Locks and Keys

N Spin asked:


Stretching off the southern coast of Florida, the 120-mile long chain of islands known as the Florida Keys make the perfect vacation getaway. Home to North America’s largest living coral reef, the crystal clear waters make it the premier location for snorkeling, diving, game fishing and eco-tourism. If you’re seeking solitude, relaxation, entertainment, nature and adventure, let the Florida Keys provide the ultimate retreat.

As the northernmost island, Key Largo makes the obvious starting ground when discovering the island chain. Known as the diving capital of the world, Key Largo is home to one of North America’s largest living coral reefs, making it an underwater paradise for diving, snorkeling and photography. The famous shipwreck of Siegel Grove offers an excellent diving opportunity and is now part of the reef ecosystem. With close location to the Everglades, kayakers can enjoy discovering the wetlands and wilderness area that is home to several species of birds.

As the sport fishing capital of the world, visitors to Islamorada can indulge themselves in the finest game fishing around. The areas knowledgeable charter boat captains and backcountry guides are sure to take you on an exciting excursion discovering nature’s beauty and the multitude of sailfish, bonefish, redfish, tarpon and more. Also home to various state parks, enjoy hiking the trails of Windley Key Quarry Fossil Reef State Geologic Site or Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site. For a good change of pace, culturally rich Islamorada provides great shopping opportunities as the home to several community artists and galleries.

Marathon marks the midpoint and the most modernized island having an airport, hospital and numerous restaurants. Like all the other islands, the tropical paradise of Marathon presents paramount fishing, diving and water sports to its visitors. Unwind while relaxing on the sandy beaches of Sombrero Beach or the palm tree lined Bahia Honda State Park. While perfecting your tan, enjoy swimming in the clear sparkling waters and strolling along the endless shores. Vacationers are sure to enjoy discovering the history and beauty of “the heart of the keys.”

If searching for the ultimate in relaxation and beauty, the Lower Keys and Big Pine make an excellent vacation choice. Leave the hectic world behind and enjoy the quiet region filled with quaint restaurants, undisturbed wilderness and history. Hike or bicycle through the trails of the National Key Deer Refuge, taking unbelievable photographs of the deer and abundance of nature. Explore the clear waters of Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary, snorkeling and diving to come across over 150 species of marine wildlife.

Key West is a lively city that lets everyone kick back and have a thrilling time while engaging in a variety of activities. Whether it is enjoying the street artists, jugglers, musicians at Mallory Dock, taking part in the revelry of the open-air bars, enjoying cool beverages on Duval Street or enjoying the finest cuisine at world-class restaurants, you are sure to feel embraced by the diverse and electric community. Home to Ernest Hemingway, discover the rich history and architectural gems of Old Town Key West.

When venturing to the Florida Keys, why not consider making your getaway complete by staying in a vacation rental. Big Pine Keys and Key West offer several inviting Florida Key vacation home rentals. Providing close proximity to major attractions and entertainment, vacation rentals allow for the perfect escape of privacy, relaxation and space. Be amazed by the luxuries and conveniences of a fully furnished home or condo, allowing your vacation to be a memorable experience.

A Florida Keys Vacation Rental is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to escape bland hotels and stay in a relaxing environment close to their family and friends. With all the amenities of home at your fingertips, you can have a memorable vacation both inside and outside of your vacation rental accommodations.



FABIAN

Andrew Gibson asked:


Many tourists return back to the Florida Keys year after year never tiring of its mix of tranquillity and beauty. It covers an area of over 155 miles, stretching from south west from Miami all the way down to Key West on its most southern tip.

People never tire of driving from the top to the bottom marvelling at the magnificent views along its route. One of the most amazing things about this drive is that you are able to see the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other during nearly the entire trip.

The Keys are made up of a series of islands joined together by 42 road bridges. Some islands are little more than tiny mangrove swamps, but the thing that they all have in common is the wildlife. The Keys are home to many rare breeds of animals, birds and fish. Many have designated wildlife areas where the local habitat is preserved and the animals protected.

The true beauty of the Keys lies below the water. The local conditions have created an ideal environment for coral reefs. There is an abundance of marine life making the reefs a favourite spot for divers.

The longest bridge spans almost seven miles long, but all forty two bridges somehow manage to intertwine with the islands so effortlessly that you some times forget that the islands are actually separated by the sea.

