Americans Can Experience This Stunning Tropical Destination And Leave Their Passports At Home

Americans Can Experience This Stunning Tropical Destination And Leave Their Passports At Home

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When most Individuals consider jetting off to a tropical paradise, they in all probability consider locations like Jamaica, Cancun, or The Bahamas. However do you know there’s a gorgeous tropical vacation spot near residence that you simply don’t must pack your passport for?

For Individuals itching to get a style of the tropics with out leaving the nation, they don’t need to look far, as the proper vacation spot lies inside simple attain — The Florida Keys 🌴.

Footbridge on beach over sand

Combining a number of unbelievable locations in a single, The Florida Keys deserves a high spot in your journey bucket checklist.

From the snorkellable Key Largo to the quirky Key West, there are limitless alternatives to make your tropical goals come true in The Florida Keys.

The Good Florida Keys Itinerary

There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to remain when visiting the Keys it may be tough to choose one. The simple resolution to that is, in fact, to choose all of them! There’s something in The Keys for everybody, and each Secret is price trying out.

It’s additionally extremely simple to see every little thing The Florida Keys has to supply with out breaking the financial institution.

For the final word Keys journey, we extremely counsel flying into Miami, renting a automobile, and road-tripping by The Keys. Better of all, there’s no must make the trek again to Miami when the holiday sadly involves an finish. Merely drop your rental automobile off at Key West Worldwide Airport and fly residence from there!

Beach in Key Largo

Key Largo & Islamorada

The primary cease in your journey will likely be Key Largo, among the best locations to name residence for a couple of nights on a journey by the Keys.

For an ideal spot to name residence base, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable by checking into the Reefhouse Resort & Marina.

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@traveloffpath Reefhouse Resort & Marina – The right residence base to discover Key Largo🤍 #floridakeys #onlyinthekeys #keylargo #florida #travellife #traveloffpath #summervibes #traveling ♬ Me gustas tú – Tbp🙏🙏🙏

The resort is central to Key Largo’s high points of interest, like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and it has a lot to do on the property, with a tremendous pool, a personal seashore, and scrumptious meals. Plus, you’re just a few minutes away from Islamorada, that means you’ll be able to expertise 2 Keys in a single throughout a keep on the Reefhouse Resort.

One of many high issues to do in Key Largo (and the remainder of the Keys for that matter) is to go diving or snorkeling. Don’t fear should you forgot your masks; the Reefhouse Resort & Marina has a dive store proper on web site!

Get Underwater

Talking of diving, don’t let your self cross on the chance to get underwater whereas in Key Largo. This space is residence to a few of the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling spots within the U.S. and isn’t to be missed!

If in case you have by no means tried scuba diving and wish to be taught, there is no such thing as a place higher. If you’re already licensed, you’ll love attending to discover the distinctive underwater panorama the Keys gives.

The typical depth when diving within the keys doesn’t sometimes transcend 30 ft or so, that means you’ll be capable to spend loads of time on the underside saying good day to sting rays and turtles.

In the event you’re questioning the place to attempt diving, give Horizon Divers a name and inform them what you might be in search of. You possibly can simply get your self on a morning 2-tank dive to discover the shallow reefs and shipwrecks within the Higher Keys Nationwide Sanctuary, and also you’re assured to have time.

@traveloffpath There’s a lot extra to see underwater in The Keys! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel ♬ Explore The World 2.0 – Brainheart & Sis

Don’t Overlook To Eat

You’ll not go hungry within the Keys. There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to seize a chew to eat that we might write a novel itemizing all of them out. Nevertheless, there are a couple of that you simply undoubtedly shouldn’t miss! Key Largo has among the best locations to seize a chew, the well-known Fish House.

The Fish Home has regionally sourced seafood that’s to die for, all served in a unusual “keys-style” restaurant. Simply give them a go to and also you’ll see what we imply. That is the proper spot to seize lunch after a morning dive and it ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of must-dos.

Plus, there are many alternatives to seize some pictures with family and friends.

@traveloffpath Finest spot for an after-dive lunch within the Keys. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #diving #travel #foo ♬ Strawberry – Prod. By Rose

An Night In Islamorada

If you’re staying on the Reefhouse or someplace close by, be sure you schedule a day/night to go to Islamorada. That is the Key instantly under Key Largo and is shut sufficient that you could test it out with out having to swap inns.

There are 2 belongings you undoubtedly want so as to add to your checklist of must-dos in Islamorada, and each are scrumptious.

Firstly, no go to to the Keys is full with out spending a while at The Florida Keys Brewing Company. As you’ll be able to think about, house is a prized commodity within the Keys, which is a part of what makes this brewery so particular.

The Florida Keys Brewing Firm brews all of their beer proper on-site and is among the solely native breweries that may actually say their beer is made proper within the Keys.

