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Unlock the gateway to Florida’s beautiful south and discover a world of coral reefs, delectable dining, and smooth Caribbean vibes from top to tip. More than 1,700 captivating islands make up the breathtaking Florida Keys and pepper along a 126-mile archipelago stretching out towards Cuba, presenting a vastly different side to the Sunshine State than the famous theme park reputation that precedes it.
This is a place for nature lovers, for ocean dreamers, and for those in search of tropical laid-back charm with just a splash of modern luxury. And in our experience, there is no better way to uncover the Florida Keys than by car. Consider flying into Miami and driving down to Key Largo, the self-proclaimed Dive Capital of the World, on to the energetic culture hub of Key West and island-hop everywhere in between using the trusted mile markers en route. With a bounty of unspoiled beaches to discover, new water sports to try your hand at, and historical sites to admire, welcome to multi centre holidays, Florida Keys style!
Florida Keys Multi Centre Itineraries
Miami & The Keys
Miami, Key West, Duck Key & Key Largo 11 Days
- Miami
- Florida Keys
- Miami: Open-Top Bus Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise, & Everglades
- Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami
- Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet Dinner
- + 3 more
-
Accommodation -
International Flights -
Tickets & Activities -
Car Hire
- Best For:
- Road Adventures
- Adult Friendly
- Beach Retreats
- Best For:
- Road Adventures
- Adult Friendly
- Beach Retreats
- Miami
- Florida Keys
- Miami: Open-Top Bus Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise, & Everglades
- Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami
- Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise with Tropical Buffet Dinner
- + 3 more
- Accommodation
- International Flights
- Tickets & Activities
- Car Hire
Florida Keys Highlights
The Florida Keys offer an altogether more chilled out vibe in comparison to the rip-roaring rides of Orlando, with pretty beachside towns edged by extraordinary coral reefs, there’s a new side of Florida to explore as you dive into a more Caribbean way of life.
Nature & Wildlife
Abundant with natural habitats including inland wetlands, forests and shorelines, the Florida Keys are loaded with an impressive array of wildlife, from alligators to wading birds and everything in between. Visit one of the many eco centres dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of Florida’s unique animal and plant life for a glimpse into this beautiful natural world.
Beaches
From the wide sandy expanses of Florida’s State and National Parks to the hidden gems tucked away along the coastline, the beaches in the Keys are exceptional. Make the most of the region’s year-round warm climate and spend your days swimming, sunbathing, collecting shells and enjoying quality family time in this tropical paradise.
Diving & Snorkelling
The Florida Keys present hundreds of incredible reef sites and wrecks to explore up and down its beautiful islands, with Key Largo as the self-proclaimed Dive Capital of the World. Ultra-clear waters and calm conditions mean you can literally dive in and discover these protected underwater oases, which are teeming with colourful fish, crustaceans, turtles and sharks.
Seafood
Edged by the Gulf of Mexico to one side and the Atlantic Ocean to the other, it’s no surprise that this chain of islands is renowned for its delectable seafood, but you must try it to believe it. Indulge in succulent lobster and crab delicacies, melt-in-the-mouth fish dishes and some of the sweetest shrimp you’ll ever eat.
Florida Keys Multi Centre Combinations
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Multi Centre Itineraries
Our bespoke multi-centre itineraries turn your daydreams into dream days. No matter whether you’re a sun chaser, nature lover or thrill seeker – we can help you find, design, and combine your favourite holiday experiences. Utilising our first-hand knowledge of destinations gained from over twenty years of award-winning service, we can deliver a free personalised itinerary within an hour or so. Better yet, you can make changes to your quote at any time before departure. Holiday your way by getting in touch today.
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Florida Keys Favourites
- Florida Keys Attractions
- Florida Keys Beaches
- Florida Keys Shopping
- Florida Keys Nature
- Florida Keys Food & Drink
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum
Visit the grand former home of renowned American novelist and short-story writer, Ernest Hemingway, who visited Key West and took up residence here in the late 1920s with his wife, Pauline. A huge restoration project on the Spanish Colonial-style home was undertaken by the couple, which resulted in the popular national historical landmark we see today.
Better yet, cat-lovers can also unite here! The estate is home to around 60 polydactyl (six-toed) cats, considered to be direct descendants of Hemingway’s original cat, Snow White, who was given as a gift by a ship’s captain. So, just like all great multi centre holidays promise, you can see more for less here.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Situated 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is the definition of a secluded tropical paradise. Despite its name, 99% of the striking 100-square-mile park sits in largely open waters, accessible only via boat or seaplane.
