Key West is an unforgettable experience. There is no other place to offer the funky atmosphere or vibe of Key West. Consider it a luxury to drive from Miami to the Keys. Enjoy the narrow 125 miles of road and 42 bridges connect the mainland to Key West. Drive through different tropical islands and beautiful waterways on both sides of the bridges. As Miamians, we used to drive to Key Largo for lunch and back. The drive was our real purpose and the lunch was an excuse!

Each island is a chain of coral and limestone islands situated along the Florida Straits. Both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are divided by Florida Straits. A majority of the Florida Keys including Key West are located in Monroe County. A small portion approximately 5% is part of southwest Miami/Dade County.

History of Key West

It may be hard to believe that there was a time when Key West was the largest town in Florida. More amazing was the main shipwrecking industry on the island. Yes, taking valuable items from shipwrecks was the source of revenue in Key West. Key West was also established as the trading post with Cuba and the Bahamas. Product trade between these islands and New Orleans went through Key West. Improvement in navigation resulted in fewer shipwrecks and a decline in the wrecking business in the Keys.

Florida Keys became more accessible after 1910 when Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway was completed. However, numerous hurricanes including the 1935 labor day hurricane destroyed the railroads. The railroad was replaced by Overseas Highway (US-1). This road has been the main artery connecting Miami to Key West ever since.

Islands and Keys in the Florida Keys

The word “Key” is derived from the Spanish word for a small island or “Cayo”. There are over 800 Keys in the Florida Keys. While around 30 of these islands are inhabited five of them are more commercially developed. These five main islands include Key Largo, Marathon, Islamorada, Big Pine Key, and Key West.

Key Largo, Florida
Florida Pelican on boating pier

Florida Pelicans are a fixture on Florida Piers

Key Largo at 33 miles long occupies the longest area of the Florida Keys. Taking a road trip on the way to Key West the first Key visitors come across is Key Largo. Visitors should allocate enough time to enjoy a days vacation in Key Largo. Watersports are more prevalent in Key Largo. Perhaps one of the reasons is the popularity of John Pennekamp State Park. There is an abundance of activities in all the Florida Keys. .

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp is the first undersea State Park in the US covering 70 nautical square miles. This is the first undersea State Park in the US. For most visitors the incredible variety of coral reefs in John Pennekamp Park is the center of attraction. The reefs can be explored through snorkeling, scuba diving, or a tour on a glass-bottom boat. Canoeing and kayaking are also great ways in viewing the wildlife in the Park. Enjoy the 50 miles of mangroves and nature up close in a watercraft taking advantage of sightseeing the landscape. Observation options include paddle board, kayak, and canoe rental center for hourly or daily rentals. Don’t forget to stop by the Visitor Center. Besides other services, there is an amazing 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. The aquarium is the home to a diverse sea life including live corals and colorful tropical fish.

Best Beaches of Key Largo

When traveling in the Florida Keys, visitors are treated to some of the best beaches in the world. This is true regardless of where you stop from Key Largo to Key West. Some of the Key Largo beaches are private and reserved for the guests of certain hotels or resorts. However, the following is a list of our favorite beaches in Key Largo:

  • Far Beach – Situated in John Pennekamp State Park, this beach is the most popular by locals and visitors alike. Warm and shallow water make this beach ideal for visiting with children or paddleboarding. Sea life is abundant in the clear water making Far Beach popular for snorkeling and scuba diving.
  • Cannon Beach – This is the second beach in the John Pennekamp State Park area. The name is derived from the 17th-century cannons on the beach area. Cannon Beach is very similar to Far Beach in water-related activities. For experienced divers there is a shipwreck to explore close to shore.
  • Anne’s Beach – Many of the beaches in the Florida Keys are man-made however, Anne’s Beach is a natural sandy beach. Anne’s Beach is situated in Matecumbe Beach between mile markers 73 and 74. There are six pavilions along a beautiful 1,300-foot boardwalk. Anne Eaton was a local environmentalist and the beach was named in her honor.

