Introduction
This tropical chain of islands are a must-visit on any Florida holiday. The Florida Keys lie off the Florida Peninsula and are linked by the stunning Overseas Highway, making for the perfect road trip as you travel south from Miami on an island-hopping adventure. Outdoor activities abound, from deep-sea fishing to snorkelling and scuba diving.
The largest island, Key Largo, offers a wealth of treasures for divers and snorkellers in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, filled with mangrove lined beaches and coral reefs. Then, Islamorada to the south is renowned for its outstanding big game fishing and has named itself "Sport Fishing Capital of the World", while the fishing boats based at Whale Harbour Marina on Upper Matecumbe Key offer deep-sea opportunities and half-day trips to delight even the most novice of anglers.
Pier, Key West, Florida
Don't miss the famous Key West, the southernmost settlement in the US, all laid-back charm and pastel-coloured streets with a convivial Caribbean ambience alongside the area's famously sun-drenched beaches. It was even the home of Ernest Hemingway during the 30s where he penned several of his most famous works, and the region's Spanish-colonial Hemingway House is now a must-visit. Of course, the Florida Keys are also the gateway to the world-famous Everglades National Park, where 1.5 million acres of wetlands are home to coastal mangroves and forests that are the home to myriad wildlife, from turtles and panthers to the region's famous alligator.