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

If you're spending some time in Beachside, Smathers Beach and Florida Keys Beaches are top sights worth seeing.

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 Audubon House and Tropical Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Historic Seaport
Chesapeake Beach Resort

Chesapeake Beach Resort

3.5 out of 5
83409 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL
The price is AU$286 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$286
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Islamorada. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,498 reviews)
"All good unless the beach"

Reviewed on 23 Aug. 2025

Chesapeake Beach Resort
Reefhouse Resort & Marina

Reefhouse Resort & Marina

3.5 out of 5
103800 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
The price is AU$440 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$440
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Key Largo. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,301 reviews)
"Loved it"

Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025

Reefhouse Resort & Marina
Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

5 out of 5
81801 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 82, Marker 82, Islamorada, FL
The price is AU$351 per night from 4 Sept to 5 Sept
AU$351
4 Sept - 5 Sept
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 ...
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
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.
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 ...
Treasure Harbor
Breezy Palms Resort

Breezy Palms Resort

2.5 out of 5
80015 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Islamorada. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (514 reviews)
"The check in process could have been much smoother and mor commutative than it was, especially for our first time staying. The room was great but a recommendation for blackout curtains where the beds are located due to the lights outside the room. But would stay here again."

Reviewed on 23 Aug. 2025

Breezy Palms Resort
Cabins at Bonefish Bay

Cabins at Bonefish Bay

3 out of 5
12565 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Marathon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Sombrero Beach and San Pablo Catholic Church ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"Lovely cabin, very clean with everything we could have needed. The free use of kayaks and bikes was a plus with our children. Lovely area next to the water"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Cabins at Bonefish Bay
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.

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Cities near Florida Keys