Rick Stedman
A common, stunning Key West sunset.
Words by Rick Stedman
The Florida Keys in the southern reaches of the Sunshine State consist of a series of communities, each boasting vibrant, active cultures unique to anywhere else to the north. Its expansive oceanfront bustles with activities, dining, and attractions that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
First charted by Juan Ponce de León in 1513, the Florida Keys officially begin at picturesque Key Largo, just south of Miami, and ends 201 km (125 mi) later in Key West.
The Overseas Highway (US-1), is the only road in and out of the Keys. From Key Largo to Key West, it traverses over 42 bridges and an archipelago of more than 1,600 islands collectively known as the Florida Keys. The word ‘key’ by the way, is derived from the Spanish word ‘cayo,’ which means ‘small island.’
Rick Stedman
The Southernmost point in the US is in Key West and less than 145 km (90 mi) from Cuba.
To keep drivers in the know, Mile Markers (MM) on the side of the road indicate where you are located along the highway starting with MM 125 in Key Largo and ending at MM 0 in Key West. In addition to these designations, directions will often include whether a property is located on the Atlantic Ocean-side of the road (left side as you’re driving south), or the Florida Bay/Gulf of Mexico side (on the right driving south).
The Florida Keys consist of five major areas and as you drive south from Key Largo. The next major area is Islamorada, then Marathon, the Lower Keys, and finally Key West. Each has its own appeal and charm, and there’s always plenty to see and experience along the way. RVers will quickly discover plenty of quality resorts and you can be assured to find excellent amenities in the 10 secluded state parks sprinkled throughout the region.
Rick Stedman
Alligator Lighthouse near Islamorada.
Key Largo
One of the most popular and unique parks is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, at MM 102.5. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972, John Pennekamp is the first undersea park in the U.S. Its many amenities include full hook up RV sites, scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours. A must-see is the underwater Christ of the Deep statue at Key Largo Dry Rocks. The visitor center also contains an impressive 113,563 L (30,000 gal) saltwater aquarium.
Key Largo is known as the “Diving Capital of the World.” The area is also tied to the memorable Humphrey Bogart movie Key Largo that hit the big screen in 1948. You can actually take a ride on the famous boat, The African Queen, which was used during filming of the movie. It’s available for tours in the bay, and is docked at Marina Del Mar marina.
In addition to sport fishing, eco-tourism pursuits like kayaking and paddle boarding are quite popular throughout the Keys and Everglades National Park, which is just west of Key Largo. With seafood plentiful throughout the area, sampling the various daily catches is a must. The Fish House Restaurant in Key Largo was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and specializes in – you guessed it – seafood. You won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu. While in the Keys, try the hogfish or tripletail; both are excellent.
Rick Stedman
History of Diving Museum also in Islamorada.
Islamorada
This unofficial sportfish capital of the world is made up of six islands including Long Key, which is home to Fiesta Key RV Resort at Mile Marker 70. This Encore Resort features 324 sites on 28 acres, including a marina and beach bar. It offers numerous features and is surrounded by incredible Gulf of Mexico ocean views. When the sun goes down, be sure to take in the incredible night skies. In the Keys there seems to be a lot more stars for some reason.
There are numerous options for fishing and sunset boat cruises in the Keys. A few miles from Fiesta Key is Sundance Watersports, located at Robbie’s Marina, MM 77.5. In addition to a variety of on-the-water and underwater excitement like snorkeling, parasailing, and SNUBA, Sundance also offers unforgettable sunset cruises.
Before boarding the cruise, try feeding the frenzy of tarpon that gather around the docks waiting for snacks. This is an adventure in its own right. Robbie’s Marina also features a variety of shops, vendors, and restaurants like the Hungry Tarpon Restaurant and Bar where staff will clean and cook sport fishermen’s catch.
Other nearby attractions include Long Key State Park, the Dolphin Research Center, and Bud 'N' Mary's world famous fishing marina. The History of Diving Museum at MM 83 is certainly worth a visit, as well as nearby Florida Keys History & Discovery Center at MM 82.1.
Rick Stedman
The Key West Golf Club on Stock Island – it’s the southernmost golf course in the U.S.
Marathon and The Lower Keys
In the heart of the keys, Marathon boasts the longest bridge on the Overseas Highway. Seven Mile Bridge is actually 11 km (6.79 mi). It connects the Middle and Lower Keys, while providing a glimpse of the past with the original bridge paralleling the new. Every April, the bridge closes for a few hours to host the annual Seven Mile Bridge Run, which commemorates the Florida Keys Bridge Rebuilding Project. The bridge has been under reconstruction for several years and is scheduled for completion in 2021. Not to be missed in Marathon is the Turtle Hospital. This rehab center and clinic for injured turtles is a must-visit and located at MM 48.5.
Curry Hammock State Park at MM 56.2 in Marathon features a 1,000-acre park with many kilometres of natural coastline along with a 2.4 km (1.5 mi) nature trail. Marathon is also home to Florida Keys Marathon International Airport for quicker access to RV rental properties.
Just down the highway at MM 37 is Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys. This popular family getaway consists of 500 acres, great beaches, shallow water, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and more.
Rick Stedman
Mallory Square in Key West.
Key West
One of the best ways to get an overview of this southern city is to jump on a Conch Tour Train. These narrated tours wind through town passing by historic venues and other sites. One of the top attractions in Key West is the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The famous author of “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls” among other classics, spent 10 years writing and fishing in Key West.
A few other popular attractions include the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum, the Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters, Harry S. Truman’s Little White House, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Other must-visits while in town include witnessing a sunset at Mallory Square. Also, be sure snap a selfie of the colorful buoy that marks the southernmost point in the United States, which is less than 145 km (90 mi) from Cuba.
Photo RJ Snider Pixabay
Just as clam chowder is to Boston, Key Lime Pie is to the Florida Keys – a decadent, unique dessert in the region.
While on the subject of southernmost points, the Key West Golf Club on Stock Island a few miles away holds the distinction of being the southernmost golf course in the U.S. It is a terrific course with loads of history and lots of character. The par 70, 18-hole course measures 6,531 yards from the tips.
Two very popular RV resorts in Key West include Boyd’s Key West Campground and Geiger Key Marina & RV Park.
Numerous dining options in Key West include the Half Shell Raw Bar located at the historic seaport area of Key West, Pepe’s Café, El Siboney for Cuban classic dishes, and Geiger Key Marina. Plus, don’t forget to try the key lime pie – your trip will not be complete without it.
For more information on visiting the Florida Keys, check out www.fla-keys.com.