Florida is the state that stretches the furthest South in the United States. This gives it incredible year-round weather, a tropical feel, and gorgeous palm tree-lined white sand beaches. It is a state that attracts visitors throughout the year, those looking to escape cold weather or move from bleary grey cityscapes to blue skies and bluer waters. Miami, Palm Beach, Delray are all South Florida areas that attract hordes of tourists every season. But if you move further south, you can find a Florida area just as appealing.
South of Miami and on the furthest southern tip of mainland Florida, you’ll find the Florida Keys. These are a series of tiny tropical islands that stretch over 100 miles off the Southern tip of Florida, ending roughly 90 miles away from Mainland Cuba. They are connected by the Overseas Highway, which stretches down to the furthest south Key, Key West.
The Keys are an incredible destination, with beautiful homes, great diving and beaches, and quaint oceanside towns that are the epitome of the Florida dream. Let’s look at some of the biggest cities and Keys in this collection of islands and explore what they have to offer.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the first of the Keys, directly off Florida’s southernmost point. Key Largo is widely known as one of the best places for diving in the world, with the world’s largest artificial reef, as well as top-notch snorkeling and ocean kayaking. Key Largo is also a destination for fishing lovers and jetskiers, and you can even spot dolphins off this beautiful landmass. It is a great place for relaxing and enjoying a tropical beverage and it is only a short drive from the mainland and Everglades National Park.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a village that includes six of the Florida Keys, stretching across an area of about 17-square kilometers. Islamorada is home to a permanent population of roughly 6,500, but it feels much larger with a constant flow of tourists. While every one of the Keys is known to be great for diving, watersports, and fishing, Islamorada is particularly well-known for fishing. It is considered the sportfishing capital of the world, with the largest fishing fleet per square mile of anywhere globally. It also has stunning tropical forests, nearby reefs, and a relaxed local culture, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and museums.
Marathon
Marathon is set on 13 islands in the Florida Keys, a quaint town home to just over 9,000. Its unique waterfront location makes it an incredible place to live, with beachfront bars, restaurants and incredible state parks. It is a major nesting place for Loggerhead turtles and is a major wildlife hotspot. Here, you’ll find tropical birds, dolphins, incredible reefs, and more. Like the other areas in the Keys, it is a destination for boating, fishing, diving, and all kinds of water activities. It is smack in the middle of the Keys, making it the heart of the area.
Big Pine
Big Pine is one of the Keys that makes for an incredible, tranquil getaway. It lacks the major crowds of areas like Key West, as it has a permanent population of roughly 5,000 and fewer tourists. It is a stunningly beautiful area to live or vacation, with gorgeous natural scenery surrounding you from all sides. It has white sand beaches, state parks, like National Key Deer Refuge, where you can find the island’s local tiny deer population, and top-notch eats. With a big fishing industry, you can be assured that the seafood on this island will satisfy.
Key West
Key West is Florida and the continental United States’ southernmost point. It is a famed tourism destination with a permanent population of roughly 25,000. Key West is an island city with a vibrant local culture, including a major nightlife scene. It has nearby coral reefs that attract divers and snorkelers from around the world, and the real estate options on the island are incredible. It also has sandy beach shores with pastel-blue waters and year-round scorching hot weather. It is a city with a great art scene, a thriving tourism community, and museums and live entertainment options galore. It is a must-visit with a unique feel and intriguing history.
