lonely planet florida keys

But at weekends and during festivals and busy holiday periods, tourists stream into or out of the Keys, and the Overseas Highway can get pretty choked. For the Halloween traditionalists, there is plenty to do throughout the islands on the big day and leading up to it. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. The 113-mile long Overseas Highway is the southernmost portion of US Route 1, the great north-south highway running all the way from Fort Kent in Maine to Key West in Florida (thats a distance of 2370 miles for any trivia lovers out there). This sparsely populated island is mostly devoid of luxury and nightlife, especially as you move further away from US Route 1. Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. Explore the magic of Walt Disney World resort, stroll and peruse paintings on a Miami art walk, or get under the surface and take a snorkeling trip in the Keys; all with your trusted . The visitor center is well run and informative and has a small saltwater aquarium and nature films that give a glimpse of whats under those waters. For Halloween fans, if getting creatively bedazzled for just one day isnt enough, you can dress up and party for 10 consecutive days at Fantasy Fest in Key West. Within the islands, Key West and its historical Old Town district, with its narrow streets and pretty houses, is by far the loveliest area to cycle around. Besides its public visual-arts displays, TSKW hosts readings, literary and visual workshops, concerts, lectures and community discussion groups. Eat, Drink & Be Merry In South Florida and the Keys, nothing succeeds like excess. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. For fishers, April is one of the best months of the year for snagging a big one. There's even an undersea statue of Jesus known as Christ of the Abyss, a 9ft-tall replica of the famous statue in Genoa, Italy. California has a reputation for sunshine, beaches and palm trees, but there's much more to see in the Golden State. It can be a little rocky, so some water shoes may help here. Take time for a stop at the Key West Pottery and Key West Island Books, a new and used bookstore with a great assortment of local titles. Dance to Caribbean beats in Miami, fulfill your. Explore the magic of Walt Disney World resort, stroll and peruse paintings on a Miami art walk, or get under the surface and take a snorkeling trip . The beloved archipelago of the Florida Keys has reopened to tourists, but with new rules in place. The heat is on and so is hurricane season. If the lively hustle and bustle of Key West isnt striking the right chord, the untouched beauty of Curry Hammock State Park will. Beaches The top 10 free things to do in the Florida Keys Oct 20, 2021 7 min read From public art trails to bird sanctuaries, here's our guide to the top free activities in the Florida Keys. High temperatures hover around a pleasant 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The most famous wild space in the Lower Keys is Bahia Honda State Park, just east of Big Pine along the highway. Lonely Planet's Florida is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Marvel at the Grand Canyon, paddle the Everglades and rock climb in Joshua Tree; all with your trusted travel companion. Here's your guide. As much of the rest of the country combat cold temperatures, snow or a mix of the two, the Florida Keys remain delightfully sunny. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. During these snowbird-filled months, things feel noticeably busier in some of the bigger towns and popular places to visit (e.g., Key Largo, Islamorada, Tavernier, Marathon and Key West) there is a bit more traffic, restaurant waits are longer and the bar scene is, well, just as crazy as it is any other time of year. 8 places to go in the US for a spirited encounter. Florida Keys & Key West HIGHLIGHTS Advancing early liver failure as you down drinks at either Key West's Green Parrot ( p211 ), or The Hurricane ( p196 ) in Marathon Spotting cute Key deer while you wander the islands at the National Key Deer Refuge ( p197 ) Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. Head north to Long Key State Park one of the quieter preserves in the Keys or drive south across the famed Seven Mile Bridge to adventures in Bahia Honda State Park or Key West. Discover Florida Karlin, Adam Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Discover Florida is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Key events: Key West LobsterFest, Kilts in the Keys (Marathon), Tropical Heat (Key West). The best things you can do for free in Key West, 12 best things to do in Florida, from rockets and rollercoasters to the Everglades, Plan your next vacation to one of these top destinations in Florida. Distances on the Overseas Highway are designated by mile markers, usually abbreviated to MM in addresses. The Key West Express catamaran makes the approximately 3.5-hour trip from Fort Myers Beach, on the mainland, to Key West every day throughout the year, and travels from Marco Island (just south of Fort Myers Beach) seasonally. Authors Written and researched by Lonely Planet, and Anthony Ham, Adam Karlin and Regis St Louis. If youre a history lover that happens to be in Key West on the third weekend of the month, youre in luck. