There are over 1,700 islands making up the Keys, mostly uninhabited and accessible only by boat. The major islands can all be reached by car or public transport along the 110 mile Overseas Highway. Key West and Marathon are each served by their own airports. While Key West is the busiest destination Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon are also quite popular. There is no “right time” to visit Florida Keys, winter has a beautiful climate and therefore more crowds. Summer in the Keys can be hot but prices are usually cheaper.
Florida Keys Accommodation
Throughout the Florida Keys you can find lodgings of every type ranging from five star luxury resorts to cheap and cheerful rooms in small but distinctive hotels. For the budget conscious the smaller, family owned type of hotel is more likely to offer affordable rooms. I have always preferred a cheap hotel as the money saved can be spent on the sights, activities and night life the Keys are noted for. Time spent in a hotel room is wasted time! The Banyan Resort, two blocks from Key West’s famous Duval Street is a pretty good example of the more luxurious hotels. Two bedroom, one bathroom suites are available from $310 – $385 per night. For those looking for a more budget friendly vacation may wish to consider a combination flight and hotel deal. Singh Resorts who operate two high class resorts in Parrot Key and Marathon are offering one free coach class airfare with each two night stay. The cheapest hotels are usually in the two star category and either family run or franchises. Try the Merlin Guesthouse or the Days Inn in Key West for rooms under $200.
Activities, Dining and Nightlife in the Florida Keys
Anyone bored in the Keys has only themselves to blame, there is something for everyone. Fishing, boating, sightseeing, diving are all widely available. After you have finished with such energetic pursuits it is time to simply relax in the laid back style which the Florida Keys has made its own or to enjoy informal dining at its best. The choice is just breathtaking and could be the subject of an entire book. While the resort type hotels and larger establishments often have their own facilities, most of the shops, bars and restaurants are in the downtown areas. In Key West this means Duval Street. Barhopping is known as the Duval Crawl. It’s informal and fun. For a more sedate evening go and watch the street performers in Mallory Square. The best time to arrive is about an hour before sunset. For something different try the Gourmet Dinner Cruise offered by Dream Chaser Charters for $86 per person or hire the whole boat for $350.