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When most Americans consider jetting off to a tropical paradise, they most likely consider locations like Jamaica, Cancun, or The Bahamas. But do you know there’s a gorgeous tropical vacation spot near house that you simply don’t have to pack your passport for?
For Americans itching to get a style of the tropics with out leaving the nation, they don’t must look far, as the proper vacation spot lies inside straightforward attain — The Florida Keys 🌴.
Combining a number of unimaginable locations in a single, The Florida Keys deserves a high spot in your journey bucket listing.
From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are infinite alternatives to make your tropical desires come true in The Florida Keys.
The Perfect Florida Keys Itinerary
There are so many unimaginable locations to remain when visiting the Keys it may be troublesome to select one. The straightforward answer to that is, in fact, to select all of them! There is one thing in The Keys for everybody, and each Key is value testing.
It’s additionally extremely straightforward to see the whole lot The Florida Keys has to supply with out breaking the financial institution.
For the final word Keys journey, we extremely counsel flying into Miami, renting a automobile, and road-tripping by means of The Keys. Best of all, there’s no have to make the trek again to Miami when the holiday sadly involves an finish. Simply drop your rental automobile off at Key West International Airport and fly house from there!
Key Largo & Islamorada
The first cease in your journey can be Key Largo, probably the greatest locations to name house for a number of nights on a journey by means of the Keys.
For an ideal spot to name house base, you’ll be able to’t go flawed by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.
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@traveloffpath Reefhouse Resort & Marina – The excellent house base to discover Key Largo🤍 #floridakeys #onlyinthekeys #keylargo #florida #travellife #traveloffpath #summervibes #traveling ♬ Me gustas tú – Tbp🙏🙏🙏
The resort is central to Key Largo’s high sights, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has lots to do on the property, with an incredible pool, a non-public seaside, and scrumptious meals. Plus, you’re only some minutes away from Islamorada, that means you’ll be able to expertise 2 Keys in a single throughout a keep on the Reefhouse Resort.
One of the highest issues to do in Key Largo (and the remainder of the Keys for that matter) is to go diving or snorkeling. Don’t fear in case you forgot your masks; the Reefhouse Resort & Marina has a dive store proper on web site!
Get Underwater
Speaking of diving, don’t let your self go on the chance to get underwater whereas in Key Largo. This space is house to a few of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling spots within the U.S. and isn’t to be missed!
If you’ve by no means tried scuba diving and need to study, there isn’t a place higher. If you’re already licensed, you’ll love attending to discover the distinctive underwater panorama the Keys supplies.
The common depth when diving within the keys doesn’t sometimes transcend 30 ft or so, that means you’ll be capable to spend loads of time on the underside saying howdy to sting rays and turtles.
If you’re questioning the place to strive diving, give Horizon Divers a name and inform them what you’re on the lookout for. You can simply get your self on a morning 2-tank dive to discover the shallow reefs and shipwrecks within the Upper Keys National Sanctuary, and also you’re assured to have a very good time.
@traveloffpath There’s a lot extra to see underwater in The Keys! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel ♬ Explore The World 2.0 – Brainheart & Sis
Don’t Forget To Eat
You won’t go hungry within the Keys. There are so many unimaginable locations to seize a chunk to eat that we might write a novel itemizing all of them out. However, there are a number of that you simply undoubtedly shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has probably the greatest locations to seize a chunk, the well-known Fish House.
The Fish House has domestically sourced seafood that’s to die for, all served in a unusual “keys-style” restaurant. Just give them a go to and also you’ll see what we imply. This is the proper spot to seize lunch after a morning dive and it ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of must-dos.
Plus, there are many alternatives to seize some pictures with family and friends.
@traveloffpath Best spot for an after-dive lunch within the Keys. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel #foo ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose
An Evening In Islamorada
If you’re staying on the Reefhouse or someplace close by, you should definitely schedule a day/night to go to Islamorada. This is the Key immediately under Key Largo and is shut sufficient that you would be able to test it out with out having to swap inns.
There are 2 belongings you undoubtedly want so as to add to your listing of must-dos in Islamorada, and each are scrumptious.
Firstly, no go to to the Keys is full with out spending a while at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. As you’ll be able to think about, house is a prized commodity within the Keys, which is a part of what makes this brewery so particular.
The Florida Keys Brewing Company brews all of their beer proper on-site and is without doubt one of the solely native breweries that may really say their beer is made proper within the Keys.
