Connecting you to Florida Keys Businesses
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Florida Keys Information
The Florida Keys is a stretch of islands 126 miles long connected by 42 bridges.  Highway 1, also called the Overseas
Highway, is the only road connecting all the islands together and connecting the islands to the mainland.  Because
everything is either to the right or to the left of the Highway, we call one side 'Oceanside' and the other 'Bayside' or 'Gulfside'
with the exception of the island of Key West because it is at the end of the string of islands.  Most of the time when we
describe where something is, we say Mile Marker and the number.  Mile Marker 0 starts the numbering and is in Key West .  
We also break the Florida Keys into three main sections - the Upper Keys, the Middle Keys and the Lower Keys.  The Upper
Keys is from MM 108 to 65 and is where Key Largo, Tavernier, and Islamorada are located. The Middle Keys is from MM 64
to MM 40  and includes the city of Marathon and the 7-mile bridge.  Then the Lower Keys is from MM 40 to  0 and includes
Bahia Honda, Big Pine Key, Key West and a few Keys in between.  Whether it's fishing, boating, diving, snorkeling,
sight-seeing, partying or just plain relaxing,
The Florida Keys and Key West have everything for your Getaway Vacation!
Florida Keys and Key West Attractions and Entertainment
There are many different attractions throughout the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West.  To name a few -
museums,
art galleries, sightseeing tours, dolphin research centers, dolphin encounters and dolphin swims, glass bottom
boat cruises, casino cruises,
parks & beaches, Keysy shopping, historic sites, famous restaurants and bars, and festivals
and celebrations.
For information on Florida Keys attractions
click here.  For information on Key West attractions click here.
Florida Keys and Key West  Fishing
Are you looking for a Reel Vacation?  Then the Florida Keys is the place for you!  Thousands of fishermen come to the
Florida Keys for sport fishing and fishing tournaments every year.  You'll find excellent saltwater fishing throughout the
Florida Keys and Key West but Islamorada has been given the title - 'The Fishing Capital of the World'.  The Upper Keys is
where you'll find the most charter fishing boats, marinas and tackle shops.

What kind of fishing appeals to you?  Backcountry or offshore?  Backcountry and flats fishing is a more relaxed experience.  
The best backcountry fishing guides have a special blend of talent, knowledge and skill as they pilot you into the wilderness
of the uninhabited Keys and mangrove shorelines of the Florida Bay or the Gulf.  Fly fishing, light tackle fishing, bone fishing
and tarpon fishing - all good choices for Florida Keys and Key West backcountry fishing.

For offshore fishing, you can choose from a Party Boat Charter ( Fishing Charter Boat ) or a Deep Sea ( Offshore ) Charter.  
A Deep Sea or Offshore Charter will take you into the Gulf Stream for big game fishing if you are a novice and experienced
angler looking for challenging and exciting fishing.  Marlin fishing, dolphin fishing, wreck fishing, shark fishing, kingfish
fishing, tuna fishing - all can be done on a deep sea fishing charter.

If you don't want to go all the way out to the Gulf Stream, a Party Boat Charter ( Fishing Charter Boat ) may be your best bet.  
This would also be the best choice for a beginner fisherman or if you wanted to go for a half day only.  Both half day and
full-day trips are available and some charters go out  at night.  

Light tackle fishing offshore for grouper, yellowtail snapper, wreck fishing, reef fishing, shark fishing,  kingfish fishing, and
tuna fishing means more fun fighting the large fish.  

There are trips to the Dry Tortugas from Key West for bottom fishing, grouper fishing, snapper fishing, and more.

