Florida Keys Hotels
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Resort Information
Key Largo
Key Largo, called "the first of the Florida Keys," because of its northernmost location along the Florida Keys chain, is an hour's drive from South Florida's two major airports. Yet it is a world away. Home to two state parks, a national park, a national marine sanctuary, Key Largo boasts some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state. In 2010, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America's first underseas park, turns 50. And, the year 2010 marks the 75th year of the Florida Park Service. Explore Key Largo's Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Everglades National Park and all the underwater delights of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
A host of eco-tourism and dive-snorkel services and accommodations are ready to help you discover the natural wonders of Key Largo. As you look at the tropical hardwoods, the winding creeks, and the stunning coral formations, it is no wonder Hollywood chose to film scenes from the movies "PT 109" and "Key Largo" here. Key Largo is sandwiched between the watery wilderness of the Everglades National Park to the west and the fish-covered coral formations of North America's only living coral barrier reef to the east. It's not just Hollywood producers who are drawn to the wildlife here. Even Fantasy Fest revelers have been known to relax in Key Largo before, during or after enjoying Key West's famously outlandish costume festival.
Six miles offshore in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary you will find the wreck of the Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship intentionally scuttled in June 2002 as the backbone for a new coral reef. Locals consider their home the Diving Capital of the World but the island is nearly as famous as a sport-fishing destination. Some of the best charter captains and fishing guides in the world work out of Key Largo. You can go after sailfish offshore, bonefish along the Atlantic shallows, or redfish and tarpon in Florida Bay.
Key Largo's proximity to the Everglades makes it a premier destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists. All this beauty, not to mention the island's rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show their work at several local galleries. When the day is done, you can trade stories at any of a full-range of restaurants, bars, hotels, motels and resorts. Each is as unique as Key Largo itself.
Key West
Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams. Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha, and discover tomorrow's fine art treasures by Key West's well-known and unknown artists.
In Key West, you can visit these and a host of other attractions by taking advantage of convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet.
With its balmy weather and crystal blue skies, the island is famous among the outdoors set for its diving, fishing, watersports and golfing at the nearby Key West Golf Club, a course designed by Rees Jones. But only in Key West would the sun shine the brightest when it sets. Everyone gathers for the never planned, always varied Sunset Celebration on the Mallory Dock. Once the sun is safely tucked away by jugglers, mimes, musicians and street artists, the city moves to a different beat. A night beat. The streets, filled with sidewalk cafes, open-air bars, legendary pubs and world-class restaurants come alive. Gourmets and gourmands alike treat their palates to island specialties. Drama, musicals and comedy flourish on our stages.
As you enjoy these sights, you'll discover that modern Key West is a warm-hearted place where all are welcome. The city's vibrant Gay and Lesbian Community helped spearhead the island's economic and social revival in the 1980's. ONE HUMAN FAMILY is the official philosophy of the island community of Key West and Monroe County; a simple motto which serves not only as a shining example of daily life here, but as one that is openly shared with global neighbours throughout the world.
However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers. Key West's African cultural heritage is represented by the vibrant Bahama Village neighbourhood, founded in the early 1800s by Africans migrating from the Bahamas, and in historic churches, indigenous food and annual festivals. Among Key West's most significant African cultural sites is the 1860 African Burial Ground, located on the island's Atlantic Ocean shore beside a Civil War-era fort. It is believed by experts to be America's only African refugee cemetery. A memorial honouring the buried Africans is being constructed at the site.
New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests. The island's seafaring tradition lives on at the renovated Historic Seaport district, known locally as the Key West Bight. Dozens of shrimp boats once called this harbour home. These days, "the Bight" is a popular place to arrange a day on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or eco-tourist. Others come just to stroll along the harbour walk or dine at one of the many restaurants. In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently.
Come visit Key West. Like all the Keys, you'll find it's rich in history.
Islamorada
The Village of Islands is situated between the saltwater wilderness of Everglades National Park in one direction and North America's only coral barrier reef and the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits in the other. Islamorada is comprised of six islands including Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.This might be the only place on Earth where it is possible to catch a sailfish in the morning, and then venture into the backcountry in pursuit of bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook and redfish in just inches of water. With a fleet of highly-skilled recreational fishing captains, Islamorada's reputation as The Sport Fishing Capital of the World is well earned. Yet there is a secret that is just starting to get out. Not everyone comes here to fish.
Divers and snorkelers are fascinated by the History of Diving Museum that opened in 2006 to rave reviews. Music lovers enjoy warm, tropical evenings on the lawn of the TIB Amphitheatre at Founder's Park. Theatre lovers routinely take in first-class productions at the Coral Shores Performing Arts Centre. Robbie's Marina sells buckets of bait for feeding swarms of tarpon that linger around the docks. The Theatre of the Sea Marine Mammal Park offers opportunities to swim with dolphin and other creatures in controlled settings. At Long Key State Park, visitors kick back or meander along lush, tropical nature trails. At Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, they view an old quarry dug by the late Henry Flagler's railroad workers. Indian Key Historic State Park and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park offer visitors a glimpse into Florida's unique island history dating back to the early 1800's.
