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When most Americans consider jetting off to a tropical paradise, they in all probability consider locations like Jamaica, Cancun, or The Bahamas. But do you know there’s a gorgeous tropical vacation spot near residence that you simply don’t must pack your passport for?
For Americans itching to get a style of the tropics with out leaving the nation, they don’t should look far, as the right vacation spot lies inside simple attain — The Florida Keys 🌴.
Combining a number of unbelievable locations in a single, The Florida Keys deserves a prime spot in your journey bucket record.
From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are limitless alternatives to make your tropical goals come true in The Florida Keys.
The Perfect Florida Keys Itinerary
There are so many unbelievable locations to remain when visiting the Keys it may be tough to select one. The simple answer to that is, after all, to select all of them! There is one thing in The Keys for everybody, and each Key is price trying out.
It’s additionally extremely simple to see every part The Florida Keys has to supply with out breaking the financial institution.
For the last word Keys journey, we extremely counsel flying into Miami, renting a automotive, and road-tripping by way of The Keys. Best of all, there’s no must make the trek again to Miami when the holiday sadly involves an finish. Simply drop your rental automotive off at Key West International Airport and fly residence from there!
Key Largo & Islamorada
The first cease in your journey shall be Key Largo, the most effective locations to name residence for just a few nights on a journey by way of the Keys.
For an ideal spot to name residence base, you possibly can’t go unsuitable by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.
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@traveloffpath Reefhouse Resort & Marina – The good residence base to discover Key Largo🤍 #floridakeys #onlyinthekeys #keylargo #florida #travellife #traveloffpath #summervibes #traveling ♬ Me gustas tú – Tbp🙏🙏🙏
The resort is central to Key Largo’s prime sights, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has a lot to do on the property, with an incredible pool, a non-public seaside, and scrumptious meals. Plus, you’re only some minutes away from Islamorada, that means you possibly can expertise 2 Keys in a single throughout a keep on the Reefhouse Resort.
One of the highest issues to do in Key Largo (and the remainder of the Keys for that matter) is to go diving or snorkeling. Don’t fear if you happen to forgot your masks; the Reefhouse Resort & Marina has a dive store proper on website!
Get Underwater
Speaking of diving, don’t let your self move on the chance to get underwater whereas in Key Largo. This space is residence to a few of the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling spots within the U.S. and isn’t to be missed!
If you’ve gotten by no means tried scuba diving and wish to study, there is no such thing as a place higher. If you’re already licensed, you’ll love attending to discover the distinctive underwater panorama the Keys supplies.
The common depth when diving within the keys doesn’t sometimes transcend 30 ft or so, that means you’ll have the ability to spend loads of time on the underside saying good day to sting rays and turtles.
If you’re questioning the place to attempt diving, give Horizon Divers a name and inform them what you’re on the lookout for. You can simply get your self on a morning 2-tank dive to discover the shallow reefs and shipwrecks within the Upper Keys National Sanctuary, and also you’re assured to have time.
@traveloffpath There’s a lot extra to see underwater in The Keys! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel ♬ Explore The World 2.0 – Brainheart & Sis
Don’t Forget To Eat
You won’t go hungry within the Keys. There are so many unbelievable locations to seize a chew to eat that we may write a novel itemizing all of them out. However, there are just a few that you simply positively shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has the most effective locations to seize a chew, the well-known Fish House.
The Fish House has domestically sourced seafood that’s to die for, all served in a unusual “keys-style” restaurant. Just give them a go to and also you’ll see what we imply. This is the right spot to seize lunch after a morning dive and it ought to positively be in your record of must-dos.
Plus, there are many alternatives to seize some images with family and friends.
@traveloffpath Best spot for an after-dive lunch within the Keys. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel #foo ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
An Evening In Islamorada
If you’re staying on the Reefhouse or someplace close by, you should definitely schedule a day/night to go to Islamorada. This is the Key straight under Key Largo and is shut sufficient which you can test it out with out having to swap accommodations.
There are 2 stuff you positively want so as to add to your record of must-dos in Islamorada, and each are scrumptious.
Firstly, no go to to the Keys is full with out spending a while at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. As you possibly can think about, area is a prized commodity within the Keys, which is a part of what makes this brewery so particular.
The Florida Keys Brewing Company brews all of their beer proper on-site and is without doubt one of the solely native breweries that may really say their beer is made proper within the Keys.