Garden Key is the park’s biggest island and is home to the impressive Fort Jefferson, a visitor centre and campgrounds, as well as a white-sand beach fringed by pristine waters for swimming and snorkelling, where you can glimpse a vibrant cornucopia of fish and colourful coral beneath the surface.
Turtle Hospital
Understandably, conservation is a huge priority in the Florida Keys. Its fragile ecosystem both on land and underwater is what makes this beautiful region of the world so precious, and locals are keen to both educate and entertain tourists. For example, five of the seven known living sea turtle species are located in Florida, including the Loggerhead, Green, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Kemp’s Ridley
Thankfully, the wonderful Turtle Hospital in Marathon helps to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and release them back into their natural habitat. You can book a 90-minute guided tour, presentation, and a behind-the-scenes look at how these majestic creatures are cared for at this working hospital. And at the end, you’ll be invited to take part in a cute feeding experience with some of its permanent residents!
African Queen Canal Cruise
Film fans will be enthralled by a leisurely cruise on the famous African Queen – yes, the same boat that appeared in the (legendary) 1951 film of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, the former went on to win his one and only Oscar for the role.
This steam-powered icon is now more than 110 years old, whisking passengers on a dreamy ride down the Port Largo Canals to the Atlantic Ocean and back again up to five times a day. So why not book a 90-minute trip to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and soak up a piece of true Hollywood history?
Dolphin Research Center
If your road trip takes you past Duck Key and on to Grassy Key, be sure to make a pit stop at the excellent Dolphin Research Center for an hour or even a whole day if you wish. This nonprofit research and education facility is a place where you can watch dolphins and sea lions during behaviour and training sessions that include acrobatics, playtime and feeding.
If you feel drawn to the water, you can also book an interactive swim with these gorgeous bottlenose dolphins and learn all about them while you play.
Smathers Beach
The largest (free) public beach in Key West, Smathers Beach is half a mile long and couldn’t look more idyllic with its lightly toasted sands fringed by swaying coconut trees. This is the kind of beach you could easily spend all day at – and many do – with chair and parasol rentals, plus plenty for active types such as volleyball courts and opportunities for both paddleboarding and jet skiing.
Keep in mind that this popular beach gets very busy during public holidays and Spring Break!
Sombrero Beach
Florida Keys twin centre holidays are likely to include a scenic journey along the spectacular Overseas Highway. About halfway down rests Marathon, a family-oriented destination set on 13 islands with some of the Keys’ best boating activities as well as the picture-perfect Sombrero Beach, a favourite with locals and a hit with savvy tourists.
This pretty, man-made beach boasts powder-soft sands, gentle turquoise waters, a children’s playground and picnic tables, appealing to families, groups and couples seeking a little slice of paradise for a day of casual oceanside fun. And the free parking across the road is a bonus!
Calusa Beach
Nestled within Bahia Honda State Park – home to some of the best beaches in the Florida Keys – is Calusa Beach, a narrow but perfectly formed stretch of natural beach that offers tranquil waters and gradually sloping sands, which are bordered by swaying grasses and towering palm trees.
Set on the Gulf side of the island, these award-winning sands are a great choice for families with children who wish to swim as its lapping waters are calm and clear. Take a picnic and a parasol and you’re all set for a dreamy beachfront day.
Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach
Another Key West gem, locally known as Higgs Beach, is a small yet well-facilitated spot that enjoys a calmer vibe than its neighbour, Smathers Beach. It’s an ideal option for families and those seeking a more chilled out experience, with a renowned beachside café Salute! on the Beach, volleyball nets and a lovely pier edging out into the Gulf. Sunrises and sunsets here are a particularly special sight!
Anne’s Beach
A perfect little place to stop at on your multi centre holidays Florida drive, Anne’s Beach is in Islamorada at mile marker 73.5 at the southern end of Upper Matecumbe Key. This free, natural beach features plenty of parking and a 1,300ft boardwalk that meanders through the mangroves with six picnic pavilions – there are few more remarkable places to break up the drive and have a picnic.
The beach itself is excellent for kids to paddle and snorkel as you can wade out quite far and the clear waters are only knee-high. On a breezy day, watch windsurfers glide and swoop along the water before you set off on your journey.
Mallory Square
Florida Keys twin centre holidays can be tailored to include anything you like, such as water sports activities, immersing yourself in nature or simply lounging on a beach with a good book, but if shopping is your bag, Mallory Square will be your mecca.
