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. If you want to experience a world-class paddling adventure, contact Burnham Guides and enquire about their 200-mile custom kayaking trip from Everglades City, through the waterways of the Ten Thousand Islands, across Florida Bay to Key West. The Old Town district is the only part of the Keys that can be described as having a sizable pedestrian-friendly area. For fishers, April is one of the best months of the year for snagging a big one. Compared to other corners of the United States, the Florida Keys has consistently warm temperatures, with highs rarely dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. For the best vantage point, take a stroll on the Old Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. 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. 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. With this, the snowbirds and masses of tourists that had taken advantage of cooler temps start to taper off. These bargains come with a few asterisks. Publisher:Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. Book Binding:Paperback. 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. Weve asked two opinionated writers to make the case for each. 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 Largo, the biggest island in the Upper Keys, acts as a bridge between the mainland and the rest of the archipelago. When to visit the Florida Keys to beat the crowds, First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway. An adult one-way/roundtrip ticket costs $169/109 from either departure point, and theres a bar and food counter on board for refreshments. 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. 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. Situated in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico, that honor goes to Dry Tortugas National Park. 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. Air travelers to the Keys fly into Key West International Airport, located off S Roosevelt Blvd on the east side of Key West island. Beyond its historical allure, the park is a stellar spot for a swim, with shallow and often serene waters. Key West Taxis (also known as Five Sixes) has some wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and airport shuttle services can usually accommodate wheelchairs. Here are the best US celebrations for 2022. No matter where you stay in the Florida Keys, youll feel a bit outside of normal USA time. Gas prices are at record highs: check out these best places for car-free (and carefree) fun for summer 2022. A must: walking out to a sandbar beyond the shore (dont worry, the waters are typically shallow and calm). The only way to get a taste of Florida's sweet scallops is to strap on a snorkel and harvest them yourself. 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. It's linked to major hubs across Florida and the rest of the country. So, why are you waiting for the best time to visit the Florida Keys? A trip to Florida (and its 1,350 miles of. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway, On Election Day, Key West voted to ban large cruise ships. 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. A short (quarter-mile) boardwalk leads through the mangroves with lookouts and picnic tables along the way. Explore the art-deco streets of South Beach, spot alligators amongst the Everglades' mangroves, or party all night in Key West; all with your trusted travel companion. The Florida Keys are justifiably famous for the many activities found in their mangrove coasts, palm forests and crystal waters. This is a place for those escaping everyday life on the mainland. Read our Privacy Policy. The color scheme: watercolor pastels cooled by breezes on a sunset-kissed Bahamian porch. Welcome to the End of the USA. Nancy, an environmental artist and fixture of the Keys community, invites you into her backyard oasis where chatty rescued parrots and macaws await visitors. Choose from our Country, Regional, City, Pocket and National Park categories. Wildlife & Nature 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). No matter where you roam in the United States, youre never far from an outstanding meal. Phone for boat-rental information. 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. 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. 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. Picking the Bahamas or Jamaica is a wonderful choice indeed and a very tough one. But when should you make your tropical journey happen? Its easy to spend a fortune on a Florida vacation. It's linked to major hubs across Florida and the rest of the country. 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. Activities abound on land too, starting with the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. 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. 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. Heres a rundown of this trio of treasures. 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 ) 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). Accessible transportation options are, unsurprisingly, most common in Key West. White-sand beaches, romantic inns and intimate outdoor excursions await in the Sunshine State. the hell you want and get away with it, an attitude that truly defines the Keys. 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. Gas prices are at record highs: check out these best places for car-free (and carefree) fun for summer 2022. Here's how. With consistent temperatures and a full calendar of events, the Florida Keys is a great year-round destination Matt Munro / Lonely Planet. The westernmost inhabited island in the chain, and the southernmost point in the continental USA, Key West is also the most dynamic island in the Keys, a place that defies easy categorization. Composed of hundreds of islands (or keys) that stretch nearly 200 square miles, the Florida Keys is ripe for exploration. 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). 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. 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. High temperatures hover around a pleasant 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. It is comprised of seven islands and is perhaps the most isolated destination within the entire US National Park System. Step away from the gas pump and strap on your seat belt: these are the best US road trips for going fully electric. 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. Compensate your journey's carbon footprint by supporting the most impactful climate projects around the world. 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. 