@traveloffpath It’s unattainable to not have time right here! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #beer ♬ Don’t Stop Me Now – Remastered 2011 – Queen
Aside from how unbelievable the beer is, the property itself is eclectic and alluring. Everyone you meet shall be pleasant and good, and also you’ll be surrounded by unbelievable paintings, wonderful beer, and a welcoming vibe.
After a beer or two, you’ll really feel like an everyday and doubtless begin considering a transfer to the Keys 😅.
After a tour of the brewery, head proper throughout the road for an incredible sundown dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was one in every of our favourite dinners within the Keys. Not solely was the meals unbelievable, it was lovely. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!
And not solely was the meals scrumptious and delightful, the surroundings was attractive as effectively. We discovered ourselves pulling out the digicam to attempt to seize the sundown as it might paint a unique image of the night for you each couple of minutes.
If you wish to really feel like you’re consuming dinner in a phenomenal portray, that is the place to do it.
Heading South
The higher Keys are lovely, and we already can’t wait to return, however you’re lacking out on a few of the most iconic sights within the Keys if you happen to finish your journey there.
After spending a while trying out Key Largo and Islamorada, you should definitely pencil in just a few days to go down essentially the most lovely stretch of freeway within the U.S. to Key West.
And there’s no must rush; there are nice locations to cease off for a chew to eat or take within the surroundings alongside the way in which.
We left proper at round lunchtime, so we made a cease in Islamorada for a scrumptious meal on the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — you should definitely attempt their particular Mojito with contemporary mint!
It’s the right technique to cap off your lunch and can go away you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
On your means right down to Key West, it’s possible you’ll end up staring out of the window on the ocean round you.
There is not any different freeway within the U.S. that provides fairly the identical feeling because the Overseas freeway, and also you’ll be glad you determined to drive by way of the Keys.
Be certain to cease off on the finish of a bridge or two to take all of it in and seize some images.
@traveloffpath This is the prettiest the drive within the USA arms down. #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
Before you make all of it the way in which to Key West, contemplate stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a seaside break. There are award-winning seashores and lovely stretches of sand to arrange camp for just a few hours. If you’ve gotten snorkeling gear, positively you should definitely discover what’s within the water as effectively!
Pick The Perfect Hotel For You
After catching some solar and sand, you’ll be prepared to go into Key West to your resort (of which there are a lot!).
Depending on what you’re on the lookout for throughout your keep in Key West, there are tons of resort choices to fit your wants. Much of Key West’s motion is centered round Duval Street, so if you’re coming for the nightlife that could be the place you wish to look.
However, we needed to be shut sufficient to the motion to take pleasure in all Key West has to supply with out being proper within the thick of it. We needed to take pleasure in Key West however keep someplace that felt like its personal secluded space away from the remainder of the island.
The Capitana Key West was the right place to name residence that achieved precisely what we had been on the lookout for.
@traveloffpath The Capitana is the perfect residence base for exploring Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ My Addiction – Alex Guesta
From the second you examine in you possibly can really feel the calm and stress-free power of The Capitana.
If you’re staying in the primary resort constructing, you’ll have unbelievable views of the pool and seaside out of your room, however for a extra intimate expertise, we opted for the Two Bedroom Cottage.
Many individuals who come to Key West dream of packing up and transferring there after visiting. Staying in a cottage permits you to really feel such as you already do!
The property is a superb escape that you can spend your complete journey having fun with if you happen to needed to, and it’s nice for each sort of traveler and social gathering measurement.
Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get energetic and check out your hand at some badminton. Either means, you’ll love your keep at The Capitana.
Key West Is Endless Fun
You’ll have bother deciding what to do with your self as a result of there are limitless alternatives to have an incredible time in Key West, however allow us to enable you out by sharing some can’t-miss experiences:
Sunset Sail
There are loads of corporations providing sundown sails, and if you happen to stroll to the Marina, you’ll see indicators for all of them. We determined to go out with Sebago Key West and would completely do it once more!
You’ll head out to the beat of a dwell musician whereas the (included) drinks begin to move, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down earlier than taking in a stunning sundown from a singular perspective.
Keep an eye fixed out for dolphins and turtles. If you’re affected person, you’ll probably spot just a few.
@traveloffpath Amazing technique to see one other aspect of Key West with Sebago Key West’s Sunset Sail. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #sailing #boat #sail #floridakeys ♬ Sun Goes Down (feat. Jasmine Thompson) [Radio Mix] – Robin Schulz
Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling
Speaking of dolphins, if you happen to’ve by no means seen them up shut and private, then it is best to positively exit on a dolphin watch. We went with Honest Eco, and can’t suggest them sufficient.
