Recognized as a premier vacation destination nationwide, the Florida Keys are known for their rich flora and fauna life, tropical cyclones and subtropical climate, as well as being the only frost free place in the state of Florida. Here the life is easygoing and relaxed, with the major industries being fishing, tourism and ecotourism. A great number of visitors give preference to scuba dive in the protected waters of the area, while even more tourists now have a chance to enjoy ferry rides from Key West to Fort Myers along the western edge of Florida Bay.
Home to some of the most breathtaking parks in the state, the Florida Keys has long been known as a prominent vacation destination, offering its visitors plenty of places for seclusion and romantic getaways. Many parks allow boat dockage, pets and camping, while some of them rent kayaks, boats, snorkel gear and other recreational equipment. Among the greatest options during your stay at the islands are Everglades National Park, featuring three campgrounds with tent sites, restrooms and plentiful facilities; and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, allowing equipment rentals for such activities as kayaking, canoeing, glass bottom boat tours, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, swimming and rafting.
When visiting the Lower Keys, don't miss the opportunity to stop on Big Pine Key, housing the National Key Deer refuge with the species that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. These Key deer are subspecies of the Virginia white tailed deer and are believed to be the smallest representatives of the species.
Situated at the Southard Street in Key West is Fort Zachary Taylor, seen as a wonderful example of the Florida's rich history. The fort's construction began in 1845 shortly after Florida became a state, and was complete in 1866, offering a number of impressive features. In 1971 Fort Taylor was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and two years later it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Another prominent sight of the Florida Keys, worth a visit is Fort Jefferson, nestled on Garden Key in the Dry Tortugas, some 70 miles from Key West. As the Dry Tortugas are part of the National Park System, they can be accessed by sea plane or boat only.
The fun and entertainment never stop in the Florida Keys, with a plenty to see and do. And despite the fact that the Keys are famous first and foremost as a place ideal for diving and fishing, there are many more activities visitors can enjoy, from jet skiing and sunset sailing to swimming with dolphins and exploring the islands. Another popular pastime of visitors to the Florida Keys is shopping, with a variety of stores featuring everything from souvenirs, gifts and foods to home decorations and beautiful artwork. Museums and art galleries can be found in abundance here, and you also have the option of relaxing in a hammock and enjoying your favorite island tunes.
Accommodation options are diverse as well, offering a wide range of hotel motel variations to make your stay at the Florida Keys as pleasant and memorable as possible. Some of the greatest lodging options include Pelican Cove Resort, Pines and Palms Resort, Popp's Motel, Rainbow Bend Resort, Sunset Inn, Bayside Resort and more.