The Keys are split into three parts, Upper, Middle and Lower. Each Key seems to enjoy its own individual identity while at the same time helping to create a feeling of unity. The one thing that they all have in common is that they are a paradise for people who love sailing, fishing and snorkelling.

Most people know Key Largo from the song. It is situated in the Upper Keys and also included in them are Tavernier (which takes its name from a pirate) and Islamorada (named after the violet coloured sea snails).

Key Largo is just about an hour away from Miami and many tourists make their way there after visiting the Everglades. It is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Many tourists visit there in glass bottom boats to see the 55 varieties of coral and over 500 species of sea life.

The Middle Keys is made up of Marathon (the largest of the group), Conch, Duck, Grassy and Pigeon Keys. It is connected to the Lower Keys by its world famous Severn-Mile Bridge.

Marathon is home to a nine hole golf course. Grassy Keys is home to the Dolphin Research Centre which draws in many tourist volunteer helpers each year. It is also home to a 63 acre wildlife sanctuary.

The Lower Keys is made up of Key West, Bahia Honda, Loose Key and Big Pine. Key West is by far the most popular Key with tourists and sits at the bottom of the Keys.

The sandy beach at Bahia Honda Key is regarded as the best beach in the whole of the Keys. Big Pine Key is home to the tiny Key deer which is now a protected species.

Holiday home rentals has become a very popular form of accommodation in the Keys. Tourists often prefer to stay in holiday villas as they find them far more relaxing and economical, while at the same time giving them a true feeling of the local way of life.



JACQUES

Caitlin Moore asked:


Sprinkled off the southwest coast of Florida, the sandy gems known as the Keys offer one exciting opportunity after another for vacationers in search of stimulation and relaxation. The islands stretch for 120 miles, and within that span you’ll find art, history, music, wilderness, and as much natural beauty as your senses can handle. Each island has its own distinctive qualities, but you’ll find that they all share the ability to impress and enthrall anyone wise enough to stray from the mainland.

Key Largo, the northernmost island, is a great place to start your tour of the Keys. Known as the Diving Capital of the World, this area of land and sea will provide underwater explorers access to North America’s only living coral barrier reef, as well as Spiegel Grove, a 510 foot sunken navy ship. Sport fishing is also a popular attraction, so arrange for an experienced captain to take you out for a spin if you have your heart set on reeling in an exotic catch. Key Largo’s close proximity to the Everglades make eco-tours exciting prospects, and kayakers with a love for the environment can be seen paddling all around the lush marshland.

Next in line is Islamorada. Though ocean fishing is an activity common in all the Keys, Islamorada claims the title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Reel in a sailfish, tuna, tarpon, or bonefish, or just watch the saltwater hunters do their thing. Diving, too, is popular here, as the coral reef winds its way all around this enchanting string of islands. Islamorada has a few state parks for your enjoyment, and plenty of shops and galleries that surely contain the perfect souvenir.

Marathon is the Heart of the Keys, and offers up plenty of reasons to make it a valuable addition to rest of its sisters. An airport and hospital give it a modern, practical feel, but there are lots of light-hearted diversions to keep you feeling mellow. Sombrero Reef is a haven for snorkelers, Crane Point Hammock holds 64 acres of museums and a nature center, and the Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital take care of the marine animals that make their home in Marathon. Spend some time enjoying the wonderful conditions for ocean activities in Boot Key Harbor, and then continue your journey to the next blissful island.

The Lower Keys have a quieter appeal, but still offer plenty to see and do. Bahia Honda State Park on the Key of the same name is considered one of the most beautiful beaches around, and Little Duck Key is home to Veterans Memorial Park. Big Pine Key has the best shopping in the area, and it also exists as a refuge for Key Deer, the tiny and delicate creatures who add another fascinating detail to the already entrancing atmosphere of the Lower Keys. This is an ideal area to set up a tent or rent a vacation home, as its uncultivated land and stunning sunsets make it utterly appealing.

Finally, at the end of the line you’ll find the biggest personality of all, Key West. Home to Ernest Hemingway, a healthy artistic community, and festivals galore, this fun-loving shelter from negativity is the place to be for anyone looking to enhance their lust for life. Whether you feel like sipping a margarita on Duval Street or raising your hands to the sunset on Mallory Square, you’ll feel comfortable and embraced by the diverse population that inhabits and visits the most open-minded Key.

