5 Reasons to Visit the Keys

Several Southern airports offer direct flights to Key West (EYW) and most offer daily flights to nearby Miami and Fort Lauderdale (often the economical solution). It takes about three hours—longer on a weekend—to drive the 107-mile stretch of The Florida Keys on U.S. 1. We recommend giving yourself a week to explore at a leisurely pace.

Most of The Florida Keys’ 72,000 residents are noticeably like-minded, lured here for sunny views and the region’s independent spirit. They’re also often more than willing to engage in conversation with a stranger. (That would be you.)

• Meet our Favorite Key West Locals

If you want true Florida Keys charm (friendly deer! 1960s-style bungalows!), look no further than this handful of spots, all experienced by our editors. (It’s a tough job...)

• Check out our 5 Character-Rich Hotels & Resorts

The independent spirit of The Keys extends to its restaurants. Restaurateurs are particularly proud of how they serve their fish. (Each one seems to have their own “special sauce.”) Don’t go home without trying these local flavors.

• Impress your taste buds with these 5 Florida Keys restaurants

Sure, you could linger in a hammock for three days straight (and there’s nothing wrong with that). But you’d miss out on activities you couldn’t do anywhere else—at least not with these views.

• See our full list of Florida Keys activities