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Some of the best beaches in the world are found in the Keys. Don’t worry if the ocean temperature happens to fall below the usual 79°F (26°C) – most hotels have heated swimming pools.

Good tennis clubs can be found on just about every developed Key – on Islamorada at MM 76.8 bayside, Marathon at MM 53.5 oceanside, on Key West, of course, and elsewhere.

Impressive selection of international artwork, including painting (Sobran and Magni), sculpture (Pollès bronzes), and stunning Keys nature photography.

Did you know that dolphins feel like wet inner tubes and stingrays like Jello (gelatin)? After a visit here, you’d have first-hand experience. This is the world’s second-oldest (since 1946) marine mamal facility and offers a wide variety of shows and programs. There are dolphin and sea lion shows or, if you prefer, you can swim with them here, too. For a big fee, “Swim With the Dolphins” guarantees hugs, dorsal tows, and smooches. “Swim With the Sea Lions” includes flipper tows and hugs, too. “Swim With the Stingrays” is the least expensive – a snorkeling visit to the domain of the gentle creatures.

Located on the seventh floor of the Holiday Inn La Concha Hotel, the Top Lounge is one of the best places to get a 360-degree view of the island and beyond, drink in hand. You can also go up for the view when the bar is closed.

An inviting complex, notable for the giant lobster sculpture outside and a real parrot in the central courtyard, which houses crafts and specialty shops.

These more intense ways of enjoying the Keys waters are available wherever there’s a marina, especially, of course in Key West and other developed tourist areas. Island Water Sport is one of the companies offering jetskis.

Recognizable for its long, down-curving beak, this mediumsized white bird was sacred to the Egyptians.

Nature displays in the center, and trails into the railroad’s old quarries, where you can see fossilized brain coral and sea ferns.