Away on vacation - Travel free resources » Florida Keys

The Florida Keys Key Largo

Maxx — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:07:55 +0000

There must be a reason that so many books and movies are set in Key Largo – in fact, there is even a song about the island! Once you have been to Key Largo, the reason is obvious.

Key Largo is the most northern town of the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are a series of over 1700 islands that form an archipelago arching south and then west from the tip of Florida. This series of islands, of which Key Largo is the first, begins the only natural coral reef that exists off of the United States coast.

Key Largo calls itself the "Dive Capital of the World". And by that, they mean scuba diving. People began preserving the coral reefs that exist around Key Largo almost 50 years ago. In fact, Key Largo was one of the first places in the world to recognize the fragility of coral reefs and how important they were to the ecosystem. Because of this, the reefs around Key Largo are some of the most beautiful ever experienced. It has been documented that over 600 varieties of fish live among the coral reef and are even said to be very friendly with divers.

It isn't solely the coral reef that entices scuba divers to Key Largo. It is also the abundance of shipwrecks that are in the area and available to explore. In fact, one ship, the USS Spiegel Grove was sunk purposely in 2002 in order to become an artificial reef and increase the marine population. When the ship was sunk she landed on her side, but the constant tide and with the help of some hurricanes, she has righted herself on the bottom of the cove. This is a very popular spot for divers to see the beginnings of a new coral reef, the abundance of marine life and also the added thrill of exploring a "shipwreck".

Diving is not the only activity that can be done in Key Largo. The town offers many other wonderful sports that can be enjoyed around the water. There is parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and jet skiing. And don't think you have to spend all of your time in the water. There are many places to see in town.

Because it is a town where the ocean can be viewed from any vantage point, most of the tours, museums and activities revolve around the ocean and aquatic animals. There are several places where you can swim with dolphins, two of which are Dolphin Cove Research and Education Center and Swim with Dolphins Tours. Theater of the Sea is a magical place that also offers dolphin encounters and so much more. There are animal shows, and in addition to dolphin encounters, they also have encounters available for you to "frolic" with sea lions and pet stingrays. General admission to this park is less than $25 for adults. Although, swimming with the dolphins is an additional $155 per person.

Key Largo also hosts many yearly festivals and fishing tournaments. Some of the more unique are underwater Easter egg hunts before Easter and underwater pumpkin carving in October. There are so many fishing tournaments that are open to the public that many have become very categorized. For instance, January is when the "Capt. Al Flutie Over the Hill Rip-Off " fishing tournament is held and is open only to people over the age of 50.

If you are driving down Highway 1 through the Florida Keys, it is well worth your time to stop and enjoy some of the fun that Key Largo has to offer.

Touring The Towns Of The Florida Keys

Maxx — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:11:55 +0000

Highway 1 begins at the southwestern tip of the Florida Keys in the city of Key West. It continues north until it connects with the Florida mainland. The highway is designated with mile marker signs that denote each mile. The residents use these mile marker numbers as directions and will add either the letter "B" or the letter "O". These letters tell the person who is getting directions whether the location they are looking for is on the bay side or the ocean side of the highway. The mile markers begin at zero at Key West and go up to Mile Marker 112 just north of Key Largo.

Highway 1 travels down the eastern coast of the US and goes through Miami until it reaches the beginning of the Florida Keys. Within a few miles, you will reach the first town in the Florida Keys, which is Key Largo. Key Largo has a population of less than 20,000, but more than a million tourists come through this little city every year. Some of the most popular activities in Key Largo are scuba diving and sport fishing. Scuba divers are amazed at the variety of ecosystems that this area provides. With the Everglades to the west and natural coral reefs to the east, it has an abundance of sites to keep a diver busy for days.

Traveling south on Highway 1, as you near mile marker 86, you will come upon the second larger town in the Florida Keys called Islamorada. Islamorada is still technically a village with a population of less than 10, 000; however, there are nearly as many boats in and around the island as people. Islamorada, which means, "purple island", hosts more fishing tournaments than any other town.

About 20 miles further south, at Mile Marker 65 is the town of Marathon. Marathon is located in, what is called the Middle Keys. The Florida Keys is divided into the Upper Keys, Middle Keys and Lower Keys. The Middle Keys are a little quieter and a little less inhabited, but offer many opportunities to enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of the area. There are a number of state parks near the town of Marathon and some of them have campsite facilities. The town of Marathon is also fairly small with less than 20,000 in population. There are a number of boat slips, restaurants, and resorts in town. The area offers great fishing, swimming, hiking and exploring.