@traveloffpath It’s unimaginable to not have a very good time right here! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #beer ♬ Don’t Stop Me Now – Remastered 2011 – Queen
Aside from how unimaginable the beer is, the property itself is eclectic and welcoming. Everyone you meet can be pleasant and good, and also you’ll be surrounded by unimaginable paintings, superb beer, and a welcoming vibe.
After a beer or two, you’ll really feel like a daily and doubtless begin considering a transfer to the Keys 😅.
After a tour of the brewery, head proper throughout the road for an incredible sundown dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was considered one of our favourite dinners within the Keys. Not solely was the meals unimaginable, it was stunning. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!
And not solely was the meals scrumptious and delightful, the surroundings was attractive as effectively. We discovered ourselves pulling out the digital camera to attempt to seize the sundown as it could paint a unique image of the night for you each couple of minutes.
If you need to really feel like you’re consuming dinner in a stupendous portray, that is the place to do it.
Heading South
The higher Keys are stunning, and we already can’t wait to return, however you’re lacking out on a few of the most iconic sights within the Keys in case you finish your journey there.
After spending a while testing Key Largo and Islamorada, you should definitely pencil in a number of days to move down probably the most stunning stretch of freeway within the U.S. to Key West.
And there’s no have to rush; there are nice locations to cease off for a chunk to eat or take within the surroundings alongside the way in which.
We left proper at round lunchtime, so we made a cease in Islamorada for a scrumptious meal on the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — you should definitely strive their particular Mojito with contemporary mint!
It’s the proper solution to cap off your lunch and can depart you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
On your method all the way down to Key West, it’s possible you’ll end up staring out of the window on the ocean round you.
There isn’t any different freeway within the U.S. that offers fairly the identical feeling because the Overseas freeway, and also you’ll be glad you determined to drive by means of the Keys.
Be positive to cease off on the finish of a bridge or two to take all of it in and seize some pictures.
@traveloffpath This is the prettiest the drive within the USA fingers down. #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris
Before you make all of it the way in which to Key West, think about stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a seaside break. There are award-winning seashores and lovely stretches of sand to arrange camp for a number of hours. If you’ve snorkeling gear, undoubtedly you should definitely discover what’s within the water as effectively!
Pick The Perfect Hotel For You
After catching some solar and sand, you’ll be prepared to move into Key West to your lodge (of which there are lots!).
Depending on what you’re on the lookout for throughout your keep in Key West, there are tons of lodge choices to fit your wants. Much of Key West’s motion is centered round Duval Street, so if you’re coming for the nightlife which may be the place you need to look.
However, we wished to be shut sufficient to the motion to take pleasure in all Key West has to supply with out being proper within the thick of it. We wished to take pleasure in Key West however keep someplace that felt like its personal secluded space away from the remainder of the island.
The Capitana Key West was the proper place to name house that achieved precisely what we had been on the lookout for.
@traveloffpath The Capitana is the perfect house base for exploring Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ My Addiction – Alex Guesta
From the second you verify in you’ll be able to really feel the calm and enjoyable vitality of The Capitana.
If you’re staying in the primary lodge constructing, you’ll have unimaginable views of the pool and seaside out of your room, however for a extra intimate expertise, we opted for the Two Bedroom Cottage.
Many individuals who come to Key West dream of packing up and transferring there after visiting. Staying in a cottage means that you can really feel such as you already do!
The property is a good escape that you might spend your complete journey having fun with in case you wished to, and it’s nice for each kind of traveler and get together dimension.
Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get lively and take a look at your hand at some badminton. Either method, you’ll love your keep at The Capitana.
Key West Is Endless Fun
You’ll have hassle deciding what to do with your self as a result of there are infinite alternatives to have an incredible time in Key West, however allow us to make it easier to out by sharing some can’t-miss experiences:
Sunset Sail
There are loads of corporations providing sundown sails, and in case you stroll to the Marina, you’ll see indicators for all of them. We determined to move out with Sebago Key West and would completely do it once more!
You’ll head out to the beat of a reside musician whereas the (included) drinks begin to circulation, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down earlier than taking in a stunning sundown from a novel perspective.
Keep a watch out for dolphins and turtles. If you’re affected person, you’ll probably spot a number of.
@traveloffpath Amazing solution to see one other facet of Key West with Sebago Key West’s Sunset Sail. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #sailing #boat #sail #floridakeys ♬ Sun Goes Down (feat. Jasmine Thompson) [Radio Mix] – Robin Schulz
Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling
Speaking of dolphins, in case you’ve by no means seen them up shut and private, then it is best to undoubtedly exit on a dolphin watch. We went with Honest Eco, and can’t advocate them sufficient.