Great Places to Eat in Key Largo

Florida Keys are the home to some of the iconic restaurants in South Florida. Some of these eateries have gained national and even international reputations like Sloppy Joe’s.

Alabama Jack’s, Key Largo – We are certain on recommending Alabama Jack’s to whoever is visiting or passing by Key Largo. Alabama Jack’s is located on Card Sound Road and not US-1. You can take Card Sound Road where US-1 comes to a fork or if already in Key Largo go east on Card Sound Road. This is a NO-CASH toll road. Local toll is only accepting Sunpass or similar electronic transponders. While in the restaurant you will feel and understand everything about the vibe of the Florida Keys. Typical Florida Key style with laid-back and super friendly staff. Serving great yet simple food and the seafood has a reputation on its own. Regardless of where your final destination is be certain ad this to your itinerary. Alabama Jack’s is located at 58000 Card Sound Rd, Key Largo, FL 33030

Buzzard’s Roost Grill and Pub – This waterfront restaurant in Key Largo is another favorite of ours. While the service and atmosphere is enjoyable the food will bring you back time after time. The menu is very versatile. From juicy steaks to the freshest seafood you can’t go wrong in this place. Just make sure to try our favorites, the incredible Conch Fritters, and Fish Tacos.
Buzzard’s Roost Grill and Pub is accessible by car or boat and it’s located at Miles Marker 106.5 in Key Largo or 21 Garden Cove Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037

Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe – Seafood cannot get fresher than the boat-to-table concept in Backyard Cafe. Fishermen bring and unload their catches on the dock at Key Largo Fisheries. All seafood is prepared on premise. Some will be used in Backyard Cafe while the rest is sold at the dock or shipped nationwide. This is how fresh the seafood is in this restaurant. The menu and setting are simple and humble, while the quality of the food is as good as it gets. Backyard Cafe is located at 1313 Ocean Bay Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037

Marathon, Florida

Marathon, Florida

Marathon Key, Florida

Marathon Florida

Marathon or as sometimes called Marathon Key is actually a city situated in the middle of the Florida Keys. Marathon is between the Mile Markers 47 and 61. To get an idea of location it is from the 7 Miles Bridge to Tom’s Harbor Bridge. Marathon has been very popular with families traveling with children and or pets. This is primarily due to the family-friendly atmosphere the city has created. Like in most other places there may be an additional fee for pets.

Original Marathon Seafood Festival

If you planning to be in the Florida Keys around March check the dates for the Marathon Seafood Festival. With over 20,000 in attendance, this is the second-largest festival in the Keys. Only the Fantasy Fest in Key West attracts more visitors to the Keys. However, the Marathon Seafood Festival takes place over two days compared to 10 days of non-stop festivities of Fantasy Fest. Considering the spirit of Marathon being more family-oriented the Seafood Festival is geared toward the entire family.

The City of Marathon was incorporated in 1999 with boundaries covering many smaller Keys including:

Long Point Key

Hawk's Cay Resort in Marathon

Hawk’s Cay Resort and Marina

Conch Keys

Duck Key

Grassy Key

Knight’s Key

Boot Key

Crawl Key

Pigeon Key

Key Vaca

Deer Key

Fat Deer Key

Hog Key

Stirrup Key

East and West Sister’s Island

Some of these keys have more economic impacts on the City of Marathon than others. Duck Key is the home to the famous Hawk’s Cay Resort and Marina. Hawk’s Cay is a truly world-class resort with an incredible selection of amenities. Grassy Key is right before Marathon and the home to Dolphin Research Center. This is a fun educational center to learn more about these fascinating creatures. You can  even swim with the dolphins!

