Caitlin Moore asked:


Sprinkled off the southwest coast of Florida, the sandy gems known as the Keys offer one exciting opportunity after another for vacationers in search of stimulation and relaxation. The islands stretch for 120 miles, and within that span you’ll find art, history, music, wilderness, and as much natural beauty as your senses can handle. Each island has its own distinctive qualities, but you’ll find that they all share the ability to impress and enthrall anyone wise enough to stray from the mainland.

Key Largo, the northernmost island, is a great place to start your tour of the Keys. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, this area of land and sea will provide underwater explorers access to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as Spiegel Grove, a 510 foot sunken navy ship. Sport fishing is also a popular attraction, so arrange for an experienced captain to take you out for a spin if you have your heart set on reeling in an exotic catch. Key Largo’s close proximity to the Everglades make eco-tours exciting prospects, and kayakers with a love for the environment can be seen paddling all around the lush marshland.

Next in line is Islamorada. Though ocean fishing is an activity common in all the Keys, Islamorada claims the title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Reel in a sailfish, tuna, tarpon, or bonefish, or just watch the saltwater hunters do their thing. Diving, too, is popular here, as the coral reef winds its way all around this enchanting string of islands. Islamorada has a few state parks for your enjoyment, and plenty of shops and galleries that surely contain the perfect souvenir.

Marathon is the Heart of the Keys, and offers up plenty of reasons to make it a valuable addition to rest of its sisters. An airport and hospital give it a modern, practical feel, but there are lots of light-hearted diversions to keep you feeling mellow. Sombrero Reef is a haven for snorkelers, Crane Point Hammock holds 64 acres of museums and a nature center, and the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital take care of the marine animals that make their home in Marathon. Spend some time enjoying the wonderful conditions for ocean activities in Boot Key Harbor, and then continue your journey to the next blissful island.

The Lower Keys have a quieter appeal, but still offer plenty to see and do. Bahia Honda State Park on the Key of the same name is considered one of the most beautiful beaches around, and Little Duck Key is home to Veterans Memorial Park. Big Pine Key has the best shopping in the area, and it also exists as a refuge for Key Deer, the tiny and delicate creatures who add another fascinating detail to the already entrancing atmosphere of the Lower Keys. This is an ideal area to set up a tent or rent a vacation home, as its uncultivated land and stunning sunsets make it utterly appealing.

Finally, at the end of the line you’ll find the biggest personality of all, Key West. Home to Ernest Hemingway, a healthy artistic community, and festivals galore, this fun-loving shelter from negativity is the place to be for anyone looking to enhance their lust for life. Whether you feel like sipping a margarita on Duval Street or raising your hands to the sunset on Mallory Square, you’ll feel comfortable and embraced by the diverse population that inhabits and visits the most open-minded Key.

Anywhere you stop along the sprawling collection of cozy islands will welcome you to slow down for a while and listen to the sounds of sweet contentment. Stay active or stretch out on the sand, no one will be judging you for putting your own interests first and truly enjoying your hard-earned vacation. On this note, be sure to choose a place to stay that will reinforce the lessons of the Keys; treat yourself right and stay comfortable.

Renting a vacation home might be the perfect way to carry out these goals. Crowded resorts and bland hotel rooms might be unavoidable in some situations, but the Florida Keys have a number of different choices. Reserving an oceanfront condo in Key Largo or a secluded beach hut on its own little island will give you the chance to truly retreat from the outside world, reconnect with your traveling companion, and enjoy the glorious surroundings as they are meant to be enjoyed.

Go online to start searching for the Florida Keys Vacation Rental that will top off the undoubtedly marvelous experience you are sure to have as you head south to paradise.



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John Singleson asked:


Sprinkling off the southwest coast of Florida, the sandy gems known as the Keys agreement one exciting opportunity after another for vacationers in seek of stimulation and relaxation. The islands stretch for 120 miles, and within that span you’ll find art, annals, music, wilderness, and as much birth beauty as your senses can grip. Each island has its own distinctive qualities, but you’ll find that they all assign the ability to impress and charm someone wise enough to stray from the mainland.

