Which side of the Florida Keys is better?

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.



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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!

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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.

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The best time to visit Key West, Florida is from March to May, during the springtime shoulder season. Great weather, slightly more reasonable prices than winter months, and fewer crowds—but no hurricanes—all align to set the stage for a delightful family vacation.

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In general, you do not need a car while in Key West. The island is small, only 4-miles wide by 2-miles wide, and the historic quarter known as Old Town is all within a 1-mile radius. Taxis, ride-sharing services, bicycles, walking, and city buses are plentiful and a convenient way to get around.

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Sombrero Beach, Marathon Sombrero 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.

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Go November through February to feel the energy and heat With 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.

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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.

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Pack a light fleece jacket, hoodie, or comfy cardigan for evening dockside drinking. Jeans, leggings, joggers, or lightweight active pants are also practical. They can be easily cuffed during the day and let down when the night chills begin.

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Key West is a great destination filled with culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Whether it's relaxing on a beach or exploring historical landmarks such as Fort Zachary Taylor, you will never get bored in Key West.

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Visit Key West in the off-season The fall (September–November) is the low season in Key West, and room rates can drop by 50 percent or more. The hot, storm-prone summer months also see lower prices, and you'll find decent discounts in April and May after the winter crowds thin out.

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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.

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Calusa Beach is found on the gulf side of the Bahia Honda State Park, which is found between Big Pine Key and Marathon. With its sheltered nature, the beach exudes serenity with its gently lapping waves and calm, glistening waters. Because of this, Calusa Beach is ideal for families with young children.

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Which Florida beaches have the clearest water?
  • St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach.
  • Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island.
  • Inlet Beach, South Walton.
  • Clearwater Beach, Clearwater.
  • Destin Beach, Emerald Coast.
  • Smathers Beach, Key West.
  • Navarre Beach, Florida Gulf Coast.
  • Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach.


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