Key West Florida, USA Travel Guide
Locations reachable within a day trip-trip distance include Dry Tortugas National Park, the Lower Keys (Big Pine , Bahia Honda State Park), and Marathon.
Dry Tortugas National Park, 70 miles west, is a popular, yet challenging, journey due to its remote island location. The Lower Keys, just north, cover Big Pine and Bahia Honda State Park. Bahia Honda State Park, about 30 miles north, ranks among Florida's top beaches. Marathon, an hour to 1.5 hours north, brings attractions like the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center.
Careful planning for day trips makes sure of a smooth journey.
An organized tour to Dry Tortugas is typically all-inclusive, covering transport, lunch, snorkel equipment, and a guided historical tour. This takes away planning hassle. However, it indicates a fixed schedule, limited island time, and a need for extremely early booking.
Independent travel to Dry Tortugas is only via private boat or charter, which happens to be not practical for typical tourists. Private rentals grant great flexibility but are very expensive.
The Florida Keys exhibit breathtaking natural scenery, notably around their unique marine and island ecosystems.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary safeguards the entire coral reef ecosystem. Dry Tortugas National Park is known for pristine coral reefs, marine life, and serves as a a bird reserve, its isolation makes sure of ecological integrity.
Bahia Honda State Park, an award-winning park, has beautiful beaches, clear waters for snorkeling, kayaking, plus trekking routes. The National Deer Refuge protects endangered deer and their habitat on Big Pine .
The Overseas Highway drive itself gives scenic wonder. Bridges connecting islands show panoramic ocean views, making the journey a memorable part. Everglades National Park is a longer drive but a vastly different landscape.
The Florida Keys are home to precious ecological sites that guard varied plants and animals.
The very journey through the Keys and nearby areas has incredible vistas.
Beyond West, other Keys deliver distinct cultural and historical sites worth exploring.
Pigeon is a small island located under the Old Seven Mile Bridge, accessible by shuttle from Marathon. It highlights historic railroad buildings from the Overseas Railroad construction, providing a glimpse into that engineering marvel.
Indian Historic State Park, in the Upper Keys, is the site of a 19th-century shipwrecking and salvaging community, once a lively trading post. Accessible by kayak or boat from Islamorada, it grants an unique exploring history of early Keys life.
The Florida Keys are mainly seaside and built for tourism and residential living. You will not find large rural villages or agricultural areas directly on the Keys themselves.
No major pilgrimage sites reside in the Florida Keys. Visitors seeking spiritual experiences might find solace in natural surroundings or local holy places.
Widening your trip beyond West opens up more of the diverse Florida region.
Spend 1-2 nights in Marathon or Islamorada for sportfishing and diving, or explore John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Add 1-2 nights for airboat rides, kayaking through mangroves, and spotting alligators.
Catch the West Express ferry to Naples or Fort Myers for different beaches and a relaxed Gulf Coast vibe.