This waterfront plaza has been the lively centre of Key West’s social and commercial scene for around 100 years and is still going strong to this day with a host of shops, bars, and restaurants to entertain all day and night. Its shopping ranges from quaint boutiques hawking exquisitely crafted jewellery, pottery and gifts to world-famous clothing brand names, all in a buzzing atmosphere – especially at sunset!
Duval Street
Also in Key West is the inimitable Duval Street, which is the main strip towards the end of the island that runs from north to south and through the Old Town. When wandering along its palm-lined pavements – sorry, sidewalks – you can’t help but be amazed at the colours, sounds and smells of Key West’s energetic hub.
Browse for cool beachwear, designer clothes, handmade jewellery, typical Key West souvenirs or even a hammock if your suitcase allows! And for a true taste of the Florida Keys, visit Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Pie Shoppe for a slice of the famous delicacy!
Clinton Square Market
Set within a former US Navy coal depot used in the 1800s, the Clinton Square Market is now a two-storey shopping mall on Front Street in Key West. This is a great place to find typical Floridian souvenirs and trinkets, as well as one-of-a-kind fashion items, toys, and candies.
Feeling peckish? The Market has heaps of places to sit down and grab a snack or drink, including coffees, juices, key lime pie and even frozen custard. It’s air conditioned too, so it offers a lovely escape from the Florida heat.
Shell World Key Largo
With two outlets in Key Largo, you really must pay a visit to one of these unusual but oh-so-fun stores selling thousands of different shells and weird and wonderful ocean-themed paraphernalia to sift through. Upon entry you are greeted by colourful statues and decorations, as well as a bright blue bench with a huge shark’s head painted on it – the perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy travel snap.
So, if you’re looking for a pelican lawn ornament, a shell-adorned wind chime or a giant conch, this might just be the place for you!
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
This popular Key Largo attraction is America’s first undersea park. Spread over 178 nautical miles alongside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, it is home to a magnificent portion of the largest living coral reef in the continental US, mangrove swamps and seagrass beds, as well as an eclectic array of tropical vegetation, aquatic life, and shore birds to witness in their natural habitat.
Explore this underwater world on a leisurely glass-bottom boat tour or get a closer look and scuba dive or snorkel amid its colourful reef. For a more active experience, rent a kayak or canoe and navigate the park’s 50 miles of mangrove wilderness trails at your own pace.
Bahia Honda State Park
Arguably one of the most spectacular islands within the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park on Bahia Honda Key is an ever-popular destination with tourists and locals alike, and rightly so. Located between Marathon and Big Pine Key, its iconic scenery epitomises the Florida Keys, with crystal-clear waters, powder-white sandy beaches, and marvellous sunsets, but its abundance of local wildlife gives it the edge.
Observe several species of wading and shorebirds such as sanderlings, great white and blue herons, white ibis and great egrets feeding and relaxing on the sand flats at low tide. And if you fancy getting wet, get your snorkelling gear on and swim amongst tropical fish, vibrant corals and perhaps a spiny lobster or two – it’s a great place for beginners due to its shallow waters.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Positioned on the southern tip of Key West, this delightful 56-acre park pre-dates the Civil War and offers visitors a glimpse into an important part of America’s history with its impressive fort and monthly reenactments, as well as being home to the largest collection of Civil War weaponry in the world.
Beyond that are wonderful opportunities for cycling, hiking, walking, and running along its gorgeous nature trails, while its attractive beach is a fantastic setting for swimming, paddling, snorkelling, and fishing.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
A world away from the rollercoaster thrills of Orlando, this is one of the most blissful attractions you can visit during your time in the Florida Keys. Take a stroll amongst hundreds of free-flying butterflies, colourful exotic birds and even two resident flamingos inside a towering glass dome. This climate-controlled habitat will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a tropical rainforest.
The centre is home to 50-60 different species of butterfly and many beautiful birds. Observe, learn, and discover a world of breathtaking nature, right in the heart of Duval Street in Key West. Just one block away is the Southernmost Point of the Continental US so make sure to pop by afterwards and get a quick photo!
Conch Fritters
Another true Key West and Bahamian delicacy, conch fritters are succulent balls of conch meat rolled in a spicy, flavoursome batter with vegetables and creole seasoning, deep fried and served with a range of sauces such as key lime mustard. Salivating yet?
There are dozens of fantastic restaurants to find these tasty treats in Key West, including the Conch Shack, Conch Republic Seafood Company, BO’s Fish Wagon, and DJ’s Clam Shack. In fact, you won’t be able to walk around town and not come across a local hotspot that serves top-quality conch fritters!