Key Largo, the northernmost island, is a great place to launch your tour of the Keys. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, this vicinity of land and sea will provide underwater explorers access to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as Spiegel Grove, a 510 foot recessed fleet liner. Sport fishing is also a prevalent attraction, so plan for an experienced head to take you out for a spin if you have your core set on reeling in an exotic hitch. Key Largo’s close proximity to the Everglades make eco-tours exciting prospects, and kayakers with a honey for the environment can be seen paddling all around the grassy marshland.

Next in line is Islamorada. Though ocean fishing is an activity regular in all the Keys, Islamorada claims the label of Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Reel in a sailfish, tuna, tarpon, or bonefish, or just watchdog the saltwater hunters do their thing. Diving, too, is popular here, as the coral reef winds its way all around this enchanting line of islands. Islamorada has a few glory parks for your enjoyment, and enough of shops and galleries that assuredly limit the whole souvenir.

Marathon is the Heart of the Keys, and offers up bounty of reasons to make it a priceless addition to respite of its sisters. An airport and hospice give it a fresh, useful feel, but there are tons of light-hearted diversions to keep you reaction calm. Sombrero Reef is a haven for snorkelers, Crane Point Hammock holds 64 acres of museums and a sort core, and the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital take control of the naval animals that make their home in Marathon. Spend sometime enjoying the amazing conditions for ocean activities in Boot Key Harbor, and then last your journey to the next textbook island.

The Lower Keys have a quieter request, but still deal enough to see and do. Bahia Honda State Park on the Key of the same name is considered one of the most striking beaches around, and Little Duck Key home to Veterans Memorial Park. Big Pine Key has the best shopping in the quarter, and it also exists as a shelter for Key Deer, the tiny and delicate creatures who add another fascinating allocate to the already entrancing atmosphere of the Lower Keys. This is an ultimate sphere to set up a tent or rent a leave home, as its uncultivated land and stunning sunsets make it fully appealing.

Finally, at the end of the line you’ll find the major personality of all, Key West. Home to Ernest Hemingway, a healthful artistic society, and festivals galore, this fun-loving shelter from negativity is the place to be for everyone looking to enhance their lust for life. Whether you feel like sipping a margarita on Duval Street or raising your hands to the nightfall on Mallory Square, you’ll feel comfortable and embraced by the diverse population that inhabits and visits the most open-minded Key. Anywhere you rest along the sprawling collection of comfy islands will reception you to lengthy down for a while and eavesdrop to the sounds of sweet contentment. Stay active or stretch out on the smooth, no one will be judging you for putting your own safety first and actually enjoying your hard-earned rest. On this message, be effective to choose a place to sojourn that will emphasize the education of the Keys; nurse manually right and stopover comfortable.

Renting a vacation home might be the perfect way to transfer out these goals. Crowding resorts and boring lodge rooms might be unavoidable sometimes, but the Florida Keys have several different choices. Reserving an oceanfront condo in Key Largo or a secluded shore hut on its own little island will give you the destiny to truly refuge from the outer world, reconnect with your nomadic companion, and enjoy the glorious surroundings as they are doomed to be enjoyed.



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N Spin asked:


Stretching off the southern coast of Florida, the 120-mile long chain of islands known as the Florida Keys make the perfect vacation getaway. Home to North America’s largest living coral reef, the crystal clear waters make it the premier location for snorkeling, diving, game fishing and eco-tourism. If you’re seeking solitude, relaxation, entertainment, nature and adventure, let the Florida Keys provide the ultimate retreat.

As the northernmost island, Key Largo makes the obvious starting ground when discovering the island chain. Known as the diving capital of the world, Key Largo is home to one of North America’s largest living coral reefs, making it an underwater paradise for diving, snorkeling and photography. The famous shipwreck of Siegel Grove offers an excellent diving opportunity and is now part of the reef ecosystem. With close location to the Everglades, kayakers can enjoy discovering the wetlands and wilderness area that is home to several species of birds.

As the sport fishing capital of the world, visitors to Islamorada can indulge themselves in the finest game fishing around. The areas knowledgeable charter boat captains and backcountry guides are sure to take you on an exciting excursion discovering nature’s beauty and the multitude of sailfish, bonefish, redfish, tarpon and more. Also home to various state parks, enjoy hiking the trails of Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site or Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site. For a good change of pace, culturally rich Islamorada provides great shopping opportunities as the home to several community artists and galleries.