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. Here are the best ways to get around. Air travelers to the Keys fly into Key West International Airport, located off S Roosevelt Blvd on the east side of Key West island. Take in art deco masterpieces, spot alligators in the Everglades, and marvel at the blue waters of the Florida Keys; all with your trusted travel companion. Key events: Conch Republic Independence Celebration (Key West), 7 Mile Bridge Run (Knights Key to Pigeon Key). Here's how. Authors Written and researched by Lonely Planet, and Anthony Ham, Adam Karlin and Regis St Louis. Here's what you need to know. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. For more information on accessible travel, head to Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Resources page. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. Here are California's top things to do. Lonely Planets USAs National Parks is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. If you want to beat the heat on the trail, March to May might be the best time to visit. Where will you go next? Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive. It is typically super-humid and hot during the summer months, so youll want to pack accordingly. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. A darling of dessert menus everywhere, you can celebrate your love of key lime pie at the Key Lime Festival this month. Its easy to spend a fortune on a Florida vacation. Fish the Florida Keys, hit up a hot Miami club for all-night dancing, or kayak by cypress domes and mangroves in the Everglades; all with your trusted travel companion. So, grab your shades and swimsuit - it's time you find the perfect beach for your Florida Keys adventure. Whether youre wrangling a massive hogfish sandwich into your mouth or cooling down with a rum-splashed tiki drink, heres a checklist of 7 things you must eat (and drink) in the Florida Keys. Picking the Bahamas or Jamaica is a wonderful choice indeed and a very tough one. North America travel guides However you want to experience the USA, Canada and Mexico, we have the guidebook to help. Key West Transit operates city routes in Key West, and the Lower Keys Shuttle, linking Key West to Marathon. Phone for boat-rental information. You'll find about 113 mangrove-and-sandbar islands where the white sun melts over deep green mangroves; long, soft mudflats and tidal bars; teal waters and a bunch of charming polite society castaways. The Florida Keys are roughly 125 miles long, but a full third of its residents live on Key West. Islamorada is widely known as the sportfishing capital of the world, and with the abundance of marinas and plentiful stocks of billfish and other desirable catches, its hard to argue with this moniker. Love may be in the air on Valentines Day. Mahi mahi, tarpon, wahoo, blue marlin and yellowtail are in their prime, so plan for a fishing adventure or two. This is a place for those escaping everyday life on the mainland. 2022 Lonely Planet. It's linked to major hubs across Florida and the rest of the country. Get to know the Florida Keys by way of the Overseas Hwy (US 1) on this journey through islands of tropical paradise. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. Watch the sky burst into color as the sun sets, then stick around to gawk at the sparkling stars. Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys (Lonely Planet) $3.45 (17) Only 1 left in stock - order soon. You cant miss the diving museum its the building with the enormous mural of whale sharks on the side. The 8 best beaches in the Florida Keys - Lonely Planet Never let it be said that we don't have great beaches here in the Key! You can also check out the nature trails and science center, where helpful park employees can assist you to identify stone crabs, fireworms, horseshoe crabs and comb jellies. In light traffic, it takes a little over 2 hours to drive from Key Largo, the northernmost Key, to Key West, the southernmost city in the contiguous United States. Here are the best experiences in the Sunshine State. 2022 Lonely Planet. On the island of Key West, you can both get around and listen to a narrated tour via the retro-cute Old Town Trolley or Conch Tour Train. If Fido has tagged along for your Key West adventure (or if you want to watch puppies play on the beach), Higgs Beach has one of the best dog parks around. There's additional parking on the bayside, a short walk south of Anne's Beach. Ground transportation from the airport to Key West's Old Town will cost $9-20, depending on whether you take a shuttle or a metered taxi. With events popping up in every state,, Dolphins, gators and fish, oh my! ShanDien Sonwai LaRance, a Native American hoop dancer, shows you why her home of New Mexico is the perfect place to learn about indigenous culture. Besides the swirl of natural coral life, interested divers can catch a glimpse of the Christ of the Abyss, an 8.5ft, 4000lb bronze sculpture of Jesus a copy of a similar sculpture off the coast of Genoa, Italy, in the Mediterranean Sea. It's also the only part of the Keys that can comfortably be explored at street level with a wheelchair. But when should you make your tropical journey happen? About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since . On Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships With this, the snowbirds and masses of tourists that had taken advantage of cooler temps start