For information on Fishing in the Florida Keys,
click here.  For information on Fishing in Key West, click here.
For Florida Keys charter sportfishing boats, fishing guides and fishing boat rentals,
click here.
For Key West charter sportfishing boats, fishing guides and fishing boat rentals,
click here.
Florida Keys Saltwater Fishing License Information  Tips for Fishing and Boating
We hope you find this Florida Keys website useful in
planning your tropical vacation or holiday in the
Florida Keys!
If you need information that is not on this website,
please
email us and we'll try our best to get it for you!
Florida Keys and Key West Tropical Fish
Hurricane Facts
Florida Keys and Key West Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Lobstering in Monroe County
Want to blow some bubbles?  In the Florida Keys, divers can choose from a variety of dive sites.  We have wreck diving,
night diving, reef diving, artificial reef diving, beginner to advanced diving - making every diver a 'Grateful Diver'.  

Florida Keys Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Excursions  and Key West Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Excursions will take you out
to the
Florida Keys Reef System for world class diving and snorkeling in the mostly crystal clear and calm turquoise blue
waters.
 Florida Keys Dive Sites have hundreds of different kinds of Florida Keys Tropical Fish along with the colorful hard
and soft corals and other reef creatures.
 Diving in the Florida Keys and diving in Key West are two of the most popular
things to do in the Keys.

If you have always wanted to learn to dive, get your Padi, SSI or Naui certification in the Keys!  We have many dive shops  
with facilities, dive instructors and divemasters ready and equipped to train you from Beginner classes to Instructor
courses.  Getting your certification in diving in the Florida Keys is perfect because many Keys dive sites are shallow so
they're ideal for beginner diving.  

If you need to rent dive equipment, you won't have any trouble finding a dive shop to rent good, quality dive gear.  Don't want
to dive but want to see the reef or go with someone that's diving?  Most Florida Keys dive shops offer snorkling trips to the
reef, too.  
Here's a
map of the Florida Keys and Key West Dive Sites.
Check out our
Florida Keys Diving Pictures and Tips for Florida Keys Diving and Snorkling.
Keys Points of Interest by Mile Markers
Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges
Key Largo History
Marathon History
Key West & Monroe County History
History of the Gulfstream
More Things to do in the Florida Keys and Key West
Fishing and Boating Tips
Keysy wet things to do:  Personal watercraft rental is a favorite for a lot of water sports enthusiasts.  You can rent a jet ski, a
wave runner, a windsurfer or a boat.  Most watercraft rental places will also provide you with safety instructions and
information about the water in the area where you'll be.  For those who want to explore the mangroves and backcountry, you
can go on a kayaking eco tour.  You can also get a bird's eye view of the islands from an ultralight, sea glider or parasail
flight.  There are a few dolphin facilities in the Keys where you can swim with Dolphins!  Or pet sea lions!

Keysy dry things to do:  You'll inevitably see motorcycles when you come to the Keys.  The Overseas Highway is a very
scenic road to ride on.  We have Harley Davidson rentals if you'd like to get some wind in your hair!  
In Key West,  bicycle rentals and  moped rentals make getting around a lot easier.  The island is small with very little
parking places.   We also have golf and tennis, sky-diving for the brave and wild dolphin watching and encounters for the
nature lover in you.  These dolphin are in the natural habitat - not in a dolphin facility.  You can actually get up close to where
they live, eat and play on one of Key West's dolphin boat charters.

More Florida Keys Activities    More Key West Activities

We have annual events that some people schedule their Florida vacations around.


Shop till you Drop!  You'll find unique, one of a kind items at our many
specialty shops.   We have several gift shops and
souvenir shops so you can take something home to those friends and family members that couldn't come to the Florida
Keys with you!
Florida Keys and Key West Tropical Fish
Diving & Snorkeling Tips
Florida Keys Dive Sites
Florida Keys Dive Site Pictures
Florida Keys Tropical Fish
Florida Keys Dive Sites Map
More Keysy Things to Do in The Florida Keys and Key West
Florida Keys and Key West  Accommodations
You can find a variety of accommodations in the Florida Keys ranging from rental vacation homes that you can rent by the
week or by the month, Inns, luxury resorts, B and B ( bed and breakfast ), guesthouses, cottages and of course, hotels and
motels.  A vacation rental is always a good choice if you would prefer to have more of a 'home away from home'.  Vacation
rentals include private homes, condominiums and even houseboats!

