Three-Day Keys Sampler

Description:

The beautiful aquamarine waters attract tourists from thousands of miles away. Known as one of the best sport fishing sites in the nation, the linear key was once home to the Calusa Indians who thrived off the abundant sea life. Long Key contains the remains of ancient coral reefs that were formed 100,000 years ago when the sea level was 20 to 30 feet higher.

This is not an expansive beachfront where thousands flock to spread blankets and sunscreen. The park's vegetation grows within several yards of the beautiful aquamarine waters. Much of the soft sand is littered with natural debris making it hard to find an area large enough to spread a blanket.

Swimmers tend to meander down to the water from areas convenient to them including the campgrounds and picnic areas.

Description:

Long Key was once referred to by the Spanish as "Cayo Vivora," which means Rattlesnake Key. The name was used to describe the shape of the island, which resembles a snake with its jaws open. Today, Long Key State Park is known for being rich in history and recreational opportunities as well as natural beauty. The 965 acres that make up Long Key were acquired between 1961 and 1973, with the park's official opening in 1969.

Long Key contains the remains of ancient coral reefs that were formed 100,000 years ago when the sea level was 20 to 30 feet higher. The vegetation is primarily of West Indian or Caribbean origin. A large variety of trees and shrubs are found, including species such as the gumbo-limbo, poisonwood, mahogany, Jamaica dogwood and crabwood. The shallow waters off Long Key support an abundance of marine life. Various wading bird species may be observed in the mangrove-lined lagoons, particularly during the winter months.

Educational offerings at the park include fun and informative programs on snorkeling, fishing, birding, canoeing, sea turtles, plants, history and the marine ecology of the area.

There are three nature trails located within the park for visitors who enjoy both walking and canoeing. Picnicking, swimming and some of the best sport fishing in the Florida Keys is enjoyed at Long Key State Park.

Long Key State Park is located in the Florida Keys at mile marker 67.5 on U.S. Highway 1.

Description:

This is a wonderful destination for anglers. Many opportunities wait. Fishermen are frequently spotted wading beyond their campsites trying to snag a bonefish, permit, or tarpon. Sea kayaking and canoeing create endless opportunities for exploring the waters of the Atlantic and Florida Bay. A boat launch is offered just inside the park. Fishermen even find the U.S. 1 Bridge between Long Key and Conch Key successful. Usual catches include hogfish, grouper and snapper. Of course, there are numerous charter boat options along with tackle shops. Campgrounds, trails, and a swimming beach are additional amenities.

Description:

Theater of the Sea, located at 84721 Overseas Highway (MM 84.5) in Islamorada, offers a sit-down parrot show that is surprisingly entertaining and hilarious to watch parrots playing with shapes, ringing bells, playing poker and taking part in guessing games.

This is an educational and entertaining marine-animal park and shows are up-close and personal, and is the second oldest park of its kind in the world; the animals live there in natural saltwater lagoons, such as Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays, crocodiles, alligators, marine invertebrates and birds of prey.

While some of the animals were collected and others were born at Theater of the Sea, many cannot be released because of prolonged contact with humans and/or injuries sustained in the wild. This is hugely important during hurricane season when the animals need to be moved or secured. The care and maintenance of the animals is supported by patrons' donations.

Featuring the debonair dolphins that double as ring bearers, Islamorada's Theater of the Sea also offers marine mammal fans a variety of customized wedding packages that include dolphin and sea lion shows and even pictures with the park's tropical parrots. Couples in love can reserve the park for an evening, and Theater of Sea's trained staff will help choreograph dolphin behavior shows to their choice of wedding music. In fact, the bride can arrive at the ceremony in a floating chariot accompanied by dolphins. Customized packages are available for up to 200 people.

Theater of the Sea is open 365 days a year, with tickets available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the place that pleases everyone in the family!

Description:

Seafood steamed, raw or cooked any way you want it is the watchword of this charming restaurant. You will find crabs, shrimp, lobster, clams and oysters here at quite reasonable prices. Also available are landlubber items such as chicken and steaks. There is usually something going until the wee hours. Bands play at night and satellite television sports events are the highlight of the big bar. Prices are quite reasonable.

Description:

The Layton Trail is located on the bayside of the park and takes 15 minutes to walk. Even though this is the shorter of the two park trails, bird watching is much more rewarding. Brown pelicans are the most frequently spotted bird, usually soaring in formation overhead. This trail offers sights of the expansive Florida Bay and the dark tropical hammock. If you love plants, be sure to take along your field guide. A variety of unusual species can be identified.

Other park amenities include an self-guided canoe trail, observation area, slender swimming beach, terrific fishing, camping and more.

Description:

At MM 56 Oceanside in Marathon is the unspoiled, uncrowded Curry Hammock State Park, with beach and picnic facilities. It is an uncrowded oceanfront preserve, with outstanding beach and recreational facilities, kayak launch site, and just an idyllic spot. Curry Hammock is fast becoming a site for launching kiteboards, a sport that is gaining momentum in the Keys, especially in Marathon and Islamorada. A small RV park has been built at Curry Hammock, with approx. two dozen sites, but the RV area's private beach is unrivaled. Quiet, quiet, quiet. And close to any and all day trips throughout the islands. Curry Hammock is still an unspoiled gem in the Middle Keys.