Anywhere you stop along the sprawling collection of cozy islands will welcome you to slow down for a while and listen to the sounds of sweet contentment. Stay active or stretch out on the sand, no one will be judging you for putting your own interests first and truly enjoying your hard-earned vacation. On this note, be sure to choose a place to stay that will reinforce the lessons of the Keys; treat yourself right and stay comfortable.

Renting a vacation home might be the perfect way to carry out these goals. Crowded resorts and bland hotel rooms might be unavoidable in some situations, but the Florida Keys have a number of different choices. Reserving an oceanfront condo in Key Largo or a secluded beach hut on its own little island will give you the chance to truly retreat from the outside world, reconnect with your traveling companion, and enjoy the glorious surroundings as they are meant to be enjoyed.

Go online to start searching for the Florida Keys Vacation Rental that will top off the undoubtedly marvelous experience you are sure to have as you head south to paradise.



NORRIS

Danielle Branch asked:


You will never have a dull moment while staying in beautiful Siesta Key. In Siesta Key, there is always something to do from shopping, to fine dining, and other fun activities. Where ever you go and whatever you do you’ll experience the warm welcome and island hospitality that brings people to Siesta Key and calls them back year after year. With so much to do, you will never run out of things to entertain even the pickiest of family members.

Shopping

You can shop right on Siesta Key in two shopping districts, which are found on the northwest and south ends of the Key mixed in with attractions and commercial businesses. You’ll find a full service grocery store, nearby drug store and post office all convenient to surrounding accommodations and beach access areas. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, groceries, gifts, or island clothing, there are 150 stores to explore.

Dining

Siesta Key is an island of culinary pleasures. Siesta Key offers a wide selection of Italian, American, Oriental and French cuisine to suit the most discerning tastes. Many of the restaurants specialize in seafood delicacies including lobster, crab, blackened fish, raw oysters, and unique Gulf Coast seafood dishes. There are restaurants where you can go to grab a quick breakfast or lunch in your flip-flops and sandy toes, or to relax in style over an extraordinary dinner.

Fun

Fun in the sun is what Siesta Key is all about. Beach facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. For collecting shells, Turtle Beach at the south end of the island is the popular hotspot. With nearly 1,000 species of fish, there is year-round onshore and offshore fishing.

You may wish to try deep-sea fishing, bridge fishing, or surf-casting. There are many types of saltwater fish in the waters that will give you the fishing challenge of a lifetime including barracuda, black drum, grouper, pompano, snapper and tarpon. There is also boating, sun tanning, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and parasailing. Our tropical climate makes every sort of outdoor activity available and enjoyable nearly year-round.

Siesta Key is the perfect spot for all ages. We believe that once you discover how wonderful Siesta Key is, you’ll want to be here as much as you possibly can. Siesta key is fun for all ages and all personalities. Once you know how much fun it can be, you’ll want to plan your Siesta Key Vacation!



DENNY

Jen W. asked:


As its name implies, Siesta Key is a Florida vacation destination that focuses on the simple pleasures in life as it leaves behind the stress and anxiety of overwhelming attractions. While you could theoretically spend your entire getaway relaxing on its pristine sands, melting away your worries under the warm Florida sun, the countless opportunities for adventure are simply too much to pass up on this little island paradise.

Located just off the coast of mainland Florida near Sarasota, Siesta Key is surrounded by sparkling azure water that is just begging to be enjoyed. While you may want to jump right into the Gulf of Mexico the second you step foot on the island, it is usually best to begin your water-bound excursions from any of the three beautiful beaches that Siesta Key has to offer. Gently brushing the water’s edge with their stunning white sands, Siesta Key Public Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach feature distinct environments that are sure to meet all your vacation needs.

The most popular beach not only on Siesta Key but also in the greater Sarasota area, Siesta Key Public Beach is a haven for beach bums who want to sink their toes into the cool, quartz sand and kick back near the water’s edge. While walking along the shore and swimming in the Gulf are carefree ways to spend an afternoon, the amenities of this public beach, including a playground area, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and concessions, make it the perfect destination for a well-rounded day on the island.

If you tire of wading in the shallow water near the shore or want to cool off out of the sun’s reach, Siesta Key Public Beach is just a short stroll away from the quaint shops and restaurants in Siesta Village. Ocean Boulevard is the place to go for a variety of restaurants and pubs that offer outdoor seating and exceptional views to go along with your refreshing ale or beer. Losing track of time is never a problem here as the conversation and scenery are conducive to a carefree rather than itinerary-oriented day. However, when night falls, the village certainly has your entertainment needs covered with various live music and the “Drum Circle” theatrical performance on Sunday nights.

