Dry Tortugas National Park is a sparkling gem in the Florida Keys. Located about 70 miles west of Key West, and accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park is made up of seven small islands and 100 square miles of crystal clear waters, dreamy coral reefs, and lush gardens.
While Key Largo is undoubtedly the prettiest of all the Florida Keys, it's also one that's home to plenty of activities for the avid beachgoer. With scenic views like this, it would be tough not to fall in love with such a beachside beauty!
The Florida Keys are synonymous with sparkling turquoise waters, towering palm trees, striking sunrises and sunsets, and picturesque white sand beaches. A popular year-round vacation destination in the Sunshine State, the Florida Keys also attract visitors with world-class sport fishing and diving opportunities.
If you're looking for the quintessential Florida Keys experience - Key Largo is your best bet. If you're looking for eclectic entertainment, spirited bars, and parties that roll all night long - Key West is certainly for you.
Calusa BeachIt's located within Bahia Honda State Park, between Big Pine Key and Marathon, on the Gulf side, which means its waters are sheltered and calm. The gentle Gulf is great for families with children who want to swim. Plus, Calusa Beach has ample parking and covered areas for picnicking.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park BeachFar and away the best beach in Key West for a refreshing swim and snorkel (thanks to its relatively deep waters), the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, on the southwest tip of the island, is considered one of the top beaches in all of the Florida Keys.
Lemon sharks get their name from their pale yellow coloring and are one of the species that is most abundant in the Florida Keys, as these are their native waters. They prefer shallow waters and are often seen on the flats, reefs, and even venturing into fresh waters at times.
The majority of the best beaches in Key West are found on the south side of the island facing the Atlantic Ocean. So the water is a bit chilly to be honest.
Where do the rich live in the Keys? The islands around Key Biscayne are also home to some of the wealthiest areas in Florida, including Star Island and Fisher Island. Since it is one of the trendiest suburbs of Miami, real estate in Key Biscayne is very pricey, with the median price of homes being $1,684,000 in 2022.
Cannon BeachIt's one of the most popular beaches in Key Largo, and for a good reason. The beach is beautiful with its white sand and turquoise waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
First-time visitors to the Florida Keys should set aside at least a week to experience the best that these legendary islands—plus the gateway areas of Miami and the Everglades—have to offer.
The Florida Keys have a year-round swimming season from January to December. The water temperature in Florida Keys does not fall below 68°F throughout those months, making swimming enjoyable.