Big Pine Key, Florida

Big Pines Key & Lower Key

Big Pine Key is halfway between the islands of Key West and Marathon. This Key is an unincorporated census-designated place in Monroe County, Florida. In 2019 the population was 4,896 residence. The Lower Florida Keys are comprised of many small islands connected by bridges. Visitors to the island can choose from a number of RV and camping sites. A stay on Big Pine Key is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Big Pines Key and Lower Keys are the home to several wildlife parks and other attractions. Tourists can also enjoy the white sand beaches and some of the country’s best seafood restaurants. There are affordable oceanview lodging options available for visitors.

Blue Hole in Big Pines Key

The island is a popular destination for people who love animals and wildlife on the island. One of Big Pine Key’s most famous attractions is the Blue Hole. This is home to two resident gators, a female and a male who spend their days lazing in the sun. Visitors can even observe the female gator in her natural habitat often hanging around the viewing deck. Native miniature deer are a popular attraction on the island. In addition to Key Deer, visitors will also be able to spot a variety of other Florida Keys wildlife.

No Name Pub in Big Pine Key

No Name Pub in Florida Keys

No Name Pub

A great place to dine on the island is No Name Pub. It is located just south of the bridge to No Name Key. The pub serves some of the best food in Big Pine Key. The island’s historical pub is a unique part of its history. One unusual tradition is that guests pay in dollar bills. It was once the only way to pay in cash. The town is also home to the Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge. Accommodation options are a small motel-style property.

Watersport in Big Pine Key

Big Pine Key is a popular destination for divers. Its two-mile-long island is only second in size to Key Largo. There are many resorts, restaurants, rental homes, and a National Key Deer Refuge. Visitors can also go diving at Looe Key Marine Sanctuary. This is one of the most popular diving sites in the Lower Keys. Alternatively, you can take a snorkeling trip and experience the rich coral reef system. Discover a sunken ship and about 150 species of fish. It’s an unforgettable experience. Soak up the sun and enjoy the Florida Keys in all their natural beauty.

Beaches of Big Pine Keys

Like most other Keys, there are some fantastic beaches in the Lower Keys and Big Pine Key. The only difference is the Bahia Honda State Park.

Bahia Honda State Park

Key Deer in Bahia Honda , FloridaPark

Key Deer Big Pine Key

The beaches and surrounding area are ahead and shoulder above the rest. This becomes evident within the first few minutes of arriving at the Park. The 500-acre park is considered to have the best beaches and campgrounds in the Florida Keys. There are 3 main beaches in Bahia Honda:

Loggerhead Beach – Located on the Atlantic Ocean side of Bahia Honda Park. There is a sandbar along the coastline resulting in shallower water near the shore. Locate incredible reefs nearby in the shallow waters and reefs. Snorkeling at Loggerhead Beach is a memorable vacation activity the whole family can enjoy. This is one of the few beaches in the world offering walk-in to ocean snorkeling. Usually, snorkelers need to swim or travel on a boat to reach the reefs. But, they can start snorkeling in Loggerhead Beach as soon as they enter the water.

Calusa Beach – Located on the Florida Bay side of the Bahia Honda Park. This beach is more geared toward swimming than the other two beaches. One of the greatest features of Calusa Beach is the unobstructed view of the Old Bahia Honda Bridge. This is a perfect place to watch and photograph one of the most mesmerizing sunsets anywhere. Spend a day with full full facilities including  picnic tables with BBQ grills as well as the restrooms and outdoor showers at this beach.

Sandspur Beach – Ask anyone who has visited Sandspur Beach and they will tell you about this being the most gorgeous beach in the world. The beach is equipped with amenities like a picnic area and restrooms. This will allow for easy decision-making to spend a relaxing day at the beach and forget about the rest of the world. Unfortunately, this beach has been closed due to hurricane damage. Please check with Bahia Honda State Park for more information.

Islamorada, Florida

Isla Morada, The Village of Island

Florida Keys Hotels and Beaches

Enjoy The Florida Keys!