to taper off. Here's how. 2022 Lonely Planet. One long road connects the main islands of the Keys to the rest of Florida unless you have a boat or a plane or are a very keen swimmer, thats how you get from tropical island A to tropical island B. With warm weather that never fades and an abundance of unique islands to explore, picking the best time to visit the Bahamas may get tricky. It's linked to major hubs across Florida and the rest of the country. Lonely Planets USAs National Parks is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. You might also like:The best things you can do for free in Key West12 best things to do in Florida, from rockets and rollercoasters to the EvergladesPlan your next vacation to one of these top destinations in Florida, This article was first published September 2021 and updated December 2021. To really get beneath the surface, you should take a 2-hour glass-bottom boat tour (adult/child $24/17). Wedged between Halloween and a holiday-filled December, November feels somewhat quiet. The only way to get a taste of Florida's sweet scallops is to strap on a snorkel and harvest them yourself. Wander the rambling trails of National Key Deer Refuge and stop at Blue Hole, the only freshwater lake in the entire Florida Keys an unmatched place to see the diversity of local wildlife. 2022 Lonely Planet. These bridges add artificial elevation to a road that otherwise traverses a completely flat landscape, offering occasional glimpses across the archipelago. The tiny parking lot is often full. Check out Miami's definitive art-deco style, spot alligators in the Everglades, or drive Hwy 1 to see blue waters of the Florida Keys -all with your trusted travel companion. Composed of hundreds of islands (or keys) that stretch nearly 200 square miles, the Florida Keys is ripe for exploration. A trip to Florida (and its 1,350 miles of. If you want to sneak in a Florida Keys adventure before the thermostat reads a very humid 90 degrees, this is the time to do it. DIY-ers may want to take out a canoe ($20 per hour), kayak (from $12/30 per hour/half day) or stand-up paddleboard (from $25/40 per hour/half day) to journey through a 3-mile network of trails. A prized stop on the Florida Birding Trail, Bahia Honda State Park is loaded with wildlife and vantage points for taking it all in. While many of the bicycle paths in the Keys are wheelchair friendly, they are not all connected, and you may have to cross busy roads. A 107-mile ribbon of highway spans the lime-green waters and more than 200 islands that comprise the Florida Keys. To learn more about the reef in this area, go to www.southeastfloridareefs.net. But, for many, these caveats are easily worth the extra dough youll save. Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys (Lonely Planet) Paperback - September 1, 2006 by William Harrigan (Author) 15 ratings Paperback $8.31 6 Used from $4.33 2 New from $51.49 From wrecks to reefs, the Florida Keys offer a treasure trove of diving opportunities, for advanced divers and novices alike. This nonprofit showcases about a dozen artists studios in a three-story space, and hosts some of the best art openings in Key West on the first Thursday of the month. On a given day, dozens of species of wood warblers, great white herons, sandpipers and more are visible from its confines situated between Big Pine Key and Marathon. To experience such a subtropical climate and year-round warmth, one may not think it is accessible in the contiguous United States. Ferries to Dry Tortugas National Park are wheelchair-accessible, as are the Greyhound and Go Buses that run to Miami. In some places, it's an exceptionally scenic ride, but sections of the trail either cross the main road or share a shoulder with the busiest parts of the highway, which can be pretty jarring. Some of the state parks have wheelchair-accessible trails, particularly Curry Hammock and John Pennekamp; you can rent beach wheelchairs at Bahia Honda. The journey into the undersea covers 4000 years, with fascinating pieces like the 1797 Klingert's copper kettle, a whimsical room devoted to Jules Verne's Captain Nemo, massive deep-diving suits and an exquisite display of diving helmets from around the world. Compared to other corners of the United States, the Florida Keys has consistently warm temperatures, with highs rarely dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Key events: Florida Keys Guitar Festival (Marathon), Key West Pride Week, Mango Fest (Key West). Quantity: 1 All rights reserved. Compared to other corners of the United States, the Florida Keys has consistently warm temperatures, with highs rarely dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. For rest and relaxation, head to the white sands of Annes Beach, book a massage at Blu Bamboo Salon & Day Spa or just perch at the poolside in a luxury resort such as Cheeca Lodge or the Moorings Village. Wildlife & Nature Situated in Marathon, this tranquil beach (with typically tranquil waters!) Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Its easy to spend a fortune on a Florida vacation. The Mangrove Trail is a good boardwalk introduction to this oft-maligned, ecologically awesome species (the trees, often submerged in water, breathe via long roots that act as snorkels neat). From a glance, this might not look like the easiest part of the USA to get around, but in reality, traveling across the archipelago is surprisingly straightforward. The color scheme: watercolor pastels cooled by breezes on a sunset-kissed Bahamian porch. Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Back on land, check out the parks visitor center, which has a 30,000-gallon aquarium. Nancy, an environmental artist and fixture of the Keys community, invites you into her backyard oasis where chatty rescued parrots and macaws await visitors. Floridas cuisine is a blend of Southern recipes, Latin American influences and old-school Floridian techniques here's your guide to the best of it. Lonely Planet Florida (Travel Guide) by Lonely Planet | Feb 15, 2022 5.0(1) Kindle Edition $1605$21.99 Available instantly Fodor's In Focus Florida Keys: with Key West, Marathon and Key Largo (Full-color Travel Guide) by Fodor's Travel Guide | Mar 23, 2021 4.5(287) Paperback $1259$13.99 FREE delivery Tue, Dec 13 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon The museum stages free lectures on diving entitled (of course) 'Immerse Yourself' at 7pm on the third Wednesday of every month. Snorkel in the Keys, explore the magic of Walt Disney World resort, and marvel at Miami's art deco masterpieces; all with your trusted travel companion. Family road trips come to a screeching halt and the islands have a noticeably less family-filled vibe. Weve asked two writers to make the case for each. Contact us to book your vacation rentals today! But, between raucous St. Patricks Day celebrations, the Conch Republic Independence Celebration in Key West and an influx of Spring Breakers, there's plenty to keep folks heading here, too. Neither are really efficient ways of getting around, but if youre traveling with patient kids or want a laid-back introduction to the island, they fit the bill. No matter where you roam in the United States, youre never far from an outstanding meal. Key West is still defined by its motto One Human Family an ideal that equals a tolerant, accepting ethos where anything goes and life is always a party (or at least a hungover day after). Youll want that slice of pie extra cool as the weather is scorching throughout July. Take in art deco masterpieces, spot alligators in the Everglades, and marvel at the blue waters of the Florida Keys; all with your trusted travel companion. With consistently warm temperatures, quirky cultural attractions and prime beaches, the Florida Keys are a great year-round destination. Condition: Good Price: US $6.92 Buy It Now Add to cart Add to Watchlist Free shipping and returns Ships from United States Shipping: FREEEconomy Shipping | See details Located in: Interlochen, Michigan, United States Delivery: The Florida Keys stretching from Key Largo south to Key West (and well beyond) is loaded with beach options for everyone, whether you're into eco-adventures or delicious tropical cuisine. This park, with its long, white-sand (and at times seaweed-strewn) beach, named Sandspur Beach by locals, is the big attraction in these parts. If that is what youre in the market for, consider the Keys Shuttle, a van shuttle that can get travelers from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to Key West and anywhere in-between. Composed of hundreds of islands (or keys) that stretch nearly 200 square miles, the Florida Keys is ripe for exploration. All rights reserved. As Keys beaches go, this one is probably the best natural stretch of sand in the island chain. So, why are you waiting for the best time to visit the Florida Keys? As colorful as The Florida Keys are year-round, things feel that much more cheery and vibrant to close out the year. Here's how. For vacationers seeking parties that spill out into the streets, late-night wining and dining and epic drag shows, Key West is your best bet. It may help to note that the Keys are divided into three zones. With a primed climate high temperatures are typically in the mid- to upper-70s and a unique tropics-meets-winter holiday charm, its no wonder so many opt to hit the Florida Keys this time of year. How to get around the Florida Keys From Marathon, you can hop on the 301 Dade-Monroe Express Bus, which runs from Marathon to the city of Miami. With these top tips, its also easy to take in the best of the state for nothing at all. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Papa moved here in his early 1930s with his second wife, a Vogue fashion editor and (former) friend of his first wife (he left the house when he ran off with his third wife). by William Harrigan Paperback $6.64 $19.94 For those looking for a bargain, the summer to early fall time frame is the time to make it happen. Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys (Lonely Planet). is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. She gives an overview of these marvelously intelligent and rare birds ('Parrot 101' as she calls it) between 10am and 11am daily. The park concession offers daily 1-hour snorkeling trips at 9:30am and 1:30pm (adult/child $30/25). Skiing isn't for everyone, but there's no denying the charms of an alpine village. With some of the best ski resorts in the country, its time to discover why winter in California might just be the best time to visit. Go find your LED sunglasses and sequin-bedazzled backpacks, folks: the summer festival scene is officially upon us. Literary pilgrims flock to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the famed writer lived from 1931 and 1939 (the cats that wander the grounds are descendants of Papa's six-toed kitten, Snow White). There's also the novel experience of walking on the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, which offers nice views of the surrounding islands. Kayak the Everglades, snorkel the coral reefs of Biscayne National park, and experience Miami's mix of cultures from across the Americas -all with your trusted travel companion. Snorkel in the Keys, explore the magic of Walt Disney World resort, and marvel at Miami's art deco masterpieces; all with your trusted travel companion. You may also like: Top things to do in the Florida KeysWhen to visit the Florida Keys to beat the crowdsFirst-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway. This excellent museum, set in a grand 1891 red-brick building that once served as the Customs House, covers Key West's history. Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. You can swim, snorkel or kayak in the parks turquoise waters before hiking up to one of the highest points in the Keys. If you want to go even deeper, try straight-up snorkeling trips (adult/child $30/25) or diving excursions (six-person charter $500, plus equipment rental). Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. Gas prices are at record highs: check out these best places for car-free (and carefree) fun for summer 2022. From the scuba paradise of Key Largo to the unapologetic eccentricity of Key West, whatever kind of vacation youre looking for, you'll find it here. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. Museum of Art & History at the Custom House. June through November, youll want to keep an eye on weather systems developing in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico that may affect your trip. Top things to do in the Florida Keys, This article was first published October 2021 and updated December 2021. Key West Taxis (also known as Five Sixes) has some wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and airport shuttle services can usually accommodate wheelchairs. Marvel at the Grand Canyon, paddle the Everglades and rock climb in Joshua Tree; all with your trusted travel companion. From baseball to bluegrass, road trips to wildlife, there are endless fantastic experiences to have across the US. Both Greyhound and Go Bus run from Miami to Key West; fares vary depending on how far in advance you book but are usually around $25. Ground transportation from the airport to Key West's Old Town will cost $9-20, depending on whether you take a shuttle or a metered taxi. Highlights are the archival footage from the building of the ambitious Overseas Hwy (and the hurricane that killed 400 people), a model of the ill-fated USS Maine (sunk during the Spanish-American War) and the Navy's role in Key West (once the largest employer), and the 'wreckers' of Key West, who scavenged sunken treasure ships. Located between Duck Key and Marathon, this park has 1000 lush acres that are primed for outdoor adventures. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. Heading out on kayaking adventures (from $12/36 per hour/half day) is another great way to spend a sun-drenched afternoon. Beyond the animals and along its white sand shores, Higgs Beach also has six picnic tiki huts and a historic military lookout West Martello Tower with Insta-worthy gardens adjacent to it. The island has a well-developed scene for both backcountry and deep-sea fishing, but there are plenty other more unique draws. The only way to get a taste of Florida's sweet scallops is to strap on a snorkel and harvest them yourself. As it turns out, if youre bound for Florida, you could just have another option: a lending library thats completely in the tank for its guests. Whether you crisscross the state by plane, hop on a train along the southwest coast or Key-hop via water taxi, there are many ways to get around Florida. 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. Essentially, it has become the accessible heart of this citys enormous arts movement, and offers a good point of entry for visitors who want to engage in Key Wests creative scene but dont know where to start. As it winds its way across the Keys, the Overseas Highway crosses 42 bridges, including the huge Seven-Mile Bridge, joining Marathon and Big Pine Key. Watch a dog walk a tightrope, a man swallow fire, and British acrobats tumble and sass each other. Ghostly encounters have been reported in many different locations. Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list. Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination. Check out Lonely Planet Florida for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. Even regular, non-lift-equipped taxis in the Keys can fit in foldable wheelchairs. So, grab your shades and swimsuit its time you find the perfect beach for your Florida Keys adventure. has shaded picnic spots, barbecue pits, a playground, volleyball courts and plenty of space to unwind. Throughout the Florida Keys, you can visibly notice the snowbirds heading back north. The Florida Keys are justifiably famous for the many activities found in their mangrove coasts, palm forests and crystal waters. There are plenty of other historical attractions within the park year-round, too, including tours of the brick-clad fort and its extensive collection of seaside-positioned cannons and artillery. Join the festivities as National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. Here's our pick of the top snorkeling spots in Key Largo. As the halfway point of the Keys, Marathon is also a great place to stay for travelers looking to explore more widely. Publisher:Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. Book Binding:Paperback. Sir Ranulph Fiennes tells Lonely Planet about his most recent trips, his must-pack items and two countries still on his bucket list. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Read our Privacy Policy. Get to the heart of Florida and begin your . Open to the public year-round, its sprinkled with some of the archipelago's finest sand and it's also a protected nesting ground for turtles. In early November, millions memorialize the departed with Da de Muertos. Admission includes a guided tour with one of the knowledgeable guides, who share intriguing and amusing anecdotes about the Hemingways. Here are some of the best things to do. You can celebrate a fellow ocean swimmer the lobster at the Key West LobsterFest, too. With divine temperatures and cultural events galore, its no wonder so many folks opt to ring in a new year in the Florida Keys. The birds love it particularly flutes! Lonely Planet's Miami & the Keys is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Here's our pick of the top snorkeling spots in Key Largo. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. From April through October, the beach is a Loggerhead Turtle nesting hotspot as well, which is bound to be a memorable sight for those of all ages. Key events: Islamorada Seafood Festival, Key Colony Beach St. Patricks Day Parade, Marathon Seafood Festival, St. Patricks Day Bar Stroll (Key West). No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Coverage Includes: Walt Disney Resort, Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Palm Beach, Gold Coast, Miami, Florida Keys, Everglades National Park, Tampa Bay, Gulf Coast and more Book Details ISBN: 9781786573643 Writers: Adam Karlin, Kate Armstrong, Ashley Harrell, Regis St Louis 288 pages, 288pp color, 64 maps | Dimensions: 128mm 197mm Lonely Planet Florida is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Key West, perhaps the most famous island in the Keys, is a sun-filled carnival and the closest thing to a proper city in the archipelago. Floating over a coral garden in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Stephen Frink / Getty Images. Visitors can walk along nature trails surrounded by land that still feels wild and untamed, and the area is also open to cyclists. When people think about adventure, So, the Sunshine state has summoned you with its swaying coco palms, balmy wetlands and ritzy city life. Check out Miami's definitive art-deco style, spot alligators in the Everglades, or drive Hwy 1 to see blue waters of the Florida Keys; all with your trusted travel companion. Big Pine Key is also home to the rare Key deer, a small, endangered subspecies of white-tailed deer found only in the archipelago. Sun-worshippers will find more fine sand at Coco Plum Beach, a smaller and more natural beach popular with windsurfers. Check out Miami's definitive art-deco style, spot alligators in the Everglades, or drive Hwy 1 to see blue waters of the Florida Keys -all with your trusted travel companion. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway All rights reserved. Locals often use their own boats for inter-island travel, but for tourists, water travel is more useful for getting to the Keys than getting around them. Key events: Hemingway Days Festival (Key West), Key Lime Festival (Key West), Spirit of Islamorada 4th of July Festival, Underwater Music Festival (Looe Key). Read our Privacy Policy. South Florida is a Spring Break hotspot and the Florida Keys are certainly a part of the mix starting in March and running through mid-April. You're also free to poke around the house and grounds on your own. Note that while buses are cheap (tickets run from $2 to $4), these are largely commuting services aimed at locals, so dont expect a luxe door-to-door service. 2022 Lonely Planet. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway, On Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships. Explore the magic of Walt Disney World resort, stroll and peruse paintings on a Miami art walk, or get under the surface and take a snorkeling trip in the Keys; all with your trusted travel companion. You can feel the spring temperatures slowly starting to shift to summer heat. Key Wests biggest darling, Ernest Hemingway, lived in this gorgeous Spanish Colonial house from 1931 to 1940. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. Hooking a good meal in the Florida Keys. Smathers Beach is just that. You may also see the side of the highway indicated in addresses: "Oceanside" means towards the Atlantic Ocean, while "Bayside" or "Gulfside" (used in the Upper Keys, and Middle and Lower Keys respectively) means towards the Gulf of Mexico. Marathons main beach, known to locals asSombrero Beach, is one of the best in the Keys and a great free thing to do. Marvel at the Grand Canyon, paddle the Everglades and rock climb in Joshua Tree; all with your trusted travel companion. Which Florida Keys island is best for you? Stick around for nightly campfire programs and ranger discussions. Read our Privacy Policy. Named after local environmentalist Anne Eaton, this tiny beach is one of the finest seascapes in these parts. Discover the best of Florida and begin your journey now!Inside Lonely Planet Best of Florida:Full-color maps and images throughoutHighlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your . An adult one-way/roundtrip ticket costs $169/109 from either departure point, and theres a bar and food counter on board for refreshments. No matter where you stay in the Florida Keys, youll feel a bit outside of normal USA time. The Old Town district is the only part of the Keys that can be described as having a sizable pedestrian-friendly area. A short (quarter-mile) boardwalk leads through the mangroves with lookouts and picnic tables along the way. With consistent temperatures and a full calendar of events, the Florida Keys is a great year-round destination Matt Munro / Lonely Planet. You can, with some grit and creativity, cycle the length of the archipelago via the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Lonely Planet Florida is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. When you envision a South Florida beach, its flat with white sand that stretches along the coast for as far as the eye can see. The Florida Keys - stretching from Key Largo south to Key West (and well beyond) - is loaded with beach options for everyone, whether you're into eco-adventures or delicious tropical cuisine. Air travelers to the Keys fly into Key West International Airport, located off S Roosevelt Blvd on the east side of Key West island. Take all those energies, subcultures and oddities of Keys life and focus them into one torchlit, family-friendly (but playfully edgy), sunset-enriched street party. This patch of wilderness was saved from developers and now, instead of condominiums, its home to one of America's largest West Indian tropical hardwood hammocks (the local term for areas of forest that form an ecological island, distinct from surrounding types of vegetation). About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since . Lonely Planet Diving Snorkeling Florida Keys (Lonely Planet) William Harrigan Published by Lonely Planet, 2006 ISBN 10: 1741040485 ISBN 13: 9781741040487 Seller: New Legacy Books, Annandale, NJ, U.S.A. While its wild child reputation is well earned, there are many reasons to visit the southernmost Key beyond the rowdiness of Duval Street. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). Ringed in miles of beautiful coastline, the Florida Keys are a beach-lover's dream frederic prochasson / 500px. You can also take a wheelchair on some of the Old Town Trolleys and Conch Tour Trains; contact the companies ahead of time to make sure you ride the right train. Weve asked two opinionated writers to make the case for each. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. In addition to the iconic bridge, the park offers a snorkeling tour, camping and kayak rentals for different vantage points, too. You'll find about 113 mangrove-and-sandbar islands where the white sun melts over deep green mangroves; long, soft mudflats and tidal bars; teal waters and a bunch of charming polite society castaways. When to visit the Florida Keys to beat the crowds, First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway. Key events: Art Under the Oaks (Tavernier), Coconut Crawl (Key Colony Beach), Florida Keys Celtic Festival (Marathon), Florida Keys Seafood Festival (Key West), Key West Food & Wine Festival. Lonely Planet Miami & the Keysis your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. All rights reserved. Or check out our visual and more concise Best Of titles for destination highlights, and our Trips series for the continent's most epic drives. Other worthy stops include Audubon House, where ornithologist John James Audubon produced some of his famous bird illustrations in the 1830s, and the Key West Historical Society, showcasing the rich history of the island. But what Big Pine Key lacks in action it makes up for in tropical beauty. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway. But it most certainly is. Nestled on the southwest tip of Key West, Fort Zachary Taylor Park hosts a monthly Civil War reenactment (the fort remained in Union hands throughout the conflict). Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be rented at Four Star Rentals and Island Comfort Mobility, while Pirate Scooters rents golf carts as well as, of course, scooters. The markers start at MM 113 in Key Largo and tick down to MM 0 in Key West. Throughout this chain of coral islands drifting south from the tip of the Florida panhandle, you'll find incredible things to do: lost-in-time dive bars and weather-worn marinas are interwoven with oceanfront views from five-star resorts and Michelin-star-worthy dining experiences. Choose from our Country, Regional, City, Pocket and National Park categories. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. Running from the mainland to Key West, these zones are: the Upper Keys (Key Largo to Long Key Bridge); the Middle Keys (Conch Key to the Seven-Mile Bridge); and the Lower Keys (everything else, including Key West). In addition to campsites, a 1.5-mile nature trail and four pavilions for picnicking, this is the park for a day of paddling. John Pennekamp has the singular distinction of being the first underwater park in the USA. Gas prices are at record highs: check out these best places for car-free (and carefree) fun for summer 2022. Welcome to sunny Florida, where these animals and more are as abundant as the UV rays. Dangling off the southern tip of Florida, the Florida Keys call out to snorkelers and divers. These imaginative galleries reflect the charming quirks of the Keys. Water and land-based thrills here will meet the demands of even the most intrepid explorer; start the adventure at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a 70-sq-mile tract of protected seaspace, teeming with marine life. Explore the magic of Walt Disney World resort, stroll and peruse paintings on a Miami art walk, or get under the surface and take a snorkeling trip in the Keys -all with your trusted . Lonely Planet's Florida. You may also like: Getting there will require a two-plus hour ferry ride via the Yankee Freedom III, a private boat charter or seaplane ride, all of which should be booked well in advance. Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Best of Florida is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Key events: Big Pine & Lower Keys Island Art Festival, Key West Holiday Parade, Key West Lighted Boat Parade. The width of the road is limited by the width of these skinny islands, and when the highway is congested, travel times can be doubled, or more. Best beach for a family-friendly adventure. For holidays that entail little more than lazing by the pool or on the beach, the question of reading material can be a head-scratcher. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. The Keys are small and the services offered by private businesses and attractions can vary significantly from season to season. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). These bargains come with a few asterisks. Here are the best for non-skiers. The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Green Hills of Africa were produced here, as well as many cats, whose descendants basically run the grounds. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, John Pennekamp State Park features nearly 200 nautical square miles of coral reefs and marine life, regularly including great barracudas, parrotfish and more. Check out Miami's definitive art-deco style, spot alligators in the Everglades, or drive Hwy 1 to see blue waters of the Florida Keys -all with your trusted travel companion. LONELY PLANET DIVING & SNORKELING FLORIDA KEYS (LONELY By William Harrigan Mint 9781741040487 | eBay People who viewed this item also viewed Diving & Snorkeling Lonely Planet Guides Micronesia Pacific Coral Sea 3 Book Lot Sponsored $24.97 + $5.50 shipping Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Florida Keys . Read our Privacy Policy. The 8 best beaches in the Florida Keys - Lonely Planet Source Here's a guide to the best islands in the Florida Keys. So, lets find that perfect time for your next trip to the Florida Keys. Theres 170 acres of dry parkland here and over 48,000 acres (75 sq miles) of wet: the vast majority of the protected area is the ocean. Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Before you get out in that water, be sure to take in some pleasant beaches and stroll over the nature trails. The only way to get a taste of Florida's sweet scallops is to strap on a snorkel and harvest them yourself. Key events: Florida Keys Birding & Wildlife Festival (Big Pine Key), Womenfest (Key West), Key West Brew Fest. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Key West may have west in its name, but its actually not the most western attraction in the Keys. Reserve ahead in high season. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. Read our Privacy Policy. Whether you're into art, culture and cutting loose or bumming on the beach, there's something in the Florida Keys for you BROOK PIFER / Getty Images. Snorkel the coral reefs and explore colorful botanical parks in an eco-friendly adventure in the Florida Keys. But when should you make your tropical journey happen? Musicians are welcome to bring their instruments to play in the yard. Here are the best things to eat and drink in the USA. Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. Ponder the scope of the Grand Canyon, delve into the history of a nation of immigrants at Ellis Island, or wander across architectural grandeur at Golden Gate Bridge. Do you pack a stack of paperbacks to flip through with wet fingers and leave when youre done, bring your e-reader and hope you dont drop it in the drink, or open your wallet and spring for the latest waterproof model, just to be safe? Here are the best US celebrations for 2022. Welcome to the End of the USA. Check out Lonely Planet Florida for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. Whether you crisscross the state by plane, hop on a train along the southwest coast or Key-hop via water taxi, there are many ways to get around Florida. But, art is in the air throughout the Florida Keys for much of the month, with two of the islands biggest annual attractions for art lovers. People take indulgence to Roman Empire levels, from the music-video-like pools of Miami Beach's extravagant super hotels, to buckets of beer and fried shrimp in the Florida Keys, to expertly shaken cocktails mixed under a Little Havana moon. 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