The Florida Keys are like nowhere else on Earth. This chain of islands at the southern tip of Florida tapers off the edge of America to create a vacationer’s paradise. You have to experience them to believe it.

Start exploring America’s tropical paradise on the Overseas Highway. The legendary scenic coastal drive connects to five regions off Florida’s southern coast. Feel the sun with cool sea breezes, swaying palms, and a relaxing tropical pace.

In winter and spring, this coral cay archipelago—from north to south—really does seem like paradise.

 KEY LARGO

This northernmost island is revered as one of the world’s great diving areas due to its crystal-clear waters and rich undersea life. Overnight at the Jules’ Undersea Lodge, which you can only access—you guessed it!—scuba diving! Nature reigns supreme at two state parks, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, an aquatic playground known for its coral reef. At Dolphins Plus children can swim with dolphins and even get kissed by them at an interactive dolphin encounter program. Enjoy fresh seafood at the casual waterside restaurants.

 ISLAMORADA

The waters off Islamorada are revered as the sport fishing capital of the world and people come here from all over the world to try their luck. Islamorada is made up of six scenic islands. It’s here that backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly fishing were pioneered. The Keys History & Discovery Center is a world-class museum devoted to the islands’ history from the indigenous people to the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. At Robbie’s Marina children enjoy hand feeding tarpon and the whole family can go out on a charter boat from there.

MARATHON

These family fun islands offer underwater thrills and unique seafood dining pier side. Underwater enthusiasts love exploring the wreck of the 58-metre “Thunderbolt,” a ship intentionally sunk in 1986 as an artificial reef. The beach at Sunset Park is a quiet little family hideaway with magnificent sunsets. And there are plenty more great family options on Marathon, among them eco-adventures at the Turtle Hospital, Dolphin Research Center and Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.

 LOWER KEYS

Home to two National Wildlife Refuges and the only place on Earth where you can encounter the native Key Deer, the Lower Keys besides its beautiful beach at Bahia Honda State Park has a treasure trove of unique accommodations and activities. Discover rustic camp sites and atmospheric B&Bs. Backcountry kayakers get away to the Blue Hole, the largest freshwater lake in the Florida Keys, or No Name Key, while divers love exploring the Adolphus Busch Sr., an underwater wreck.

 KEY WEST

This is probably the most colourful town in America. So colourful that Key West playfully seceded from the Union in 1982, even issuing its own passports. By day roam Duval Street for the shopping and by night hit the funky restaurants. Ride the Conch Tour Train for city views or sail on a glass-bottom boat for underwater exploration. Visit the cemetery and read hilarious gravestone inscriptions. Gather at Mallory Docks for a nightly sunset medley with magicians, musicians and the most spectacular sunset ever seen.

Travel Planner

Plan your Florida Keys getaway at fla-keys.com.