The laid-back Florida Keys are connected by the Overseas Highway’s 43 bridges – one almost seven miles long – over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The area is divided into five regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each has its own flavor, attractions including historic museums, flora, fauna, seafood restaurants, fishing, diving, watersports and boutique-type shopping. Vistas of the Keys feature deep-blue seas, nodding palms and olive-green mangroves.

Sharing this eco-paradise are white herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, sea gulls, ospreys and countless underwater creatures. The coastal waters of the entire 125-mile island chain, which is paralleled by North America’s only living coral barrier reef, have been designated the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Top Activities

Key West Things to Do

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys Things to Do

Marathon Things to Do

Islamorada Things to Do

Key Largo Things to Do

Ideas for First Time Visitors:

• A drive across the new Seven Mile Bridge, the longest segmental bridge in the world, Marathon Key
• Drive the Keys on the All-American Road
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (snorkeling or glass bottom boat) Key Largo
• Have your photo taken in front of the giant Lobster at the Rain Barrel Islamorada
• Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s Marina, MM 79, Islamorada
• Tour the Dolphin Research Center Marathon
• Swim, sunbathe and explore Bahia Honda State Park Lower Keys
• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West
• Ride the Conch Train or Trolley Tour in Key West
• Experience the Sunset Celebration at mallory Square in Key West

Ideas for Repeat Visitors:

• Tour on the African Queen, Key Largo
• Kayak or paddle boards the flats in Islamorada
• Visit historic Pigeon Key, Marathon
• Visit the Turtle Hospital in Marathon
• Discover the Key Deer Refuge, Lower Keys
• Hire a backcountry guide out of Sugarloaf Marina and explore dolphins, turtles and other marind and bird life in the Great White Heron National Refuge (15 miles north of Key West)
• Experience the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West
• Take a Sunset Cruise in Key West
• Explore America’s most remote national park, the Dry Tortugas, either by passenger ferry or seaplane service

Special Events

Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden Guest Speaker Series

Enjoy garden tours, as well as learn about the Florida Keys environment and how it affects gardening in a wide range of topics for discussion and education. Visit website for schedule of monthly lectures, typically scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., 5210 College Road.

Keys History & Discovery Center presents: Bloodline Mini-Binge

Each Wednesday the Center is to host a weekly Bloodline mini-binge, showing two episodes at 2 p.m., from seasons 1 & 2 of the popular Netflix original series. Free for members, non-members $5. Theater has limited seating (35).

History of Diving Museum: Spiegel Grove Exhibit

Enjoy a special exhibit celebrating and honoring the Spiegel Grove, intentionally sunk 15 years ago off Key Largo. This exhibits highlights all who served on this great ship, missions it participated in, the efforts in preparing her for sinking and the environmental impact the artificial reef has had on the area. The exhibit is to be on display through Labor Day.

Local Transportation

Key West Getting Around

Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys Getting Around

Marathon Getting Around

Islamorada Getting Around

Key Largo Getting Around

Distance from Major Airports