Where to stay
in the Florida Keys

Key West

In the Keys, distances are measured from Key West up to the top of the Keys – so the MM (Mile Marker) references decrease the closer you get to Key West. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to have your photo taken at the very end of US Highway 1, at MM 0 in Key West. It’s the southernmost point of the continental United States, and only 90 miles from Cuba.

Key West has the best of everything – colonial architecture, historical harbours and plenty of opportunities to party the night away. And with lots to see and do as well, there’s every reason to look to Key West when choosing your Florida Keys holiday accommodation.

• Join the nightly Sunset Celebration, when musicians, artists and performers gather at the waters’ edge to watch the sun go down.
• Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum for a fascinating insight into the writer’s life. You can also look around Harry S. Truman’s White House, Florida’s only Presidential Museum.
• After a day’s snorkelling or sun worshipping, explore the bars and clubs along lively Duval Street.
• Take a day trip, about 70 miles west from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park, famous for its marine and bird life and the legends of its pirate past.

Key Largo

Known as the Diving Capital of the World, this tropical island is surrounded by brightly coloured corals nestling in clear turquoise waters. And because it’s just a few minutes from the mainland, Key Largo is the perfect base for your Florida Keys holiday. Key Largo is also ideally situated for exploring the wild and enchanting Everglades National Park, a World Heritage site and home to several endangered species. You can also see part of the old Seven Mile Bridge, now used by joggers and fishermen.

• Dive or take a glass bottomed boat to see vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine life at John Pennekamp State Park, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
• Snorkel in the clear waters and try to spot some of the 600 species of fish and 40 types of coral.
• Swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Plus, a marine conservation and research centre.
• Go sport fishing with some of the best charter captains and fishing guides in the world.
• Try everything from yellow tail snapper to lobster and shrimp in one of Key Largo’s many great seafood restaurants.

Marathon

Right at the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon offers snorkelling, diving, fishing and amazing sailing – party boats take groups out for anything from a few hours, to several days. It’s also the starting point for the drive along the awe-inspiring Seven Mile Bridge with its stunning panoramic ocean views, which will leave you speechless.

The Turtle Hospital offers guided tours to educate visitors about the rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles. Fun for the whole family, the Dolphin Research Center is an educational facility where nature lovers can get a closer look at marine mammals and their behaviour - there’s even the opportunity for an in-water experience.

Marathon also celebrates Florida Keys’ mouth-watering range of seafood with the annual Marathon Seafood Festival in February/March. In fact, a trip to the Florida Keys wouldn’t be complete without sampling a Florida lobster, succulent stone crab claws or conch fritters and chowder.

• Fish for tarpon, trout, grouper and snapper or paddling in calm waters on the north side of the island.
• Enjoy a boat trip and snorkel over the beautiful Sombrero Reef, just a few miles offshore.
• Hike through a tropical hardwood forest filled with wildlife and enjoy beautiful views at Crane Point.

Islamorada

Islamorada is the sport fishing capital of the world, but there’s so much more to do – diving, snorkelling and visiting attractions inland.

• Explore the Underwater Coral Gardens at Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. Divers might also enjoy the popular History of Diving Museum.
• Visit the Theatre of the Sea aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.
• Enjoy a tropical nature trail in Long Key State Park or one of the many other parks on the islands.

Duck Key

Tranquil Duck Key is a place to really get away from it all during your Florida Keys holiday. With stunning waterfront views, pretty sandy beaches and homely restaurants, it’s perfect for a relaxing break.

• Visit the Dolphin Encounter at the Hawks Cay Resort, designed to promote awareness and conservation.
• Explore the island’s picturesque canals and arched bridges.
• Picnic on gorgeous white beaches or do some wildlife spotting at nearby Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area.