The Unforgettable Florida Keys

Marathon, 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 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 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

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 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.

Isla Morada, The Village of Island

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.

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

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