They defined a lot about Key West’s dolphin inhabitants and you can inform they cared an amazing deal in regards to the dolphins and ensuring the expertise was an amazing one for each people and dolphins.
We had been fortunate sufficient to have some dolphins come proper as much as our boat to say good day, and it was a bucket record merchandise of mine. I’m a little bit of a sucker for animals, and this expertise was surreal. I’ve at all times liked dolphins and been amazed at their intelligence; I’m not ashamed to say I teared up having them so shut — there’s no expertise fairly prefer it.
If you’re on the fence a couple of dolphin watch, go forward and ebook it, particularly if heading out with Honest Eco.
@traveloffpath What an unbelievable expertise with Honest Eco in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #boat #diving #dolphin ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves
Hemingway House
The Hemingway House is a traditional vacationer attraction in Key West, however there’s purpose for it. The home itself is attractive, and the historical past behind it’s fascinating.
Most folks comprehend it as Ernest Hemingway’s former residence, however earlier than Hemingway owned it, it as soon as belonged to Asa Tift, one of many richest folks to ever dwell in Key West and essentially the most well-known wrecker within the space.
Even if the historical past of the house isn’t your factor, it’s enjoyable to see what number of kitties you possibly can spot across the property, all of whom are UNESCO world-heritage protected and allowed to roam the property at will.
@traveloffpath See what number of kitties you possibly can spot on the Hemingway House in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest #hemingwayhouse ♬ I’m Just a Cat – Simon and the Astronauts
Kayaking Tour
Many of the perfect issues to do in Key West are in or on the water, and a kayak tour is one in every of them.
You’ll see all types of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to study in regards to the significance of the mangroves and their significance within the ocean ecosystem.
Kayaking by way of the mangroves makes you are feeling fully lower off from the world in essentially the most lovely means and is an expertise it is best to attempt at the least as soon as. For a one in every of a form expertise, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.
@traveloffpath See a singular aspect of Key West throughout a Kayak tour with Lazy Dog Charters. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest ♬ Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay
Food Walking Tour
I can’t cease happening meals excursions! Seriously, they’re the easiest way to study a brand new vacation spot and a good way to get the lay of the land originally of your journey.
Not solely do you study in regards to the space geographically, however additionally, you will go away with an enormous record of all the perfect locations to eat and drink. Aside from the meals, you’ll additionally study in regards to the tradition and historical past of the realm.
In Key West’s case, you’ll by no means be brief on historical past, tradition, or meals to pattern. Around each nook, there’s one other story ready to be informed and a brand new one able to unfold. There is a lot fascinating historical past in Key West, and it’s actually some of the distinctive locations within the U.S.
To get essentially the most out of this expertise, we went with Key West Food Tours, and the tour didn’t disappoint.
@traveloffpath Food excursions are a good way to get to know a vacation spot, particularly Key West! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #foodie ♬ Don’t Worry Be Happy – The Hit Crew
Food, Food, And More Food
We stated above that you simply wouldn’t go hungry within the Upper Keys, and the identical holds true in Key West. There are one million meals choices which are all unbelievable, every with their very own distinctive Key West aptitude. Certainly don’t prohibit your self to our record, however a few of our favorites embody:
- Half Shell Raw Bar – If you’re keen on oysters, that is your spot! Right within the Marina, you possibly can take pleasure in your meal figuring out you’re consuming a few of the freshest seafood cash can purchase.
- Milagro – Chef Kevin has labored with Michelin Star cooks for many of his profession and took that have to create a restaurant with 5-star delicacies in an off-the-cuff, bistro setting. The meals is deliciously decadent in a extra laid-back setting — in true Key West trend.
- Blue Heaven Key West – The most iconic brunch spot in Key West and a particular should. Not solely is the meals scrumptious, however you’ll really feel such as you stepped into one other world the second you cross the edge of the doorway.
No Keys Experience Is The Same
It’s an unlucky reality of life that each trip should finally come to an finish, however some locations are price endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is unquestionably one in every of them.
There is a purpose so many vacationers come right here time and time once more, and each go to to The Keys will reveal one thing new and thrilling.
We liked our time in The Keys and, like so many others, shall be coming again the primary likelihood we get!
**Travel Off Path was a visitor of The Florida Keys, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and sights. Our opinions, suggestions, and ideas stay our personal.**
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