5 Reasons to Visit the Keys
#1: The Florida Keys Are Easier To Navigate Than You Think!
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
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
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
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
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.