Photo by Chase Baker on Unsplash

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands that stretch for over 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. They offer a tropical paradise with a Caribbean feel, but with the convenience of being in the US. You can explore the Keys by driving on US Highway 1, which connects the islands with 42 bridges. Along the way, you can stop at various attractions, state parks, beaches, restaurants, and bars. Here are some highlights of the Florida Keys attractions.

Upper Keys

The Upper Keys start from Key Largo, which is about an hour’s drive from Miami. Key Largo is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, one of the best places to snorkel and dive in the country. The park covers a large area of coral reef, where you can see colorful fish and marine life. You can also take a glass bottom boat tour, kayak through mangrove trails, or relax on the beach.

Another must-try in the Upper Keys is the Key Lime Pie, a local specialty made with lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks. You can find it at many places, but one of the best is Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory in Tavernier. They have a variety of flavors and sizes to choose from.

If you love animals, you should visit Theatre Of The Sea in Islamorada. This is a marine park where you can watch parrot shows, feed tortoises and fish, and swim with dolphins. You can also enjoy the tropical gardens and lagoons.

A fun and thrilling activity in Islamorada is feeding the tarpons at Robbie’s of Islamorada. Tarpons are huge fish that can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh up to 280 pounds. You can buy a bucket of fish for $3 and hold them over the water for the tarpons to jump and grab. Watch out for the hungry pelicans too!

Middle Keys

The Middle Keys include Marathon, which is more like a typical small town with grocery stores, fast food, and shops. Marathon has some great attractions for families, such as Sombrero Beach, Turtle Hospital, and Aquarium Encounters.

Sombrero Beach is one of the best beaches in the Keys, with soft sand and clear water. You can swim, paddle-board, or just relax on the shore. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.

Turtle Hospital is a place where you can learn about the conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles. You can take a tour of the facility, see the turtles in different stages of recovery, and even watch surgeries on weekdays.

Aquarium Encounters is a place where you can interact with various marine animals, such as stingrays, turtles, sharks, and fish. You can feed them, pet them, or even snorkel with them in their tanks.

A unique spot in Marathon is Sunset Grille and Raw Bar, which is next to the iconic 7 Mile Bridge. This is a restaurant and bar with a heated swimming pool that you can use while you wait for your food or drinks. You can also enjoy the views of the ocean and the bridge from here.

The 7 Mile Bridge is an engineering marvel that connects Marathon to the Lower Keys. You can drive across it or walk on a portion of it for amazing views of the water. The bridge has been featured in several movies, such as True Lies and Fast & Furious.

Another state park worth visiting in the Middle Keys is Bahia Honda State Park. This park has some of the most scenic beaches in the Keys, as well as kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and camping opportunities. You can also see an old railroad bridge that was part of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway.

Lower Keys

The Lower Keys are mostly known for Key West, which is the southernmost city in the continental US. Key West is a vibrant and colorful place with a rich culture and history. You can find plenty of things to do here, from water sports to museums to nightlife.

Some of the water activities you can try in Key West are:

Ultimate Water Sport Combo: This is a package that includes snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, water trampoline, banana boat ride, and more.

Jet Ski Tour: This is a 28-mile tour around Key West that lets you speed through the water and see landmarks like the Southernmost Point, Florida Bay, Key West Harbor, and more.

Sunset Cruise: This is a relaxing way to enjoy the sunset on a schooner or catamaran. You can also see dolphins and other wildlife along the way.

Some of the museums and historical sites you can visit in Key West are:

Key West Aquarium: This is a small but charming aquarium that showcases local marine life. You can feed sharks, touch starfish, or watch daily shows.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: This is a park that has a beach, a fort, and a museum. You can learn about the history of the fort, which was built in the 1800s and used in the Civil War and the Spanish-American War.

Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum: This is a museum that tells the story of the shipwreck industry in Key West, which was once the richest city in the US. You can see artifacts, exhibits, and a 65-foot lookout tower.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: This is a museum that displays treasures and artifacts from shipwrecks, especially from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which was discovered by Mel Fisher in 1985.

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum: This is the former home of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West from 1931 to 1939. You can see his personal belongings, his writing studio, and his six-toed cats.

Some of the fun and quirky things you can do in Key West are:

Conch Train Tour: This is a tour that takes you around Key West on a train-like vehicle. You can learn about the history, culture, and landmarks of the island from a knowledgeable and humorous guide.

Old Town Trolley Tour: This is another tour that takes you around Key West on a trolley. You can hop on and off at different stops and explore at your own pace.

Southernmost Point: This is a concrete buoy that marks the southernmost point in the continental US. It is a popular spot for taking photos and saying you’ve been there.

Sunset Celebration: This is a nightly event that takes place at Mallory Square. You can watch street performers, food vendors, artists, and musicians as you wait for the sun to set over the water.

If you want to extend your road trip to a sailing adventure, you can also visit the Dry Tortugas National Park. This is a group of islands that are 70 miles west of Key West. You can take a catamaran or a seaplane to get there. The park has a stunning beach, a coral reef, and an old army fort called Fort Jefferson. You can snorkel, swim, fish, or camp here.

The Florida Keys are an amazing destination for a road trip that will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. You can enjoy the natural beauty, marine life, cuisine, entertainment, and culture of the islands. You can also learn about the history and wildlife of the Keys. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or fun, you’ll find it in the Florida Keys.