Holidays in Florida Keys

With so many idyllic islands and luxury Florida Keys resorts to choose from, it can be difficult knowing which hotel is right for you. Luckily, we’re here with the cheat sheet. From the wonderful Key West, where you’ll get a chance to go all ‘literary’ at Ernest Hemingway’s house, to the charming Duck Key and the astonishing Seven Mile Bridge, or the tropical luxury of Key Largo and Islamorada, each island in the Keys is as unique as the people. Here’s some of our top picks to get you started...

Hawks Cay Resort – A fantastic option for families, Hawks Cay Resort is perfectly positioned half way down U.S. 1, on Duck Key. While the children are busy at the treehouse playground, pirate ship swimming pool, or dedicated kids club, you can pamper yourself at the spa, relax on the beach, or go out fishing. Don’t forget to take your daily catch back to the hotel kitchen, where they’ll cook and serve it up for dinner.

Hilton Key Largo Resort – The success of a family holiday often depends on finding the right accommodation. The Hilton Key Largo Resort combines absolute luxury with countless leisure activities. With tennis courts, water sports, fishing, diving, swimming pools, and evening entertainment, this can be both an action-packed and very relaxed family getaway - you choose.

Ocean Key Resort – If you’re looking for something a little different, this might be the place for you. Overlooking Mallory Square in the heart of Key West’s Old Town, this is Florida Keys at its most… well, Florida Keys. Bright and beautifully decorated, a quirky combination of Caribbean cool and classy Americana, the Ocean Key Resort oozes character and a delightfully lazy luxury.

Holidays to the Florida Keys truly have something for everyone, no really, they do. From tropical fishing to highway tours, here’s a rundown of just some of the amazings things the Florida Keys have to offer:

• Get out on the water - The Florida Keys is mostly water. It’s why you’re there. Whether you prefer swimming, fishing, sailing, water sports, diving, snorkelling, kayaking or simply paddling, make sure you make the most of the wonderfully warm waters.
• Scuba in crystal clear conditions - The Florida Keys are famous for being one of the best scuba spots in the entire country. With incredible wildlife, colourful coral, and pretty-much-perfect conditions from the moment you get your mask on, there’s no better place to dive on in and give it a go.
• Hemingway’s home - As well as being a popular place to experience all kinds of water sports, the Florida Keys has maintained a thriving artistic community for many years. Ernest Hemingway called it home, and his house still stands today – a testament to his legacy and his popularity among the islanders. If you’re a fan of one of the greatest American writers to ever have lived (and if even if you’re not), it’s definitely worth a visit.

So many islands, so little time. With so much to see and do, why not plan your holiday to the Florida Keys around the same time as some of the incredible events that the islands have to offer.

• Marathon Seafood festival – This has to be a must-see (or must-munch). The Marathon Seafood festival rolls into town in early March and is two days of pure indulgence, celebrating everything from luxurious lobsters to shrimp and wild tuna. It’s a real party, with children’s entertainers, street stalls and, of course, some seriously good seafood around every corner.
• Florida Keys Island Fest – Mid-April is the time when the Keys really celebrate being…the Keys! Beachfront music, sizzling street food, and a six-foot tall sandcastle, definitely one for the kids.
• Hemingway Days, Key West – throughout mid-July the Keys celebrate their favourite son, Ernest Hemingway. You’ll get readings, exhibitions, plays, and even a lookalike contest!
• Key West Fantasy Fest – the biggest event of the year and a great way to finish off the summer, October’s Fantasy Fest is 10 days of fabulous entertainment, starting off with the coronation of the King and Queen of the Festival and finishing with a parade and some amazing firework displays.

On holidays to the Florida Keys, you’ll have no problems getting around using taxis and buses. However, by far the most popular means of transport are rental cars. As the Keys are made up of over a thousand different islands, many of which you’re going to want to stop off on and explore, renting a car is typically the most practical means of moving around. Not only do they offer you greater freedom, but they’re also more cost effective than any other form of transport. If you’re not looking to visit many of the islands, a hotel transfer from the airport can be arranged.

• Blue Heaven - The residents of the Florida Keys are known for being a delightfully eccentric bunch, and no restaurant is better proof of this than Blue Heaven. Its Caribbean-inspired cuisine is to die for, but the real attraction is the crazy décor, amazing art, and wonderfully wacky owners.
• Keys Fisheries Marina and Market - If you haven’t already guessed, seafood is pretty popular in the Florida Keys. Keys Fisheries is where you’ll find the freshest marine-based meals in the whole of Florida.
• Sunset at Mallory Square - Mallory Square sits at the heart of Key West’s Old Town, and is an incredibly popular place to watch the sunset. Lined with bars, restaurants and shops, and boasting an impressive array of street performers, it’s a great place to eat and drink as the sun goes down on another day in paradise.

Thanks to its prime location at the southernmost point of the Sunshine State and within close proximity to the Caribbean, the Florida Keys enjoys sunshine all year round. Welcome to paradise!

• June to October - Temperatures reach an average high of just over 30°C and there’s a chance of the odd spell of rain (so pack an umbrella just in case). However, the rainy season isn’t particularly wet, especially when compared to other parts of the Florida coastline.
• November to May - During this period, days are warm and breezy, perfect for soaking up that Florida sunshine. The average high in January is 23°C, and the average low 18°C.