Getting back on Highway 1, near Mile Marker 39 is the town of Big Pine Key. This town is the least populated of the five larger towns of the Florida Keys with less than 10,000 inhabitants. Big Pine Key is in the Lower Keys. It is here, in big Pine Key that you may come across one of its smaller natural inhabitants the Key Deer. Hundreds of these tiny deer roam the area of this preserved tropical haven.

Nearing the end (or technically, the beginning) of Highway 1, you reach the final city of Key West. Key West is by far the largest of the towns with a population of over 30,000. This city offers hundreds of activities, museums, shops and tours. The streets can get very crowded, as Key West is also a port of call for many cruise ships. The city hosts many festivals and always seems to be in the middle of a party.

There they are. The five larger cities in the Florida Keys and maybe the most beautiful and breathtaking 112 miles you will ever drive.

The Florida Keys Key West

Maxx — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:01:55 +0000

Key West is the last city at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys. Tourists to this city usually arrive in one of three ways. Key West is a port of call for many cruise lines. Once a cruise ship has docked, the streets are full of tourists who are looking for that perfect souvenir. The Key West International Airport brings many tourists from all over the world. And finally, many visitors arrive in Key West by car via Highway 1.

Once in Key West, no matter how you got there, it is time to enjoy the sights. You will find that the residents of Key West are very laid back and open-minded. The atmosphere in Key West promotes any type of lifestyle and attitude. If you happen to be in Key West during some of its many festivals and community events, you will witness the "anything goes" party atmosphere.

One place where you will witness the variety of people, and a place that cannot be overlooked, is Mallory Square. You will find that nearly everyone congregates in the square every evening before sunset. The square soon starts to exhibit a carnival feeling as performers of all types entertain for tips.

A great way to get around Key West is to take the Conch Train or the Trolley. These modes of transportation offer all day passes which allows you to sightsee to your heart's content without having to walk from attraction to attraction. This also gives you a good overview of Old Town, where most of the fun takes place.

Some of the most popular attractions in Key West are The Hemingway House, the Aquarium, the Shipwreck Museum and the Cemetery. The most popular of these is the Hemingway House Museum. Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West from 1931 until his death in 1961. Because of his many world travels, his home is filled with many interesting objects from all over the globe. He was quite a character in town and the bar that he frequented on a daily basis is still operating.

The dining and nightlife in Key West is legendary. It seems as if there is a street party going on every night as patrons "hop" from one establishment to another. Don't miss out on the live entertainment that is offered every night at some of the most popular places, which include Sloppy Joes and Margaritaville on Duval Street, Martha's on Roosevelt Boulevard and Hog's Breath Saloon, which is located on Front Street.

Although there are many things to do in town, don't forget to head toward the water to enjoy the many activities. There you can rent any type of equipment for water sports. You can jet ski, snorkel, scuba dive, or kayak. If you want to do a little exploring but you don't want to get wet, a glass bottom boat tour may be the answer. There are many companies offering tours around the islands. You could hire a boat or even a plane to take you sightseeing.

And don't forget about the fishing. Key West offers some of the best fishing anywhere in the world. Look at any event calendar for the Florida Keys, and there seems to be a fishing tournament or contest held practically every week.

A trip to Key West in the Florida Keys is definitely one that should not be missed. You can make your vacation as busy or as quiet as you wish, but what ever you do, definitely make time to sit for awhile and people watch. You may be more entertained doing that than you ever could be kayaking.

Visit The Parks In The Florida Keys

Maxx — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:26:55 +0000

In order to preserve the natural beauty of the Florida Keys, much of the land has been set aside as state parks, private parks, and reserves. Ten of those parks are state parks. Many activities are offered in these parks and you could easily spend an entire vacation enjoying the beauty that the Florida Keys offer.

The very first park you will encounter when traveling south near Key Largo is called Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. While the name of the park is quite a mouthful, it is well worth the $1.50 admission fee to walk the trails among the Hammock trees and admire the butterflies and birds that abound. There are many species of animals that are protected and live in this park.