It is recommended that you decide where you're going to stay before heading to the Keys.  Depending on the time of the
year you're planning to visit, you may find that there are no more rooms to be found.  But first you need to decide what type of
accommodation you would be most comfortable staying in.  We have major hotel and motel chains in the Florida Keys and
Key West but we also have funky, Keysy, Mom and Pop resorts, hotels and motels unique to the islands.  

You won't be able to find any B & B or guesthouses in the Upper Keys but in Key West, that's what several of the lodging
choices are.  
Bed and breakfast and guesthouses in Key West are usually century old, Victorian style, beautifully renovated
mansions fully furnished with antiques from the era.  Some of the guest houses are exclusively for gay men (or women), or
gay men and gay women.  (Key West is a gay-friendly destination.)  Many guesthouses and B & B 's discourage children
and some prohibit children all together.

In Key West, most accommodations are Downtown and are within walking distance of most of the
attractions but there are
several good family-oriented hotels on the South side of the island which is where Smathers Beach and Higgs Beach are.

If you have children, check to make sure the resort, hotel or motel you decide on is a place kids would like to stay.  Usually
children are happiest staying in a hotel or motel with a pool or a beach.  There are very few
public beaches in the Keys but
there are several resorts and hotels that have private beaches on their property.  Some have hot tubs but no pools or
beaches.  Some resorts offer their own water sports activities such as water skiing, tube rides and wake boarding.  

There are a few hotels and motels in the Keys that are pet-friendly but will charge an extra nightly fee for the pet.
We have a very extensive listing of resorts, hotels, motels, guesthouses, B & B's and vacation rentals on this Florida Keys
website.

For a list of Florida Keys Accommodations
click here and for Key West Accommodations click here.  For a list of property
management companies that handle Florida Keys Vacation Rentals
click here and for Key West Vacation Rentals click here.
Florida Keys Average Monthly Temps,
Water Temps & Sunset Times
Accommodations in the Florida Keys and Key West
Florida Keys Saltwater Fishing License Info
The Fisherman's Calendar
Florida Keys and Key West Restaurants
Florida Keys and Key West Beaches
Florida Keys and Key West restaurants are known for atmosphere, waterfront views, excellent service, open air seating,
Keys cuisine and ethnic cuisine - although not always at the same restaurant!  Fine dining (in a casual - no jacket required -
atmosphere), casual dining, dinner cruises, waterfront dining, bars and grills - Whatever kind of dining experience you're
looking for, you'll surely find it close by wherever you are in the Florida Keys or Key West.

You'll find fresh fish and shellfish, tropical fruits and vegetables available at most
Florida Keys restaurants and
Key West restaurants.  Conch, Dolphin (Mahi Mahi), Florida Lobster, Grouper, Grunts, Scallops, Shark, Snapper, Shrimp,
Stone Crab, Tuna and Wahoo are just a few of the delicacies Florida Keys seafood restaurants serve their patrons.  There
is a unique Cuban influence in the Keys;  you can find "bollos" (Cuban black-eyed pea fritters) in Key West but probably
couldn't find them in Cuban restaurants in the Miami area.  Conch fritters is also a tasty treat found in the Keys and Key
West.  
Come, tickle your taste buds in the Florida Keys!
Florida Keys and Key West Bars and Clubs
Changes in latitude, changes in attitude........

Laid back pubs, taverns and lounges, nightclubs with dance floors, bars with live music and entertainment by local
musicians, karaoke bars, bars with comedy acts, sports bars to watch your favorite team play, gentlemen clubs -
whatever kind of nighttime entertainment  you're looking for , you'll find it in the Florida Keys and Key West!
Florida Keys Bars & Clubs     Key West Bars & Clubs
Florida Keys and Key West Tropical Fish
TheConch Republic, aka Key West
A failure to care about what the rest of the world is doing or thinking is very characteristic of the mindset of Key West citizens.
Anything goes here and usually does.  
Key West and the Florida Keys declared secession from the union, declared war, surrendered and then demanded foreign
aid after the US Border Patrol blocked the road North of Key Largo and searched cars for illegal aliens and drugs in 1982.  
That act by the Keys and Key West embarrassed the US internationally and prompted the abandonment of the blockade.  
There is an official Conch Republic flag, ministers,ambassadors, commodores and secretaries.  Every April Key West
celebrates the Conch Republic's independence with a parade, parties, and other events.

