Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
THERE’S NOWHERE LIKE THE FLORIDA KEYS
These southern Florida gems are perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors and a laid-back lifestyle.
The Florida Keys are one of a kind. Throughout these island gems, you’ll find plenty of activities and attractions as well as accommodation options ranging from tropical resorts to intimate inns.
KEY LARGO
Considered the “Dive Capital of the World,” the northernmost island of Key Largo is where you can stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge— providing you can dive. The key is a natural, scenic wonderland, with winding creeks popular with paddlers as well as two state parks—dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park—and the adjacent Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary—the last two of which are great dive sites.
ISLAMORADA
On Islamorada, the fishing is world-class, both offshore and backcountry. Kids can feed tarpon at Robbie’s Marina or enjoy a dolphin, sea lion or parrot show at Theater of the Sea. Islamorada Founders Park also offers splashy family fun. Islamorada is known for its freshcaught seafood and colourful tiki bars. Later, walk off your dinner at the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.
MARATHON
The family destination of Marathon is renowned for fishing and its laid-back lifestyle. The island is a popular family destination as well, and features key attractions such as the Dolphin Research Center and the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Waterside restaurants serve seafood fresh off the boat. Divers explore offshore shipwrecks like the 57-metre Thunderbolt, while families enjoy kayak ecotours, the abundant local wildlife and snorkelling among brilliantly coloured coral reefs. Don’t overlook the unique helicopter and sightseeing boat tours.
THE LOWER KEYS
Nature flourishes here in two national wildlife refuges, a national marine sanctuary and vibrant coral reefs. Hiking is popular, especially in the pinelands of the National Key Deer Refuge, where you might see the diminutive, white-tailed Key Deer, the smallest in North America. Bahia Honda State Park boasts one of America’s best beaches and local bed and breakfasts are homey and comfortable.
KEY WEST
Colourful, cool and historic Key West “seceded” from the Union issuing “passports” in 1982. Actually, it’s closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. Tour the homes of Ernest Hemingway and President Harry Truman, among others. Cultural life is vibrant, restaurants are eclectic and tours range from trolleys and glass-bottom boats to seaplanes flying off to the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson. And the nightly “Sunset Celebration” at Mallory Square is not to be missed! DS