@traveloffpath It’s not possible to not have time right here! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #beer ♬ Don’t Stop Me Now – Remastered 2011 – Queen

Apart from how unbelievable the beer is, the property itself is eclectic and alluring. Everybody you meet will likely be pleasant and good, and also you’ll be surrounded by unbelievable art work, superb beer, and a welcoming vibe.

After a beer or two, you’ll really feel like a daily and doubtless begin considering a transfer to the Keys 😅.

After a tour of the brewery, head proper throughout the road for a tremendous sundown dinner at Morada Bay Beach Café. This was one in every of our favourite dinners within the Keys. Not solely was the meals unbelievable, it was stunning. Even your water comes out dressed to the nines!

Dinner plate at Morada Beachside Cafe
Morada Bay Seashore Café sundown dinner

And never solely was the meals scrumptious and delightful, the surroundings was beautiful as properly. We discovered ourselves pulling out the digital camera to attempt to seize the sundown as it will paint a distinct image of the night for you each jiffy.

If you wish to really feel like you might be consuming dinner in a lovely portray, that is the place to do it.

Heading South

The higher Keys are stunning, and we already can’t wait to return, however you might be lacking out on a few of the most iconic sights within the Keys should you finish your journey there.

After spending a while trying out Key Largo and Islamorada, be sure you pencil in a couple of days to go down probably the most stunning stretch of freeway within the U.S. to Key West.

Overseas highway in the florida keys
Abroad Freeway in The Florida Keys

And there’s no must rush; there are nice locations to cease off for a chew to eat or take within the surroundings alongside the best way.

We left proper at round lunchtime, so we made a cease in Islamorada for a scrumptious meal on the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge — be sure you attempt their particular Mojito with contemporary mint!

It’s the proper option to cap off your lunch and can depart you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Mojito at oceanside resort restaurant
Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge Mojito

In your means all the way down to Key West, you might end up staring out of the window on the ocean round you.

There is no such thing as a different freeway within the U.S. that provides fairly the identical feeling because the Abroad freeway, and also you’ll be glad you determined to drive by the Keys.

You should definitely cease off on the finish of a bridge or two to take all of it in and seize some pictures.

@traveloffpath That is the prettiest the drive within the USA palms down. #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris

Earlier than you make all of it the best way to Key West, take into account stopping at Bahia Honda State Park for a seashore break. There are award-winning seashores and lovely stretches of sand to arrange camp for a couple of hours. If in case you have snorkeling gear, undoubtedly be sure you discover what’s within the water as properly!

Decide The Good Lodge For You

After catching some solar and sand, you’ll be prepared to go into Key West to your resort (of which there are a lot!).

Relying on what you might be in search of throughout your keep in Key West, there are tons of resort choices to fit your wants. A lot of Key West’s motion is centered round Duval Avenue, so in case you are coming for the nightlife that could be the place you wish to look.

Nevertheless, we needed to be shut sufficient to the motion to take pleasure in all Key West has to supply with out being proper within the thick of it. We needed to take pleasure in Key West however keep someplace that felt like its personal secluded space away from the remainder of the island.

The Capitana Key West was the proper place to name residence that achieved precisely what we had been in search of.

@traveloffpath The Capitana is the most effective residence base for exploring Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel ♬ My Addiction – Alex Guesta

From the second you examine in you’ll be able to really feel the calm and enjoyable power of The Capitana.

If you’re staying in the principle resort constructing, you’ll have unbelievable views of the pool and seashore out of your room, however for a extra intimate expertise, we opted for the Two Bed room Cottage.

Many individuals who come to Key West dream of packing up and transferring there after visiting. Staying in a cottage permits you to really feel such as you already do!

View of back patio at The Capitana Key West, FL
The Capitana Key West Cottage Canal View

The property is a superb escape that you may spend your entire journey having fun with should you needed to, and it’s nice for each sort of traveler and occasion dimension.

Spend the afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool or get lively and take a look at your hand at some badminton. Both means, you’ll love your keep at The Capitana.

Key West Is Countless Enjoyable

You’ll have hassle deciding what to do with your self as a result of there are limitless alternatives to have a tremendous time in Key West, however allow us to provide help to out by sharing some can’t-miss experiences:

Sundown Sail

There are many corporations providing sundown sails, and should you stroll to the Marina, you’ll see indicators for all of them. We determined to go out with Sebago Key West and would completely do it once more!

You’ll head out to the beat of a dwell musician whereas the (included) drinks begin to circulation, and the breeze from the ocean will cool you down earlier than taking in a beautiful sundown from a singular perspective.

Hold a watch out for dolphins and turtles. If you’re affected person, you’ll probably spot a couple of.

@traveloffpath Wonderful option to see one other facet of Key West with Sebago Key West’s Sundown Sail. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #sailing #boat #sail #floridakeys ♬ Sun Goes Down (feat. Jasmine Thompson) [Radio Mix] – Robin Schulz

Dolphin Watch & Snorkeling

Talking of dolphins, should you’ve by no means seen them up shut and private, then you need to undoubtedly exit on a dolphin watch. We went with Honest Eco, and can’t suggest them sufficient.