Known as the Village of Islands, Islamorada is an incorporated village in the Florida Keys. Islamorada is located between Mile Marker 72 and 90. One of the islands Islamorada, or Islas Morada, is known for its incredible sport fishing. The Islamorada bonefish and sailfish tournaments have gained global recognition. No wonder Islamorada boasts to be to carrying the title of the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. This island has so much to offer besides Islamorada’s reputation for great sport fishing. It is an intriguing little tropical island with an interesting selection of cultural centers and events. Alongside the prosperous arts and cultural district, Islamorada features a top-rated museum.

While visiting Islamorada consider visiting the Keys History and Discovery Center. Located on the grounds of Islander Resort, it’s a great way to learn about Islamorada’s history. The museum features exhibits on two floors and is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free for children under 13 years of age. The museum has a movie theater as well.

Gone Fishing in Islamorada

While you’re in Islamorada, you can try your luck at catching tarpon at Robbie’s Tarpon Ranch. These fierce fighters weigh as much as 250 pounds! In addition to catching tarpon try your hand at other water sports. You can snorkel or spearfish in the area, or you can partake in some of the island’s water sports. Parasailing is a popular activity for tourists, and the flight can last as little as ten minutes! And if you’re looking for something more adventurous, Islamorada Florida offers a host of other activities. Choose from private chartered boats, group fishing tours, and kayak fishing. These are all proven strategies to catch or spot that elusive fish. The fishing tours are led by a local fishing guide who will assist with basic fishing skills. Experienced guides are also the best source to locate the very best fishing holes. If you’re not into boating, you can also take your chances on inland waters. The many bridges of Islamorada offer great hiding and feeding areas for many species of fish. Ask a local where are the best fishing spots under these bridges. They are friendly enough to give you a pointer or two. Islamorada is known for its marine life. 

Great Beaches of Islamorada

Anne’s Beach – One of the most popular beaches by residents and visitors of Key Largo and Islamorada. While most beaches along the Florida Keys are man-made Anne’s Beach is one of the few natural beaches. Anne’s Beach is located on the Mile Marker 73.5 and the ocean side of Islamorada.The shoreline is lined with mangroves and the shallow waters are great for swimming. There’s a wooden boardwalk that winds through an all-natural wetland. Picnic tables are available alongside the boardwalk for visitors. Anne’s Beach is an ideal place to enjoy your day with friends and family and spend the entire day.

Holiday Isle Beach – This beach is centrally located on Mile Marker 80.2 in Islamorada. Holiday Isla Reort is a privately-owned beach are belonging to the resort. However, the area and amenities of the resort are open to the public. Any visitor to the area can reserve the fishing charters and Eco-tours. Depending on the time and day of the week Holiday Isle Beach can get crowded. Evenings people gather at the tiki bars and watch the sun go down. Outdoor lounges are known for weekend parties, music, and dance.

Founders Park Beach– This beach park is extremely popular with locals and a must-see for visitors. There is no cost for locals to use the multi-recreational facilities in the Park. During our last visit, the entrance fee for non-residents was $8. The fee is well worth the abundance of activities offered at Founders Park.

All communities have a central hub for community events and Founders Park is the location in Islamorada. The park features an  Olympic size swimming pool. Children can enjoy the zero-depth Splash Pad Play Environment. On top of all this there is a driving range, basketball courts, and a baseball field. The beach at Founders Park is as good as it gets. The beachfront is lined by palm trees creating a shady area for those hot days in the Keys. Well-maintained restrooms and outdoor showers are within a few steps. Step into a tree-shaded area and find the picnic tables. Find affordable snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding for recreational fun.

Key West, Florida
Southern Most Point In Key West

Discover true beauty at the Southern Most Point In Key West

During the early 1800s, Key West was booming with shipwrecks. Captain John Huling Geiger made his fortune in the shipwrecking industry making him wealthy. Geiger resold the valuables and eventually became one of the richest men on the island. Despite this, his name is still associated with the Audubon House. The Audubon House is also home to the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation. The restoration took place on this historic mansion to its former glory. Today’s Key West is a thriving community with many unique attractions. These include the Key West Wildlife Center, Botanical Gardens, and the Old Fort. For History buffs who love a little character check out Key West’s Historic Fort.

