With palm-fringed seashores, vibrant blue water and laid-back island vibes, the Florida Keys really feel extra like a tropical Caribbean getaway.
When you arrive on the Florida Keys, it’s very regular to query whether or not you’re nonetheless within the United States. Despite being only a few hours from Miami, the archipelago feels one million miles away with powder-white sands, wispy palm timber and energetic bars and eating places the place the events go on lengthy after the solar goes down.
Whether you need to chill out and embrace the seaside bum life, cycle attractive coastal trails, kayak by means of coastal mangroves or eat scrumptious seafood with a cocktail in hand, there’s an journey for everybody. Here are 11 explanation why the Keys ought to be on the itinerary on your subsequent Florida trip.
1. It’s simple to get there
One of the nice issues in regards to the Keys is that you could drive there in only a few hours from Miami. The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile lengthy highway that connects Miami with all islands all the way down to Key West, probably the most southernmost island. The drive takes about 4 hours on a superb day, however it may possibly get fairly congested. Even if you happen to get caught in visitors, driving alongside to your favorite highway journey playlist with these views is a spotlight in itself. If you’re travelling from additional afield, you’ll be able to take a ferry from the mainland or fly into Key West or Marathon Key.
2. Escape the winter chilly
Swap the winter coat for a swimsuit? Don’t thoughts if we do. We love embracing winter with cosy dinners, sizzling chocolate and brisk walks, however we’ve got to confess, escaping the winter for every week or two feels wonderful. Feeling the nice and cozy solar in your pores and skin after months of dwelling in woolly sweaters hits otherwise. With a sub-tropical local weather and common highs of 75°F (24°C) within the ‘coldest’ month (FYI-January), the Keys make for an ideal winter getaway. December by means of March is one of the best time to go as there’s no danger of hurricanes, the mugginess is bearable and there’s a bunch of occasions and festivals to get pleasure from. Ciao, winter blues.
3. Float by means of coastal mangroves
From kayaking to wakeboarding to paddleboarding, the Florida Keys is an superior place to have enjoyable within the water. One of our favorite methods to discover is by leaping in a kayak and paddling from Key Largo all the best way all the way down to Marathon Key. You’ll dodge low hanging branches as you glide by means of thick mangrove forests whereas studying in regards to the ecosystems and on the lookout for wildlife. Keep an eye fixed out for stingrays, jellyfish and nurse sharks within the crystal clear shallows. If you’re actually fortunate, you would possibly spot a turtle or manatee.
KAYAK AT KEY LARGO ON OUR MIAMI TO FLORIDA KEYS TOUR
4. Explore the world’s third-largest barrier reef
Did you realize the Florida Keys is residence to the third-largest barrier reef on the earth? John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the USA’s first underwater park (learn: underwater journey playground). From shipwrecks to underwater statues to vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, there’s a lot to discover. Look out for parrotfish, snappers, lobsters, sea cucumbers and possibly even a barracuda. If you don’t fancy throwing on scuba gear or a snorkel set, you’ll be able to soar aboard a glass-bottomed boat tour as an alternative.
5. Experience a Florida Keys sundown
Watching the sundown is a every day ritual whenever you’re within the Keys. And we predict there are few higher methods to look at the sundown than from the water. Feel the cool ocean breeze in your pores and skin as you cruise out of Key West and anchor within the open water the place you’ll have entrance row seats to look at the solar dip beneath the horizon and paint the sky in shades of orange, pink, crimson and purple. Pair this with a chilly beverage, good firm and the soundtrack of waves lapping towards the boat, and you’ve got your self an unforgettable night.
6. Uncover the historical past of Key West
You wouldn’t suspect it now with its quaint Art Deco buildings and vibrant streets, however Key West has an enchanting historical past crammed with tales of pirates, smugglers, poachers and rum runners. Uncover the secrets and techniques of the island by exploring the haunted streets of Old Town or visiting historic buildings like the previous residence of American author, Ernest Hemingway or the Little White House – the place former President Harry. S Truman spent his winters.
7. Embrace your inside seaside bum
Sparkling white sands, come-swim-in-me waters, cozy hammocks and fringing palm timber – you actually are spoilt for selection relating to postcard-perfect seashores. Some of our favorite spots embrace Sombrero Beach, Higgs Beach and Smathers Beach, however to be sincere, it doesn’t matter which island you’re on, you’ll be able to actually stroll in any route and also you’ll discover a shocking seaside quickly sufficient.
8. Try one of the best key lime pie
Nowhere does key lime pie like they do within the Keys (no, critically, it was invented right here if you happen to hadn’t guessed by the identify!), and also you’ll discover it on virtually each cafe and restaurant menu. This tangy, creamy and scrumptious dessert is made with egg yolks, lime juice and condensed milk that’s set in a pie crust and topped with meringue or whipped cream. Locals like it that a lot, there’s even a Key Lime Festival celebrating, within the pageant’s phrases, “all things citrus, eccentric, people and pie”.
9. Eat scrumptious meals
The Keys definitely pack a punch relating to meals. The islands are brimming with cafes and eating places serving a variety of worldwide cuisines and American household favourites. A must-try custom in Key West is an Original Sloppy Joe Sandwich and a Sloppy Rita (Hornitos Resposado Tequila, Gran Gala, bitter, orange juice and membership soda). However, the true drawcard is the abundance of locally-harvested seafood which options on the prime of just about each restaurant menu. Tuck into Florida stone crab claws, grilled lionfish or lobster drenched in garlic butter, crispy conch fritters, or a baked snapper marinated in scrumptious herbs.
10. Get a style of Cuban tradition
Key West is simply 90 miles from Cuba, and the 2 islands share shut ties that date again virtually 190 years. The phrase key comes from the Spanish phrase, “cayo” which suggests “small island”. And you’ll be continually reminded of simply how shut Cuba is by the smells, tastes and sounds of Key West’s streets.
Start your day with a robust shot of café cortadito (Cuban espresso with steamed milk) from a neighborhood vendor and wander the colorful streets lined with Art Deco buildings and former cigar factories. If all that strolling works up an urge for food, simply observe the smells of crispy pork and plantains, empanadas and pastelitos to a neighborhood cafe for some lunch washed down with one other espresso or a rum impressed cocktail (relying on what time of day is).
11. Let your hair down
The Florida Keys is the proper place to get in trip mode and have a superb time. There’s heaps on the night leisure menu whether or not it’s a sundown dinner cruise, an evening on the theatre, salsa dancing to a reside band or a bar crawl on Key West’s energetic Duval Street. Key West has all the time been a little bit of a celebration city and was a hub for illicit rum-running and speakeasies throughout the prohibition period.