Whether you’re travelling around the United States and searching for a relaxing getaway after visiting the bustling cities of Florida, or the US is your home and you just want to escape daily responsibilities and routines, a weekend trip to the Florida Keys gets it done. Thousands of little islands dotting the vats waters of Atlantic Ocean, some of them inhabited and wild, others welcome visitors with gorgeous beaches, endless sunshine and cold, refreshing drinks… Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But it’s not even everything. The Florida Keys have some fabulous reefs too, and delicious seafood, and turquoise water. Plus, because of the happy vacationers, charming geeks and extravagant individuals, the atmosphere is lovely. Are you convinced yet? Here’s a bit of practical advice to help in organizing an ideal weekend trip to the Florida Keys.
Best places to stay in Florida Keys
Not many things in life are as easy as finding a great hotel in Florida Keys. They are plentiful: luxurious resorts, chic hotels, Caribbean-style retreats, Bahama-style houses, boutique hotels, and family friendly guest-houses – just make a wish. Unfortunately, accommodation on the islands is rather costly and there aren’t many low-budget options. Some of the islands have campsites and hostels, but even that’s relatively expensive. There’s for example the ‘The Seashell Motel’ and International Hostel in Key West with prices starting from around $50 per night, which is quite a lot comparing with, well, most places all around the world. If your budget isn’t very tight tough, on Florida Keys you can not only bath in the blue waters, but in luxury as well. Island Bay located in Tavernier is an excellent example of a resort and one of the best places to stay at in Florida Keys. Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort in Key Largo and Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Little Torch Key also deserve to be recommended. If you prefer hotels rather than resorts, Almond Tree Inn and Marquesa Hotel in Key West are great. Southernmost on the Beach in Key West and Glunz Ocean Beach Hotel & Resort in Key Colony Beach are delightfully quiet, while the Ocean House in Islamorada is just perfectly romantic. Summing up, whatever it is you expect from a perfect hotel, Florida Key has it.
Top Attractions in Florida Keys
To see the abundant marine life Florida Keys can be proud of, go for a trip to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. As the only living coral reef in the States, the Park is a very unique attraction. It’s a paradise for snorkelers and divers, yet if you’re not into any of this sports, it’s all right. Travel agencies offer lots of alternatives, so you can for instance watch the reef through a glass bottom of a boat. If you want to make your weekend trip to Florida Keys really special, visit the Dry Tortugas National Park. There are two ways to do it: a ferry or a seaplane. Boats are nice, but flying above the islands in a seaplane even better. Key West Seaplane Adventures offer great and well-organized tours. After the magical flight, you’ll be astonished with the myriad species of birds, rich sea life and the colorful reefs The Dolphin Research Center on Marathon is a great place to visit, especially if you’ve got children, they’ll be thrilled to see the charming dolphins. If the island of Marathon isn’t really on your way, perhaps the National Key Deer Refuge in Key West will be a more accessible destination. Literature-lovers shouldn’t miss the Hemingway House in Key West. For the best and wildest parties, head to the Duval Street in Key West. The islands have really lots of fascinating places to visit. Just remember if a weekend trip to Florida Keys isn’t enough to see them all, you can always get back. And you’ll probably want to.
A variety of activities available in the Florida Keys
For water sport enthusiasts, the islands are a paradise. Snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking – you name it; the Florida Keys will make it happen. Countless schools and centers offer lessons, courses, guides and equipment rentals. After you decide which island you’re staying at, just look for one, all of the bigger islands have them. Delightful laziness, sunbathing and swimming are, of course, some of the best activities. The beaches of Florida Keys are gorgeous. If you just want to spend the whole weekend laying on the sand, enjoying the sunshine and listening to the gentle melody played by the waves, that’s perfectly fine. Party-animals shouldn’t miss the Key West’s nightlife, it’s sizzling. For foodies, a lunch made of local seafood will probably be one of the top attractions. The major islands have something for art-lovers too. If you look for them, you’ll find many small, charming art galleries, such as the Artists in Paradise Gallery in Big Pine Key (what an accurate name) or Morada Way Clay in on Islamorada.
