DK Travel : Miami : The Keys

The Florida Keys are a string of wild, variegated gems hung in a necklace of liquid turquoise. These islands still have abundant wildlife, including unique flora and fauna, as evidenced by all the parks and family attractions focusing on encounters with nature. Even so, at least 20 different species of Keys plant and animal life are endangered or threatened. This is a place for outdoor activities: water sports of all kinds, sportfishing, and hiking through the nature preserves and virgin tropical forests. Along the only route (US 1) that takes you from the mainland all the way out to Key West, you’ll find everything from plush resorts to roadside stands selling homegrown produce.

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Peppers of Key West

A wonderful range of spicy sauces for all purposes – from barbecuing to killing off your enemies.
Pigeon Key

This was originally the site of the work camp for those who built Henry M. Flagler’s Overseas Railroad Bridge, described as the eighth wonder of the world when it was completed in 1912. A marine research foundation is housed in the old buildings. To get to the island, you can walk or take the shuttle, which uses a section of the original bridge.
Rick’s Blue Heaven

You’ll never forget the charm and delicious food at this wonderful place (see Key West).
Rick’s Dirty Harry’s

Entertainment Complex This complex is one club with 10 bars. Rick’s Downstairs has live music, Rick’s Upstairs is one of the hottest dance clubs in town.
Schooner Wharf Bar

This bar is located in the Historic Seaport District, offering open-air views of the waterfront and live music all the time.
Sea Turtles

These goodnatured, long-lived creatures come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. From the largest to the smallest they are the leatherback, the loggerhead, the green, the hawksbill, and the Ridley turtles.
Seven Mile Bridge

At the heart of any floridean road trip, the seven mile bridge linking the Florida Mainland and Key West is a stunning journey, flanked either side by the sea for the full seven miles.
Seven-Mile Bridge Run

In mid-to late April, enthusiastic runners honor the bridge that joined all the Keys together by conquering it with their own two feet.
Sloppy Joe’s

You can get a full meal as well as just a drink at this prominently situated and always noisy bar. It’s heavy on Hemingway memorabilia, since he used to hang out here as well as at the original Sloppy Joe’s (see Captain Tony’s Saloon).
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Since the Keys are almost entirely surrounded by America’s largest living coral reef, the underwater world is one of the main treats the area has to offer.