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.
Sombrero Beach, MarathonSombrero ranks at the top of the list of best beaches in the Florida Keys. In fact, in 2023 Sombrero was the only South Florida beach to make the “best beaches in the US” list on TripAdvisor.
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.
Boasting temperate waters and more than 3,400 hours of annual sunshine, the beaches of Key West are some of the most popular destinations on this tropical island paradise. You can enjoy the sun, sand and warm water as well as a variety of activities like swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
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.
Why is the Florida Keys water so blue? The light blue line south and east of the islands is a living coral reef system—among the largest in the world. Deeper water beyond the edge of the Florida platform appears dark blue. Many of the Florida Keys fall within the boundaries of national parks.
HABs can lead to discoloration (red, brown or green tides) of the water as large numbers of algae accumulate. Some HAB-causing algae can release toxins that can lead to fish kills, coral stress and mortality and skin and respiratory problems in humans.
Destin. Destin, FL is situated on the Florida Panhandle between Pensacola and Panama City. The beautiful white sand and crystal clear water clarity are further amplified by the Choctawhatchee Bay, just north of Destin.
1) Dry Tortugas & Fort Jefferson. To many, this secluded cluster of islands 70 miles west of Key West is home to the most beautiful beach in the Florida Keys. ...
Key West. There are plenty of reasons why Key West is the most popular destination in the Keys. With everything from gorgeous historical buildings (like Hemingway's Home) to bumping nightlife and great food, a stop here is a no-brainer.
Go November through February to feel the energy and heatWith a primed climate – high temperatures are typically in the mid- to upper-70s – and a unique tropics-meets-winter holiday charm, it's no wonder so many opt to hit the Florida Keys this time of year.