As you head south, the next park is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. It encompasses 70 nautical miles of coral reef, natural mangrove swamps and other abundant wildlife. This state park offers snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving and hiking just to name a few. There are picnic areas and a designated beach area where swimming is allowed. It even has a campground. Be sure to enter the nature center where you will notice a huge floor to ceiling saltwater aquarium. This aquarium holds over 30,000 gallons of seawater and exhibits many of the area's aquatic life.

Continuing south near the small town of Islamorada, the next state park is Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. This park is located on top of fossilized coral, which was quarried in the 1920s to help build the railroad. You can stand near the edge of the quarry to view the beautiful colors of the coral.

Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park, and Long Key State Park are all within 10 miles of each other. They are all similar in that they offer hiking trails, but there are some differences. Indian Key is a small island unto itself and the only way to reach it is via a small boat or canoe. San Pedro State Park is a site that is preserving the San Pedro, a Spanish ship that sank in 1733. And Long Key State Park is best viewed by canoe or kayak because the area is made up of channels and canals that wind throughout the park

Continuing south for about 11 miles on Highway 1, you will encounter a small state park called Curry Hammack State Park. This park offers daytime family fun with picnic tables, barbecue grills, beaches and playgrounds. While 12 miles south of the town of Marathon is the state park, Bahia Honda. This state park is rather large and offers quite a few amenities. In addition to hiking, snorkeling, swimming and camping, Bahia Honda hosts many festivals and events. The park also includes access to vendors where food can be purchased or water sport gear can be rented.

And finally, to make your tour of Florida Keys state parks complete, the most southern US state park is located on the south side of Key West. It is the Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Fort Zachary Taylor was built in the 1860s to protect our southern border during the Civil War. This park offers all of the same amenities as the others, but in addition there are guided tours describing the historical significance of the Fort. As you can see, you could spend weeks exploring all of the state parks that are located in the Florida Keys.

The Florida Keys Offer Many Attractions

Maxx — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:37:55 +0000

The Florida Keys is an archipelago made up of over 1700 islands or keys that extends south and west of Miami, Florida. The entire length of the Florida Keys (110 miles) is split down the middle by Highway 1. There are five "major" towns that have sprung up along the keys. These towns are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and finally Key West. The population of permanent residents for the entire Florida Keys is still under 100,000. And yet, the Florida Keys is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

The keys get so many visitors because of the many attractions that it offers. There truly is something for everyone. The Florida Keys have many areas that have been set aside as reserves and state parks. Most of the 10 state parks in the Florida Keys offer campground facilities, guided tours and water sports. There is even a state park that is preserving a Spanish ship that sunk over 300 years ago. You can also find every water sport imaginable being offered in all of the towns. Just some of the water sports being offered are kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving or snorkeling. Many people come to the Florida Keys just to experience the tremendous fishing that is available in and around the keys.

If camping, fishing, or water sports isn't something you see yourself doing, don't despair. Each town has museums and a rich theater life. The cities and towns in the Florida Keys also celebrate many annual festivities and events. In August, in the city of Key West you can help celebrate the kick off of lobster season. The Town Square is full of festivities and lots and lots of lobster dishes. October is the month when the popular 10-day celebration called Fantasy Fest is observed. This festival is also held in Key West and is almost a type of Mardi Gras.

If you would like something a little quieter, there are many museums throughout the Florida Keys. At the southernmost tip of the keys in Key West there is The Hemingway House Museum and Mel Fisher's Maritime Museum. Both offer a lot of information on very interesting subjects and both can be toured in one day. Some other museums located elsewhere on the islands are the Museum of Crane Point in Marathon and the original African Queen from the movie with Humphrey Bogart in Key Largo.

Most towns in the Florida Keys also have many art galleries and antique shops in which to browse. And, as mentioned before, the theater is a very popular attraction to attend. There are many theaters throughout the Florida Keys that are always offering many popular productions.

Still another popular attraction is aquariums. The area is brimming with aquatic wildlife and much of that is displayed in the many large aquariums throughout the Florida Keys. One such aquarium is The Theater by the Sea in Islamorada. This aquarium offers visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins and other animals. Key Largo also offers Dolphins Cove, another attraction where you can see and interact with dolphins up close.

In conclusion, even if you don't spend all of your time at the beach or in a shop or a museum there are dozens of fine restaurants and bars where you can have the time of your life and meet people from all walks of life. After all, it is your vacation and you should spend it exactly as you wish.

