5 Reasons to Visit the Keys

By Erin Shaw Street
January 10, 2012
Credit: Robbie Caponetto
The Florida Keys are blissfully cool, quirky, and—barring Key West—largely undiscovered. Here, five reasons to take a Florida Keys vacation now.
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#1: The Florida Keys Are Easier To Navigate Than You Think!

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

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.

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#2: Friendly, Colorful Locals

Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto

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.)

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#3: Character-Rich Hotels & Resorts

Credit: Courtesy David McCleaf

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...)

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#4: Charming Mom-and-Pop Restaurants

Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto

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.

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#5: Activities from Dusk till Dawn

Credit: Photo: Robbie Caponetto

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.

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By Erin Shaw Street