Your Ticket to Paradise -- The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are sometimes known as the American Caribbean. They are also called Florida's Out Islands.

The Keys are close to mainland Florida, but miles away from ordinary.

Call them your ticket to paradise.

Where Exactly Are the Florida Keys?

They are a string of over 700 islands off the southern tip of Florida. Most of them you can only reach by boat, but there is a road, Highway 1, that links the main islands. Highway 1 is about 106 miles long, starting in Key Largo and ending in Key West.

It takes about 3 to 4 hours to travel this distance, mainly because the road is crowded and mostly two lane outside the major cities.

Things to Do in the Florida Keys

There are plenty of things to see and do here, but most have to do with the outdoors, one way of another.

Snorkeling and diving are big in the Keys, because the only living coral reef in the continental United States is located just offshore. In closer there are also smaller patch reefs. And in Key West, there are some small reefs close to the beach. The waters in the Keys are crystal clear and warm most of the year.

If you'd love to see the reefs, but don't want to get wet to do it, never fear. There are lots of glass-bottom boat tours available. from every major town in the Keys.

If you like beaches, the Keys don't have very many...but what they do have are lovely. If you want to be wowed, visit the beach at Bahia Honda State Park, just north of Key West -- it's one of the most gorgeous beaches in Florida!

Are There Attractions?

Sure! While Key Largo and Key West have the most in the way of attractions, there are some others scattered up and down the islands.

Some "must sees" include Theater of the Sea, the Key West Aquarium, Mallory Square and any of the Key West trolley tours.

Fishing and Catching in the Keys

Fishing is hugely popular in the Florida Keys, and rightly so. You can charter a private boat, book a spot on a drift boat or hire a back country guide. Of course, you can also bring your own boat, or even just fish from a bridge!

Popular fish depend on the season, but jacks and grouper are almost always available. Other fish include dolphin (mahi-mahi), wahoo, tuna, snapper, billfish and bonefish.

The Four Main Cities in the Keys

There are four main and many smaller cities and town in the Florida Keys. From north to south they are:

• Key Largo
• Islamorada
• Marathon
• Key West

Any of these cities will give you options for staying in anything from a quaint mom and pop motel to a fancy resort.

What Else?

Contrary to what some think, you do not need a passport in order to visit the Florida Keys -- not if you're already in the United States, at any rate.

Keys time is "slow time". While there certainly are schedules to keep, like for tours, the mantra of the Keys is "relax -- tomorrow will always be there".

The Florida Keys-- a tropical paradise that's closer than you think!

Things to do in the Upper Keys

Things to do in the Upper Keys in Florida aren't hard to come by. From Key Largo to Islamorada, there's plenty to keep you busy.

Do you like diving? Snorkeling? Just being out of doors?

Do you prefer attractions? What about shopping?

There are all kinds of things to do in the Upper Keys.

Get Wet!

If you like diving and snorkeling, the Florida Upper Keys is fabulous! One of the premier diving spots in the world is just offshore at the reef in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can bring your own boat, or book a spot on one of the many diving and snorkeling tours.

You can even take scuba lessons and get certified!

Swimming is also great in the Upper Keys. The waters, being protected by the offshore reef, tend to be shallow, warm and very calm. Pennekamp has a beach or two, and most of resorts have a private beach as well.

Attractions & Tours

The most famous attraction is Theater of the Sea, in Islamorada. Go to it and discover the reason for its bottomless boats (yes, you read that right).

Some boat tours that are popular include the glass-bottom boats out to the reef, as well as sunset cruises.

Don't overlook the African Queen -- the same one as in the Bogart/Hepburn movie.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Hiking and biking are grand here, especially in the State and National parks of the region. Check out Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock for some nice trails.

Like fishing? Islamorada bills itself as the "Fishing Capital of the World". Blue water, reef and back country trips are available.

What Else?

Shopping can be so very fun in Key Largo, with the eclectic stores and unusual treasures to be found. Not to mention the obligatory sandal and shell shops. Look for the hot pink building with the flamingos, for a rare treat.

There are many more things to do in the Upper Keys, and they aren't hard to find either. So go to the Florida Upper Keys and enjoy yourself!

Pet Friendly Beaches in the Florida Keys

If your Florida Keys vacation plans include your trusty 4-legged companion, you may want to know something about pet-friendly areas in the Florida Keys.

Islands Without Beaches?

The Florida Keys are based on coral, so there isn't much in the way of sand and beach in the Keys. But all isn't lost! There are at least two beaches where you can bring your canine companion.

If you're heading to Islamorada, then Anne's Beach is your stop. This pet-friendly beach is located at Mile Marker 73.5 on the ocean side.

