Florida Keys

Florida Keys Tropical Beaches

Location Information

The Florida Keys are a string of about 1700 islands in the southeast United States. They begin at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, about 15 miles south of Miami, and extend in a gentle arc south-southwest and then westward to Key West, the westernmost of the inhabited islands, and on to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The islands lie along the Florida Straits, dividing the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and defining one edge of Florida Bay. The city of Key West is the county seat of Monroe County, which consists of a section on the mainland that is almost entirely in Everglades National Park, and the Keys islands from Key Largo to the Dry Tortugas. Principle cities of the Florida Keys are Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Sugarloaf Key, Key West and Fleming Key. The Florida Keys are a long chain of islands that are only accessible by land from US Hwy 1.

Summary of the Florida Keys

At the nearest point, the southern tip of Key West is just 90 miles (145 km) from Cuba. More than 95 percent of the land area lies in Monroe County, but a small portion extends northeast into Miami-Dade County, primarily in the city of Islandia, Florida. The Florida Keys are the exposed portions of an ancient coral reef, with very little sand. The northernmost island arising from the ancient reef formation is Elliott Key, in Biscayne National Park. North of Elliott Key are several small transitional keys, composed of sand built up around small areas of exposed ancient reef. Further north, Key Biscayne and places north are barrier islands, built up of sand.

Recreational Interests

The Florida Keys are a tropical paradise. Snorkeling and diving are among some of the favorite activities in the area with a seemingly endless supply of beautiful, living coral reefs to discover. Located between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, cooling breezes keep the Key's climate surprisingly temperate. Outdoor activities and water activities such as boating, swimming, sailing, skiing and fishing, can be enjoyed year round. There are basically two seasons in the Florida Keys, winter and summer. The winter months are the most pleasant, with summer months lending to quickly moving tropical rains which soon dry up and return to sunny skies.

Unique Qualities

Natural tropical beauty unlike any, the Florida Keys offer a unique charm and the opportunity for adventure. With the combination of history, beautiful tropical beaches, a perfect year round climate for water activities, and an active nightlife; your trip to the Florida Keys will be a vacation to remember.

Find a Hotel in the Florida Keys:

Key Largo, Tavernier, Islamorada, Marathon, Key West

View a Map of the Florida Keys

Find a Florida Vacation Rental or Condominium

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