Just off the southern tip of Florida lies the beautiful Florida Keys. Covered with stunning beaches and surrounded by fascinating coral reefs, these islands are the perfect place for a relaxing summer vacation. Whether you prefer a stroll down the beach or want to dive into the crystal-clear waters, we’ve got your guide to some of the most spectacular things to do in the Florida Keys.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Get up close and personal with Florida’s wildlife at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Established in 1963, this park was the first undersea park in the United States and covers over 170 square miles of coral reefs. Explore colorful coral reefs and the submerged “Christ of the Deep” statue during a snorkeling or scuba excursion. The park also offers glass-bottom boat tours, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of Key Largo’s waters, regardless of skill level.
Key West Aquarium
If you like looking at fish, but not necessarily swimming alongside them, the Key West Aquarium is the place for you. Fun for the whole family, this aquarium features an array of interactive exhibits to keep you entertained all day long. Among these is the Atlantic Shores Exhibit, which allows visitors to walk through a living mangrove ecosystem. There is also a touch tank where children can interact with friendly ocean creatures, including sea stars and horseshoe crabs. Tickets to the aquarium are valid for 2 consecutive days, so you can visit your favorite fish multiple times.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Made up of seven small islands and available only by boat or sea plane, Dry Tortugas National Park is a peaceful getaway perfect for a day trip. Ferry rides to the park are available daily and offer you the time to plan out your day at the park. Explore the historic Fort Jefferson during a guided tour, snorkel among the surrounding reefs, or step out of the sun at the Dry Tortugas Museum. The park even allows you to camp overnight, so you can enjoy the beauty of the islands under the stars.
Duval Street
Connecting one side of the island to the other, Duval Street is truly the heart of Key West. Lined with Victorian style mansions, a trademark of Florida Keys’ architecture, Duval Street is a hub of restaurants, boutiques, and historical sites. Step back in time at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum; wander the lush gardens of the famous author and meet some of the six-toed cats that now call the residence home. After you’ve strolled down Duval Street in search of the best slice of Key Lime Pie, fall into bed at the beautiful Southernmost House Hotel, a historic hotel that sits right along the beach. This bustling street ensures that your family will never run out of things to do in the Florida Keys.
Vivid view of the sunset earlier this evening from Mallory Square in Key West. Photo courtesy of Krysta Webby.
Tonight's forecast: Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers, mainly after midnight. Lows near 80ºF. Winds SE 10-15 mph. #flwx #KeyWest #FloridaKeys #sunset pic.twitter.com/3J1BHVpgHo
— NWS Key West (@NWSKeyWest) May 31, 2019
What do alligators and humans have in common? We’re all just trying to keep our heads above water.
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@saturnsdragon pic.twitter.com/ndzcoiO4sZ— Key West Aquarium (@keywestaquarium) January 2, 2019
Dry Tortugas National Park – Artist Proofs – JUST 4 REMAINING!
Just a few First Edition Artist Proofs of Dry Tortugas National Park. This poster makes a great gift — perfect for commemorating your trip to America's most remote national park!
SHOP NOW > https://t.co/4uk51m8EbM pic.twitter.com/849gOnMq1L
— Rob Decker (@robertbdecker) May 23, 2019
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Waking up early is easy with views like this one! Thanks to a volunteer at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for capturing this beautiful sunrise. pic.twitter.com/f1dD1DnH3l
— Florida State Parks (@FLStateParks) April 26, 2018
It's dinner time at the Actinoscyphia household 🐟
——– pic.twitter.com/jzXlxFYDLd— Key West Aquarium (@keywestaquarium) March 1, 2019
The Jellyfish Blues. 🎶 🎶 Do you get many of these in your part of the world? 🌍 pic.twitter.com/aL8MaGzDE8
— Key West Aquarium (@keywestaquarium) February 20, 2019
Though you'd never suspect it, this @barracuda is having an amazing Tuesday! 🐠 How's your day shaping up? pic.twitter.com/F0bmxMSU8p
— Key West Aquarium (@keywestaquarium) February 6, 2019
If you think a seahorse is small, you should see the jockeys! 🐴 What do you think is the most curious sea creature? pic.twitter.com/mWnVdxy3XF
— Key West Aquarium (@keywestaquarium) January 31, 2019