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The Keys The Florida Keys comprise a narrow chain of islands curving out south and then west for 120 miles from the southern tip of mainland Florida. They are divided into five groups: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys and Key West. KEY LARGO is known as the diving capital of the world and is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a spectacular underwater park. In Key Largo you'll find a variety of ways to see colorful sea life at nearby reefs. For those who choose to keep their feet dry, glass bottom boats offer an up close look at what’s underwater. MARATHON is located in the heart of the Florida Keys, approximately 50 miles north of Key West and 50 miles south of Key Largo. According to history, Marathon was named during the building of Henry Flagler’s railroad. While building the tracks on this island in the middle of the Florida Keys, a worker made the comment that the job was a marathon. The name stuck.
Today Marathon is popular year round for those in search of sport fishing and water related activities. If you’re not off shore, you may choose to swim with a dolphin, visit the historical museum or bask in the sun at Sombrero beach. Of the 42 bridges that connect the Florida Keys, the 7-mile bridge is the longest and can be found on the south side of Marathon. You may recall seeing the bridge in the movie "True Lies" . Marathon is one of two Florida Keys that has airports with flights by major air carriers. Accommodations range from botels (floating motel room with dockage for your boat) to full service resorts. ISLAMORADA, meaning purple isle, has more fishing vessels per square mile than any other vacation destination in the world and is known as the sport fishing capital of the world. Islamorada's professional fishing captains can guide you offshore to catch big game or to stalk bonefish in the Florida Bay which is known as "the backcountry".
For divers, the waters off islamorada offer choice Florida Keys reef and wreck diving. Many reefs are only 10 to 15 feet deep and make for great snorkeling and/or shallow dives. Most dive shops offer day and night dives, equipment rentals and lessons. To see a fabulous Florida Keys sunset, a bayside restaurant is the place to be, and if you’re looking for Florida Keys nightlife, Islamorada is overflowing with entertainment. From sports bars to comedy clubs, you’re sure to find a good time. Like all the Florida Keys, Islamorada has accommodations for the luxury to the budget minded. BIG PINE KEY is part of the Lower Florida Keys and is home to some 300 tiny Key Deer. These rare white tail deer roam the unspoiled tropical wilderness that makes this area unique. Far from being overcrowded, the pace of life on Big Pine is casual and relaxed.
You can dive Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, go off shore fishing or relax in the Florida Keys backcountry while flats fishing. Bahia Honda State Park is nearby for an afternoon picnic or canoe trip. After a day on the water, you can pamper yourself with some island music and a pina colada at any local tiki bar. Accommodations are easily satisfied from a diverse selection of lodging ranging from camping resorts to luxury vacation homes.  KEY WEST - the Spanish name for this island is Cayo Hueso, meaning "island of bones". This less than pleasant name was coined by Spanish explorers that found the skeletal remains of Indians when they discovered Key West. Only 90 miles from Cuba, Key West served as a waypoint for travelers between the United States and Cuba prior to Fidel Castro taking power.
Like the other islands, Key West offers great fishing and diving. Duval Street is a favorite of visitors and is the location of such renowned establishments as "Sloppy Joes" (pictured below) and "Hogs Breath Saloon". The original Sloppy Joes, now Capt. Tony's, was a favorite watering hole of author Ernest Hemingway when he lived in Key West.
Key West offers a variety of rides and attractions that can satisfy the needs of most anyone. You can tour the island in the famous Conch Train, see the unbelievable in Ripley's Believe it or not or learn about some of the accomplishments of John James Audubon at the Audubon House.
Depending upon the time of year you visit the Keys, you may even catch one of its interesting festivals such as Hemingway Days or Fantasy Fest. Hemingway Days is a tribute to the life and times of one time Key West resident Ernest Hemingway. During the festival the island is inundated with gray bearded gentlemen vying to be the winner of the festival's Ernest Hemingway look alike contest. After a day of sightseeing and shopping, be sure and attend "Sunset Fest" at Mallory Square (north end of Duval). This nightly event is where both locals and visitors gather to experience a glorious Florida Keys sunset while being entertained by musicians and Key West style carnival acts.
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