Marathon marks the midpoint and the most modernized island having an airport, hospital and numerous restaurants. Like all the other islands, the tropical paradise of Marathon presents paramount fishing, diving and water sports to its visitors. Unwind while relaxing on the sandy beaches of Sombrero Beach or the palm tree lined Bahia Honda State Park. While perfecting your tan, enjoy swimming in the clear sparkling waters and strolling along the endless shores. Vacationers are sure to enjoy discovering the history and beauty of “the heart of the keys.”

If searching for the ultimate in relaxation and beauty, the Lower Keys and Big Pine make an excellent vacation choice. Leave the hectic world behind and enjoy the quiet region filled with quaint restaurants, undisturbed wilderness and history. Hike or bicycle through the trails of the National Key Deer Refuge, taking unbelievable photographs of the deer and abundance of nature. Explore the clear waters of Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, snorkeling and diving to come across over 150 species of marine wildlife.

Key West is a lively city that lets everyone kick back and have a thrilling time while engaging in a variety of activities. Whether it is enjoying the street artists, jugglers, musicians at Mallory Dock, taking part in the revelry of the open-air bars, enjoying cool beverages on Duval Street or enjoying the finest cuisine at world-class restaurants, you are sure to feel embraced by the diverse and electric community. Home to Ernest Hemingway, discover the rich history and architectural gems of Old Town Key West.

When venturing to the Florida Keys, why not consider making your getaway complete by staying in a vacation rental. Big Pine Keys and Key West offer several inviting Florida Key vacation home rentals. Providing close proximity to major attractions and entertainment, vacation rentals allow for the perfect escape of privacy, relaxation and space. Be amazed by the luxuries and conveniences of a fully furnished home or condo, allowing your vacation to be a memorable experience.

A Florida Keys Vacation Rental is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to escape bland hotels and stay in a relaxing environment close to their family and friends. With all the amenities of home at your fingertips, you can have a memorable vacation both inside and outside of your vacation rental accommodations.



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Kirby Collins asked:


We have our own little taste of the Caribbean here in Florida known as the Florida Keys. The Keys stretch over 110 miles from Key Largo, considered the first ‘Key’, down to Key West. The gateway to the Keys is Key Largo, it is only an hours drive from the two major airports in South Florida and is considered by the locals to be the “diving capital of the World”. While that may be a little biased, Key Largo is known as both an excellent place to dive and also to go Sport Fishing.

Islamorada is actually made up of six different islands and is also a great place to dive and go sportfishing. While you’re there be sure to check out the newly opened History of Diving Museum or the Theater of the Sea Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.

Next is Marathon, the midpoint of the Keys, it is a ten mile long city and called ” the heart of the Keys” by the locals, it’s also where you’ll find one of the only two airports in the Keys, the other is in Key West. Just a few miles offshore here is North America’s only living coral reef, so again fill up those diving tanks and have some fun.

Big Pine Key is the start of the “Lower Keys” and home of the endangered and adorable Key Deer. The Lower Keys are known for their many RV Parks, campgrounds, licensed vacation homes and smaller quaint resorts. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area is here too, stop in and enjoy the wildlife or relax on their white sand beach.

A mere 90 miles from Cuba lies Key West, the Southern most point in the U.S. Lummas Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida much less the Keys. You can snorkel, sail, and fish here, and that’s only a beginning. Land lovers can shop until they drop, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square and party all night on Duval Street in Key West.

With no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Key West offers plentiful options for indoor or outdoor dining. The bars on Duval Street are as famous as Bourbon street in New Orleans there is even a term they use when you’ve partied a little to much and are stumbling into a cab it’s called the ‘Duval Crawl’. If you end up doing it you’re in good company Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Sloppy Joe’s and his picture is up on the wall there. You can also go to Captain Tony’s, yes the one referred to in Jimmy Buffet’s song. Other popular watering holes include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Crabby Dick’s and a host of other places to wet your whistle. Key West is definitely the perfect place to play all day and party all night.

So, can you feel it? You get to Key Largo and you start to relax, Islamorada comes along and you freely trade your blackberry and briefcase for some sunglasses and flip flops. You find yourself in Marathon yearning for a leafy tropical shirt and a fruity frozen drink. Big Pine Key makes you want to pitch a tent to stay forever and by the time you cross seven mile bridge to Key West the transformation is complete. With so many places in the Florida Keys having worked their magic once again and like one of the many game fish caught offshore, now you’re hooked.



