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Why the Florida Keys?
When planning a vacation, my daughter and I were enchanted with the idea of Cuba for its beaches and culture, but given the travel restrictions, we needed to rethink. The second best option was the Florida Keys since it’s a mere 90 miles away. As we gazed in its direction we felt halfway there!
As a lover of all things beachy, I couldn’t wait to visit. Imagine my surprise at this beautiful peninsula surrounded by ocean possessing nothing that can be called a natural beach! So what can the Florida Keys offer a beach-loving tourist?
Do you love the idea of never losing sight of the water? Do you seek out unique vibes and cultures? Do you want never-ending ocean-side tables at restaurants? Read on!
We flew into Miami International and stepped out into the blazing October heat to find our friend waiting for us. He skillfully navigated through the city and we got onto the road to the Keys, skirting around the outside of the Everglades. It was a quick ride to Key Largo.
For an overview of the layout, click here to see a variety of maps showing the location of the many towns from Key Largo to Key West. https://fla-keys.com/maps/
Thanks to the Beach Boys, I always imagined Key Largo as a tropical paradise. Maybe it was for them, but no longer! I saw nothing appealing about Key Largo as it sadly appeared run down and uninviting. My advice is to drive through as there are many better choices down the road.
Our overnight destination was Islamorada, 16 miles south of Key Largo. A nice little town with a lot of choices.
Explore the Keys! Fisher Inn at Islamorada
Accommodation varies, from motel to resort. If you are happy with an Urban Chic motel offering free use of bicycles, kayaks and stunning views, check out the Fisher Inn for a review, and then book on this site using booking.com!. https://www.fisherinnresort.com/islamorada-accommodations/
Islamorada offers its own small brewery with an interesting selection of tropical beer and a nice beer garden with games and food. https://floridakeysbrewingco.com/
You will find a decent choice of restaurants from Cuban to Seafood and yet more Seafood. Islamorada Fish Company offers a unique dining experience and oceanside views. https://www.islamoradafishco.com/
We took full advantage of the hotel’s free equipment and kayaked out into the Ocean until we were blissfully bobbing around and discussing if we could make it to the sand bar. We decided against and strenuously paddled back against the tide. In the afternoon we used the complimentary bicycles to ride into the town and refresh at the brewery.
As I floated around in the hotel pool, I asked other guests for the best places to visit and heard a variety of responses, from Duck Key to Key West to Key Colony Beach and more. My advice, head to Key West as quickly or slowly as you wish along the US 1, and find your own favorites. Take in the experience of miles of road and bridges, all the while being surrounded by beautiful blue water. I am not a fan of bridges, especially over water, but this was a calm and serene experience. Take note of the original railway line paralleling the US 1. Watch carefully for the many Iguanas sunning on the pavement, geckos scattering around, and tiny Key Deer off the main path. There are many opportunities to pull off the main highway and visit the numerous towns that line the path to Key West.
As you finally pull into Key West, you will be greeted with the buzz of a historic port town where roosters roam wild throughout the streets, and locals happily co-exist with tourists. The roads are congested and parking is difficult, so decide where you want to begin your visit ahead of time.
Your Tour Guide! 
Yum!
The center of Key West is full of cozy little streets lined with unique shops and cafes. In our one day there, we sampled an outdoor cafe and an outdoor restaurant with live music found entirely by accident. One of the things I love about this town is the presence of art in music, and in the street vendors with their gorgeous crafts.
It is possible to see a few historical sights and be a carefree tourist roaming the streets in the course of just one day, but your feet will hurt! Ernest Hemingway and President Truman Residences are open to the public, and you cannot miss the Southern Most Point for that distant view of Cuba! We stumbled across the original Pan Am office which began its journey here. Do not miss the delicacy of homemade Key Lime pie, available all over town! Take plenty of photos like the one below, which shows the end of US Highway 1.
To give Key West full your full attention, allow at least three days. There is a lot to see in this small town, and to really enjoy the ambiance you need plenty of time to soak up the diverse culture and entertainment. A great way to get an overview of the town is to arrive by cruise ship on your way to the Caribbean or Bahamas!
After arriving back in Miami, I had time to review my visit. There are few areas I have visited that stand out as much as the Florida Keys. This area does not feel like part of the USA; it could be its own Island. The population is a melting pot of transplants and each town is unique. It beckons those who seek Island life offering peace, relaxation, and complete uniqueness. One way or another, I will break my rule about life being too short to revisit a location and head back to the Florida Keys one day soon!
For a comprehensive review of Key West, click on the link https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/key-west.html
TRAVEL TIP: Miami International Airport is the closest option for driving to the Keys. If you prefer a calmer, less congested exit from the airport, consider Fort Lauderdale, an extra 30 miles away.
