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The Florida Keys – Island Hopping You Can Do by Car

Mention the state of Florida to anyone and they’ll conjure up images of packed theme parks and people in Mickey Mouse costumes, but away from the bustle of Orlando, there are some world-class beach resorts. Just a couple of hours from Miami, right at the southern tip of the state, you’ll find a string of spectacularly beautiful islands called the Florida Keys. Surrounded by the turquoise seas of the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and the sparkling Atlantic to the East, they enjoy a tropical climate. However, one of the best features of the Florida Keys is that they’re all connected via a large, modern highway, so you can hire a car and island hop with ease. Here are a few tips for a luxury break in the Florida Keys, and where on these pretty islands you should visit.

Getting here and around

Staying on any island in the Florida Keys feels like an escape, but there are no lengthy, uncomfortable transfers by boat or seaplane like you have to endure in some areas. The nearest large airport is Miami, which has flights from major cities across the world, and you can pick up a hire car at the terminal. If possible, get a convertible so you can really enjoy the sunshine and views. Once you’re on the road, the landscape soon changes from urban to peaceful, as you zip past the Florida Glades and onto the South Dixie Highway, and soon you’ll spot the clear, sparkling ocean. It takes about two hours to reach Key Largo, the northernmost island of the Florida Keys, and if you stay on this road you’ll be able to drive down to Key West at the southern tip in another two hours. During this time, you’ll enjoy amazing ocean views, passing nature reserves and many beautiful sights along the way.

If you’re in a hurry, there is a smaller airport in Key West, which connects passengers to domestic routes. These include Miami – a 50-minute flight away, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta.

Where to stay

The question of where to stay in the Florida Keys is a tricky one, because there are so many beautiful beach resorts spread among the islands. However, each island does have its own personality, which will help you narrow it down. Key West tends to be quite a lively island, with a large number of bars and restaurants. Many Key West hotels have private, manmade beaches that are a little quieter than the public beaches, but the emphasis is usually on fun rather than relaxation, with water sports, volleyball, and waiters serving ice cold cocktails. One advantage of Key West over nearby islands is that there’s a lot more to do, with a historic Old Town that still has a trolley bus, Ernest Hemmingway’s house, and national park areas on the island.

Key Largo is closest to the mainland, so popular with city dwellers who need to get away from it all. This is a great spot for those who like being in or close to the water, and you can take a tour of the lush green Everglades, scuba dive and discover coral reefs, or even book a dolphin swimming experience.

Those who want a quieter, more exclusive stay might want to head for the smaller island of Marathon. Known for its white sandy beaches and excellent fishing, there are several holiday homes just a short boat ride away, each on their own private island. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own tropical island, then this is your chance, with properties including rustic, two bedroomed holiday homes, and luxurious 4-bed properties with private pools, where you can sit on the sand and spot dolphins in the water.

Of course, one of the best parts of staying in the Florida Keys is that you can get around so easily. Rent a car for a week, and you can hop from island to island whenever you like, with one large road connecting all the islands, making it easy to navigate.

When to go

he islands are particularly popular in Spring, with many people visiting January through May, when humidity is low, and it’s bright and sunny. That’s not to say you can’t visit during the summer months – it’s still a great destination to soak up the sunshine – but for some visitors the humidity can be too much, and you’ll need plenty of bug spray. However, you’ll enjoy quieter beaches and enjoy freshly caught seafood at the start of lobster season.

While the Florida Keys are popular with Americans, outside of the USA they aren’t as well known, so international visitors might not be familiar with these beautiful islands. However, with regular Miami flights, and easy transportation, they’re a great place to visit from anywhere in the globe, and in a matter of hours you can be sipping cocktails under a palm tree. 

Natalie King

Natalie King has been a travel writer for several years, working with some of the biggest names in the travel industry, and fitting in lots of city breaks in her spare time. ...(Read More)

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