What comes to mind when you think of Florida? Perhaps it’s the sunshine? What about Disney World? While there are so many incredible aspects to the state, there’s one that often gets overlooked: the Florida Keys. However, there is a good reason that it could be a dream vacation destination, after all.
The cuisine
The Florida Keys is made up of a string of islands. This means that it’s filled with impressive seafood. The best bit? There are plenty of unique selections on the menu, like Conch, which is an edible mollusk. If you want something a little sweeter, then it could be time to enjoy a dish of the region’s famous key lime pie.
The accommodation
There are plenty of places to stay along the Florida Keys, with each resort offering its own take on the area. Some have huge pools to help cool off from the Florida heat, while others make it feel as though you are the only people on the island. Depending on how far into the action you want to be and what you want from your hotel will probably influence your hotel decision.
Bahia Honda State Park
Not only is this the most beautiful beach in the Florida Keys, but it’s also considered to be the most impressive in the state. It might be hard to remember that you’re in Florida and not a faraway exotic land with a trip to this state park.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
If you’re into scuba diving or snorkeling, then it might be time to take a visit to this state park. The underwater land is filled with impressive creatures, including wild sea turtles, as well as a handful of shipwrecks that have been preserved over the years. Prefer to stay above the water? Glass-bottom boats can give visitors a view from above.
Mallory Square
Every night at sunset, the local traders and vendors gather to create a festive atmosphere. This means everyone from sword-swallowers to pets walking on tightropes come out to play as visitors get to take in the impressive shows while enjoying the sunset. There are plenty of small stores and even a museum dedicated to the sponge-harvesting industry that once supported the area.
Dolphin Research Center
One of the best ways to help protect species is to educate people about their needs and how we have an effect on their numbers. The Dolphin Research Center is home to plenty of California sea lions and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. They help visitors learn all about their conservation thanks to educational talks and tours. Plus, some are lucky enough to get up close and personal with some of the inhabitants.
Turtle Hospital
Sea turtles are some of the most beautiful creatures in the world. The Turtle Hospital found in Marathon lets visitors learn all about sea turtles as they are rehabilitated from injuries or dangerous situations before they are released back into the wild. There are even some permanent residents who are too frail to make it back to the wild but are cared for by the team instead. A trip here really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The Florida Keys isn’t the first place that everyone thinks about when planning a vacation. However, the area is filled with some of the most impressive and unique sights in the world. If you want to feel like you’ve jetted off to an exotic island without traveling too far, then it might be time to book a trip to the Florida Keys.