A trip to Islamorada would not be complete without sampling some of the local island cuisine headlined by succulent fresh seafood served everywhere from island tiki bars and dockside fish houses to gourmet beachfront cafes and secluded island bistros. Shoppers will enjoy our many area boutiques and galleries filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, apparel and art. The Village of Islamorada has long been a popular honeymoon destination, but the area's excellent lodging and hospitality also attract countless couples looking for the perfect, laid-back tropical wedding location.
Yes, there is world-class fishing here, but there is so much more. Travellers on group tours through the Florida Keys - multi-generation families, reunions, seniors, foreign or special interest groups - can find unique experiences, soft adventure and quality for a great price. For activity, fun and relation for the whole family - including the family dog - the 40-acre Islamorada Founders Park (MM 87 bayside) offers an Olympic-sized pool with diving area, a shallow water beach, water sports rentals, ball fields, fishing jetty, bocce, tennis and basketball courts, vita course with 18 exercise stations, multi-purpose path, skate park and dog park.
Marathon
This quaint tropical city is conveniently situated in the middle of the Keys island chain. Located mainly on Vaca, Fat Deer, and Grassy Key, Marathon is a 10- mile-long family-oriented island community rooted in a heritage of fishing, and reflects the old-Keys lifestyle that residents, snowbirds and visitors enjoy so much. It is maintaining this simple, seafaring tradition that has made Marathon so special, celebrated through the community's annual family-friendly seafood festivals.
Undeniably, Marathon’s natural environment has activities for everyone, of any age, interest or nationality. Spectacular sailing, fishing, diving, snorkeling and SNUBA appeal to families, as do the island’s impeccably maintained Sombrero Beach, and a host of eco-attractions and marine-based environmental programs such as dolphin and turtle encounters. At Marathon's Crane Point, visitors can hike through a wondrously preserved tropical hardwood grove and visit the home of an early 20th Century settler family. Visitors to Pigeon Key venture back in time to a tiny island that played a tremendous role in the Florida Keys of today.
Sombrero Reef, a federally protected section of the United States' only living coral barrier reef, lies just a few miles offshore. Beyond it are the deep blue waters of the Florida Straits, which host world-class wreck diving on artificial reefs. To an angler's delight, the waters offshore teem with billfish and tuna in the winter and dolphin fish in the summer. On the north side of the island lie the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Florida Bay and the Keys backcountry. Many of the island's marine activities are situated nearby Boot Key Harbour, a peaceful tropical cove in the centre of the island. The harbour is famous for its sunset views and is home to the City Marina, which administers a 226-ball mooring field and a large anchoring area.
Food aficionados can enjoy fresh local fish prepared simply or gourmet style, and many of these restaurants are located right on the water. Perhaps best of all, visitors need not scrimp when it comes to selecting accommodations. They can choose among private homes, condominiums, small motels and tropical resorts.
Big Pine Key and The Lower Keys
If you've had enough of an overcrowded and weary world, the islands of the Lower Keys are the place for you. Here, you can snorkel or dive over the Looe Key coral reef, ride a bicycle through Key Deer country, or take a fishing adventure in the back country or troll the deep blue waters beyond the reef. At the end of the day, you can trade stories with family and friends at one of this area's tiki bars, RV parks, campgrounds, quaint resorts or licensed vacation homes. The Earthy fragrance of mangrove forests and wetlands is never far away.
The Lower Keys begin where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly turn toward the sunset, shortly after the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It is a quiet region of small resorts, down-home restaurants, single-family homes, untrammeled wildernesses and rich history. Tiny Little Duck Key, at mile marker 40 in the upper end of the Lower Keys, boasts Veterans Memorial Park. Its sandy beaches, picnic areas, and pet-friendliness make it a perfect family stop along the famed Overseas Highway. Just a mile down the road, at mile marker 39, is Ohio Key. It is home to Sunshine Key Camping Resort, which offers a pool, family restaurant and other amenities. If you've had enough of an overcrowded and weary world, the islands of the Lower Keys are the place for you. Nearby, you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area at mile marker 37. With its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches in America.
Big Pine Key, at mile marker 33, is the main shopping hub of the Lower Keys. Yet, if you prefer solitude, you need only turn onto one of its lovely side roads. Explore the National Key Deer Refuge, a large expanse of mostly undeveloped pine lands where the diminutive Key Deer live, or venture out to No Name Key. If you're looking for an off-shore adventure, Big Pine is also the jumping off point for numerous snorkeling and dive charters to Looe Key reef.
Don't forget about the other islands of the Lower Keys. They are famous for their homey resorts, family-oriented neighborhoods and easy access to the water. Look for intriguing names such as Summerland Key, Big Torch and Little Torch Keys, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key or Big Coppitt Key. All are an easy drive to Key West. In fact, the uninhabited Saddlebunch Keys are a network of sandy lagoons and mangrove islands that make the jaunt a memorable one, especially at sunset.
The Lower Keys are an oasis in a mad and rushed world.
Come visit Big Pine & the Lower keys. Like all the Keys, you'll find it's rich in history.
