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When most people think of the top sights to visit in the Florida Keys, they generally think of lazy days, beautiful beaches, and bottomless tropical cocktails.
The Florida Keys are one of the best destinations to visit in the United States, and the primary attractions are precisely what you’d expect from a tropical vacation.
While it’s tempting to think of the Keys as just one place, they’re actually quite diverse.
Keep reading to learn about some of the things you can do and see in The Keys.
Key West
If you’re an ocean lover, you’ll love everything about Key West. With a wide range of spectacular water-based activities and experiences, you’ll find it pleasing whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler.
Take your pick from several long-standing operators offering anything from wreck dives, reef dives, and mangrove kayaking to glass-bottom boat rides at the historic Seaport.
Or, you could visit the narrow alleyways near the lighthouse and to the west of Whitehead Street – nicknamed Bahama Village – to get a sense of Key West’s history.
Many of the little buildings, some of which were once cigar factories, are dilapidated and stand in stark contrast to the restoration that can be found elsewhere in Old Town.
The real Caribbean vibe comes from the Bahamians who worked in the salvage trade and eventually stayed in Key West.
Big Pine Key
It’s no surprise that Big Pine Key attracts so many visitors each year. There are so many things to do in this fascinating place, whether you enjoy seeing the local attractions or trying out more daring activities.
Fishing, boating, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all available on Big Pine Key, which is about 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West.
Fishing, of course, implies seafood, and Big Pine Key and the surrounding keys have some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
If you’re an animal lover, this place has no shortage of animals to interact with. However, if you want to see endangered species, you’ll have to go to the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key to see them.
Islamorada
Islamorada, often known as the Village of Islands, is a small island off the coast of Key Largo. This laid-back hideaway is perfect for rest and relaxation, family enjoyment, or a romantic escape.
Water sport rentals, eco-adventure trips, and excellent hiking paths abound in the Islamorada area. Because it is known as the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World, boating and fishing tours are plentiful and available all year.
Be sure to visit the Theater of the Sea if you’re visiting Islamorada as a family. The McKenney family owns and operates the marine animal park, which has been open since 1946.
The general admission ticket can get you an experience like no other. It includes sea lion, dolphin, and parrot shows, a boat trip, access to the lagoon-side beach, and a marine life tour.
Marathon
The islands of Marathon are known for their gorgeous white sand beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and colorful barrier reefs, all of which are worth exploring with the help of boat rentals in the Florida keys.
To the south, Bahia Honda State Park is only 12 miles away. Palm trees border this beautiful sandy beach, creating a tropical sanctuary.
Sombrero Beach offers wonderful snorkeling, smooth beaches, and turtle sightings. Alternatively, you could walk to the calm shores of Coco Plum Beach, which is pet-friendly.
The winds, shallow waters, and a natural setting create ideal conditions for watersports.
Malory Square
Mallory Square is a bustling district in Old Town Key West famed for its weekly sunset celebration.
Every evening, entertainers and sellers meet up to create a festive scene as tourists gaze out over the Gulf of Mexico at the famous sunsets.
From tightrope-walking cats and dogs on unicycles to sword swallowing and fire juggling, there’s something for everyone.
Here, you’ll find the Key West Sponge Market, which is a small museum dedicated to the sponge-harvesting industry that once supported Key West.
Final Thoughts
The Florida Keys are the perfect vacation spot.
There are numerous sights, islands, beaches, water activities, thriving arts, and cultural scenes, and delicious food to be found here.
There’s something for everyone, the Keys being the ideal vacation destination.