Close to home: Key West, Florida

April 3, 2:35 PMOrlando Early Childhood Parenting ExaminerSuZ Besecker

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Sandy beaches await you.

If you have never visited the Keys in Florida, I suggest you drop everything you are doing, right this second, and go.
 

Now.
 

Seriously.
 

The Keys in Florida are the most beautiful place in the whole state. Clear, crisp blue waters, white soft sand and a desirable temperature all year round make the Florida Keys the ideal vacation spot.
 

Located about eight hours south of Central Florida, the Florida Keys is a span of 110 miles through five main islands.  With scenic ocean views that leave you breathless, the journey down highway US 1 is a memorable one. Dotted with unique tourist stops, distinctive attractions and tasty restaurants the three hours drive from Key Largo to Key West can easily turn into an eight hour trip.
 

Your first stop is the island of Key Largo. Sandwiched between the Florida Everglades and North America’s only living coral reef barrier, Key Largo is a relaxing stop that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
 

Eco-tourism is a large draw for those who visit Key Largo, whose ideal setting is perfect for kayaking and bird watching.  Among Key Largo’s many jewels is the Caribbean Shipwreck Museum and Research Institute located at Mile Marker (MM) 102.6. A maritime museum that devotes all of its energy to pursuing sunken treasure, the Institute is a great spot to see artifacts taken from the ocean floor.
 

Another great recommendation is the first underwater state park, John Pennekamp State Park, located at MM 102.5. The park has a large menu of activities to satisfy everyone’s appetite, including: snorkeling, diving and glass bottom boat tours.
Islamorada, known as the Sport Fishing capital of the world, is next on your trip. Islamorada has six islands including: Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Lower Matecumbe Key and the offshore islands of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.
 

Sport fishing is the main attraction and Islamorada hosts some of the best sea captains around. There’s a charter boat for every kind of fishing that would interest a soul. There’s backcountry and flats fishing as well as Light Tackle, Offshore and even party boats for all of your friends. Stopping at any one of the local bait shops will set you up for a trip to get the biggest catch.

If fishing really isn’t your thing, don’t fear, Islamorada offers tons of other activities for land lovers, including the Theatre of the Sea, located at MM 84.5, which offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with marine animals.  State parks Lignumvitae Key, MM 78.5 and Long Key, MM 67.5 also satisfy with lush tropical nature trails and picturesque picnic spots.

The heart of the Keys is the island of Marathon. A ten mile long city situated on the Vaca, Fat Deer and Grassy Keys, Marathon’s goal is to keep to an uncomplicated, seafaring lifestyle. Marathon is home to Sombrero Reef, MM 50, a federally protected section of North America’s only living coral reef barrier. Perfect for both snorkeling and diving, the reef houses millions of fish in crystal clear water.
 

Also in Marathon is Crane Point, located at MM 50.5, is a 64 acre sanctuary oasis of tropical hardwoods and rich nature trails. Home of beautiful sunsets and rich history, Crane Point is also home to the Marathon Wild Bird Center and the Museum of Natural History.
 

Shortly after the famous Seven Mile Bridge, is Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys. A relaxing, uncomplicated place that is so tranquil you’ll never want to leave.
 

Veterans Memorial Park, MM 40 is a perfect picnic spot that is pet-friendly and MM 37 boasts Bahia Honda State Park, a gorgeous gem that is perfect for more snorkeling or maybe a spot that you just want to dip your toes in the flawless water.
Key Deer are everywhere on Big Pine Key. Found mainly at the National Key Deer Refuge, MM 30.5, Key Deer are miniatures to their bigger counterparts, the White Tail Deer. While most are at the refuge, don’t be surprised to find a few roaming the streets.
 

Last resort on your trip is Key West. A wild time deserved by all. There are so many things do to in Key West that it’s advised you take more than a day to get them all done. You can get your picture taken at MM 1 or the Southern Most Point, visit Earnest Hemingway’s House and pet some six-toed cats, get drink at Sloppy Joe’s and watch the sunset at Mallory Square.
There are numerous restaurants to chow, shops to splurge at and museums to visit. Great museums include: The Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society & Historical Museum, Heritage House Museum and the Pirate Soul Museum.
 

Once you’ve visited the Florida Keys, you’ll never want to leave. It’s hard to recover from Key West time where everything is relaxed and a bit slower than the rest of the world. While you will eventually recover you’re tropical vacation will, no doubt, leave you anxiously planning your next trip to the Florida Keys.