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!

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.