Farther down the Keys, you can stop at Veteran's Memorial Park. This beach is located on Little Duck Key, just south of the Seven Mile Bridge, at Mile Marker 40.

There are also pet-friendly parks in the Florida Keys. One park for you to try is Long Key State Park, at Mile Marker 67.5.

You can read more about pet friendly beaches in the Florida Keys.

Islamorada Florida Fishing: Catch It!

Islamorada Florida fishing. It's what anyone who wets a line dreams of.

Deep sea fishing. Drift boat fishing on the reef. Wandering around in the Florida Bay backcountry.

Here's why Islamorada Florida fishing is some of the best in the world.

Islamorada Deep Sea Fishing

Imagine being out on a charter boat, heading out to sea. You're in a fighting chair, taking a gentle snooze in the sun when all of the sudden there's a cry...

...fish on!

Instantly you're awake and you grab the rod with all your might. What do you have at the end of the line? Mahi-mahi? A Wahoo? Or maybe even a billfish!

There's no telling what you'll find when you go Islamorada deep sea fishing on a charter boat.

Once you've mastered the fish and have it safely back at the dock, you don't have the energy to cook it. Never fear -- many of the local restaurants will cook your catch for you!

Reef Fishing

Maybe your wallet doesn't allow for a pricey private charter boat. If that's the case, why not try booking a spot on a party boat? Also called drift beats, they hang out over the reef for a few hours. Grouper and snapper are the main catches, but there are other fish on the reef as well, who might just enjoy a nibble on your bait!

Charter Fishing Islamorada

There are two main kinds of charter fishing in Islamorada, Florida -- those that go out into the Atlantic Ocean, and those that ply the waters of the back country of Florida Bay.

Backcountry fishing is generally less expensive than going out in the Atlantic. For one, the waters in Florida Bay are much shallower and usually very calm. Smaller boats are more the rule here, with smaller operating costs.

Islamorada Florida fishing in the Atlantic Ocean takes a bit more robust a boat. You'll likely need to go anywhere from 4 to 20 miles out, depending on the fish you are stalking that day. It takes awhile to get to the fishing grounds, and the Atlantic can be a bit on the finicky side at times. The seas can be calm or they can kick up!

But either way you go, when it comes to Charter fishing in Islamorada, you really can't go wrong. The first time I had ever gone charter fishing in my life was in Islamorada, and I caught a 40-pound bull mahi-mahi (dolphin) and a 200+ pound blue marlin on that trip!

Islamorada Florida Fishing

If you are in the Keys, you really should get to Islamorada and try wetting a line here. Islamorada Florida fishing is some of the most spectacular in the world!

Islamorada, Florida Hotels: Where Did They Go?

Islamorada, the Florida Keys. Where the great outdoor beckons you. The ocean. The reef. The cool sea breezes.

Just another day in paradise! But there's just one small problem.

When the day is done, where can you stay? Where are all the Islamorada, Florida hotels?

Islamorada Florida Hotels

Islamorada lodging is a little trickier than in the rest of the Florida Keys. Perhaps because Islamorada is between Key Largo and Marathon, people often go to one or the other. And for some reason, a place to stay in Islamorada tends to be more costly than the other Florida Keys.

When comparing different Islamorada lodging types, there are a few things to keep in mind. The main reason people stay in Islamorada is because they have a fishing charter. Since the best time to go fishing is either early in the early morning or past sundown, you'll probably want to find a place to stay fairly close to the marina.

However, Islamorada is also a prime dive spot in the Florida Keys. If getting to the reef is important to you, there are some resorts that offer diving and snorkeling tours. In addition, this are doesn't have many public beaches, so if you want to "beach it" on your vacation, try to find a resort that has its own.

They Tax the Beds?

Well, not really, but the Keys does require an 11.5% resort (bed) tax per night. If you're trying to keep to a budget, keep that in mind. So that $100 a night room suddenly becomes $117.50 (including the Florida state tax).

The prices tend to be relatively high, and good deals are not that common (although for the sleuthful traveler, they are out there). In any case, you need to find a resort that best suits your needs.

Islamorada Lodging

When it comes to Islamorada, Florida hotels, your choices include chain hotels, mom-and-pop motels and a full-fledged resort or two. There just aren't always enough rooms to go around when it's prime fishing and diving season.

Your best bet? You guessed it -- "it depends". What's your budget, and what do you want to do?

If you want the bells and whistles of a resort, you might want to look at Pelican Cove. You can rent a boat or jet ski, dock your own boat, take a tour or just nap by the pool.

On a tight budget? You can check out the Day's Inn. There may not be a lot of frills, but it is a place to stay that won't break the bank.

High-end Islamorada, Florida hotels also exist. The Moorings is quite exclusive, and it's been called one of Islamorada's best-kept secrets.

