Top 15 Stunning Beaches in the Florida Keys
When flying over the Florida Keys, one cannot help but admire the stunning azure waters and extensive coral reefs interwoven with sandy stretches below.
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When flying over the Florida Keys, one cannot help but admire the stunning azure waters and extensive coral reefs interwoven with sandy stretches below.
It’s easy to think of the Florida Keys as just that – ‘the Keys,’ a singular, undifferentiated destination. However, there are more than 100 islands in the Keys, each offering its unique angle of exploration. Therefore, let’s split the Keys into five distinct regions, each with its own theme, all connected by the Overseas Highway.
Warm tropical breezes and cerulean blue waters have long drawn sun-seeking visitors to the Florida Keys. Eager for a fruity drink and a slice of key lime pie, many motor across the 125-mile-long chain of islands, ready to watch the sun dip below the horizon from Mallory Square in Key West.
No matter where you stay in the Florida Keys, you’ll feel a bit outside of normal USA time.
Florida is a destination that offers a wealth of stunning attractions, encompassing a blend of breathtaking beaches, exceptional national parks, vibrant urban centers, and remarkable leisure opportunities. It’s imperative to explore the highly coveted beaches Florida has to offer.
Composed of hundreds of islands (or keys) that stretch nearly 200 square miles, the Florida Keys is ripe for exploration. But when should you make your tropical journey happen?
Known for its mix of high and low, the Florida Keys can be both budget-friendly and luxurious.
The Keys are to Florida what Florida is to the United States: an unexpected appendage, a hybrid space where North America and the Caribbean meet, an escape for those that don’t necessarily fit anywhere else, a dongle of improbable geography.
Look at a map of the US and you’ll see the islands of the Florida Keys dangling down from the southern tip of Florida in a 113-mile-long chain. This might not look like the easiest part of the USA to navigate; however, traveling across the archipelago is surprisingly straightforward.
Spanning 125 miles of dynamic island bliss, the Florida Keys offer an abundance of turquoise waters, white sands, and outdoor delights. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. However, it most certainly is.
People come to Florida for many reasons – warm weather, good vibes, and ecosystems like no other chief among them. Another major motivation, for some at least: the desire to be in a place without rules.
Islamorada is an in-between place, a blend of high and low, American and Caribbean, both refined and edgy. Nestled squarely between booming Miami and rowdy Key West, Islamorada remains more hippy than its northern counterparts, yet more elegant than the infamous sprawl of Key West’s Duval Street.
Straddling both the warm Gulf waters and the rollicking waves of the Atlantic, the Florida Keys have been known to convert unsuspecting visitors to permanent residents thanks to its enchanting natural beauty and funky, come-as-you-are vibe.
There’s a vacation, and then there’s the kind of getaway from which you emerge as if from a fever dream.
1. Summary of Florida’s Overseas Highway
1. Explore the stunning beaches of Key West, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
The 150-mile drive from Miami to Key West takes approximately 3.5 hours and is an essential experience for any traveler. However, instead of rushing straight to Mallory Square and mile marker zero, you can enjoy numerous fascinating stops along the way. Here’s a detailed guide to some of the most remarkable attractions as you travel along the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys, arranged in the order that you’ll encounter them while driving south.
Ready to experience the tropical allure of the Florida Keys? The Florida Keys have some of the best beaches in Florida, and the region is easily one of the best places to visit in the state. In fact, the Florida Keys are one of our favorite places to visit in the entire USA. The Florida Keys are heaven on earth with the feel of a tropical island right in your own backyard.
The ‘Sunshine State’ is renowned for its theme parks, sandy beaches adorned with palm trees, and charming wildlife. Consequently, it has become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking the perfect holiday atmosphere filled with sun, sea, and sand.
Close your eyes and imagine gentle ocean breezes with tall palms swaying overhead. Imagine waking up to a beautiful sunrise, the sounds of the surf gently lapping the beach, seagulls squawking overhead, and the muffled sound of a fishing boat putting offshore. Imagine lazy days soaking up the sun, building sandcastles or napping in a hammock, and peaceful nights that start with incredibly romantic sunsets. If this sounds appealing, your dream can become a reality when you camp in the Florida Keys. In fact, you can snag some of the best off-season rates between May and October, making this experience not only beautiful but also affordable.