Destination - The Florida Keys and Key West
The destination of The Florida Keys and Key West brings back fond memories to those who have had the pleasure of experiencing this "laid back" locale. Vistas are dominated by emerald-green lagoons, deep-blue seas, rustling pines, towering palms, and olive-green mangroves. Sharing this eco-paradise are white herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, seagulls, and countless underwater critters.

Traveling here is seemingly simple. Varied methods of transportation include air, land, and sea. The Florida Keys feature two commercial airports, fixed-based operators, rental car facilities, shuttle, taxi, and numerous anchorage outlets and full-service marinas. Marathon and Key West International airports provide convenient and quick access to all destinations in the keys.
If you prefer to travel by water, Key West Express operates a ferry service between the Island city and Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, and Miami.

Island hopping is the best way to explore this tropical paradise. By following mile markers, often called mileposts, travelers heading south can begin with number 126 just south of Florida City and end with the zero marker at the corner of Fleming and Whitehead streets in Key West.

Marker 107-91 The longest island of the Keys chain is Key Largo, which gave its name to the famous movie and popular hit song. But Key Largo's real star attraction is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater preserve in the United States, lying adjacent to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These two protected areas feature 55 varieties of delicate corals and more than 600 species of fish.

Marker 91-71 Scuba divers and snorkelers flock to the village of Islamorada to explore the extraordinary reef line and patch reefs that hold huge numbers of tropical fish, sponges, soft and hard corals, and crustaceans.
Known as the Sport-Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada is where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing were pioneered.
Islamorada features eco-tours, water sport equipment rentals, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes, and beautiful vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay, and a typically quirky Keys recreational activity: feeding the tarpon off the docks at Robbie's Marina.

Marker 60-47 Settlements on the islands of Marathon can be traced back to the early 1800s, when Bahamians established tropical fruit farms and New England anglers inhabited the area.
Kayakers can paddle through the solitude of local backcountry waters or try the newest sport in the Keys, fishing from a kayak. Additionally visitors can charter a sailboat, play golf and tennis, take in the theater, and eat at one of the many fine restaurants that include upscale cafes and funky waterfront seafood eateries.
Deemed the Heart of the Keys, Marathon boasts homey resorts, luxury accommodations and the conveniences of a modern community, while retaining the charm of its roots as a 19th century fishing village.

Markers 40-5 The region of Big Pine Key has advocated the responsible utilization and preservation of the vast natural wonders found here, earning the title of the Natural Keys. Established in 1957, the National Key Deer Refuge protects the endangered Key deer - a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer, which ranges in size between 45 and 80 pounds full grown - and its habitat. Today the refuge encompasses more than 8,000 acres of prime Key deer territory ranging from Bahia Honda Key to the eastern shores of Sugarloaf Key, out to the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.
In the ocean waters off Big Pine Key, divers and snorkelers explore the spectacular coral and marine life of Looe Key Reef, renowned as one of the world's best reefs for diving.

Markers 4-0 This is the end of the road for travelers who have made their way to a destination closer to Cuba than Miami.
Residents and visitors to the island actively participate in sightseeing, outdoor and maritime activities, and shopping by day, and then become part of the sunset celebration held each evening at Mallory Square, when fire eaters, tightrope walkers and animal acts strive to top a more captivating performer - the fiery sun settling into the Gulf of Mexico.
Those needing to get around Key West's picturesque streets have a wide choice of vehicles ranging from comfortable old-style trolleys to Conch Cruiser bicycles. Independent travelers can rent mopeds or colorful two-, and four-seater electric cars, which can be driven at a speed up to 25 mph and are allowed on virtually all Key West roadways except North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Hardly a weekend goes by in Key West without some kind of special event or festival taking place. The event with the broadest appeal is Old Island Days, which reflects Key West's history, heritage, and traditions.
Each June brings PrideFest Key West, honoring diversity, openness, and freedom in a city constantly recognized as one of the world's top gay and lesbian vacation destinations. In late October, Fantasy Fest brings revelry and excitement to the island. The outrageous 10-day masking and costuming festival incorporates lavish costume balls, a Masquerade March through Old Town, a street fair, and other activities.

Key West's rich seafaring history is recognized in late November and early December each year when Pirates in Paradise attracts a scurvy crew of pirates and wenches.
When the time comes to savor the taste of Key West, the area doesn't disappoint! Among the favorites are Key West pink shrimp, a delicacy considered sweeter than other crustaceans. Whether sauteed in scampi, battered and fried, nestled atop salad or pasta or simply steamed and served with savory sauces, Key West pinks rank among the most popular of the Keys' "natural resources".

The mollusk conch (pronounced konk) is impossible to pass up and is serviced in many forms: lime-kissed salad, spicy chowder, and golden-fried fritters among them.
The Florida Keys | 800-FLA-KEYS | www.fla-keys.com

While visiting the tropical locale of South Florida ... May We RECOMMEND...
A stay at the Southernmost House in the USA. This grandiose bed and breakfast, which has hosted five US Presidents, is considered an architectural wonder. Built in 1896, the house underwent a $3 million renovation and today features comfortable interiors and a refreshing escape from the day to day.
All of the 13 guestrooms feature either a queen or king size bed, and spectacular island or water view.
866-764-6633 | www.southernmosthouse.com

Fish'n Fun, situated in Marathon. Visitors with a penchant for the water can utilize the boat and watersport rental equipment. Guests can journey through the mangroves in the privacy of their own speedboat or join a backwater fishing expedition. Convenient supplies and accessories are also available
305-743-2275 | 800-471-3440 | www.fishnfunrentals.com

Silent World Dive Center, Key Largo. Explore the reefs and wrecks of the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary. With sites to suit every experience level and two custom dive boats, Silent World offer customer service on a personal level, in a relaxed and uncrowded environment. Each boat takes a maximum 12 divers out to sites including the famous USS Spiegel Grove and Christ of the Deep, as well as the less frequently visited spots. Silent World is a PADI and GUE training center, known for being "new diver friendly" and offer a full range of courses.
800-966-DIVE | 305-451-3252 | www.silentworldkeylargo.com

The Ocean Key Resort & Spa is where laidback and luxury co-mingle. With tropical decor and warm earthy tones, this upscale resort hotel has captured the essence of relaxation and the hotel's deluxe one and two bedroom suites reflect the fun and funky feel of the island. Enjoy bright Caribbean decors, fabulous whirlpool tubs, large private balconies, and amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The hotel was recently honored with the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award and was named as one of Travel + Leisure's "Top 500 Hotels in the World."
800-328-9815 | www.oceankey.com

Best Western Key Ambassador Resort Inn
Today's traveler desires a locale where the people are friendly, a fabulous selection of activity is nearby, and a great accommodation beckons them to rejuvenate.
Situated along seven tropical acres, in the heart of Key West, The Best Western Key Ambassador Inn is a tropical wonderland featuring a heated oceanfront pool with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, and a tropical sun deck. Poolside food and beverage services are available to ensure complete relaxation. The hotel also offers guests a complimentary continental breakfast.
305-296-3500 | www.keyambassador.com