The Florida Keys Offer Many Water Sports Activities

Maxx — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:33:55 +0000

It only makes sense. The Florida Keys is a series of over 1700 islands. Therefore, it only makes sense that the variety of water sports offered in the Florida Keys would be tremendous. In some places the islands are only a mile wide that separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Atlantic Ocean. This convenient division allows vendors to offer a wide variety of different water sport activities, which are perfectly suited for either environment.

First, the most popular water sport of all in the Florida Keys is sport fishing. Whether you are someone who enjoys chartering a boat and deep sea fishing for larger varieties of fish or if you enjoy sitting quietly on shore as you cast your line; the Florida Keys can offer you the perfect fishing experience.

Nearly a thousand of the islands are uninhabited and unexplored. This ensures that the waters in and around these islands, called the backcountry are perfect fishing grounds. Take your own small boat out or charter a boat and quietly explore the backcountry while fishing for tarpon, bonefish, grouper or snapper. If you wish to try your hand at deep-sea fishing, head out into the Gulf Stream and enjoy the hunt for some of the Gulf's craftiest, such as marlon or sailfish.

Nearly every weekend, at least one of the towns in the Florida Keys holds some sort of fishing tournament. Many of these tournaments are open to the public. For instance, there is "Fish 'Til You Lose It". This competition has the participant fishing for the elusive bonefish in and among the mangrove trees roots. The twist of this competition is that once you lose your original lure you are done fishing. The competitor who catches the most fish with a single lure wins.

Although fishing is by far the most popular water sport in the Florida Keys, it is not the only one. On almost every beach, in every town and near every recreational area you will find locations where you can rent a variety of water sports equipment.

Because of the natural coral with which the Florida Keys are made up, snorkeling and scuba diving are the next most popular water sports in the Florida Keys. The beauty that lives just under the surface of these clear, blue waters is breathtaking. Many people who do not wish to scuba dive elect to snorkel instead. This is a great way to see the underwater beauty without having to take the training classes and suffer the feelings of claustrophobia that scuba diving may cause. It is also much less expensive.

Along with fishing and diving, there are many other water sports that you could enjoy. You could rent a Jet Ski or WaveRunner for a few hours and zip around the islands with the wind in your face. If you still love the wind in your face, but would like something a little quieter, you could windsurf. There are many businesses that rent the equipment and also offer beginner and advanced lessons. The average price to take windsurfing lessons is about $75 an hour.

Yet another water sports activity offered in the Florida Keys is kayaking or canoeing. This is a great way to explore the backcountry and observe nature as you quietly paddle your way around. You can also try your hand at parasailing and get a bird's eye view of the beach and islands. There are so many water sports to enjoy while you are staying at the Florida Keys that you may never see the inside of your hotel room!

Consider Camping In The Florida Keys

Maxx — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:13:55 +0000

When you think of the Florida Keys you may think of miles of highway stretching over empty ocean and assume that there would be no need to bring your camping equipment, but that is far from the truth. In actuality, there are many private campgrounds and 10 state parks that are composed of hundreds of acres and many of them have full facility campsites.

The Florida Keys is a series of over 1700 islands that are linked by an underwater coral reef. In some places the width of an island may be less than 1 mile and much of the land has been set aside to preserve the integrity and ecosystem that exists there. But, that doesn't mean that the Florida Keys have forgotten about people. People from all over the country and the world come to the Florida Keys every year to enjoy the abundance of wildlife and for the variety of activities, festivals and events that it offers.

While there are many five-star hotels and resorts throughout the Florida Keys, there is also the unequaled pleasure of tent or RV camping next to the ocean. For instance, Long Key State Park just outside of the town of Layton, offers camping practically on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean. Because of all of the water nearby, it is one of the only state parks that allows open campfires.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is another park that has almost 50 full facility campsites. This park is near Key Largo, which is the most northern city of the Florida Keys. Another very popular State Park is called Bahia Honda. This State Park is near the town of Marathon and offers over 80 full facility campsites and three cabins that each sleeps six people. The cabins can run about $120 per night. This park and campsite is very popular because it is only about 40 miles to the southern town of Key West. The city of Key West offers almost unlimited attractions, shops, and nightlife.