Conchs (pronounced "konks") are big, pink-lined shells that you put to your ear to hear the ocean's roar. But we have
another definition in Key West.  Key West native islanders or "Key Westers" born here are honored with the title of "conch".  
Those who have lived here more than seven years qualify to be called "freshwater conchs," and those who visit often
enough can earn the name "visitor", replacing "tourist".

Other names we call Key West -  "Sunny KW",  "Fantasy Island",  "The Rock", "Bone Island",  "The Southernmost Point" and
"The Last Resort".        
More Florida Keys History
The official flag of the Conch Republic ( Key West )
Real Estate for Sale in the Florida Keys and Key West
Florida Keys businesses cater to tourists.  
Please help us support our local Keys
businesses by your patronage.
Florida Keys small businesses Thank You!
Don't be too surprised if you decide you would like to live in the Florida Keys or Key West or have a second home here after
visiting.  This happens all the time!   We have excellent Florida Keys and Keys West real estate agents that are very
experienced in turning visitors into locals!

Florida Keys Real Estate continues to be an excellent investment opportunity whether you're looking for a retirement home,
rental property, a vacation home or a primary residence.   We have condominiums with beachfront and dockage for your
boat, Old Town conch style houses*, starter homes, luxury waterfront homes, and million dollar homes for sale.  Contact
one of our many experienced and professional real estate agents to help you find your very own piece of paradise!
Florida Keys
Real Estate Companies     Key West Real Estate Companies


*Old Town Key West somewhat resembles an early New England town.  There are some homes in Old Town that date
back to the 1800's.  In those days, Key West citizens were very wealthy from wrecking, sponging and cigar producing.  The
home builders adorned the homes with elegant details and gingerbread - fancy swirls, designs and forms cut out of wood.

Conch house is the word we use for about 5 different style homes in the Florida Keys but mostly in Old Town Key West.  
The "Classic Revival" was a very popular architectural style in the early 1800's.  This style has well-proportioned
rectangular forms with gabled roofs and columned porches.  The "Eyebrow house", unique to Key West,  was designed to
keep sun and heat out of the rooms upstairs by having a roof overhang supported by corner beams over the windows.  
"Bahamian" style houses were designed to withstand hurricanes while taking advantage of the tropical breezes on the
island by having large wrap-around porches and floor to ceiling windows.  Each window has a wooden shutter.  The
smallest style home in Old Town Key West are "Shotgun" houses.  They sit on raised foundations and have one long hall
that runs from the front door to the back door.  "Queen Anne" is similar to Victorian and was very popular in Key West in the
1880's.  The most distinguishing detail about this style is the pointed small tower on one side of the house.   
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The Florida Keys and Key West have everything
you need for your tropical island getaway -  scuba
and other watersports, live music and
entertainment, comedy shows, island style cuisine,
art galleries, museums, dolphin encounters, nature
trails, bird watching, luxury accommodations,
miles of beautiful  turquoise / blue waters and the
most awesome sunsets anywhere!
Our sister sites:    www.theFloridaKeys-KeyWest.com | www.FLKeys-KeyWest.com  |  www.FLKeys-Diving.com
www.FLKeys-Fishing.com  |
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the history of the Florida Keys, 2009 Keys and Key West events,  fishing license information,  boating information,  the best fishing months, average monthly temperatures and water temperatures for the Florida Keys and Key West, Florida Keys parks and
beaches,  Keys dive sites.  We hope you find this Florida Keys guide useful in planning your tropical vacation or holiday in the Florida Keys or Key West!