Florida Keys vacations |
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Key West - Marathon - Islamorada - Key Largo |
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Florida Keys |
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The Florida Keys consists of 400 islands stretching in a gentle arc across 150 miles of blue-green Atlantic Ocean, from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south. 30 of the more populated islands are linked by the U.S. 1 highway and the remainder are accessible only by boat. Wars, fires, hurricanes and pestilence have all affected the development and history of these islands. The earliest Spanish explorers sailed amongst these islands and reefs in 1513, giving them the greatest respect for what would happen to their fleet if blown ashore.
The Florida railway baron Henry Flagler had built 156 miles (250 km) of railroad through to Key West during a period up to 1912. On September 2nd, 1935 a hurricane with winds up to 200 mph (320 kmh) and waves to 18 feet (5.5 m) tore through the Keys, flattening everything in its path. 500 people perished and Flagler's railroad was gone.
For some, the drive from Miami to the Keys results in a somewhat unsettling sensation of having driven your vehicle off the land and onto the ocean. On either side, ahead and behind are miles of nothing but emerald ocean. As the road passes through the islands, fishing villages, luxury resorts, traditional hotels and an abundance of seafood restaurants dot the landscape. The highway connects more than 30 of the populated islands in the Keys and the hundreds of other "unlinked" islands are home to much of the exotic flora and fauna. It is here in the relatively unpopulated, boat access only, islands that some of the best aquatic attractions are found. The fishing is great with plenty of variety in the techniques required and in season, diving for lobsters is permitted in some areas. While the Keys will always attract visitors who appreciate the peaceful waters and relaxed informality, it's the sea and the aquatic life in it that are the real attractions. Diving and snorkelling opportunities are incredible. Brilliantly colored reef fish, gently flapping rays, sports fish, turtles, dolphins and coral reefs are just some of the attractions that entice divers.
All the towns throughout the Keys have a beach holiday town feel yet, with the exception of Sombrero Beach in Marathon, there are very few really great beaches on a par with those on the Florida mainland. Beaches are mostly in private resorts with a few small beaches in state parks. There are three sections to the Keys with the Upper and Middle Keys being the nearest to Miami and the mainland. As such they attract the majority of weekend visitors who arrive by boat or car for the fishing, diving or to just relax in Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon. The Lower Keys lie across the Seven Mile Bridge and consists of clusters of lightly visited, unspoiled islands teeming with wildlife. The protected areas of the Lower Keys are home to much of the area's endangered birds and animals. It s also the habitat for alligators, turtles, rabbits and any number of bird varieties.
The permanent residents on the island have a reputation for tolerance of bohemian and alternative lifestyles. Key West has for many years attracted painters, writers, devotees of the arts and crafts and people who seek an environment of fellow creatives. Regional Highlights
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North West : North Central : North East : Central East : Central : Central West : South East : South West : Florida Keys |
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