Description:

Located on its own 60-acre island, this casual resort includes a lagoon with dolphins, marina, and large Caribbean-styled rooms. All rooms include a refrigerator, private balcony, and walk-in closets. Suites are comfortably luxurious, and include sleep-sofas, separate seating areas, and wraparound terraces.

Facilities include diving, snorkeling, catamaran sunset sailing, a saltwater lagoon and pool, a surrounding fire pit, fitness facilities and a whirlpool spa.

Children's programs are also available at this resort, making it extremely popular with families.

Description:

Dog-paddle in the shallows, or float lazily on a raft perfecting your enviable tan. Marathon's own Sombrero Beach - complete with playground - is a 12.6-acre beautifully landscaped beach with walkways, picnic area, and roped swimming area. And, it's free! It closes at dusk, but during weekends it's all about a pick-up game of volleyball, BBQ's, or a quiet day with a book during the week. Beaches in the Keys are a rarity because it is a chain of coral islands - with the exception of Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys, NOTHING rivals this location for sand between the toes.

Description:

A popular spot for gatherings of local folks, the lounge offers live entertainment and has an outdoor dance floor that's often pulsating on weekends when this spot is very lively indeed. A popular spot for sunset-watching, one of the Keys' most popular daily activities.

Description:

Fresh seafood that practically jumps from the seas onto your plate is a primary focus in the Keys, but this pleasant restaurant also features aged Angus beef, meat loaf, and rack of lamb for those who aren't much interested in seafood. Unusual names appear on the menu: Thai Money Bags, Ribbiting Frog Legs. Those are joined by excellent desserts and wines, creating a most satisfying way to meet the Keys.

Description:

This pleasant local theater is a showcase for a variety of productions throughout the year. Most feature local residents with an interest in acting and music. Not surprisingly, Neil Simon plays are a favorite here. Among the presentations in this small theater in Marathon are comedies, musicals, readings and dramatic presentations across a wide range of productions. Movies also are shown here and you can get information on those by calling.

Our Local Expert Says:

THE photo opp at sunrise and sunset

Description:

Although this isn't a traditional attraction, it's the only way you're going to get to Key West, and it's also one of the wonders of Florida. While it falls a bit short of seven miles, this amazing span bridges the Middle and Lower Keys and has nearly 40 expansion joints. As you cross, with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, you can see the Old Seven Mile Bridge, now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Description:

Pigeon Key is a timeless, tiny island that played a tremendous role in the Florida Keys of today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this five-acre property served as a home base for railroad workers erecting and later operating the final installment of Henry M. Flagler's Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway: the Old Seven-Mile Bridge.

Pigeon Key is reached either by foot or ferry service. Vehicles are now prohibited from driving over the old Seven Mile Bridge, so walkers revel in the 2.1-mile scenic walk to the island.   TRAVEL TIP:   You can get the best sunset and sunrise shots at this bridge!

The Pigeon Key Visitor Center and Gift Shop is located on Knight's Key, mile marker 47 oceanside. Admission to the island is only a donation of $11 per adult and proceeds benefit the Pigeon Key Foundation and its preservation and restoration efforts. It is absolutely worth the boat ride over, and is ideal for outstanding photos of the Keys.

TRAVE TIP:  A celebration to honor the historic railroad, lauded as the most unique railway in the world upon its completion, has begun in the Keys and is to culminate in January 2012, marking the 100th anniversary of Henry Flagler arriving into Key West for the first time on his namesake railroad, and in a railcar called the Rambler. Planned elements include history tours showcasing Flagler sites, bicycling expeditions, educational presentations and explorations of Pigeon Key.

Description:

Located on its own 60-acre island, this casual resort includes a lagoon with dolphins, marina, and large Caribbean-styled rooms. All rooms include a refrigerator, private balcony, and walk-in closets. Suites are comfortably luxurious, and include sleep-sofas, separate seating areas, and wraparound terraces.

Facilities include diving, snorkeling, catamaran sunset sailing, a saltwater lagoon and pool, a surrounding fire pit, fitness facilities and a whirlpool spa.

Children's programs are also available at this resort, making it extremely popular with families.

Description:

This spot occupies unprepossessing quarters in a weathered structure on the Overseas Highway, and diners flock here for seafood straight off the boat. You can take it home or dine at one of the few equally unprepossessing picnic tables inside or outside. Some interesting preparations of seafood is what draws 'em in, including shrimp or fish topped with spicy sauce, cilantro and black olives. A children's menu offers chicken, hot dogs and fish. The restaurant will cook your catch for you. Landlubber offerings of chicken and steak are also available.

Description:

Looking for peace and quiet like never before? Located on a private five-acre island in the Florida Keys, this hide-away is accessible by boat only. This elegantly rustic resort offers secluded, thatched-roof accommodations surrounded by tropical foliage. Handsomely decorated rooms feature walled showers that open to the sky and in-room Jacuzzis. Amenities include a highly rated restaurant, an outdoor pool with a waterfall and pool bar, water sports, jogging trails, the Spa Terre and a boutique. Rates are seasonal and are higher on weekends.