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Andrew Gibson asked:


Many tourists return back to the Florida Keys year after year never tiring of its mix of tranquillity and beauty. It covers an area of over 155 miles, stretching from south west from Miami all the way down to Key West on its most southern tip.

People never tire of driving from the top to the bottom marvelling at the magnificent views along its route. One of the most amazing things about this drive is that you are able to see the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other during nearly the entire trip.

The Keys are made up of a series of islands joined together by 42 road bridges. Some islands are little more than tiny mangrove swamps, but the thing that they all have in common is the wildlife. The Keys are home to many rare breeds of animals, birds and fish. Many have designated wildlife areas where the local habitat is preserved and the animals protected.

The true beauty of the Keys lies below the water. The local conditions have created an ideal environment for coral reefs. There is an abundance of marine life making the reefs a favourite spot for divers.

The longest bridge spans almost seven miles long, but all forty two bridges somehow manage to intertwine with the islands so effortlessly that you some times forget that the islands are actually separated by the sea.

The Keys are split into three parts, Upper, Middle and Lower. Each Key seems to enjoy its own individual identity while at the same time helping to create a feeling of unity. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are a paradise for people who love sailing, fishing and snorkelling.

Most people know Key Largo from the song. It is situated in the Upper Keys and also included in them are Tavernier (which takes its name from a pirate) and Islamorada (named after the violet coloured sea snails).

Key Largo is just about an hour away from Miami and many tourists make their way there after visiting the Everglades. It is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Many tourists visit there in glass bottom boats to see the 55 varieties of coral and over 500 species of sea life.

The Middle Keys is made up of Marathon (the largest of the group), Conch, Duck, Grassy and Pigeon Keys. It is connected to the Lower Keys by its world famous Severn-Mile Bridge.

Marathon is home to a nine hole golf course. Grassy Keys is home to the Dolphin Research Centre which draws in many tourist volunteer helpers each year. It is also home to a 63 acre wildlife sanctuary.

The Lower Keys is made up of Key West, Bahia Honda, Loose Key and Big Pine. Key West is by far the most popular Key with tourists and sits at the bottom of the Keys.

The sandy beach at Bahia Honda Key is regarded as the best beach in the whole of the Keys. Big Pine Key is home to the tiny Key deer which is now a protected species.

Holiday home rentals has become a very popular form of accommodation in the Keys. Tourists often prefer to stay in holiday villas as they find them far more relaxing and economical, while at the same time giving them a true feeling of the local way of life.



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James Hunt asked:


Ponce de Leon’s found the Florida Keys while on an expedition in 1513. On this trip the Spanish did not find any gold, nor was there any fresh water, but what they did find was a large amount of bugs. They mapped and named the Keys primarily as an aid to their ships. They used the Florida Straights to get from the New World back the Old.

The first settlement was at Key West but it wasn’t until 1882. This was more than two decades before Florida became an official state. All the other Keys stayed unsettled until around 1874. It was during this year that the government surveyed them and then plotted land for homes and businesses. Although at this time the homes were still primal. The materials used to build these houses were taken from the local beaches and most of the wood was from shipwrecks that have washed up on shore.

The biggest settlers of the Florida Keys were the mosquitoes. The mosquito has been called the king of the Keys. Over the years the residents of the Keys tried many things to get rid of the mosquitoes. The most common thing used to kill these pests were bags filled with woodchips that had been soaked in engine oil and then hung over the water holes during the night in an attempt to kill the mosquito larvae.

In 1912 Henry Flagler built a railroad through the Florida Keys to Key West. This helped to greatly increase the human settlement of the Florida Keys. The railroad was destroyed however in 1935 due to a hurricane. In 1938 the longest over-water road in the world was built. This includes 42 bridges. This opened up the Florida Keys to the growing tourist trade.

Today in the Florida Keys, there are roughly about 40,000 residents and thousands and thousands of visitors that come to fish and swim and sail. Tourists love to come to the Keys to dive in the crystal waters off the tropical reef. Other tourists come to relax in the sun.



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David Arnold Livingston asked:


So you have saved enough money for a Florida vacation. You are very excited. You want to go to the beach but still have access to other amenities. But you don’t where to go.

