Overview
The Florida Keys is an arc of roughly 1,700 islands stretching about 120 miles southwest from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Connected by US Highway 1 — famously called the Overseas Highway — and its 42 bridges, the Keys are divided into distinct areas: Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, the Lower Keys, and Key West at the southern terminus.
The archipelago sits at the edge of the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, making it one of North America's premier dive and snorkel destinations. Above water, the pace slows considerably. The culture here is famously laid-back, shaped by generations of fishing communities, writers, artists, and sailors who found the end of the road and decided to stay.
Key West, the southernmost city in the contiguous United States, carries its own distinct identity — a walkable, historic city of Victorian conch houses, a vibrant arts scene, and a longstanding tradition of LGBTQ+ welcome. The Upper Keys, beginning at Key Largo, tend to attract divers and anglers, while the Middle Keys around Marathon offer a quieter family-friendly atmosphere.
Note on the guide title: the Florida Keys are part of Monroe County, Florida, USA — not the Bahamas. The Bahamas is a separate sovereign nation. This guide covers the Florida Keys only. If you are researching the Bahamas, please see our separate Bahamas destination guide.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements
The Florida Keys are part of the United States. Entry requirements are those of the US federal government. Travelers should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Citizenship and Immigration Services website (uscis.gov) or the US Embassy in their home country for current visa and entry rules. Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
When to Go
The dry season from December through April brings the most comfortable conditions — lower humidity, temperatures generally in the low-to-mid 70s°F (low 20s°C), and reduced mosquito activity. Summer (June–September) is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and sits within Atlantic hurricane season (officially June 1–November 30). Prices and crowds tend to peak in winter and around spring break.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing year-round
- Reef-safe sunscreen (Florida law and local reef conservation strongly discourage oxybenzone-based products near the reef)
- Insect repellent, especially if visiting in summer or fall
- A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and occasional cool evenings in winter
- Aqua shoes or sandals suitable for boat docks and rocky shorelines
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for US domestic travelers. Heat and sun exposure are the most common health concerns. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Keys. Travelers with specific medical needs should note that hospital facilities are limited outside of Key West and Marathon — verify the location of the nearest facility for your planned area of stay.
Getting There
By Air
Key West International Airport (EYW) receives direct flights from several US cities, though the schedule and carriers vary seasonally — verify current routes before booking. Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are the most common gateways, each roughly 50–60 miles from Key Largo at the start of the Keys. From either Miami-area airport, a rental car or shuttle service is the standard connection.
By Car
Driving is by far the most practical way to reach the Keys. US-1 (the Overseas Highway) is the only road in and out. Mile Marker (MM) signs run from MM 126 near Florida City down to MM 0 in Key West and serve as the primary address system throughout the archipelago. Traffic on US-1 can be very heavy, particularly on Friday afternoons heading south and Sunday afternoons heading north — plan accordingly.
By Bus
Florida Keys Shuttle and other operators run shared-ride bus services between Miami and Key West with stops along the way. Schedules and pricing change; verify current options directly with providers or at the Monroe County transit information resources.
By Boat
Seafaring visitors can arrive by private vessel. The Keys have numerous marinas with transient slips. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak season. Check NOAA charts and local marina availability before planning a passage.
Getting Around
A rental car is the most practical way to move along the 120-mile chain. Without one, you are largely dependent on organized tours or rideshares, which become increasingly limited outside Key West.
Key West is the exception — it is compact and walkable, and many visitors find a car unnecessary once they arrive in the city. The city operates a free trolley-style circulator bus (the Duval Loop, verify current operation locally), and bicycle and scooter rentals are widely available and well-suited to the flat terrain.
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the Keys but coverage and wait times become unreliable in the Middle and Lower Keys. Taxis exist in Key West. For inter-island travel beyond Key West, do not rely solely on rideshare.
Water taxis and charter boats connect some areas and are useful for accessing specific dive sites, sandbar destinations, or the backcountry. Many dive and snorkel operators run day trips from fixed marina locations throughout the Keys.
Things to See & Do
Diving and Snorkeling
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is often cited as the first undersea park in the United States and remains one of the most accessible reef snorkel and dive destinations in the country. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary encompasses most of the reef system. Dive operators throughout the Keys offer reef, wreck, and night dives for all certification levels.
Fishing
Sport fishing is central to Keys culture. Backcountry flats fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon — sometimes called the "grand slam" of fly fishing — is world-renowned around Islamorada and the backcountry shallows. Offshore fishing for mahi-mahi, sailfish, and tuna is also popular. Dozens of licensed charter captains operate throughout the Keys; verify licensing and current regulations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before booking.