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. Marvel at the Grand Canyon, paddle the Everglades and rock climb in Joshua Tree; all with your trusted travel companion. But it most certainly is. You can feel the spring temperatures slowly starting to shift to summer heat. 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. 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. The park concession offers daily 1-hour snorkeling trips at 9:30am and 1:30pm (adult/child $30/25). 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Best beach for kayaking and paddle boarding. 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. Whether youre after a beach escape or a wildlife adventure, here's where to find fun in the sun this winter. Here are California's top things to do. The center is open to the public for tours six days a week (except Wednesdays). The tiny parking lot is often full. Be surprised by the diversity of Florida, which is so much more than beaches and theme parks. You'll be brought out in a safe, modern 38ft catamaran from which youll get a chance to see filigreed flaps of soft coral, technicolor schools of fish, dangerous-looking barracuda and perhaps massive, yet ballerina-graceful, sea turtles. 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 Folks in the museum can also provide information on diving in a vintage Mark V diving suit (the ones with the bulbous onion-heads connected to surface pumps). 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. Here are the best ways to get around. Reserve ahead in high season. 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). 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. Top things to do in the Florida Keys, This article was first published October 2021 and updated December 2021. 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 . Wedged between Halloween and a holiday-filled December, November feels somewhat quiet. Marathons main beach, known to locals asSombrero Beach, is one of the best in the Keys and a great free thing to do. Named after local environmentalist Anne Eaton, this tiny beach is one of the finest seascapes in these parts. 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). Hooking a good meal in the Florida Keys. First-time Florida Keys: island hopping along the Overseas Highway. Pennekamp is a scuba and snorkelers dream, boasting stunning coral reefs that can also be viewed on glass-bottomed boat tours. The Florida Keys are roughly 125 miles long, but a full third of its residents live on Key West. 2022 Lonely Planet. Check out Lonely Planet Florida for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. Floridas three national parks capture everything thats natural and wild about the Sunshine State. 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. Authors Written and researched by Lonely Planet, and Anthony Ham, Adam Karlin and Regis St Louis. 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. 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. Sun-worshippers will find more fine sand at Coco Plum Beach, a smaller and more natural beach popular with windsurfers. There is never a shortage of oceanside fun for the whole family at Sombrero Beach. 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. Its easy to spend a fortune on a Florida vacation. 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. Go for the glass-bottom boat which departs three times daily, every single day of the year. 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. The markers start at MM 113 in Key Largo and tick down to MM 0 in Key West. 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. To really get beneath the surface, you should take a 2-hour glass-bottom boat tour (adult/child $24/17). Watch a dog walk a tightrope, a man swallow fire, and British acrobats tumble and sass each other. But, once youre there, vivid coral reefs, a massive Civil War-era fortress (Fort Jefferson) and secluded beaches like no other await. Covers Miami, The Everglades, the Florida Keys & Key West, Southeast Florida, Orlando & Walt Disney World, the Space Coast, Northeast Florida, Tampa Bay & Southwest Florida, the Panhandle. Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer. You can, with some grit and creativity, cycle the length of the archipelago via the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. Here's how. Join the festivities as National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. The beloved archipelago of the Florida Keys has reopened to tourists, but with new rules in place. Ghostly encounters have been reported in many different locations. She gives an overview of these marvelously intelligent and rare birds ('Parrot 101' as she calls it) between 10am and 11am daily. 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: Author:William Harrigan. March to May might be the best time to visit. 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. Heading out on kayaking adventures (from $12/36 per hour/half day) is another great way to spend a sun-drenched afternoon. 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. Lonely Planet's Florida. 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. Family road trips come to a screeching halt and the islands have a noticeably less family-filled vibe. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. For the first time ever, Lonely Planet's experts have compiled the USA's 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences. In fact, it can be easier to travel here than in a lot of other places in the US, and thats because this is an island chain, not in spite of it. The museum stages free lectures on diving entitled (of course) 'Immerse Yourself' at 7pm on the third Wednesday of every month. All of our paper waste is recycled within the UK and turned into corrugated cardboard. 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. 2022 Lonely Planet. 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. 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. You can celebrate a fellow ocean swimmer the lobster at the Key West LobsterFest, too. While the pleasantness of its climate and the vibrancy of its residents are constants, factors spanning quirky cultural attractions to the likelihood of weather-related events will help you nail down your plans. 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. Among its attractions are volleyball courts, food trucks and watersport companies offering parasailing, jet ski rentals, kayak excursions and more. Before you get out in that water, be sure to take in some pleasant beaches and stroll over the nature trails. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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. But when should you make your tropical journey happen? 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