If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Florida Keys, you may be wondering how to get there. The island chain has one road connecting all the main Keys islands to the rest of Florida. This road is the only way to travel from island to island. Here are some tips to help you make the journey. Before you go, read up on the Overseas Highway. Taking public transportation is a great idea, too!
Cuban Coffee Queen
You’ve heard about Cuban coffee and it’s easy to see why. The town of Key West is 90 miles from Cuba, and the two countries have cultural ties that go far beyond geography. In the late 1800s, Cuban exiles fled from Spain to Key West, where they found a safe haven and continued their fight for independence. The San Carlos Institute, founded in 1871, is a cultural center that serves as a constant reminder of Key West’s relationship with the Cuban diaspora. Likewise, it’s easy to connect Cuban coffee with Key West, especially with its two locations in Old Town.
You can reach the original Cuban Coffee Queen in the town of Islamorada by taking the Key West trolley. From here, you can find the second location, located in Key West’s downtown Key Lime Square. Both locations serve coffee and pastries, but the first is better known for its ambiance. If you’re interested in getting the original Cuban Coffee Queen experience, it’s worth a ride.
Key West International Airport
If you’re planning a visit to the Florida Keys, you’ll need to know how to get to Key West International Airport. The airport is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, so you can expect to be greeted by gorgeous views of the island’s palm trees and water. You’ll find all the services you need at the airport in the baggage claim area, including ATMs, car rental companies, and ground transportation information booths. If you have a baby, you’ll love the airport’s Mamava Suite, a private nursing room in the Departure Lounge, and changing tables in every restroom. For a fun, memorable trip, don’t forget to grab a rum cocktail.
If you’re planning to fly into Key West, the airport serves several major cities throughout Florida and the Bahamas. You’ll find many direct flights from Atlanta and Miami to EYW, which are both the largest airports in Florida. In December 2012, nonstop service began to Miami and New York’s La Guardia Airports. The Miami-Dade-Monroe Express Route also serves the airport.
Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile road that carries U.S. Route 1 through the Florida Keys and out to Key West. The highway was built on the former railroad right-of-way for the Key West Extension of the Florida East Coast Railway. If you’re heading to the Florida Keys, consider taking a trip down the Overseas Highway.
In 1982, the U.S. Border Patrol set up a checkpoint on the Overseas Highway, searching for illegal immigrants. The checkpoint angered many residents and deterred tourism to the town of Key West. It also inspired Key West to declare independence as the Conch Republic. If you suffer from anxiety, or are afraid of heights, driving the Overseas Highway might be too much for you. You may want to avoid crossing the Seven Mile Bridge.
Regardless of the route you choose to take to the Florida Keys, the Overseas Highway is a unique drive. While you’re on the highway, you can hop on the Key West Express ferry to the island of Key West. These high-speed catamarans ferry only passengers. The Overseas Highway offers stunning views, scenic vistas, and unique experiences. If you’re planning a trip to the Keys, be sure to prepare yourself for many adventures and plenty of photo opportunities.
Public transportation options
If you are flying into Miami and planning on getting to the Florida Keys, you have several options for getting to the island. Public transportation options include the Duval Loop and the Key West Island airport. There are also several taxi services in Key West. However, public transportation in the Florida Keys is most convenient if you’re on a tight budget. Key West is a 3-hour drive from Miami. The scenic drive is especially stunning, as you’ll see a few dolphins bathing along the way.
If you’re traveling in a group of three or more, renting a car is a great way to make the most of your time on the island. You can also make multiple stops to enjoy seaside restaurants along the way. A car rental in the Florida Keys will give you flexibility as to what you want to do, whether it’s exploring the beach towns or eating at seaside restaurants. A car rental can take you from the Miami International Airport to Key West in about three and a half hours. If you want to avoid driving, you can also choose to take a plane from Miami International Airport to Key West, which takes about 53 minutes and costs $92.
Another option for getting to the Florida Keys is to take a bus. Greyhound Lines USA is an iconic bus operator that operates on the island. These buses are known for making arranged stops along the route. Greyhound also offers shuttle services from Miami International Airport to the Florida Keys. Bus services run to the islands from both cities, and fares are around $25. Once you’ve arrived in Key West, you can enjoy the narrated tours and rides on local buses.
Beaches
While it is not possible to visit all 12 Florida Keys beaches in a single trip, it is certainly possible to find the most beautiful one. With clear, warm waters, white sand, and a crystalline ocean, the Keys are a popular beach destination for Americans. While getting to Florida Keys beaches is not difficult, you will need to take a few steps to get there. Read on to learn more about the key steps.
If you are planning a family vacation in the area, you might want to start by exploring the different islands that make up the Florida Keys. These islands are divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Each island has its own feel and characteristics, with small, palm-fringed beaches that are bathed in the turquoise water. However, there are also some major differences between the beaches of the Florida Keys and their mainland counterparts.
The Smathers Beach in Key West is a long, white-sand beach with water sports equipment and a fun atmosphere. The sands are soft and the waves are calm and perfect for swimming or jogging. If you’d prefer a more secluded experience, head to Higgs Beach. Its white sand and turquoise waters make for a wonderful day at the beach.
Kayaking
If you are looking for a relaxing way to explore the tropical environment in the Florida Keys, kayaking can be the perfect solution. With a variety of paddling options, you can paddle around the smaller Keys like Windley, Craig, Conch, Duck, and Bahia Honda. If you prefer the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, you can paddle along the beautiful beaches of Cocoa Plum and Ramrod Key. These Keys are also accessible by the Seven Mile Bridge, which connects the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys.
Once you reach the Seven Mile Bridge, you can begin your journey in the Lower Keys, where the islands become sparsely populated until you reach Key West. You can launch your kayak at Old Wooden Bridge Marina or Bahia Honda State Park. There are also paid motor boat ramps at No Name Key and Looe Key Reef Resort. Then, paddle to Key West, where the Florida Keys Paddling Trail continues.
If you want to explore the entire Florida Keys with your kayak, consider paddling along the Suwannee River, a 171-mile trail with folklore value. It offers kayakers an intense wilderness experience while remaining close to urban attractions. Along the riverbanks, you can expect to see plenty of wildlife. If you plan on staying in one place for the night, consider staying at a waterfront hotel.
Snorkeling
If you want to go snorkeling in the Florida Keys, you need to know a few things about getting to the area. First, you need to know that the water and air temperature in the Keys get quite cold during the winter. However, the temperatures are usually in the eighties from May to October. For more information on water and air temperatures, you can visit the Florida Keys’ official website.
The Dry Tortugas National Park is a great place to go snorkeling in the Florida Keys. You can also take a tour of the old fort and the historic island of Key West. It’s a short boat ride from Marathon, where you can rent a kayak and explore the waters. You’ll be treated to unlimited sodas, so you’ll be well-hydrated while snorkeling in the Florida Keys.
There are several snorkeling spots in the Florida Keys, but the most famous is the Christ of the Abyss statue. The statue stands 8.5 feet high and is surrounded by beautiful coral formations. You’ll often find stingrays swimming around it. Another popular snorkeling spot is the Molasses Reef, located off Key Largo. The crystal clear water of this place makes it the perfect spot for snorkeling. In fact, you’ll likely see an abundance of tropical fish and coral in this place.