Key West Historic District
Key West's Old Town contains a concentration of 19th-century conch-style wooden houses and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum on Whitehead Street is one of the most visited sites on the island. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park offers both Civil War-era fortifications and one of the better swimming beaches in Key West.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
Every evening around sunset, Mallory Square in Key West hosts an informal gathering of street performers, artists, and vendors. It is a longstanding local tradition rather than a ticketed event — simply show up before sunset.
Wildlife and Nature
- Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key): A non-profit facility focused on dolphin research and education; verify current program offerings and reservations directly.
- National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key): Home to the diminutive Key deer, a subspecies of white-tailed deer found nowhere else. The refuge is free to visit; drive slowly on refuge roads as deer-vehicle collisions are a documented concern.
- Dry Tortugas National Park: Accessible only by ferry or seaplane from Key West, this remote park 70 miles west of Key West features Fort Jefferson, exceptional snorkeling, and important seabird nesting areas. Book the Yankee Freedom ferry well in advance during peak season.
Food & Drink
The Florida Keys have a distinct culinary identity rooted in the sea. Fresh local seafood is the cornerstone — yellowtail snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, stone crab claws (in season, roughly October through May), and spiny lobster (Florida's mini-lobster season and regular season have specific dates set by FWC — verify current dates) appear on menus throughout the chain.
Key lime pie is the signature dessert of the region and a point of local pride. Authentic Key lime pie uses the small, tart Key lime and results in a pale yellow — not green — filling. Many local bakeries and restaurants make versions worth seeking out, and the debate over the best one is a genuine local pastime.
Conch fritters and conch chowder are traditional Keys dishes, though note that queen conch is now a protected species in Florida and US waters — any conch served locally is imported, typically from the Caribbean. The fritters remain a regional staple.
The drink culture in Key West particularly centers on open-air bars along Duval Street and the historic waterfront. Rum-based cocktails and frozen drinks are ubiquitous. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21; ID is routinely checked. Open-container laws vary by specific location — Duval Street in Key West has historically permitted open containers in designated areas, but verify current rules locally.
Restaurant density thins considerably outside of Key West and Islamorada. In the Middle and Lower Keys, planning meals in advance is practical, particularly in the evening.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies throughout the United States including the Florida Keys. The nearest trauma center is in Miami; Marathon and Key West have hospital facilities. Verify the location of the nearest emergency room for your specific area of stay.
Money
ATMs are available in Key West, Marathon, and Islamorada. In very small communities and on the water, cash can be useful. Most establishments accept major credit cards.
Connectivity
Cell coverage is generally reliable along US-1 and in population centers but can drop in the backcountry, on the water, and in more remote stretches between islands. Download offline maps before heading out on the water or into the backcountry.
Environmental Responsibility
- Use only reef-safe sunscreen when swimming near coral.
- Do not touch, stand on, or anchor on coral reefs — it is both ecologically damaging and illegal within the National Marine Sanctuary.
- Observe speed zones in marked manatee areas; manatee-vessel strikes are a documented conservation concern.
- Pack out trash from natural areas; facilities can be limited in state and national park areas.
Accessibility
Key West's historic district involves uneven brick and wooden sidewalks that can present challenges for mobility-limited travelers. Many nature sites and boat operators can accommodate accessibility needs — contact individual operators in advance to discuss specific requirements.
Safety
The Florida Keys are generally considered safe for travelers. The most significant risks are environmental rather than criminal.
Weather and water: Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly in summer and can produce lightning over open water with little warning. Get off the water when storms approach. Rip currents exist on Atlantic-side ocean beaches; follow posted flag warnings. The Keys sit in the Atlantic hurricane belt — if visiting June through November, monitor National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) advisories and know your accommodation's evacuation plan. US-1 is the only evacuation route and traffic during mandatory evacuations can be extremely slow.
Marine hazards: Jellyfish, fire coral, and sea urchins are present in Keys waters. Avoid touching any marine life. Lionfish, an invasive species, carry venomous spines — do not handle them. Sharks are present in the ecosystem and are part of a healthy reef; unprovoked attacks are rare but standard precautions apply (avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night; do not enter the water with open wounds).
Sun and heat: Sunburn and heat exhaustion are among the most common visitor complaints. Use adequate sun protection, stay hydrated, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during peak midday heat in summer.
Driving: US-1 has limited passing opportunities and impatient drivers can create hazardous conditions. Drive to conditions, observe posted speed limits — especially in school zones and wildlife areas — and do not drive distracted on the long bridge stretches.