For a completely unique camping experience, consider camping on an island just outside of a Fort that was built before the Civil War. Fort Jefferson is on its own key, called Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas. The fort was never used as defense and for a while served as a prison. It was used again during both World Wars I and II as a Navy port and also as an observation post. Today, it is a historical monument and the only way to reach it is by boat. There are campsites located near the outer wall of the fort and packages can be purchased in Key West that combine camping and snorkeling around the island.

Reservations usually need to be made to hold a campsite and most parks allow pets during the day, but some do not allow pets in the campsite area. It is always best to check with the park when making reservations. Campsite fees can range anywhere from $6-$50 a night. There are also dump station charges and in some cases parks will charge for shower use (usually about six dollars per shower.)

If you love camping and if you especially love to camp in different areas around the country, experiencing all of the variety that it offers, then you must try camping in the Florida Keys. It will be an unforgettable experience sleeping next to the ocean, having the sound of the waves lull you to sleep and the smell of tropical breezes in the air. Plan this trip as soon as possible.

When In The Florida Keys Consider One Of These Tours

Maxx — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:50:55 +0000

Rather than wander aimlessly through the streets in any town of the Florida Keys, why not consider a tour? Chances are, there is a type of tour that will appeal to you.

The Florida Keys is surrounded by water. The west side is the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean is on the east. Therefore, it only makes sense to start with tours in and around the water. How about touring the islands in a glass bottom boat? Another way to explore the back canals of the Florida Keys is by canoe or kayak. There are many rental companies that will drop you off and allow you to explore to your heart's content. There are also many companies that offer short nightly cruises around the islands. These cruises allow you to see the Florida Keys from the water by moonlight. In addition, there are also many historic tours that center on the seafaring history of the Florida Keys. These water tours will take you to many infamous locations of pirate lore and Civil War history.

Yet, another way to tour the islands is by plane. From the air you can get a perspective of the beauty of the Florida Keys that you could never get on the ground. Some seaplane tours will land in secluded bay to allow you time to snorkel and explore. You can even book time in a stunt plane if your stomach can handle the roles and twists maneuvered over the ocean. Costs for these tours range in price from $50 a person to hundreds.

Once you are in the town of Key West, another way to tour its many attractions is partake in the services of the Old Town Trolley or the Conch Train Tour. Both have tour guides who will accompany you and give you a lot of interesting information about the city. Some of the attractions that you will see in Key West's Old Town are the Hemingway House, Mallory Square and the Historic Seaport. Tickets on the Old Town Trolley are good for the entire day. You can jump on and off the trolley as much as you wish in order to investigate anything that catches your eye.

The last two ways to explore the Florida Keys are bike tours and walking tours. Much of the land in the Florida Keys has been protected and turned into state parks. Many of these parks offer an abundance of trails that can be hiked or biked. The town of Marathon in the Middle Keys offers a self-guided walking ecotour where you can learn about the natural habitat of the islands. If traipsing around in the great outdoors doesn't appeal to you, there are an abundance of city tours to choose from. Many of these tours center on a specific aspect of the city. For instance, in Key West you can take the Ghost Tour. In this tour, a spooky guide will lead to down the alleys and through the cemetery of Old Town regaling you with scary stories of the town's history. Another walking tour concentrates on the literary history of Key West. This walking tour varies in its route and on which famous writers it concentrates on. Although, there is one author that it is always sure to include. That author is Ernest Hemingway, whose home is in Old Town and can also be toured.

Enjoy the history and the beauty of the Florida Keys with one of these tours and discover something that you would never have known otherwise.

The Many Festivals And Events In The Florida Keys

Maxx — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:14:55 +0000

Every month of the year offers some sort of recreation in the Florida Keys. Many of the activities that you can attend or even participate in are annual events or festivals that are held in one of the towns in the Florida Keys. If you plan on spending some time in the Keys, you may want to plan your trip around one of these events.

In January, the year begins on New Year's day in the town of Islamorada with the annual New Year's Day 5K Run, Walk and Crawl. The entire day is celebrated with festivities, the annual Blessing of the Fleet and a boat parade. It is around the middle of January, that the town of Key West holds its annual Seafood Festival. The festival is held at Bayview Park and offers all day activities for children, live music, and the freshest seafood you'll find almost anywhere.

