Overview
The Florida Keys are an arc of roughly 1,700 islands stretching about 120 miles southwest from the southern tip of the Florida mainland into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They are connected by the Overseas Highway (US Route 1), one of the most scenic drives in the United States, which hops across a series of bridges — including the famous Seven Mile Bridge — linking the larger inhabited keys.
The archipelago is divided informally into the Upper Keys (closest to Miami, anchored by Key Largo), the Middle Keys (centered on Marathon), and the Lower Keys, which end at Key West, the southernmost city in the contiguous United States. Each zone has its own character: Key Largo leans into diving and snorkeling; Marathon is family-friendly and quieter; Key West is the most urban and tourist-oriented of the group.
The region sits atop the only living coral reef system in the continental United States, protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. That ecological distinction shapes everything from tourism activities to building restrictions, making environmental awareness a genuine part of daily life here.
Visitors come for water sports, fishing, sunsets, seafood, and a pace of life markedly slower than the Florida mainland. The culture has a Caribbean influence, a strong boating identity, and a long tradition of welcoming travelers of all backgrounds.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry The Florida Keys are part of the United States. For entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current rules applicable to your nationality.
Hurricane Season The Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November. The Keys are particularly exposed due to their geography. Monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) if traveling in summer or fall, and check your accommodation's cancellation policy before booking.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (conventional sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are prohibited by Monroe County ordinance to protect coral)
- Light, breathable clothing year-round; a light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- Water shoes or sandals suitable for boat docks and rocky shorelines
- Insect repellent, especially May through October when no-see-ums and mosquitoes are active
Health and Water Tap water is safe to drink. The Keys receive their water via a pipeline from the mainland; some travelers prefer bottled water for taste. Medical facilities are limited compared to the mainland — Monroe County has hospitals in Key West and Marathon, but serious emergencies may require air transport. Comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly advisable.
Getting There
By Air
Key West International Airport (EYW) serves the Lower Keys with domestic connections from several major U.S. cities. Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (MTH) handles smaller charter and private traffic. Most travelers flying into the Upper Keys use Miami International Airport (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and then drive south.
By Car
Driving is by far the most practical way to arrive and the most popular. From Miami, the Overseas Highway (US-1) begins at Florida City. Expect approximately 1.5 hours to Key Largo, 2.5–3 hours to Marathon, and 3.5–4 hours to Key West under normal conditions. Traffic can be significantly heavier on weekends and holiday weekends — plan accordingly.
By Bus
Greyhound and the Florida Keys–specific Keys Shuttle service operate routes between Miami and Key West with stops along US-1. Verify current schedules and fares directly with carriers before booking, as services and pricing change.
By Boat
Some visitors arrive by private boat or charter. The Florida Keys are a well-served cruising destination with numerous marinas; verify slip availability and fees directly with individual marinas.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rental car is the most flexible way to travel the Keys. US-1 is the single road connecting the islands; there are no alternative routes, so traffic bottlenecks — particularly between Key Largo and Islamorada on weekends — can be significant.
Within Key West, the city is compact and walkable. Bicycles and scooters are popular and widely available for rent. The City of Key West operates a public bus system (Key West Transit) covering the island, and the Duval Loop is a free shuttle service operating in the downtown corridor — verify current hours and routes locally as schedules are subject to change.
Between keys, the Keys Shuttle and some private shuttle services run scheduled trips, useful for those who prefer not to drive. Rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) operate in the Keys, though availability becomes thinner in the more remote Middle and Lower Keys.
Boat taxis and water taxis connect some waterfront properties and are part of the local transport culture, particularly in and around Key West. Always confirm with the operator regarding current routes and timing.
Where to Stay
Accommodation spans a wide range — from large resort complexes to small family-run motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. The type and density of lodging varies considerably by key.
Key Largo has numerous dive-focused resorts and waterfront motels, many with dockage. It caters to divers and families. Islamorada is known for boutique and upscale waterfront properties and a slightly more relaxed, less commercial atmosphere. Marathon has family-friendly mid-range options and some larger resorts. Key West has the widest range, from historic bed-and-breakfasts in the Old Town district to large chain hotels near the airport.
Vacation rentals (via platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo) are plentiful across the Keys and can be cost-effective for groups or longer stays. Confirm that any rental has the appropriate Monroe County vacation rental license, as regulations have tightened in recent years.
Campgrounds include those within state parks such as Bahia Honda and John Pennekamp. These are popular and book quickly — reservations through Florida State Parks (floridastateparks.org) are essential, particularly in peak season.