They defined a lot about Key West’s dolphin inhabitants and you may inform they cared a terrific deal in regards to the dolphins and ensuring the expertise was a terrific one for each people and dolphins.

We had been fortunate sufficient to have some dolphins come proper as much as our boat to say good day, and it was a bucket checklist merchandise of mine. I’m a little bit of a sucker for animals, and this expertise was surreal. I’ve all the time cherished dolphins and been amazed at their intelligence; I’m not ashamed to say I teared up having them so shut — there’s no expertise fairly prefer it.

If you’re on the fence a couple of dolphin watch, go forward and guide it, particularly if heading out with Honest Eco.

@traveloffpath What an unbelievable expertise with Trustworthy Eco in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #boat #diving #dolphin ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves

Hemingway Home

The Hemingway House is a traditional vacationer attraction in Key West, however there’s purpose for it. The home itself is beautiful, and the historical past behind it’s fascinating.

Most individuals understand it as Ernest Hemingway’s former residence, however earlier than Hemingway owned it, it as soon as belonged to Asa Tift, one of many richest individuals to ever dwell in Key West and probably the most well-known wrecker within the space.

Even when the historical past of the house isn’t your factor, it’s enjoyable to see what number of kitties you’ll be able to spot across the property, all of whom are UNESCO world-heritage protected and allowed to roam the property at will.

@traveloffpath See what number of kitties you’ll be able to spot on the Hemingway Home in Key West. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest #hemingwayhouse ♬ I’m Just a Cat – Simon and the Astronauts

Kayaking Tour

Most of the greatest issues to do in Key West are in or on the water, and a kayak tour is one in every of them.

You’ll see all kinds of wildlife from nurse sharks to starfish, and get to be taught in regards to the significance of the mangroves and their significance within the ocean ecosystem.

Kayaking by the mangroves makes you are feeling utterly lower off from the world in probably the most stunning means and is an expertise you need to attempt no less than as soon as. For a one in every of a form expertise, we went with Lazy Dog Charters.

@traveloffpath See a singular facet of Key West throughout a Kayak tour with Lazy Canine Charters. . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #keywest ♬ Adventure of a Lifetime – Coldplay

Meals Strolling Tour

I can’t cease occurring meals excursions! Critically, they’re one of the best ways to study a brand new vacation spot and an effective way to get the lay of the land at first of your journey.

Not solely do you be taught in regards to the space geographically, however additionally, you will depart with an enormous checklist of all the most effective locations to eat and drink. Apart from the meals, you’ll additionally be taught in regards to the tradition and historical past of the realm.

In Key West’s case, you’ll by no means be brief on historical past, tradition, or meals to pattern. Round each nook, there may be one other story ready to be informed and a brand new one able to unfold. There may be a lot fascinating historical past in Key West, and it’s definitely one of the vital distinctive locations within the U.S.

To get probably the most out of this expertise, we went with Key West Food Tours, and the tour didn’t disappoint.

@traveloffpath Meals excursions are an effective way to get to know a vacation spot, particularly Key West! . #onlyinthekeys #soulcenteredgetaway #floridakeys #travel #foodie ♬ Don’t Worry Be Happy – The Hit Crew

Meals, Meals, And Extra Meals

We mentioned above that you simply wouldn’t go hungry within the Higher Keys, and the identical holds true in Key West. There are one million meals choices which are all unbelievable, every with their very own distinctive Key West aptitude. Definitely don’t limit your self to our checklist, however a few of our favorites embody:

  • Half Shell Raw Bar – In the event you love oysters, that is your spot! Proper within the Marina, you’ll be able to take pleasure in your meal realizing you might be consuming a few of the freshest seafood cash should buy.
  • Milagro – Chef Kevin has labored with Michelin Star cooks for many of his profession and took that have to create a restaurant with 5-star delicacies in an off-the-cuff, bistro setting. The meals is deliciously decadent in a extra laid-back setting — in true Key West vogue.
  • Blue Heaven Key West – The most iconic brunch spot in Key West and a particular should. Not solely is the meals scrumptious, however you’ll really feel such as you stepped into one other world the second you cross the brink of the doorway.
Blue Heaven, Key West Sign

No Keys Expertise Is The Similar

It’s an unlucky reality of life that each trip should finally come to an finish, however some locations are price endlessly repeating. The Florida Keys is unquestionably one in every of them.

There’s a purpose so many vacationers come right here time and time once more, and each go to to The Keys will reveal one thing new and thrilling.

We cherished our time in The Keys and, like so many others, will likely be coming again the primary probability we get!

**Journey Off Path was a visitor of The Florida Keys, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by internet hosting a few of our lodging and points of interest. Our opinions, suggestions, and ideas stay our personal.**

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