Vacationing in the Florida Keys

By: Jennifer Weiss
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:26
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The Florida Keys are a cluster of islands that begin at the southeastern tip of Florida and extend westward to the island of Key West. Lying just south of Miami and accessible by the Overseas Highway, there are four sections to the keys, Upper Keys, Middle Keys, Lowers Keys, and Outlying islands, with the first three being the ones most commonly visited. Whether you are searching for warm weather, oceanfront views, or some of the most breathtaking natural beauty that Florida has to offer, the Keys are bound to drag you away from the mainland for an exciting excursion filled with numerous water activities.

The Upper Keys consists of four communities, Key Largo, Tavernier, Plantation Key, and Islamorada, with Key Largo being one of the best places to stop for tourist recreation. One of the largest islands in the string, this self-proclaimed “Diving Capital of the World” has the continent’s only living barrier reef on its east side, meaning you will find breathtaking coral formations and an abundance of marine life. While sport fishing is an entertaining prospect for visitors, those who love the outdoors should take advantage of the islands proximity to the everglades for eco-tours and kayaking adventures through the marshland.

Islamorada is located south of Key Largo and is actually a village that encompasses the islands of Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Plantation Key, and Windley Key in the Florida Keys. While these islands are perfect for relaxing near the aqua blue water or browsing the unique shops and galleries, the area is most commonly known as the "Sportfishing Capital of the World." If you planned on making your way offshore during your Keys vacation for the catch of a lifetime, then this is the perfect place to try for tuna, tarpon, sailfish, and bonefish.

Located in the Middle Keys and sitting on numerous islands including Key Vaca, Grassy Key, Fat Deer Key, and Boot Key, Marathon is considered “The Heart of the Florida Keys.” While fishing out of Boot Key Harbor is always popular here, some of the waters have been set aside for eco-tourism pursuits such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can make their way to the protected Sombrero Reef to catch sight of one of the most beautiful sections of the living coral barrier reef and a wide variety of tropical fish such as grunts, angelfish, porkfish, and goatfish.

When you want to escape from the crowds and take in the quiet serenity of this area, make your way to the Lower Keys. The Looe Key coral reef is great for snorkelers and divers while the Key Deer region is perfect for those who want to get back to nature and take a relaxing bicycle ride through the area. If you are in search of some of the most gorgeous white sandy beaches in the Keys, Bahia Honda Key has a state park that will take your breath away. For those who need to scratch their shopping itch, Big Pine Key is the main shopping hub and also has easy access to the solitude of the National Key Deer Refuge.

At the end of the Lower Keys lies the crown jewel of the area, Key West. Stroll the historic, tree-lined streets for views of the gingerbread mansions; rent a jet ski or boat for an afternoon of fun and excitement; head over to the nearby Key West Golf Club for a day on the links; or set out for a diving or fishing adventure in the crystal blue waters that surround the island. You can do it all in Key West, and at the end of the day, gather around for the Sunset Celebration on Mallory Dock to participate in the spontaneous party.

The islands of the Keys have their own distinctive qualities and you certainly will not want to miss out on the adventure that awaits in the different areas. To experience all these majestic islands have to offer, look into Florida Keys vacation rentals that allow easy access to all the attractions you want to visit and are ideally situated near the white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters of the area. You can soak in the beauty from the comfort of your home away from home as you realize what it truly means to have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation near the water.

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