They defined a lot about Key West’s dolphin inhabitants and you might inform they cared an ideal deal concerning the dolphins and ensuring the expertise was an ideal one for each people and dolphins.
We had been fortunate sufficient to have some dolphins come proper as much as our boat to say howdy, and it was a bucket listing merchandise of mine. I’m a little bit of a sucker for animals, and this expertise was surreal. I’ve at all times liked dolphins and been amazed at their intelligence; I’m not ashamed to say I teared up having them so shut — there’s no expertise fairly prefer it.
If you’re on the fence a couple of dolphin watch, go forward and e book it, particularly if heading out with Honest Eco.
@traveloffpath What an unimaginable expertise with Honest Eco in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #boat #diving #dolphin ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves
Hemingway House
The Hemingway House is a basic vacationer attraction in Key West, however there’s a very good purpose for it. The home itself is attractive, and the historical past behind it’s fascinating.
Most individuals realize it as Ernest Hemingway’s former house, however earlier than Hemingway owned it, it as soon as belonged to Asa Tift, one of many richest individuals to ever reside in Key West and probably the most well-known wrecker within the space.
Even if the historical past of the house isn’t your factor, it’s enjoyable to see what number of kitties you’ll be able to spot across the property, all of whom are UNESCO world-heritage protected and allowed to roam the property at will.
@traveloffpath See what number of kitties you’ll be able to spot on the Hemingway House in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest #hemingwayhouse ♬ I’m Just a Cat – Simon and the Astronauts
Kayaking Tour
Many of the perfect issues to do in Key West are in or on the water, and a kayak tour is considered one of them.
You’ll see all types of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to study concerning the significance of the mangroves and their significance within the ocean ecosystem.
Kayaking by means of the mangroves makes you’re feeling fully reduce off from the world in probably the most stunning method and is an expertise it is best to strive at the least as soon as. For a considered one of a sort expertise, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.
@traveloffpath See a novel facet of Key West throughout a Kayak tour with Lazy Dog Charters. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest ♬ Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay
Food Walking Tour
I can’t cease occurring meals excursions! Seriously, they’re one of the best ways to study a brand new vacation spot and a good way to get the lay of the land at the start of your journey.
Not solely do you study concerning the space geographically, however additionally, you will depart with an enormous listing of all the perfect locations to eat and drink. Aside from the meals, you’ll additionally study concerning the tradition and historical past of the world.
In Key West’s case, you’ll by no means be brief on historical past, tradition, or meals to pattern. Around each nook, there may be one other story ready to be instructed and a brand new one able to unfold. There is a lot fascinating historical past in Key West, and it’s definitely one of the vital distinctive locations within the U.S.
To get probably the most out of this expertise, we went with Key West Food Tours, and the tour didn’t disappoint.
@traveloffpath Food excursions are a good way to get to know a vacation spot, particularly Key West! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #foodie ♬ Don’t Worry Be Happy – The Hit Crew
Food, Food, And More Food
We stated above that you simply wouldn’t go hungry within the Upper Keys, and the identical holds true in Key West. There are one million meals choices which can be all unimaginable, every with their very own distinctive Key West aptitude. Certainly don’t prohibit your self to our listing, however a few of our favorites embrace:
- Half Shell Raw Bar – If you’re keen on oysters, that is your spot! Right within the Marina, you’ll be able to take pleasure in your meal understanding you’re consuming a few of the freshest seafood cash should purchase.
- Milagro – Chef Kevin has labored with Michelin Star cooks for many of his profession and took that have to create a restaurant with 5-star delicacies in an off-the-cuff, bistro setting. The meals is deliciously decadent in a extra laid-back setting — in true Key West style.
- Blue Heaven Key West – The most iconic brunch spot in Key West and a particular should. Not solely is the meals scrumptious, however you’ll really feel such as you stepped into one other world the second you cross the brink of the doorway.
No Keys Experience Is The Same
It’s an unlucky reality of life that each trip should finally come to an finish, however some locations are value endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is certainly considered one of them.
There is a purpose so many vacationers come right here time and time once more, and each go to to The Keys will reveal one thing new and thrilling.
We liked our time in The Keys and, like so many others, can be coming again the primary probability we get!
**Travel Off Path was a visitor of The Florida Keys, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and sights. Our opinions, suggestions, and solutions stay our personal.**
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