Did you know that over 26 million people have visited Florida this year? The Sunshine State is known for being a huge tourist attraction that offers so many different options for sightseeing, outdoor sports, and relaxation. And one of the jewels in the crown of this travel destination is the Florida Keys.
From the Ernest Hemingway home to the Seven-Mile Historic Bridge, there are so many unique spots to explore. If you’ve been thinking of planning a getaway to the Florida Keys, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Check out these five top things you should do when you visit the Florida Keys.
1. The Hemingway Home and Museum
One of the best places to start in your Florida Keys adventure is at the iconic house of the writer Ernest Hemingway. Papa’s old home has been lovingly preserved as The Hemingway Home and Museum so visitors can experience it like it used to be when he lived there with his wife back in its heyday. You can go to pay homage to a literary giant’s history, but another big draw is seeing the unusual six-toed cats that are descended from Hemingway’s original polydactyl cat named Snow White.
2. Swim With a Dolphin
If you’re a fan of Flipper and friends, now is your chance to have an up-close and personal encounter with them in the water. Did you know that the Florida Keys boast many different places that allow visitors to swim with dolphins? Whether you choose a “natural encounter” in a lagoon while snorkeling or partake in a special program, there are many opportunities to interact with these beautiful creatures in their own environment.
3. Bahia Honda State Park
Located on the island of Bahia Honda Key, the ultra-lovely Bahia Honda State Park is a must-see destination on any traveler’s list. Visitors are drawn to the clear turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches of this quiet and idyllic spot for day trips and for overnight camping. But this park isn’t just as pretty as a picture–it offers a myriad of potential activities, from boat tours, snorkeling, paddling, hiking, bicycling, and fishing.
4. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Another one of the best things to do in the Florida Keys is to explore the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. It’s the perfect place for shipwreck enthusiasts and history buffs to see the archeological finds of famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher at this nationally recognized research and archeology institution. Step back into the past and explore exhibits from famous ancient shipwrecks like the Atocha, Santa Margarita, and the Henrietta Marie.
5. The Seven Mile Bridge
No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without visiting the Seven Mile Bridge & Lighthouse Tour. The Seven Mile Bridge is an awe-inspiring bridge that is a part of the Overseas Highway that starts near Marathon, Florida. It is one of two bridges in that location–the modern bridge is for vehicular traffic, while the older of the two is only open to pedestrians and cyclists.
What Is the Weather Like in the Florida Keys?
While planning your Florida Keys vacation, it’s important to learn about the climate so that you know what to pack and how to dress while you are there. While the Keys are a part of Florida, the climate is closer to that of the Caribbean, so you can expect warm weather year-round. Temperatures have historically never gone below freezing, so it’s a safe bet that no matter when you visit, you can pack your flip-flops, shorts, and t-shirts.
Best Times to Visit the Florida Keys
If you were wondering when is the best time to visit the Florida Keys, the answer is simple. Stick to the fall, winter, and spring seasons for optimum weather and avoid the months of June through July. That is hurricane season, and summertime means that crowds are high, which can make it a challenging and less than ideal time to visit for your Florida Keys vacation.
How Do You Get to the Florida Keys?
The Florida Keys are located on the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula. The Keys start just 15 miles south of Miami and are accessible by driving on the Overseas Highway, also known as part of U.S. Highway 1. For visitors that don’t want to drive, you can also fly into the Key West International Airport by commercial aircraft, or by private jet charter into Marathon Airport.
History of the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys have a long and colorful history that began with the original inhabitants of the Calusa and Tequesta tribes. Not long after being chartered by the explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, the Florida Keys became an outpost for trading. In more recent times, the Keys (as they are affectionately known to locals) have reinvented themselves as a tourism destination that offers a wide variety of attractions in a beautiful setting.
Ready to Visit the Florida Keys?
Now that you’ve learned about the top attractions, you can visit the Florida Keys with a solid list of fun things to do. There’s so much history there, from the treasure exhibits at Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum to the historic home of Ernest Hemingway. Outdoor enthusiasts can swim with dolphins, take a helicopter tour of the Seven Mile Bridge, and do water sports, bicycling, hiking, and more at Bahia Honda State Park.
Want to learn about other travel destinations? For more travel hot spots and travel tips, check out the rest of this site.