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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 house that you just 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 must look far, as the right vacation spot lies inside straightforward attain — The Florida Keys 🌴.
Combining a number of unbelievable locations in a single, The Florida Keys deserves a prime spot in your journey bucket checklist.
From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are infinite alternatives to make your tropical desires 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 straightforward resolution to that is, in fact, to select all of them! There is one thing in The Keys for everybody, and each Key is price testing.
It’s additionally extremely straightforward to see every part The Florida Keys has to supply with out breaking the financial institution.
For the final word Keys journey, we extremely counsel flying into Miami, renting a automobile, and road-tripping via 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 automobile off at Key West International Airport and fly house from there!
Key Largo & Islamorada
The first cease in your journey shall be Key Largo, among the finest locations to name house for just a few nights on a journey via the Keys.
For an ideal spot to name house base, you possibly can’t go fallacious by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.
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@traveloffpath Reefhouse Resort & Marina – The good house 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 points of interest, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has loads to do on the property, with a tremendous pool, a personal seaside, and scrumptious meals. Plus, you’re just a few minutes away from Islamorada, which 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 web site!
Get Underwater
Speaking of diving, don’t let your self go on the chance to get underwater whereas in Key Largo. This space is house 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 need to be taught, there isn’t a place higher. If you might be already licensed, you’ll love attending to discover the distinctive underwater panorama the Keys gives.
The common depth when diving within the keys doesn’t usually transcend 30 toes or so, which means you’ll be capable to spend loads of time on the underside saying howdy to sting rays and turtles.
If you’re questioning the place to attempt diving, give Horizon Divers a name and inform them what you might be in search of. 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 a superb 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 is not going to go hungry within the Keys. There are so many unbelievable locations to seize a chunk to eat that we may write a novel itemizing all of them out. However, there are just a few that you just positively shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has among the finest locations to seize a chunk, 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 checklist 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 might be staying on the Reefhouse or someplace close by, remember to schedule a day/night to go to Islamorada. This is the Key straight beneath Key Largo and is shut sufficient that you could test it out with out having to swap resorts.
There are 2 stuff you positively want so as to add to your checklist 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, house 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 among the solely native breweries that may really say their beer is made proper within the Keys.
@traveloffpath It’s inconceivable to not have a superb 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 welcoming. Everyone you meet shall be pleasant and good, and also you’ll be surrounded by unbelievable art work, superb beer, and a welcoming vibe.
After a beer or two, you’ll really feel like an everyday and possibly begin considering a transfer to the Keys 😅.
After a tour of the brewery, head proper throughout the road for a tremendous sundown dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was one among our favourite dinners within the Keys. Not solely was the meals unbelievable, it was stunning. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!
And not solely was the meals scrumptious and delightful, the surroundings was attractive as properly. We discovered ourselves pulling out the digicam to attempt to seize the sundown as it might paint a special image of the night for you each couple of minutes.
If you need to really feel like you might be consuming dinner in a gorgeous portray, that is the place to do it.
Heading South
The higher Keys are stunning, and we already can’t wait to return, however you might be 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 testing Key Largo and Islamorada, remember to pencil in just a few days to move down essentially the most stunning 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 chunk to eat or take within the surroundings alongside the best way.
We left proper at round lunchtime, so we made a cease in Islamorada for a scrumptious meal on the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — remember to attempt their particular Mojito with recent mint!
It’s the right option to cap off your lunch and can depart you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
On your manner all the way down to Key West, chances are 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 via the Keys.
Be positive 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 fingers down. #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
Before you make all of it the best way to Key West, take into account stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a seaside break. There are award-winning seashores and beautiful stretches of sand to arrange camp for just a few hours. If you’ve gotten snorkeling gear, positively remember to discover what’s within the water as properly!
Pick The Perfect Hotel For You
After catching some solar and sand, you’ll be prepared to move into Key West to your lodge (of which there are loads!).
Depending on what you might be in search of throughout your keep in Key West, there are tons of lodge choices to fit your wants. Much of Key West’s motion is centered round Duval Street, so in case you are coming for the nightlife that could be the place you need to look.
However, we needed to be shut sufficient to the motion to get pleasure from all Key West has to supply with out being proper within the thick of it. We needed to get pleasure from 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 house that achieved precisely what we had been in search of.
@traveloffpath The Capitana is the perfect house 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 enjoyable power of The Capitana.
If you might be staying in the primary lodge 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 means that you can really feel such as you already do!
The property is a good escape that you could possibly spend your complete journey having fun with if you happen to needed to, and it’s nice for each kind of traveler and celebration dimension.
Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get energetic and take a look at your hand at some badminton. Either manner, 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 infinite alternatives to have a tremendous time in Key West, however allow us to aid 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 move 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 circulate, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down earlier than taking in a stunning sundown from a singular perspective.
Keep a watch out for dolphins and turtles. If you might be affected person, you’ll probably spot just a few.
@traveloffpath Amazing option to see one other facet 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’s 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 could possibly inform they cared an ideal deal concerning the dolphins and ensuring the expertise was an ideal one for each people and dolphins.
We had been fortunate sufficient to have some dolphins come proper as much as our boat to say howdy, and it was a bucket checklist 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 might be on the fence a few dolphin watch, go forward and e book 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 basic vacationer attraction in Key West, however there’s a superb motive for it. The home itself is attractive, and the historical past behind it’s fascinating.
Most individuals comprehend it as Ernest Hemingway’s former house, however earlier than Hemingway owned it, it as soon as belonged to Asa Tift, one of many richest individuals 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 among them.
You’ll see all types of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to be taught concerning the significance of the mangroves and their significance within the ocean ecosystem.
Kayaking via the mangroves makes you are feeling fully lower off from the world in essentially the most stunning manner and is an expertise it’s best to attempt no less than as soon as. For a one among a sort expertise, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.
@traveloffpath See a singular facet 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 occurring meals excursions! Seriously, they’re one of the best ways to study a brand new vacation spot and an effective way to get the lay of the land in the beginning of your journey.
Not solely do you be taught concerning the space geographically, however additionally, you will depart with an enormous checklist of all the perfect locations to eat and drink. Aside from the meals, you’ll additionally be taught concerning the tradition and historical past of the realm.
In Key West’s case, you’ll by no means be quick on historical past, tradition, or meals to pattern. Around each nook, there’s one other story ready to be advised and a brand new one able to unfold. There is a lot fascinating historical past in Key West, and it’s definitely one 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 an effective 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 just wouldn’t go hungry within the Upper Keys, and the identical holds true in Key West. There are 1,000,000 meals choices which are all unbelievable, every with their very own distinctive Key West aptitude. Certainly don’t prohibit your self to our checklist, however a few of our favorites embrace:
- Half Shell Raw Bar – If you like oysters, that is your spot! Right within the Marina, you possibly can get pleasure from your meal figuring out you might be 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 atmosphere. The meals is deliciously decadent in a extra laid-back setting — in true Key West style.
- 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 brink of the doorway.
No Keys Experience Is The Same
It’s an unlucky reality of life that each trip should ultimately come to an finish, however some locations are price endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is certainly one among them.
There is a motive 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 probability 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 points of interest. Our opinions, suggestions, and strategies stay our personal.**
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