Exploring the Florida Keys

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Key West Aerial
KEY WEST, Florida Keys — The southernmost city in the continental United States, Key West lies at the tip of the 125-mile Florida Keys island chain and is located just 90 miles from Cuba. With an average temperature of 77 degrees, the island is a popular visitor destination. Attractions include a rich cultural community, historic architecture and a relaxed, laidback charm. (Rob O'Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau)

There are few vacations that have the beauty and charm of traveling through the Florida Keys. Whether it’s driving the Seven Mile Bridge or fishing in Key West, the Florida Keys has something to offer for everyone.

Islamorada Swordfish
Angler Vic Gaspeny winds on a swordfish aboard the Catch 22 while fishing off Islamorada in the Florida Keys on the Catch 22 during daylight hours. Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau **NO SALES**

Beginning just south of Miami, the Florida Keys are divided into five regions: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Each region has its own special flavor, attractions and museums, historical and cultural offerings, flora, fauna, restaurants with local seafood and other specialties, fishing, diving, watersports and boutique-type shopping experiences.

Katherine Wieland
Snorkeler Katherine Wieland examines the Christ of the Abyss statue in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary off Key Largo, Fla. This nine-foot-tall, 4,000 pound replica of a similar statue, located in the waters off the coast of Italy, is submerged in 25 feet of water at Key Largo Dry Rocks. Photo by Stephen Frink/Florida Keys News Bureau

The islands are connected by the Florida Keys Overseas Highway’s 42 bridges over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the country’s biggest fishing tournaments takes place in the Florida Keys, attracting top anglers from around the world.

In addition to great boating, the Florida Keys offers superb diving and snorkeling and other watersports activities. The Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West offers unforgettable scenery and one of the top beach spots in Florida.

If snorkeling is too slow, check out powerboat racing’s Key West World Championships in early November. The collection of boats—from center consoles to race boats—is unreal and it’s a heck of a party.

Learn more about the Florida Keys at www.fla-keys.com.Â