I live in a beach town and consider myself a beach connoisseur. I’ve been to beaches all around the world, from India to Croatia. I can tell you every different sand texture and color and which beach towns have that small-town charm and eclectic mix of people that make for a great coastal experience. The Florida Keys are near the top of my “best beach town” list. It’s void of towering high-rises, and each little town on the Keys has its own quaint personality. Indeed, it’s easy to find your bliss on the Florida Keys.
On the Water
Of course, the Florida Keys’ primary draw is the warm weather and the clear turquoise water. I wished I had a boat every day I was there so I could go snorkeling and exploring. I did get out once, and we took a leisurely cruise out to the 7 Mile bridge. It was my first time on the Gulf of Mexico, and it was marvelous! You can rent all kinds of watercraft, from a boat to jet skis to paddleboards and kayaks. Fishing is also widely popular, and many restaurants will even cook up your catch just the way you want it!
The Wildlife
There seems like no end to the abundance of wildlife that calls the Florida Keys home. I was fortunate enough to have a close encounter with a couple of manatees in a lagoon behind my friend’s house. They are curious animals and genuinely fascinating. I also enjoyed a trip to the Turtle Hospital. I felt sorry for the many different types of sea turtles inside with all manner of human-caused ailments, but they’re so cute! I highly recommend a visit! The Dolphin Research Center in Marathon also provides tours and has an excellent reputation. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where you can see hundreds of butterflies and even a couple of pink Flamingos!
Beautiful Parks
In the 113 miles and the approximately 1700 islands that make up the Florida Keys, there are 11 State Parks, and they are all extraordinary! I particularly liked Bahia Honda State Park, a natural sanctuary of more than 500 acres of protected wildlife, trails, and white sandy beaches perfect for camping, fishing, and snorkeling. However, dogs are not allowed on the beaches there. In fact, dogs aren’t allowed on most beaches in Florida! The exception is Sombrero Beach in Marathon, where Ozzie (my Yorkie mix) and I spent countless hours! If you have a boat or want to splurge on a tour, Dry Tortugas National Park is a 100-square mile protected area renowned for its snorkeling and historic Fort Jefferson. It’s only reachable by boat.
Charming Beach Towns
There are many little beach towns scattered about the Florida Keys. Key Largo and Key West are the most famous, but Islamorada and Marathon won my heart! In Islamorada, the Hungry Tarpon is fabulous waterfront restaurant with a trendy atmosphere and food to die for! Try the Purple Isle for breakfast. It’s a decadent lobster stuffed crepe with a handmade hollandaise sauce! Yummy! In Marathon, don’t forget to shop at In Limbo. It may sell inexpensive t-shirts, but look deeper, and you’ll find all things hippie, from incense to chakra tapestries! It’s just my kind of place!
I could spend every winter in the Florida Keys, and in fact, many people do. If you’re there in the wintertime, which is the busiest season, prepare to pay a lot for accommodations. If you want to camp, schedule it way ahead as there wasn’t a campsite to be found anywhere! If you want to save some money, join a locals Facebook group and post what type of accommodations you’re looking for. I’m already looking forward to going back!