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Flórida · the United States
Islands linked by the Overseas Highway, reefs at Key Largo, history in Key West and a crossing to Dry Tortugas.
In the photo: Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The Florida Keys form a chain of islands south of Florida, connected by the Overseas Highway. The route shifts between the reefs of Key Largo, the settings of Islamorada, the bridges at Marathon, and Old Town Key West.
The water scenery along the road does not mean a continuous beach. Part of the appeal lies in boat trips, snorkeling and state parks, which require suitable sea conditions and reservations when navigation is involved.
Key West is the base for Hemingway’s house, Mallory Square and Dry Tortugas National Park. The crossing to the latter occupies a whole day and depends on the boat or seaplane operator. To travel the islands at a relaxed pace, spread overnight stays instead of making the whole trip an out-and-back from Miami.
This destination brings together 4 cities: Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Limites: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (domínio público). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.
✈ Key West International Airport (EYW), in Key West · 6 km to Key West
Confirm before purchasing. EYW allows domestic flights into Key West. From Miami, drive along US 1; the journey to the end of the Keys requires a long day.
Suggested arrival point: Key West
Key West caps the Overseas Highway with an old town of wooden houses and walkable streets. The Hemingway Home and Mallory Square are in Old Town; the town is also the departure base for Dry Tortugas, which requires a full day to reach.
Key Largo is the first major base in the Keys for those coming from Miami. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park brings visitors close to the mangroves and reefs with on-water activities, with options that depend on sea conditions.
Islamorada occupies a central stretch of the Upper Keys between Key Largo and Marathon. The History of Diving Museum helps to understand diving, and Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park displays ancient reefs exposed in rock.
Marathon is an intermediate base in the Keys, close to the bridges and parks of the central part of the archipelago. Crane Point offers nature trails and Bahia Honda State Park allows a beach stop west of town.
The local experience
State park on the Marathon itinerary: Bahia Honda State Park combines beaches and views of a historic bridge in the Lower Keys, west of Marathon
Historic house on the Key West itinerary: The Hemingway Home and Museum preserves the house where Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West
Museum on the Islamorada itinerary: History of Diving Museum presents equipment and stories of underwater exploration in Islamorada
State park on the Key Largo itinerary: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park protects coastal and marine environments of Key Largo
Nature reserve on the Marathon itinerary: Crane Point Museum and Nature Center preserves a natural area in Marathon, with coastal vegetation trails and interpretation of the Keys' history
Square and waterfront on the Key West itinerary: Mallory Square is a waterfront square on the west edge of Old Town Key West
Geological park on the Islamorada itinerary: Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park exposes rock formed by ancient reefs in the Islamorada region
National park on the Key West itinerary: Dry Tortugas National Park protects islands west of Key West and houses Fort Jefferson on Garden Key
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From November to April it usually rains less on the islands, but wind can still affect navigation. June to November is hurricane season; summer months tend to be hot and humid.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Five to seven days to tour the islands and allow one day for Dry Tortugas; fewer days require selecting only one section.
Old Town in Key West makes walking easy. Key Largo and Islamorada serve the northern part of the archipelago; Marathon works as an intermediate stop.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
A domestic flight can end at EYW; by road, US 1 links the islands to the Miami area.
A week better distributes overnight stays and leaves one day for Dry Tortugas.
November to April is usually less humid, although sea trips still depend on wind.
A car is useful on the Overseas Highway; in Old Town Key West, walk or use local transport.
The Keys pair well with Miami and Homestead. Avoid scheduling a boat trip in the same time window as a long road journey.
