The Florida Keys are a group of islands off the Florida Coast that have become well-known as a prized vacation destination. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, here seven reasons why you should consider choosing the Florida keys.
1. Year Round Perfect Weather
Sitting off the coast of Florida, the Keys are home to sunny, warm weather year-round. This makes them ideal for a getaway during the months that many other places may be chilly or downright freezing – you can lounge in the sun even in December! The beautiful weather also means there’s no shortage of gorgeous scenery to enjoy, including lush plants and sparkling waters.
2. You Can Look Forward To Gorgeous Beaches
It won’t come as a surprise that this set of islands is home to several gorgeous beaches. Smathers Beach on Key West is one popular choice for enjoying the ocean and the sun. If you’re looking for a quieter retreat, meaner, check out Calusa Beach on Big Pine Key.
3. There’s A Great Nightlife Scene
Beautiful beaches is far from all the Keys have to offer to visitors. While Miami might be the spot in Florida that’s best known for its nightlife, the Keys also have a nightlife scene of their own. Key West is arguably the best of the islands for those wanting to enjoy a taste of island nightlife. Duval Street is the place to head for those looking to check out the bars.
4. There Are Surprisingly Budget-Friendly Options
When you think of the Florida Keys, a hefty price tag might immediately come to mind along with luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches. And while visiting islands such as Key West can be pricey, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to plan a trip there. Activities such as lounging by the beach, window shopping at Mallory Square or exploring island trails can be done for free. And while lodging can get pricey on the islands, you can also always opt to visit for an afternoon while staying on the mainland.
5. There’s Great Shopping
Those who enjoy shopping aren’t out of luck either! Key West’s Mallory Square is home to a collection of shops ranging from local hidden gems to chain stores. There are also a number of shopping options on islands such as Key Largo. Check out the Pink Plaza, a two-story outdoor shopping center, for example.
6. Ease of Access
One great thing about the Florida Keys is that it’s fairly easy to reach the most popular islands. While many islands might require a plane ticket or at least a ferry ride, the Overseas highway connects the main islands that make up the keys to the mainland. This makes getting there as easy as hopping in the car and driving over.
7. It’s Home To Hidden Gems
Finally, the Florida Keys are home to all manner of hidden gems and unique things to do. If you’re visiting Key West, swing over to Bahama Village to enjoy street music and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. Or, if you’re looking for a unique (albeit more well-known) way to fill an afternoon, head out to Dry Tortugas National Park – a one-of-a-kind national park accessible by boat and surrounded by crystal-clear waters.