As well as human visitors who come to the Florida Keys for rest and renewal, marine creatures in need also come calling. Some have health problems, while others are injured, orphaned or lost. Throughout the island chain, ailing sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and whales encounter dedicated professionals and volunteers ready to provide care.
Key West offers a delicious variety of restaurants, a supremely pet-friendly atmosphere, plenty of opportunities for on-the-water adventures, and a beach nicknamed to honor Elizabeth Taylor. Plus the island is famed for its subtropical year-round weather, enthusiastic diversity, and laid-back vibe that's light-years away from the hectic pace of the "real world."
Legions of television viewers are obsessed with the adventurous reality show “The Amazing Race.” But most of them don’t realize that, in 1913, Key West was the site of one of the most amazing races in history — a competition between two aviators to make the first flight from Key West to Havana, Cuba.
Attention, crustacean fans: Aug. 6 marks the start of the Florida Keys lobster season. Given their location surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the Keys are a paradise for lovers of fish and seafood. And topping the list of seafood standouts is the native lobster — often called spiny lobster.
Key West’s inviting eateries offer relaxing, socially-distanced outdoor dining and an amazing array of scrumptious dishes. Discover some local cuisine favorites — ranging from an enticing entrée and decadent dessert at Island House Resort to a bountiful brunch at the Mediterranean oasis called Azur — on a gourmet journey through the appealing island city.
Islamorada artist Jessica Ann Cecil has a unique flair for painting marine life — and she’s passionate about using her art to connect patrons, clients and students with Florida Keys marine ecosystem conservation efforts. She often earmarks a percentage of art sales for Keys nonprofits including the Coral Restoration Foundation, Dolphins Plus and Save-A-Turtle.
The road unrolls like a long gray ribbon, with vast vistas of turquoise water and paler blue sky stretching endlessly on either side. Driving down the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, it’s clear why this roadway is sometimes called the Highway That Goes to Sea — and a “bucket list” drive that everyone should experience.
The buccaneering spirit of adventure and individuality is one of the most intriguing — and enduring — attributes that help define the Florida Keys island chain. The Keys’ renegade seafaring heritage is alive in museums and attractions, colorful shipwreck and treasure tales, dive and snorkel trips to wrecksites, and sailing cruises aboard historic tall ships.
Bob Dylan loves Key West. In fact, the legendary singer-songwriter immortalizes it as “the enchanted land” and “land of light” in “Key West (Philosopher Pirate),” a ballad on his new album “Rough and Rowdy Ways.” And a bar stool with his name on it can still be found at Capt. Tony’s Saloon.
Key West is often described as “close to perfect, but far from normal,” and it certainly lives up to that designation. Renowned for its enthusiastic diversity, the island boasts a freewheeling spirit and an all-welcome attitude. And while people elsewhere celebrate Pride in June, in Key West they live it all year long.