The Florida Keys
Come as you are. Never has that saying been more apt than in the Keys. Key West, the southernmost city in the U.S., inspired the Jimmy Buffett hit, “Margaritaville.” Marathon is a family-oriented destination with 10 miles of waterfront, while Islamorada is known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” Key Largo is the northernmost key, with snorkeling and scuba diving, eco-tours and dolphin encounter programs.
Key Largo Fishing
Orlando magazine’s dedicated editorial team is taking the guesswork out of your next coastal trip! Check out these important facts:
☀ BOUNDED BY: The Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
⚑ COUNTIES: Monroe. A small portion extends into Miami-Dade.
⚐ MAJOR CITIES/AREAS: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key/Lower Keys, Key West.
♜ HIGHLIGHTS: Sustainable travel, recreation, wildlife.
☸ HIDDEN GEMS: Jules’ Undersea Lodge (scuba diving is the only way to get to your room), Pigeon Key (used as a work camp in the 1900s for the men who built the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway), National Key Deer Refuge (home to endangered miniature deer).
☺ OVERALL VIBE: Tropical and laid-back.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key West
Key West has a rich and colorful history dating back to its original indigenous inhabitants, the Calusa people. The island was first charted by Spanish explorers in the 16th century and later became part of the United States in 1821 when Spain ceded Florida. Key West grew into a bustling port for trade, fishing and wrecking (shipwreck salvage). By the mid-19th century, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S.
You’ll find all sorts of colorful characters to hang out with in Key West
In the 20th century, Key West became known for its artistic and literary scene, attracting figures like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Today, the island is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, conch-style architecture and vibrant tourism industry, making it a unique blend of history, culture and tropical charm.
I was lucky enough to stay at La Concha Key West, a beautifully restored historic hotel right in the heart of the action on Duval. The windows on the first couple of floors are designed to be open so you can throw beads to the boobies walking by during the countless random parades they have. To be honest, though, everything seems like an excuse to have a drink in Key West— which is one of the many things it seems to have in common with New Orleans, but without sacrificing its homie, approachable charm. Bars line the main drag and can be found down the countless side streets that lead to some dense residential, random homes turned speakeasies and garage bars.
Some standout Key West experiences include jumping out of planes with the sexy and well-spoken dudes at Sky Dive Key West, the sand bar hopping tour of Sebago Sandbar Safari where I saw more conches than I’ve ever seen in my life and trying to find all the secret bars along Duval. There is a clutch of small gay venues in Key West that are very straight friendly, but they all seem to have their little gay speakeasies where you’ll need to know the secret handshake to get entry.
If you’re itching to explore more of Key West outside of Duval and the main drag, check out Flama Cabana. The Cuban-themed rum bar has live music with great tapas and cocktails.
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