If you’re ever thinking of going to Florida, there are several key places to check out. One of those places is very likely the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago of small islands located along the southern coast of the state of Florida. Along the keys are plethora of places to visit and enjoy. There are several city islands within the keys, and one of them is Key West. I want you to know the places to visit in the Florida Keys.
I can feel the summer breeze…
The Florida Keys are often associated with Key West. Key West island is the final destination of the keys, largest city, and biggest tourist attraction of the group line of islands. It’s not the only place to visit; however, because there are numerous other islands you must explore before you get there.
Okay, so we have Key West, right? Now where’s East?
Regardless of what’s bringing you to the keys, you’ll likely have a fantastic time. There are too many attractions to list, and there are many I don’t even know about. Irrespective of this, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a treasure trove of your own destinations. I’m going to list below just ten of the many fine attractions to visit in the Florida Keys.
Bahia Honda State Park Is One of Those Places to Visit in the Florida Keys
If you’re traveling through the keys, and you wan’t a good place to see the sunset, swim at the beach, and see an historic landmark, this is it. Not only that, but you can visit one of the best beach locations around. Not only do you have the Old Bahia Honda Bridge, you have a beach that extends to both sides of the island. This spot is good for those looking for a place of historic value, natural beauty, and a place to beach go while not being too commercial.
I didn’t know Honda came out with another unique car brand. The 2020 Bahia Honda? Cool! They say it’s a cool bridge between one car the other.
Seven Mile Bridge
The Seven Mile Bridge is the longest bridge in Florida, and one of the longest bridges in the United States and world. If you plan on traveling to Key West or beyond, you’ll pass it anyway, but it’s something to pay attention to. There are several distractions along the bridge to walk on feet to as well, so consider that. The seven mile bridge runs parallel to the old seven mile bridge which connect Marathon, Florida to Little Duck Key heading towards Big Pine Key.
Well, as long as it doesn’t collapse, I won’t have to swim the entire triathlon.
As mentioned in the actual name of the bridge, the bridge travels a length of nearly seven miles or 6.765 miles. The bridge is a part of Overseas Highway, which extends the length of the Florida Keys. Make sure to give it a look, and if it’s available, walk the old Seven Mile Bridge.
Southern Most Point Is One of Those Places to Visit in the Florida Keys
The Southern Most Point is located in Key West, and it considered the southern most incorporated point of the contiguous and continental United States. There are more southern points, but this is the commercially available spot most considered the most southern point. If you go, depending on time, prepare to wait in a fairly hefty line to take a picture with the destination. Even if it may take a little time, it’s certainly worth it to snap a pic for your friends to later see. Not to mention the lovely view of the ocean behind it. If you stand here, you can say you stood at the “southern most point” of the contiguous United States!
Well, ain’t that just the spot I was looking for. Reminds me of last night! Hmm… .
Mile Marker Zero and Key West Lighthouse
Another tiny attraction of Key West is the southern most mile marker aptly named Mile Marker Zero. Mile Zero is located along Whitehead Street running parallel to the sprawling Duval Street. As described, it’s the zero mile marker of Florida, along side the coinciding gift shop. It’s another simple spot on this list you can pass along the way.
Wow, I never thought I’d hit an all time low. I’ve got to rejuvenate myself.
Further down south of Whitehead Street is the lighthouse which is another small tourist spot to check out for some unfamiliar history related to the island city. Another simple spot, but worthy of mentioning, considering it’s right there next to the mile marker. Regardless, there are too many places to check out in Key West alone, but why not two in one, huh?
Sombrero Beach
If you happen to be traveling through Marathon, Florida, you may want to give one of the best beaches there a visit. Sombrero beach, while not the best beach for a private getaway, is a good place to start. When traveling around the islands, if you need to take a load off, look no further. Admission is free, and has all the welcoming signs of a good time.
I see the beach, but where are all the hats? I mean, isn’t the sun out?
You’ve got a volley ball court, bath houses, and all of the other typical goings of a beach destination. There’s also a park for the kids, and don’t forget the awesome view of the ocean you can’t get much anywhere else. While it may not be a large beach, not any beaches are in the keys, and that’s what makes them special. Go give in a visit, and tell me it wasn’t a good time!
Duval Street & Mallory Square
All of Duval Street in Key West, Florida is the largest tourist attraction in the Keys, if not all of Florida. The street extends from North to South on the western side of the island. It’s length of about a mile and a half homes many famous locations. There are no shortages of bars, stores, gift shops, restaurants, theaters, and plantation homes along the entirety of the street. You can see places influences by Earnest Hemingway and his home, to Jimmy Buffet inspired bars and restaurants.