Be aware that accommodation prices in the Keys are generally higher than Florida mainland averages, and rates spike sharply during Key West's festival weeks (Fantasy Fest in October, Hemingway Days in July, among others). Book early for any major event period.
Things to See & Do
Reef Diving and Snorkeling
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is one of the most accessible reef dive and snorkel sites in North America — widely considered the starting point for Keys underwater exploration. The park offers glass-bottom boat tours, snorkel trips, and scuba charters. Verify current tour pricing and availability at the park directly.
Sport Fishing
The Keys have a globally recognized reputation for sport fishing. Backcountry flats fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon; offshore deep-sea fishing; and reef fishing are all accessible. Hundreds of licensed charter captains operate throughout the archipelago. A Florida fishing license is required for most fishing; verify current regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (myfwc.com).
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Calm backcountry waters on the Gulf side make the Keys excellent for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Several outfitters offer guided eco-tours through mangrove channels, particularly around Islamorada and Marathon.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is accessible only by ferry or seaplane and rewards the effort with spectacular snorkeling, the massive 19th-century Fort Jefferson, and some of the clearest water in the region. Ferry and seaplane services depart from Key West; book well in advance during peak season and check current pricing with operators.
Key West Attractions
- Mallory Square sunset celebration — a long-standing tradition of street performers and gathering crowds each evening
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (verify hours and admission fees on site)
- The southernmost point marker (free to visit, frequently crowded)
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park — also one of Key West's better beaches
Wildlife and Nature
Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys has some of the most natural beach in the archipelago and good snorkeling. The National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key protects the diminutive Key deer, a subspecies of white-tailed deer found nowhere else; drive slowly in the refuge as deer frequently cross roads.
Food & Drink
Seafood dominates menus throughout the Keys, and with good reason — much of it is locally sourced. Key West pink shrimp, Florida stone crab claws (in season roughly October through May — verify current season dates), and spiny lobster (in season approximately August through March) are regional highlights.
Key lime pie is synonymous with the Keys. The authentic version uses tart Key lime juice and a graham cracker crust; the filling should be pale yellow, not bright green. Numerous bakeries and restaurants throughout the archipelago serve it, and strong local opinions exist about who does it best.
The fish taco, grouper sandwich, and conch fritters are near-ubiquitous on local menus. Conch is largely imported today as the queen conch is a protected species in Florida waters, but it remains a cultural staple.
Drinking culture is casual and open-air. Craft beer has grown in the Keys alongside the longstanding tradition of rum-based cocktails. Key West's Duval Street is the epicenter of bar culture, ranging from historic institutions to lively open-air bars. Islamorada has a quieter but well-regarded restaurant scene with waterfront dining. Visitors seeking quieter, locally focused spots tend to find them by stepping one street off the main tourist corridors.
Practical Information
Emergency Services For all emergencies in the United States, dial 911.
Money Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available throughout the inhabited keys, though they become less common in the more remote Lower Keys beyond Big Pine Key. US dollars are the only currency in practical circulation.
Connectivity Cell service is generally reliable along US-1 and in the main population centers, but coverage gaps exist on the water and in some backcountry areas. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodation and many restaurants.
Tipping Tipping norms follow U.S. mainland customs: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, a few dollars per drink at bars, and similar gratuities for service staff, charter captains, and tour guides. Charter fishing captains and mates customarily receive cash tips.
Environmental Rules
- Reef-safe sunscreen only (Monroe County ordinance)
- No touching or standing on coral — it is both ecologically damaging and federally regulated within the National Marine Sanctuary
- Boaters must observe manatee speed zones; violations carry significant fines
- Sea turtle nesting season runs approximately May through October; beachfront lighting restrictions apply in some areas
Safety
The Florida Keys are generally considered safe for travelers. Petty theft from vehicles can occur in parking areas near trailheads and beach access points — avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars.
Water safety deserves attention. Rip currents, boat traffic, and shallow reef structures pose risks to swimmers and snorkelers. Always snorkel or dive with a buddy, stay within your ability level, and use a surface marker buoy (SMB) when diving in areas with boat traffic. Strong currents can develop quickly around the bridges.
Marine life hazards are generally low if you follow reef etiquette: do not touch anything. Fire coral, sea urchins, and jellyfish can cause painful stings. Sharks are present throughout Keys waters but unprovoked incidents are rare; avoid entering the water with open wounds or at dawn and dusk in areas known for feeding activity.
During hurricane watches or warnings, follow local emergency management instructions without delay. Evacuation routes from the Keys are limited to US-1 northbound, and contraflow operations may be implemented. Pre-register for Monroe County emergency alerts if traveling during hurricane season.