Florida Keys

Travel Guide

Higgs Beach showing a sandy beach and tropical scenes as well as a large group of people
Dry Tortugas National Park showing heritage architecture and general coastal views
Smathers Beach showing a bay or harbor, tropical scenes and windsurfing
Key West featuring a marina, a coastal town and general coastal views
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park featuring marine life

Florida Keys Travel Guide Video

Swim with dolphins, snorkel over coral reefs, visit Ernest Hemingway’s home or just relax on a beach and enjoy the balmy climate of this beautiful group of islands.

The Florida Keys is an archipelago that sits just off the south coast of mainland Florida. The islands are only 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Miami. The region is a hot spot for vacationers due to its tropical climate, sandy beaches and coral reef. Popular activities include diving, snorkeling and sunbathing.

You can fly to the Key West International Airport on regularly scheduled commercial flights. Charter and private aircraft are serviced at the Florida Keys Marathon International Airport in the city of Marathon, which sits in the centre of the archipeligo, as well as the Summerland Key Airfield further south.

Alternatively, take the Overseas Highway to the island of Key Largo, a journey of one hour's drive from Miami. At Key Largo, you can marvel at the colorful fish and underwater wonders at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and check out the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Botanical State Park.

Spend the afternoon in the region of Islamorada, which comprises several islands. Try your hand at fishing. Swim with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea. Then, meander along hiking paths or learn about the islands’ history at Indian Key Historic State Park.

Keep moving south to the town of Marathon. Attend seafood festivals in the family-orientated region. Relax on Sombrero Beach. Follow some of the trails through the 64 acres (26 hectares) of Crane Point. The Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon to the southern islands of the Florida Keys. Take part in the annual fun run across the bridge in April.

On the other side of the bridge, explore Big Pine Key’s The Blue Hole, an old limestone quarry filled with fresh water where all types of wildlife congregate. It is part of the National Key Deer Refuge. Backcountry kayak and paddle boarding trips are a famous pastime here.

Complete your tour of the archipelago at Key West, the southernmost point of the Florida Keys. Learn about the history and culture of the area through attractions such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum where the famous author wrote some of his famous works.

Where to stay in Florida Keys

Key West Historic District

Old Town Key West

4.5/5(226 area reviews)

Old Town, the historic heart of Key West, boasts a central business district and numerous tourist attractions. Explore the Key West Aquarium, Ernest Hemingway House, Mallory Square, and more in this vibrant area.

Old Town Key West
Audubon House and Tropical Gardens featuring a house

Key West Historic District

4.5/5(4,033 area reviews)

Old Town Key West boasts a rich history with 2485 historic buildings, and is home to popular attractions like Ernest Hemingway House and Mallory Square. Enjoy the lively atmosphere in the central business district.

Key West Historic District
Smathers Beach showing a bay or harbor, tropical scenes and windsurfing

Beachside

If you're spending some time in Beachside, Smathers Beach and Florida Keys Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

Beachside
Key West featuring a marina, a coastal town and general coastal views

Downtown Key West

If you're spending some time in Downtown Key West, Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Key West
Default Image

New Town

4/5(428 area reviews)

Though New Town might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Smathers Beach and Fort East Martello Museum and Gallery.

New Town
Harry S. Truman Little White House featuring heritage elements, a house and a garden

Truman Annex

5/5(12 area reviews)

Mixed-use redevelopment featuring classic conch style homes, high-end condos, a hotel, parks, marina, and museums, including the historic Little White House. Enjoy retail and commercial spaces within the community.

Truman Annex
Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Resort
4 out of 5
61 Hawks Cay Blvd, Marathon, FL
$368 nightly
The price is $413 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$413 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great vacation. We will be returning soon!"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Hawks Cay Resort
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
5 out of 5
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Marker 82, Islamorada, FL
$246 nightly
The price is $277 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$277 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Islamorada. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,128 reviews)
"Resort has a lot of rentals and plenty to do there. Staff is awesome."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Chesapeake Beach Resort
Chesapeake Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
83409 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL
$192 nightly
The price is $217 total per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$217 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Islamorada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,484 reviews)
"Amenities were great"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Chesapeake Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Yacht Haven Marina
Yacht Haven Marina
3.5 out of 5
5 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star houseboat in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (173 reviews)
"Really nice houseboats and in a central location. They are still getting the amenities and area around the property finished up. Will definitely be 5 stars when they do. Great idea for a key trip."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Yacht Haven Marina
Skipjack Resort & Marina
Skipjack Resort & Marina
3 out of 5
19 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Marathon. Enjoy free parking, a marina, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,192 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Skipjack Resort & Marina
Breezy Palms Resort
Breezy Palms Resort
2.5 out of 5
80015 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Islamorada. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (488 reviews)
"Our stay was pleasant. The staff is friendly. The property is an older property but fairly well maintained. Our unit was updated and clean. The only complaint I have is the hot water in the shower wouldn't hold steady."

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Breezy Palms Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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