In contrast to the vibrant atmosphere that abounds on and around Siesta Key Public Beach, Crescent Beach offers seclusion and privacy for those who truly want to getaway from it all. While it would seem that its radiant white sands and stunning blue waters would draw visitors en masse, its tucked away location just south of Siesta Key Public Beach and its single public access road lead most vacationers to choose convenience over serenity. If you need more excitement off this quiet strip of sand, take advantage of the spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving that abounds on the southern tip in an area known as Point of Rocks.

When aren’t escaping on Crescent Beach or playing on Siesta Key Beach, don’t miss the water sports of the narrower Turtle Beach, which is located on the southern end of the key. Boasting a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, boat launch, and fishing in the nearby Blind Pass Lagoon, you can relax or play to heart’s content directly off of its fine white sands. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the petrified sharks’ teeth and excellent shell collecting opportunities in its sands, particularly after storms.

As the beaches take center stage and offer endless swimming, shelling, fishing, parasailing, snorkeling, and boating opportunities, it can be easy to overlook the splendor of your surroundings. Rather than running from one activity to the next, take the time to enjoy the dolphins frolicking in the open water or the boats sailing out to sea by selecting warm and inviting Siesta Key vacation rentals for your accommodations needs. Located just a stone’s throw away from the water but offering all of the amenities and comforts of home, every moment of your vacation can be more exciting and enjoyable than you ever imagined when you stay in a Siesta Key rental.



CARSON

Kirby Collins asked:


We have our own little taste of the Caribbean here in Florida known as the Florida Keys. The Keys stretch over 110 miles from Key Largo, considered the first ‘Key’, down to Key West. The gateway to the Keys is Key Largo, it is only an hours drive from the two major airports in South Florida and is considered by the locals to be the “diving capital of the World”. While that may be a little biased, Key Largo is known as both an excellent place to dive and also to go Sport Fishing.

Islamorada is actually made up of six different islands and is also a great place to dive and go sportfishing. While you’re there be sure to check out the newly opened History of Diving Museum or the Theater of the Sea Aquarium where you can swim with dolphins and other sea creatures.

Next is Marathon, the midpoint of the Keys, it is a ten mile long city and called ” the heart of the Keys” by the locals, it’s also where you’ll find one of the only two airports in the Keys, the other is in Key West. Just a few miles offshore here is North America’s only living coral reef, so again fill up those diving tanks and have some fun.

Big Pine Key is the start of the “Lower Keys” and home of the endangered and adorable Key Deer. The Lower Keys are known for their many RV Parks, campgrounds, licensed vacation homes and smaller quaint resorts. Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area is here too, stop in and enjoy the wildlife or relax on their white sand beach.

A mere 90 miles from Cuba lies Key West, the Southern most point in the U.S. Lummas Beach is one of the best beaches in Florida much less the Keys. You can snorkel, sail, and fish here, and that’s only a beginning. Land lovers can shop until they drop, then watch the sunset at Mallory Square and party all night on Duval Street in Key West.

With no shortage of cafes and restaurants, Key West offers plentiful options for indoor or outdoor dining. The bars on Duval Street are as famous as Bourbon street in New Orleans there is even a term they use when you’ve partied a little to much and are stumbling into a cab it’s called the ‘Duval Crawl’. If you end up doing it you’re in good company Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Sloppy Joe’s and his picture is up on the wall there. You can also go to Captain Tony’s, yes the one referred to in Jimmy Buffet’s song. Other popular watering holes include the Hog’s Breath Saloon, Crabby Dick’s and a host of other places to wet your whistle. Key West is definitely the perfect place to play all day and party all night.

So, can you feel it? You get to Key Largo and you start to relax, Islamorada comes along and you freely trade your blackberry and briefcase for some sunglasses and flip flops. You find yourself in Marathon yearning for a leafy tropical shirt and a fruity frozen drink. Big Pine Key makes you want to pitch a tent to stay forever and by the time you cross seven mile bridge to Key West the transformation is complete. With so many places in the Florida Keys having worked their magic once again and like one of the many game fish caught offshore, now you’re hooked.



TYSON