Well there’s no better place to go than to Florida. If your purpose is to have fun and relax, Florida is the perfect place to be.

Florida is known as the Sunshine State because of its long stretches of sandy beaches, larger-than-life theme parks and near perfect climate all year round. It is because of these attractions, Florida is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Florida is composed of 1,200 miles of sugary white beaches and surrounded by clear blue seas. Florida offers a unique blend of tropical sunshine, modern Miami culture and warm Southern hospitality. The best thing you will love about Florida is the weather. Florida’s average temperature is in the mid 80′s in the summer, and the mid 70′s in the winter.

To experience Florida as its best, it is highly advisable that you rent a vacation rental home or a beach front condo that would provide you with the perfect sand and sea holiday.

Aside from swimming and basking under the Florida sun, you can do other fun activities in the sunny state. You can enjoy a round of golf in the cosmopolitan city of Naples; you can do some canoeing through the waterways of Sarasota; you can fish at Fort Myers Beach or feast on the delicious seafood in Tarpon Springs. A Florida vacation would ensure you have a good time both indoors and outdoors.

Another fun activity to do in Florida, is shopping. Miami, in particular, is a very fashionable city. Miami is literally a melting pot of cultures.

To complete your Florida vacation you must visit Orlando, the homeland of Mickey. Orlando is a vibrant city brimming with extravagant theme parks, shopping malls, late-night bars, restaurants and family catered entertainment. This is the reason why Orlando earned the distinction of being America’s theme capital.

Exploring Florida will take time because Florida is a very long state. Be aware that you will spend a lot of time on the road. if you want to visit both the Florida Panhandle and also Key West. So it would be necessary to spend at least two weeks in Florida to see all the sights. One week is simply not enough to catch all the fun Florida can offer.

If you are planning to work while you’re on vacation and will tote along your laptop, it will not be a problem as most hotels offer wireless Internet service. But it is advisable to call ahead to the hotel and verify the connection you can expect.

If you don’t like running into crowds, then plan your Florida vacation for the cooler seasons. You tend to get a bit better service and often a break on hotel prices. February and October are the two best months, due to the really nice weather. Also take note of local Florida events, like the lobster mini-season in the Florida Keys, the seafood festival in Cedar Key and the Daytona 500 NASCAR Race at Daytona Beach. Whatever your preferred activiites, take lots of sun screen!



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Brendon Trucco asked:


The Florida Keys is regarded one of the planets most beautiful chains of islands linked to core Florida by the extension of American Highway One that runs about 113 miles from Key West to Miami, the southernmost spot of the continental USA.

The move south over the sea and numerous islands of the Keys is the most spectacular in the country, which comprise the trip of the 7-mile long Marathon Bridge. The Florida Keys tempts millions of travelers every year and includes some of the most wonderful fauna and flora in the USA. Boasting this gorgeous scenery, year-round sunshine, and natural light, it is simple to watch why this sub-tropical Eden has been the setting for numerous film blockbusters, comprising such epics as 2 Fast 2 Furious, True Lies, Speed 2: Cruise Control plus the James Bond classic Licence to Kill.

In fact, American Highway One characterized heavily in the blockbuster ‘True Lies’ starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In one unforgettable scene, comprising a limousine and assorted attack cars and aircraft, ‘Arnie’ and his team fight it out with wicked terrorists approximately blowing the Marathon Bridge. The blockbuster Speed 2: Cruise Control that though convicted as a dangerous flop made about $160million also features wide damage to an imaginary Florida Keys label at the film’s climax as out of control liner runs aground.

When it comes to enjoying nature, sun, beaches, and sea, the Florida Keys tours are rich in adventures for all the family. The Chamber of Commerce corresponding to Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West, is a good starting point to plan your visit to the so-called Florida Paradise. Most of the Florida Keys Visitor Centers are located at the various Chambers of Commerce; visit them to find brochures, maps, Florida Keys tours, and other useful information, including “fun packs” offered by some of the Keys authorities. Of course, there are as many Floridian tour operators that will lead you through the natural beauties of the Florida Keys as there are places to find resources. Being an internationally renowned destination, your local travel agent can provide you with all the printed information of tours available, maps, and directions to get there. By air, land, or sea, you can begin a tour starting at Key Largo and ending in Key West, instead of just visiting one of the Keys.



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