The Florida Keys are comprised of many small islands, located just south of Miami. The Overseas Highway/US 1 connects these islands to the mainland and stretches for just over 100 miles. When dreaming of a Florida Keys vacation, many people first think of Key West or beaches, but the Florida Keys are so much more! Families, couples, and solo travelers will never be bored when visiting this island paradise! From large resorts, chain hotels, quaint roadside inns, to vacations homes, there are a large variety of accommodation options and something for everyone.

Key Largo

Let’s start our drive on Key Largo, which is about an hour south of Miami International Airport. The main attraction on this island is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Here you can a book glass bottom boat or offshore snorkeling trips to see the reef, or even swim at their beach right offshore. For beginners, these shallow waters yield a big reward for snorkelers with mangroves, large tarpon, and even a barracuda or two! Lastly, grab yourself a slice of key lime pie on a stick at the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory. I promise, you won’t be sorry!

Islamorada

The next major cluster of six islands is Islamorada. This is home to some of the best sport fishing, so if that is on your to-do list, this is where you should charter a fishing trip. Robbie’s of Islamorada is home to famous tarpon you can feed from their dock and don’t skip a fantastic meal at The Hungry Tarpon, their onsite restaurant. You can also catch your fishing, snorkeling, and jet ski tours here. Also, on Islamorada is Theater of the Sea which showcases the oldest running dolphin show in the United States. Not only do they have great shows with dolphins, sea lions, parrots, sea turtles, rays, and sharks – but you can also swim with dolphins. For the beer lovers in your travel party, two major breweries are also located on Islamorada – Islamorada Brewery & Distillery and Florida Keys Brewing Company. Both also feature family friendly beer gardens with lots of seating. Before moving on, don’t miss Betsy the Lobster at Rain Barrel Artists’ Village or Anne’s Beach!

Marathon

Once leaving Islamorada, you will approach Marathon. Many of the larger resorts are either on Key Largo, or here in Marathon. With so many restaurants to choose from, water sports, charters, and even an aquarium and turtle hospital, this is a major stop. Marathon is about an hour north of Key West and your last stop before heading over the 7 Mile Bridge. This is also a great place to stay if a stop at the award-winning Bahia Honda State Park is on your list. Bahia Honda is often labeled the best beach in the Keys and has great snorkeling on the bay side of the park. Marathon is also the perfect place to watch sunset – from anywhere along the bay to atop the Historic 7 Mile Bridge which they have restored, and a mile stretch is now open to the public.

Key West

We have reached the end of US 1 and are now in Key West. There is so much to do in this small island city – from boat charters, exploring Duval Street, amazing dining options, beaches, historic sites, and even museums and an aquarium. You could spend days exploring and never run of out things to do! Accommodations here include smaller resorts, chain hotels, vacation homes, and even bed & breakfasts – they truly do cater to everyone. Make sure you plan on walking the historic downtown to explore everything it has to offer. You can also rent bikes or even an electric cart and make the most of all the famous sites.

The Florida Keys are truly a magical place to visit any time of year and have so much to offer. Our travel advisors at Royal Treatment Travel can help find the perfect destination for your vacation to the Florida Keys!

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