So, this is where Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffet used to arm wrestle, huh?
At the north end of Duval Street is Mallory Square. Mallory Square is the tourist sweet spot of entertainment. You’ll see an assortment of all sorts of fun from guitarists to juggling acts. Also, make sure to stick around long enough if you want to see the sunset at one of the best locations in the keys.
Spanish Harbor Channel Bridge
While the keys are home to a many assortment of different bridges, the Spanish Harbor Channel Bridge is one of them. While it’s not necessarily as renowned as some of the other locations on this list, it’s certainly a nice little spot to check out while you’re here. The bridge extends across the Spanish Harbor Channel, connecting Big Pine Key with West Summerland Key.
Well, mentioning channels, where the heck are they? I keep trying to flip through, and I still can’t find the remote islands.
If you keep driving due east, you can visit Horseshoe Beach located on the left at the end of the island. This bridge, like many locations in the keys, is a little treasure you can pull off to the side of Overseas Highway and check out. It would certainly be worth your time!
No Name Key Is Another One of Those Great Places to Visit in the Florida Keys
No Name Key is a little island northeast of Big Pine Key, and is home to many mangrove trails and hidden beaches. If you’re looking for a nice, quiet place to take a stroll along the beach, fish along the bridge, or interact with particular wildlife, this is the spot for you.
They said you told them you had no name? Is this true? If not, then don’t tell me. I’ll name an island after you.
The bridge connecting Big Pine Key and No Name Key is a popular fishing destination. Also, right before you drive over the bridge to No Name Key, check out the No Name Pub on Big Pine. It’s literally a place made of money.
Blue Hole Is One of the Great Places to Visit in the Florida Keys
The Blue Hole is a small spot to visit located in the north of Big Pine Key. The Blue Hole, while a tiny destination, is a good and easy way to see some particular wildlife. It’s a small reserve trail that’s home to the blue hole with several visible alligators in the water. You can see alligators, and if you’re lucky, you may also see some of the well known, courageous key deer.
If I only knew not to step where it told me not to? Darn it!
Unlike most other places, much of the wildlife in the keys is right outside the front door. The Blue Hole is a great place to visit to get your keys vacation going. Just be sure to watch your step, and avoid the holes! There are, but only if you decide to go off trail through the mangrove woods. If you check it out, you won’t have a hole in your trip!
Dry Tortugas National Park
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, and you want to explore beyond the keys, there’s Dry Tortugas National Park. The national park consists of Fort Jefferson and the seven Dry Tortugas islands. The islands are about 70 miles west of Key West, and 110 miles north of Cuba. Not only are the waters surrounding the park beautiful, there’s also a rich history surrounding the park, especially the fort.
If it’s dry, then what’s all the water about? Eh, if it’s dry, it’s probably history.
When you visit, you’ll typically be taken by boat from Key West. When you arrive, you can choose to tour the fort, or swim the surrounding waters. The surrounding waters are not only fun to look at, they’re a great snorkeling spot as well. Irrespective of this, you’ll have plenty to explore throughout the main island and fort alone. You’ll barely have time anyway if you choose to go by commercial boat ride, so get exploring!
At least no one will know I’m peeing.
There are plenty of places to visit and check out in the Florida Keys. There are even way more places to check out than I have listed here. You plan on going there in interest, and I’ve helped give you a head start. Get out there and explore! Let me know how it goes, and have fun. If you ever plan to go to the Florida Keys, make sure to give all of these places a try!
Come get some, fish!
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Bahia Honda State Park is a lovely place for beaches and bridges.The Seven Mile Bridge is a great destination to use for travel, sightseeing, and the old bridge.The Southern Most Point is close to the actual southern most point, but it’s not there, buoy.Key West is home to a literal ton of tourist destinations worth checking out, including these.Sombrero Beach is the hot spot for volley ball and beach resting along a nice coastline.Hey, if you didn’t already know, Key West is home to all sorts of neat spots along Duval Street stretching to Mallory Square.If you haven’t noticed, bridges are great spots to check out, including Spanish Harbor Channel Bridge.No Name Key is key for a good trip to the keys, so grab your keys to the keys and lock up!You can shove it up your Blue Hole! A great destination for local wildlife.Dry Tortugas National Park! Damn, look at that history all wrapped up in that high quality H2O!- Visited!
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