Sloppy Joe’s Bar
If your multi centre holidays in Florida include plans to party, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere more fun than Sloppy Joe’s. A firm fixture in the Key West nightlife scene, this iconic bar and restaurant is set in a prime Duval Street location and is famed for being Ernest Hemingway’s favourite jaunt in the 1930s.
Today, Sloppy Joe’s remains one of the most popular places to eat, drink and see live music in the Florida Keys. Dine on an eclectic menu of sandwiches, pizzas, and tacos to be washed down with draft beers and speciality cocktails. Daily events begin at noon and end at 2am, so get your dancing shoes on!
Cuban Coffee Queen
With three locations around town in Key West, this fashionable haunt serves incredible Cuban roasted coffee and snacks like rice and beans, breakfast burritos and mouth-watering sandwiches using pan Cubano – traditional Cuban bread.
Luckily, you can purchase this delicious coffee by the pound to take home because once you try a Cafe Con Leche – Cuban espresso with steamed milk and a side of toasted Cuban bread to dunk in – all future coffees are likely to pale in comparison.
Blue Heaven
For a distinctly casual, Florida Keys vibe, Blue Heaven is a wonderful al fresco joint with a reputation for being one of the top brunch spots in the heart of Old Key West, serving a whimsical but thoughtful menu of Caribbean-inspired cuisine like jerk chicken, sautéed shrimp, and mahi-mahi salads.
Its colourful courtyard is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and is home to several roosters and cats, who are quite possibly more famous than the food! Regular live music adds to its laid-back atmosphere, proving Heaven is a place on Earth.
The Stoned Crab
If you’re eco-conscious and sustainable seafood is on your agenda, then The Stoned Crab in Key West is your best bet in the Florida Keys. This surf shack-style restaurant and bar is committed to fresh ingredients and serves a range of organic wines and craft-brewed beers, as well as specialising in the locally caught stone crab.
The restaurant’s two private fishing boats deliver a daily haul of the eponymic crab, lobster, shrimp, and an assortment of tasty local fish. Its friendly staff and chilled out vibe make this a prime seafront spot for eating and drinking your way through Florida Keys multi centre holidays.
Hogfish Bar & Grill
It may not sound appealing to everyone, but hogfish is a Florida Keys staple, and there’s no better place to eat it than at the Hogfish Bar & Grill, tucked away on Stock Island just before you arrive at Key West. Served in a sandwich, sizzled and sautéed in a pan, or stuffed on top of a salad, hogfish is a must-try delicacy on your multi centre holidays in Florida Keys.
The Hogfish Bar & Grill is a real hidden gem, exuding an old-world charm that typifies southern Florida and delighting locals and tourists alike – if you can find it, that is!
Florida Keys FAQ's
Florida Keys FAQ's
Florida Keys FAQ's
We don’t just recommend it, we encourage it. Florida is a rich and diverse state with much to offer, from its glorious beaches, world-class diving opportunities and being home to the Theme Park Capital of the World – after one trip you will want multiple multi centre holidays in Florida! Let our expert team help you organise the holiday of a lifetime, whether it’s two destinations or more.
Ideally, the best time to visit the Keys is between November and April, which is the dry season here. The weather is still beautifully warm at this time, but you will avoid the humidity and rain of the summer months, not to mention hurricane season that runs typically from mid-August to mid-October.
Key West International Airport (EYW) is your best bet if you wish to fly directly into the Florida Keys, but as many visitors travel by car down south as part of multi centre holidays, Miami Airport (MIA) is a brilliant option if you want to stop at Key Largo first as it’s only 55 miles away.
Key West is 160 miles away from Miami, so it’s not a quick journey. Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is another convenient destination to fly into as it’s only around 45 minutes further north than Miami by car.
Yes, driving is a must in the Florida Keys if you wish to explore its fascinating islands at your own pace. Also, the Overseas Highway is considered one of the most beautiful, scenic drives in the US, if not, the world. If you’re flying into a larger airport like Miami or Fort Lauderdale and driving south, you will easily be able to book your car rental pick-ups and drop-offs from here.
The usual time difference is -5 hours, but this changes briefly for a couple of weeks in the year as the US and UK have different dates when the clocks go back or forward for Daylight Savings. We recommend booking your outbound flight for a morning departure so you arrive late afternoon, and upon return, booking an overnight flight back so you land the next morning in the UK.
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