Taking a closer look at Florida’s beautiful Caribbean equivalent

If your idea of the perfect holiday entails immaculate beaches, coral reefs, exceptional cuisine and stunning wildlife, inclusive of interactive bottlenose dolphins, the Florida Keys could be the obvious destination for you. Situated in its hugely enviable location with a mild climate throughout the year and surrounded by the calming waters from the Gulf of Mexico are what make the Keys a great alternative to the Caribbean, particularly if you choose to combine the Keys with other Florida destinations.



Stunning coastline

Undoubtedly the Keys star attraction is its stunning coastline, stretching from its most northern island of Key Largo, to Key West at the foot of these chain of islands, all of which are connected by bridges and roads, making the Keys easily accessible by car. As soon as you set eyes on the waters here you will realise why this is America’s number 1 diving and snorkelling location, immersed in vibrancy from the islands coral reefs.

As far as the beaches are concerned, Key West and the Middle Keys are home to some of the best beaches in the entirety of North America, such as Marathon Beach, Sombrero Beach and Fort Zachary Taylor State Park & Beach, all of which are excellent for relaxing on with the family. Alternatively if you desire a more active beachside holiday, Smather’s Beach is characterised by its vast selection of water-sports on show here.



Lifestyle

As you leave mainland Florida and embark on the Florida Keys, you will quickly begin to notice an obvious change in lifestyle, particularly the slower pace of life which the locals and visitors alike have adopted. On land the most common form of transport is cycling which is very different too much of America and is by far the most enjoyable way to explore the natural sights the Keys have to offer. This laid-back style extends to the waters, where paddle boarding is symbolic to the Florida Keys, having originated from Hawaii.



Places to visit

One of the Keys most popular attractions is the Dolphin Research Centre in Grassy Key, where visitors are given the opportunity to swim with these lovable and intelligent mammals. Another popular pass time in the Keys is deep sea fishing, renowned by its exotic species and vast quantity of marine life situated in the surrounding waters of the Florida Keys. To experience the areas marine life in a different setting, the Key West Aquarium is highly recommended, or for sports fans you can arrange a day at the Key West Tropical Golf Course.



Culinary excellence

The Florida Keys, surrounded by one side by the Gulf of Mexico and on the other the Atlantic Ocean draws in some of the freshest and most delicious fish and seafood you are ever likely to experience, inclusive of Floridian lobster, shrimp and tuna. In addition to seafood restaurants, visitors can also choose from many other alternatives, such as Brazilian steakhouses, Italian restaurants and Caribbean affair, to be enjoyed in an alfresco setting close to the water’s edge.