Every day is an adventure in the Florida Keys, where the subtropical climate and scenic natural settings create the perfect backdrop for intriguing eco-activities — such as exploring mangrove wilderness, tropical hardwood hammocks and rainforest areas, or diving a protected underwater park. Upper Keys visitors can enjoy unplugged experiences from bird watching to “voluntourism.”
History lovers can experience Presidents' Day Weekend events in Key West at the Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum, including a theatrical production on Truman starring the 33rd president’s oldest grandson. “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” is scheduled Feb. 18-19, followed by a Feb. 21 picnic on the museum grounds.
Surrounded by turquoise water beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon, the tiny island of Pigeon Key looms large in the history of the Florida Keys. And now, following the restoration and reopening of a 2.2-mile section of the bridge nicknamed “Old Seven,” the five-acre Keys landmark is more accessible than ever.
There are a million reasons to love the Florida Keys, but without the spectacular coral reefs that surround the place, those reasons wouldn’t exist. World-renowned for unmatched beauty, with coastal waters protected within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the island chain offers underwater adventures that can be enjoyed only in the Keys.
This December, don’t let self-imposed “must-do” holiday tasks jingle your bells till you’re jingled out. Instead, take a Florida Keys approach. During this holiday season, adopt the Keys’ traditional laid-back attitude, refusal to take life too seriously and awareness that the very best “gift” is sharing laughter and closeness with friends and family.
The Florida Keys & Key West are known around the globe for their unmatched natural beauty, laid-back atmosphere and year-round warmth. But they also offer environmental, cultural and adventure activities that can’t be enjoyed anywhere EXCEPT in the island chain. Make lasting vacation memories by undertaking 10 extraordinary “only in the Keys” experiences.
The largest shipwreck available for sport diving in the Lower Keys remains a popular stop on the Florida Keys Wreck Trek for divers, and a relatively easy introduction to wreck diving for novices. The 210-foot-long Adolphus Busch, sunk intentionally in 1998, lies between Looe Key and American Shoal, southwest of Big Pine Key.
Great news — Fantasy Fest is a go for 2021! Revelers can enjoy over 50 costume contests, masquerades, parties and performances during the high-energy annual event, though traditional large-crowd highlights aren’t taking place to protect against potential coronavirus spread. This year's popular masking and costuming festival entertains partygoers from Oct. 22 through Oct. 31.
Visitors to the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden might spot scarecrows peering out from among the 15-acre habitat’s plants and trees during a lighthearted exhibit of recycled art creations. The “Scarecrows in the Forest” exhibition features figures crafted from natural and recycled materials by local artists, students and other community members.
Who says the fall season has to be dull and gloomy? Instead, plan an adrenaline-packed vacation in the sunny Florida Keys, and enjoy balmy temps and delightful ocean breezes while indulging in “bucket-list” adventures — like exploring the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, sportfishing or even skydiving above the island chain.