Many of the towns in the Florida Keys hold winter carnivals and art exhibits in the month of February. Early February in Key West offers the annual Women and Girls' Flag Football Championship. A "must see" event, this championship offers over 60 games of flag football with a variety of other festivities. About a week later Key West celebrates its Civil War Heritage Festival with reenactments and tours. Also in February, the town of Marathon celebrates its annual Pigeon Key Arts Festival. Mid February is also the time in Key West where private homes are open for citizens to tour in the annual House and Garden Tour.

The Florida Keys offer many interesting and unusual fishing tournaments and in the month of March the little town of Islamorada holds its annual Fish 'Til You Lose It competition. This is where fishermen compete by fishing with only one lure and must stop fishing once they lose it. The one with the most fish wins. In March, Key West offers the annual Conch Blowing Contest. There are different events for all ages to participate in.

Easter time in Key Largo offers an Easter egg hunt with a twist. This egg hunt is held under water. During the months of April and May many of the towns in the Florida Keys have "Taste of" festivals that feature samples of menu items from local restaurants.

May, June, July and August are ripe with a number of fishing tournaments and fun summer festivals and concerts. Lobster season in the Florida Keys begins in August and always kicks off with a weekend full of music, activities and of course, lots of lobster dishes.

Halloween activities in the Florida Keys is, in many ways, no different than anywhere else in the country – well, maybe a little different. Key Largo hosts a pumpkin-carving contest, only this contest is held under water. The month of October is also the month where Key West holds its annual Lower Keys Chamber Golf Tournament and probably the most popular festival of all, Fantasy Fest. Which is an annual 10-day festival very similar to New Orleans's Mardi Gras.

November and December offer many festivities celebrating the holiday season. Live theater productions are offered in almost every town in the Florida Keys and you can see many fine productions any time of the year. As you can see, there are many festivals and events in the Florida Keys that you could plan an entire vacation around.

The Florida Keys A Great Place To Get Married Or Elope

Maxx — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:34:55 +0000

The Florida Keys is becoming a very popular place to get married. Many brides dream of a wedding on the beach on a beautiful tropical island with turquoise Caribbean seas all around them. Having your wedding in the Florida Keys can make that dream a reality.

There are many benefits to having your wedding in the Florida Keys rather than, let's say, the Bahamas or any of the other Caribbean islands. First of all, most of your guests may still be able to drive to your wedding and those who need to fly will not need passports since they will not be leaving the country. This is a great benefit for your guests, who may not be able to be at your wedding otherwise.

One of the other major benefits to having your wedding in the Florida Keys is its popularity. Because it is such a popular destination, you will have no trouble finding professionals who excel in the wedding field. There are an abundance of wedding photographers, cake makers and caterers to choose from. This doesn't mean that it's in any way similar to Las Vegas where you "take a number" and stand in line with the other prospective brides and grooms as if it were an assembly line. Each wedding in the Florida Keys is unique and if you decide to use the services of a wedding planner, they will take all of your ideas into consideration and present you with the most beautiful day you could imagine.

The Florida Keys is also a great location if you plan on eloping. Again, it is easy to get to. Simply drive down Highway 1 along the eastern coast through Miami and within an hour you are in the Florida Keys. The keys themselves are over 110 miles long and there are many small chapels and wedding locations to choose from. Because it is still the state of Florida, all laws and waiting periods required in order to get married are the same.

Don't believe for a moment that you are sacrificing a "true" Caribbean experience. The weather and the beautiful scenery in the Florida Keys are as marvelous as any other Caribbean island. You can make your wedding as elaborate and as elegant as you wish or as casual as bare feet on the beach. (Don't think that the locals haven't seen it all.) People have been married while parasailing, out in the middle of the ocean in a fishing boat and even underwater.

It is always good to do some research on the different areas in the Keys and have some idea of the type of wedding you would like to have. But, by no means is this required. Many people drive or fly to the Florida Keys to have an impromptu wedding. The people who live in the Keys have a "laid back" attitude and don't let a lot of things rattle them. Many times, this attitude will rub off and allow you to just sit back and enjoy the wedding.

If you will be planning a wedding where guests will be arriving and staying on the islands, you will be happy with all of activities that the Florida Keys has to offer. These activities will keep your guests busy and out of your hair as you get those last minute errands completed. The Florida Keys is a wonderful destination for you and your family and friends. Everyone will return home with many pleasant memories of your beautiful day.