By William Jackson
The Florida Keys are composed of a spectacular sweep of tropical islets, forming an archipelago arching to the south of Florida. With its white, sandy
beaches, ancient coral reefs, wealth of boating opportunities and charming old town of Key West, the Florida Keys represent a dream vacation to all types of individuals.
Location
Set at the southernmost tip of the continental United States, the Florida Keys consist of 1,700 islands, stretching 100 miles from Florida's coast. They are easily reached by car or by plane at international airports in Key West, Miami or Ft. Lauderdale.
Key West
With its own airport, Key West, located at the tip of the keys, is chosen by many travelers as a launching point for a Florida Keys vacation, while others end their journeys here. Not only is it convenient, it has a wide array of attractions that include beautiful beaches and underwater vistas, rounded out with Key West's historic old town and picturesque waterfront.
Key Largo
The largest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is also one of the closest to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, making it a quick destination for those driving from the mainland. All popular water activities are available here, from parasailing to boat rentals to deep sea fishing.
Islamorada
Billed as the world's sport-fishing capital, the stretch of keys known as Islamorada is perhaps the best spot to hop on a boat for some unforgettable angling adventures with a plethora of catches, including marlin, tuna, wahoo and sailfish.
Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key is known for its spectacular dives and snorkeling spots, as well as its hopping nightlife.
Accommodations
A wide range of accommodations exists all over the Florida Keys, from timeshare properties and guesthouses to campgrounds and RV parks to fancy hotels and luxury resorts. Be sure to book your accommodations in advance, keeping in mind that the Florida Keys serve as the continental United States' single sliver of Caribbean paradise.
About the Author:
William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.