Key West Florida Attractions

Aside from its pristine beaches and warm, sunny weather, Key West is also known for its vibrant nightlife, scenic views, and historic attractions. Famous locals include Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Robert Frost, all of whom have gotten their start in the city’s vibrant culture. A trip to Key West is not complete without stopping by Sloppy Joe’s, the iconic bar frequented by many famous writers. While you’re there, you can check out Hemingway’s house and learn about his life and his passion for writing. Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum yellow 1931 mansion was built by Hemingway’s uncle. It is now home to 60 different species of butterflies and more than 20 species of birds and other animals that thrived in the tropical climate. During his tenure, Hemingway wrote two of his most well-known books in this house.  Key West is also famous for excellent scuba diving opportunities as well as the National Park called the Dry Tortugas.

Origin of Conch Republic

The Conch Republic, as Key West is otherwise known, is not a marketing trick and there is a story behind it. The story starts around 1982 and roadblocks by US Border Patrol. The purpose of roadblocks was to search all vehicles heading to the mainland for drugs and illegal migrants. Blocking the only narrow road created a lot of anger with visitors threatening Key’s tourism. The Mayer and Key West City Council complaints fell flat. The last attempt to obtain an injunction in Federal Court also proved unsuccessful.

Eventually, all it took was a one-minute secession of Key West from the US to do the trick! The one-minute independence of Key West was declared on April 23rd, 1982. The Mayor, Dennis Wardlow, and City Council resided over the independence calling the new territory Conch Republic. Mayor Wardlow then surrounded an officer from Key West Air Naval Station as the prime minister of Conch Republic! Amazingly, the publicity around this event resulted in the removal of the inspection stations. This is how Key West and its tourism were saved. However, the name Conch Republic stayed and became synonymous with Key West. Soon, the secession became a business in Key West’s fashion. Many souvenirs and t-shirts were born in aftermath of the shortest secession in history!

While many visitors to Key West are drawn by its picturesque natural landscape, the town is also home to a large naval base. This is one reason why the city remains in Union hands for the duration of the American Civil War, although most locals were sympathetic to the Confederacy, and many hung Confederate flags from their homes. While the city’s population of free blacks was relatively small, the community grew during the war as enslaved black people escaped the area. During the Civil War, Fort Zachary Taylor served as a key outpost for Union forces.

Where to Eat While in Key West

The Sunset Pier Key West Restaurant – This is another must-visit location in Key West. Whether you’re hungry or in the mood for a tasty dinner, the Sunset Key West restaurant serves up sumptuous Key West fare. Raw Oysters are particularly delicious, and the menu also features bold Caribbean flavors. Live music is often present at Sunset, leading to an exciting dancing party. You’ll be glad you made the effort to visit this popular restaurant.

Sunset Pier Restaurant is located in the famous Ocean Key Resort and Spa at:

0 Dual Street, Key West, FL 33040

Famous Sloppy Joe's Restaurant in Key West, FL

The Originals Sloppy Joes, Key West

Sloppy Joe’s – As the most famous restaurant in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s has gained an international reputation as the must-see place in the Keys. Going to Key West and Skipping Sloppy Joe’s it’s like going to Paris and not visiting the Eiffel Tower. Opened in 1933, this is not a typical bar even with the Key’s standards. The live music with an always present rambunctious crowd, great tropical food, and drinks makes vising Sloppy Joe’s an unforgettable experience. The menu is a combination of finger food, pizza, salads, quesadillas, and tacos. The most notable item on the menu is the Original Sloppy Joe’s Sandwich. This is a loose ground beef sandwich made with ground beef, onions, and green peppers in a herb tomato sauce. The Original Sloppy Joe’s is located at:

201 Dual Street, Key West, FL,  33040