Here's some more tidbits about Islamorada hotels and resorts, as well as some rates.

Have a great Florida Keys vacation!

A Romantic Honeymoon in Key West, Florida

A honeymoon in Key West, Florida can be very romantic. How would you like to:

• Imagine taking a sunset cruise and drinking champagne. The soft sea breeze caresses you both, and the glorious colors of the sunset dazzle your eyes.
• What about gliding beneath the ocean's surface together on a diving trip? Exhilarate in the fantastic coal reef around Key West!
• Maybe just rent an island (or at least part of one).

It's all possible on Key West honeymoons!

Romantic Places to Stay on Key West Honeymoons

If you're looking to stay by the water, but close to the sights and sounds of Key West, you can stay at the Honeymoon Suite at the Ocean Key Resort and Spa. Imagine a beautiful room with a sleigh bed, a jacuzzi tub, Gulf views and near to Mallory Square.

If money is no object, then Sunset Key is the place to be -- an island off Key West. Secluded cottages and tropical plants and flowers await the two of you.

Perhaps you like inns, with their cozy atmosphere and excellent service? There's romance waiting for you at the Heron House, where you can stroll hand-in-hand on the nearby beach, or take an exotic journey through the inn's garden of over 1,000 orchids.

Don't Miss...

No trip to Key West, honeymoon or otherwise, would be complete without its most famous attraction -- Duval Street. Take a look at the shops and restaurants. And of course stop in at Sloppy Joe's, the most famous place on Duval.

Mallory Square at sunset is an experience not to be missed. No two days are ever alike, and there is no telling what you'll see for entertainment -- once the sun has set in a riot of colors.

The waters off the beaches. They are warm and calm, just right for swimming or snorkeling the nearby reef together.

More Ideas?

Here are more ideas on places to stay and things to do on your honeymoon in Key West, Florida.

Kingdom Beneath the Sea -- Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

It's a place of shimmering water, of tropical breezes, of underwater fantasies. It's living rock, and animals that look like plants. It's a statute with its arms raised to they sky, yet still beneath the sea.

Welcome to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys.

Kingdoms of the Sea

Pennekamp State Park is mostly under the waves, so the big draw is definitely on the watery side. Being the only living coral reef in the United States, Pennekamp is a mecca for divers from all over the world. And what a reef it is! It's a watery kingdom, with thrones of coral and guardian fish patrolling about.

Snorkel and Dive Tours

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers both snorkel and dive tours from its dive center. The main reef is about four miles offshore, so you are spirited away in a catamaran for your trip (the Spirit of Pennekamp).

Tours run around two hours of actual water time, and by all accounts they are very much worth it.

Glass Bottom Boats

If you aren't into getting wet but still want to see the reef, how about a glass-bottomed boat tour? You can relax in air-conditioned comfort and discover your own Atlantis.

What Else?

How about camping, fishing, swimming and canoing? All this and more can be found at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Come on and visit another world, just beneath the waves.

Bahia Honda State Park: A Slice of Paradise

Bahia Honda State Park has something very unusual for the Florida Keys.

It has a beach. And a really nice one too.

Although the Florida Keys are islands, natural beaches are very rare indeed. Why? Mainly because the waters surrounding the Keys are so calm, the sand doesn't get a chance to build up. Bahia Honda has the best beach in the Florida Keys, and possibly the best in Florida.

Things to Do and See

Swimming is a popular activity at Bahia Honda. The turquoise waters are warm, in the upper 70's to the 80's most of the year, and very clear. Although the beach faces out to the Atlantic Ocean, unless there is a storm out to sea, the waters are calm.

Along with swimming, snorkeling is a big draw to Bahia Honda. The same calm, clear waters that invite swimming are excellent for exploring the underwater world. And if you really want a treat, take a snorkeling tour from Bahia Honda out to Looe Key and visit the coral reef.

Kayaking and boating are also on the list of fun things at the park. There is a small marina and a boat ramp. If you have somehow misplaced your boat, you can rent a kayak from the park concession. The calm waters are great for exploring the nooks and crannies of the island, especially on the Gulf side.

Why Not Stay Awhile?

Let's not forget camping. From tents to RVs to renting one of their beach cabins, all kinds of camping are available. Here's a caveat: call ahead to reserve a camping spot or especially one of the cabins. As you might imagine, a beach cottage in paradise has a bit of a waiting list.

Bahia Honda State Park is located in the lower Florida Keys, just south and west of the Seven Mile Bridge. One visit and you'll understand why they call the Florida Keys the American Caribbean.

So come on down for a visit.

The weather is fine and the natives are friendly.

Sound Intriguing? Here's more information on Bahia Honda State Park.