Florida Keys Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Higgs Beach which includes tropical scenes and a beach as well as a large group of people
Dry Tortugas National Park showing general coastal views and heritage architecture
Smathers Beach which includes windsurfing, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Florida Keys
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park showing marine life

Enjoy the coral reefs, white-sand beaches and local history in the archipelago of islands that Ernest Hemingway once called home.

Laze beneath palm trees, swim with the dolphins and take a dive into colourful coral beds in the archipelago of islands known as the Florida Keys. The islands are a popular holiday destination because of the relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches and nightlife. Come during any season to enjoy year-round good weather.

The area is a 2-hour drive from Miami across the Overseas Highway. You can also fly in to airports at the centrally located town of Marathon or Summerland Key Cove.

The northern tip of the archipelago is Key Largo, known for its incredible natural scenery and wildlife. Suit up for a dive or snorkel through the underwater coral gardens at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and National Marine Sanctuary. Go crocodile and bird watching on a hike through the Botanical State Park.

Continue to look out for wildlife in the region of Islamorada, where you can swim with dolphins at the Theater of the Sea. Visit a mid-19th century ghost town at Indian Key Historic State Park.

Head south to Marathon, where you’ll discover the Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. In March you can eat huge amounts of lobster at the Marathon Seafood Festival. In April join the annual fun run across the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects Marathon to the islands further south.

Cross the bridge to Big Pine Key to explore the wetlands in the National Key Deer Refuge. Head to the old limestone quarry known as The Blue Hole, now a freshwater lake. The area is a haven for wildlife. In town, go to the strip mall on Key Deer Boulevard for shops, restaurants and bars. Try a slice of key lime pie, a Florida specialty.

At the southernmost tip of the archipelago is Key West. Here you can see the six-toed cats descended from Hemingway’s pet and where the renowned author wrote some of his works in the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Take a literary tour of the town and top it off with a drink at Hemingway’s favourite bar.

Where to stay in Florida Keys

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Old Town Key West

While visiting Old Town Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Saint Mary Star of the Sea.

Old Town Key West
Smathers Beach which includes windsurfing, tropical scenes and a sandy beach

Beachside

While there might not be top attractions in Beachside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Duval Street and Smathers Beach.

Beachside
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Key West Historic District

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Travellers to Key West Historic District praise its fantastic nightlife. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Duval Street and Saint Mary Star of the Sea.

Key West Historic District
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Downtown Key West

While visiting Downtown Key West, you might make a stop by sights like Duval Street and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Downtown Key West
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New Town

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in New Town, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smathers Beach and Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden.

New Town
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Historic Seaport

If you're spending some time in Historic Seaport, Duval Street and Key West Historic Seaport are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Seaport
Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

5 out of 5
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Marker 82, Islamorada, FL
The price is AU$344 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$344
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Islamorada. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,222 reviews)
"I went there this weekend to celebrate my birthday. Great place, well kept, nice service, rooms are pretty and clean. The pools are nice. Loved the resort. Hope to come back soon. They had a room for me right away. Check in was very pleasant. The paddle boarding, and canoes are free with the stay. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Cheeca Lodge & Spa
Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
97000 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
The price is AU$553 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$553
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Key Largo. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Clean room, nice staff and facilities"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton
Waterside Suites & Marina

Waterside Suites & Marina

3.5 out of 5
201 Ocean Drive, Key Largo, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$246 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$246
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Key Largo. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,099 reviews)
"This was right next to the departure point for Rainbow Reef's scuba diving boats, making it super easy to do a dive week without driving all over. The kitchen in the room was a nice addition as well."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Waterside Suites & Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Yacht Haven Marina

Yacht Haven Marina

3.5 out of 5
5 Sombrero Blvd, Marathon, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star houseboat in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (217 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Great experience"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Yacht Haven Marina
Old Wooden Bridge Resort and Marina

Old Wooden Bridge Resort and Marina

2.5 out of 5
1791 Bogie Drive, Big Pine Key, FL
Stay at this cottage in Big Pine Key. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Blue ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (259 reviews)
"I love this place!!!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Old Wooden Bridge Resort and Marina
Treasure Harbor

Treasure Harbor

3 out of 5
200 Treasure Harbor Dr, Islamorada, FL
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Islamorada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (108 reviews)
"Brand new houseboats, very clean & comfortable, new pool area which was great to relax & have a dip. Lots of wildlife in vicinity"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Treasure Harbor
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Florida Keys