Florida Keys for First-Timers

Description:

Visitors are drawn to the Florida Keys to experience the island chain’s priceless natural resources to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, and the Keys have celebrated a heritage of conservation - but let;s face it: it's a great place to dip your toes in the water and just have some fun. What other islands can your drive to?

You'll find kayaking and paddle surfing, kiteboarding, diving & snorkeling, unique museums, crazy street performers, and at night, comfy accommodations - everything from high end resorts to the smallest and most intimate of bed and breakfasts.

The islands' fishing, diving, arts and culture, history, nightlife and award-winning seafood and ethnic restaurants draw visitors back again and again, because after their first visit they catch the "Keys disease" that just won't go away. Like a strange rash.

This first-timer itinerary offers the must-sees. Rental car is convenient, if you intend to see the entire island chain - very easy and attainable to do within a single vacation.
Once you get to Key West though, park the car, rent a bicycle and get around the island easier. Even the pedi-cabs are more fun. Parking is at a premium (and small streets get clogged quickly) on the southernmost island, which lends to a very pedestrian community. The airport in Key West is only minutes away from anywhere, so you can lounge until the last precious minutes of your stay!

Author: Julie


Day 1 - Florida Keys, Key West


Being in the Keys means being in nature, exploring the outdoors and finding an appreciation of wildlife again. Florida Keys islands are a destination yes, but they are also a series of working communities where locals strive to maintain a less-frenetic pace of life, strong communities and relaxed atmosphere. There is as much history as there is enjoyment in these natural outdoors-y things to do, so you don't want to skip them!

As of March 2010, the Key West home that author Ernest Hemingway lived in from 1931 through 1939 has been designated a literary landmark. So be sure to make a stop there and witness history.


1

Pigeon Key

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Location:

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Pigeon Key Foundation
P.O Box 500130
Florida Keys, FL 33050

Phone:

+1 305 289 0025


2

Curry Hammock State Park

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Location:

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56200 Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL 33050

Phone:

+1 305 289 2690


3

Theater of the Sea

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Location:

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84721 Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL 33036

Phone:

+1 305 664 2431


4

Robbie's Marina

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Location:

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77-5 Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL 33036

Phone:

+1 305 664 9814


5

National Key Deer Refuge

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Location:

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28950 Watson Boulevard
Big Pine Key Plaza
Florida Keys, FL 33043

Phone:

+1 305 872 2239


6

Bahia Honda State Park

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Location:

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Mile Marker 37.5
Big Pine Key
Key West, FL 33043

Phone:

+1 305 872 2353


7

Nancy Forrester's Secret Garden

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Location:

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1 Free School Lane
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

+1 305 294 0015


8

Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

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Location:

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200 Greene Street
Take U.S. 1 to Whitehead St. and turn left on Greene
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

+1 305 294 2633


9

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

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Location:

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907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

+1 305 294 1136


10

Dry Tortugas National Park

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Location:

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Garden Key
Key West, FL 33041

Phone:

+1 305 242 7700


Day 2 - Key West, Florida Keys


Santiago's is one of those local secrets that is hard to reveal, because we selfishly like to keep it to ourselves. You'll be hooked after the first visit, and undeniably A-plus wine list, and super prices for every budget.All the restaurants listed here are some of the island chain's standouts - ones known for a specific kind of food and level of skill involved to continue putting out the best dishes.


2

Santiago's Bodega

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207 Petronia Street
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

305 296 7691


3

No Name Pub

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Location:

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North Watson Boulevard
1 1/2 mile north of U.S 1
Florida Keys, FL 33043

Phone:

305 872 9115


4

La Trattoria Italian Restaurant

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Location:

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524 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

305 296 1075


5

Pierre's

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81600 Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL 33037

Phone:

305 664 3225


6

Island Grill

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Location:

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85501 Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL 33036

Phone:

305 664 8400


Day 3 - Florida Keys, Key West


Nightlife in the Keys is a bit subdued, perhaps with Key West as the exception. Whether it's live music you are looking for, jazz, salsa or a the house band that has been together for decades, the Keys has it all. Throw in a little community theater for quirks, and you have a flavorful cultural stew.


1

Looe Key Tiki Bar

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27340 Overseas Highway , Ramrod Key
Florida Keys, FL 33042

Phone:

305 872-2215


2

Virgilio's

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Location:

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524 Duval Street
Applerouth Lane
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

305 296 8118


3

Red Barn Theater

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Location:

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319 Duval Street
Rear
Key West, FL 33040

Phone:

305 296 9911


4

Dockside Lounge

Location:

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35 Sombrero Boulevard
Bayside
Florida Keys, FL 33037

Phone:

305 743 0000


5

Snappers Waterfront Saloon & Raw Bar

Location:

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Mile Marker 94.5
Oceanside
Florida Keys, FL 33037

Phone:

305 852 5956


Day 4 - Florida Keys, Key West


Pennekamp Park, America's first undersea park, turns 50 this year! From December 1-11, 2010 there are special celebrations throughout Key Largo planned. Be a part of history!


1

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

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Location:

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Mile Marker 102.5
Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL 33037

Phone:

+1 305 451 6300


2

Indian Key State Historic Site

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Location:

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Mile Marker 78.5
1 mile west of the tip if Islamorada
Florida Keys, FL 33036

Phone:

+1 305 664 2540


5

Old Seven Mile Bridge

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Location:

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Mile Marker 47, U.S 1
U.S. 1
Florida Keys, FL 33050

Phone:

+1 800 352 5397


6

Turtle Hospital

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Location:

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2396 Overseas Highway
Florida Keys, FL

Phone:

305-743-2552


7

Southernmost Point in the Nation

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Location:

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Corner of Whitehead & South Streets
Key West, FL 33040


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