The Florida Keys stretch 160 miles south of Miami and are often described as 'Florida's jewels' because of the sparkling effect created by the closeness of the sea on both sides.
In a nutshell
Key West is actually closer to Cuba than any major US city. Attitudes are laid-back - almost Caribbean-like - and popular activities include snorkelling, diving, fishing and boating. You can also swim with dolphins, enjoy a sunset sail or venture into the Everglades National Park for a walk on the wild side. There are around 800 islands in the Keys, 42 of which are linked by bridges. Different parts of the Keys will suit different people. For families, the Upper and Lower Keys are the place with an abundance of water sports and activities. For couples or groups, head further south to Key West.
Getting there
Flight Details - You will fly direct non-stop to Miami international airport from Heathrow with award-winning Virgin Atlantic.
Flight Time - Approx 10 hours
Time Difference - GMT -5 hours
Distance - From Miami, Key Largo is 55 miles, Islamorada is 72 miles, Key Vaca is 104 miles and Key West is 160 miles. Locations in the Keys can be pinpointed by the use of 'mile markers', which denote the distance in miles from Key West.
Driving Times - Key Largo approx 1 hour 15 min. Islamorada approx 1 hour 40 min. Key Vaca approx 2 hours 15 min. Key West approx 4 hours.
Additional info
Key Largo
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary offers protected reefs and marine life for unrivalled snorkelling and diving. Tropical fish, sea turtles, shells, sea fans and other spectacles await you. Coral Reef State Park is also popular and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park runs charters to Christ of the Deep, a 4,000-pound bronze statue resting at the bottom of the sea. After a busy day, relax in one of the many bars and restaurants, including Hobo's Sports Bar and Restaurant, serving cold beer and the best yellow snapper in town!
Islamorada
The 'sport fishing capital of the world', charter a boat and cast for the big guys - marlin, sailfish, tuna and the elusive bonefish. The kids will love Theater of the Sea, a 17-acre marine complex where you can meet dolphins, sea lions and stingrays. They can also feed the tarpon that gather round the dock at Robbie's of Islamorada. At Indian Key Historic State Park, discover the partially excavated town of Indian Key and at night, admire the sunset from one of the many pier bars or seafood restaurants.
Middle Keys
Marathon is great for families with its museums and nature centre of Crane Point. It's also the launching point for the Seven Mile Bridge, often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World. The bridge drops you onto Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park. The former is great for fishing and the latter is where you'll find one of America's best beaches. The Dolphin Research Center is one of this area's big attractions, as is diving at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. As expected, excellent bars and restaurants abound, with seafood always on the menu!
Key West
Probably the best known of all the Florida Keys, Key West offers a wealth of history and lively nightlife. Visit Ernest Hemingway's home in the Old Town with its ornate architecture and well-preserved buildings. Duval Street has numerous bars and restaurants and in Mallory Square, sunset celebrations, and street entertainment takes place every night. The Key West Aquarium was the first of its kind in America, the perfect place to admire indigenous sea creatures. With water sports also in abundance, this is a great resort for families and party people alike!
Did you know?
Also known as the 'Conch Republic', Florida Keys, America's tiny islands, briefly claimed independence in 1982. The event is celebrated with a festival every Apr - it's when the locals come out to party!
The 1948 film Key Largo, starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, was almost entirely shot in Hollywood, not Key Largo as the title suggests!
In Key West, Pepe's Cafe, established in 1909, is the oldest restaurant in Key West. If you are looking for a relaxed laid-back restaurant and bar, this is the place for you. Brunch is their speciality.
Weather and climate
