For a Florida State Road Map and more information about Florida, visit Free Printable Maps.
The Florida Keys are a tropical archipelago that consists of a whopping 1700 islands that lie off the coast of the Florida peninsula. They have fantastic tropical weather year round, but the summers can be awfully hot and humid so the pleasant warmness of November to May is probably a better option for travellers. The Keys feature many endemic animals native to this area, and a variety of beloved Key foods are served on the islands. These things, along with the stunning tropical beauty and relaxation of the beach life, give visitors an exotic adventure while still feeling at home.
The most famous of the keys is Key West, which is the farthest of the islands from the Florida Peninsula. In fact, it lies just 145 kilometers (or 90 miles) away from Cuba. The island is a popular seaport for cruise ships, and also hosts the annual "Spring Break" festivities, as well as PrideFest, a week-long celebration put on by the gay and lesbian community. The sunsets from the pier on Key West are known to be amazing, and they can be enjoyed along the extensive beach promenade or from Mallory Square. Old Town Key West is a cute little tourist town, with its faux-looking colonial architecture. The most interesting spot for tourists is palm-fringed Duval Street, with its bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. This is the happening place to be at night. The lush vegetation of the island also provides some provides for some relaxing escapes. Nancy Forester's Secret Garden, and the Key West Botanical Forest and Garden are worth a visit for their pleasant tropical greenery.
The Florida Keys can be accessed by the Overseas Highway, a highway that spans the ocean from the Florida peninsula through the archipelago, connecting all the islands with each other and to the mainland. The views from the two-lane highway are spectacular, and will possibly be the highlight of your trip. Alternatively, you can fly into one of the small airports in the keys, the most natural arrival point being Key West.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Florida Key Vacations
- Florida Honeymoon Vacations
- Florida Beach Vacation. Your Doorway to Tropical Beach Paradise
- East Coast Beaches to West, Florida Beach Locations in Sarasota County Are Some of the Best!
- You'll Transform Into a Conch Republic Resident After a Florida Keys Vacation
- Finding Luxury Vacation Rentals in Florida
- The Florida Keys Vacation
- Try a Beach Vacation Rental in Florida for Your Next Trip
The Emergence Of Christmas Markets
By: Mark Bartley | 14/12/2009Everyone loves a traditional Christmas market. Given the perfect location, the right weather and, importantly, the right company, a visit to a Christmas market can be a memorable experience.
Surf's Always Up On Lanzarote
By: Mark Bartley | 14/12/2009Activities such as surfing, and other derivatives like windsurfing, kite surfing and "stand up surfing", are emerging as some of the mainstream leisure pastimes on the island and there are now surf centres and hire shops opening on several beaches around Lanzarote.
How to Discover Crocodiles in the Australian Outback. In the Wild
By: graeme lanham | 13/12/2009"This is real crocodile country", warned our guide, who could have passed for Crocodile Dundee. "You're looking at the croc's dining room. Swim in that river and you're gone!" Fact is, almost all the tidal rivers and estuaries in Northern Australia are infested with these prehistoric man eaters or "salties". Here are 3 of the best tours, starting in Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, to see these creatures in their natural habitat.
Poland - a place to visit
By: Martin | 12/12/2009Poland is acountry in Europe, worthy of visiting by any serious traveller.
Bangkok's Red Light Districts - The Cheap Man's Guide
By: Jim Hunt | 11/12/2009With the economy going down the drain, any man... a cheap man that is, can still enjoy a holiday in any of Bangkok's red light districts. First off you have to know when to go, where to stay, drink and most importantly find company.
Budget Backyard Aventures
By: George Morrison | 11/12/2009Extreme adventure travel does not necessarily require you to be independently wealthy or otherwise well-funded. You don't even have to take six months off to train, or even take more than a week off your current job! Here are some lesser known, but still fairly adventurous, extreme, cheap Backyard Budget Adventures you can embark on right here in the good old USA.
Tanzania Safari
By: Melissa Roberts | 10/12/2009A Tanzania safari from Real Africa can be the highlight of any summer! Tanzania consists of the former country of Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar, which combined in 1964 to create Tanzania.
Australia: A Hot Holiday Destination
By: Andrew Hudson | 10/12/2009Australia is very well known for its sandy deserts, unique wildlife and cultural activities. It is a country of awesome natural beauty and vast cultural and historical heritage.
The Florida Keys: A Bridge To Paradise
By: Brian Halper | 29/10/2009 | Exotic LocationsAs the location of annual spring break celebrations as well as a stop for endless cruiseships, the Florida Keys attract visitors all year round. The tropical climate and spectacular natural surroundings make this a paradise just a stone's throw from the real world.
The Untouched Galapogos Islands
By: Brian Halper | 27/10/2009 | DestinationsSeparated from the South American mainland by 1000 km of ocean, the Galapagos Islands are an isolated and unspoilt paradise. Their stunningly tame animal life, as well as the lush fertile terrain, provide you with an experience like no other.
They Beauty of Niagara Falls and Its Attractions
By: Brian Halper | 26/10/2009 | DestinationsNiagara Falls is one of the most dazzling natural wonders on the face of the Earth, and also one of the world's best-known tourist attractions. The falls are not the highest falls in the world, but they just might be the most dazzling.
Gold Imports Dropping in India
By: Brian Halper | 23/10/2009 | InvestingIndia is one of the largest gold consuming countries in the world. But this year India's gold imports dropped drastically.
When The Time Comes, Know How To Sell Your Gold
By: Brian Halper | 21/10/2009 | InvestingSelling your gold at the highest rate possible is not difficult. But it does require some research about your buyer.
Tunis: The Historical Gem of North Africa
By: Brian Halper | 16/10/2009 | DestinationsTunis is the capital of the North African nation of Tunisia, a country full of historical wonders and relics of all the empires that have passed through it. Two focal points exist in the capital, those being The Medina, and the ruins of Carthage on the coast just north of the city. These two sites will give you an insight into the richness of Tunisian history and appreciate its cultural heritage.
Marrakesh, Morocco: The Bazaar and The Bizarre
By: Brian Halper | 15/10/2009 | DestinationsIt is one of those special places that travelers will be deeply impacted by, not necessarily because of its sightseeing spots but based on all the different kinds of people and interesting characters you encounter there. It is very difficult to have a boring experience in Marrakesh.