Florida Keys holidays - Full of life, picturesque and unique

Discover islands that are the life of the party

The Florida Keys are a sun-drenched string of tropical islands stretching like a lazy smile from the southern tip of Florida into the shimmering blues of the Gulf and Atlantic. Connected by the scenic Overseas Highway, the Keys are a paradise of swaying palms, coral reefs, quirky charm, and island time. From the dive havens of Key Largo to the sunset-soaked streets of Key West, each Key has its own salty soul – perfect for snorkelling, sailing, sipping rum, or simply doing nothing at all.

Key Largo:  Recognised as the enchanted front porch of the Florida Keys – where the palms sway like they’re dancing to Jimmy Buffett, and the ocean sparkles with secrets only the sea turtles know. Just a hop, skip, and a sun-soaked hour from Miami, Key Largo is where everyday worries melt away faster than an ice cube in a rum punch.

Beneath the turquoise waves lies a fantastical kingdom of coral castles and curious creatures. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you can float above swaying sea fans and rainbow-colored reefs or pay your respects to the Christ of the Abyss, a serene underwater statue that gazes up through the sunbeams.

Key Largo’s soul is found in its quirky roadside diners, tiki-lit fish shacks, and barefoot bars where live music spills out onto the dock. And yes, the Key lime pie here is practically a sacred rite – tart, creamy and sweet – and worth every bite!

And let’s not forget The African Queen, the very boat that once carried Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn through cinematic swamps. She’s docked here, polished and proud, ready to tell you stories of silver screens and old-school adventure.

Islamorada: Nestled like a string of pearls in the heart of the Florida Keys, Islamorada—affectionately known as the "Village of Islands"—is a sun-kissed paradise where time slows down and the sea shimmers with secrets. Stretching dreamily between Key Largo and Marathon, this charming archipelago includes Plantation Key, Windley Key, Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, and the whispering, offshore isles of Indian Key and Lignumvitae Key.

Beloved by fishing fanatics and salty souls alike, Islamorada is a siren song for anglers the world over. Here, the thrill of the catch is a daily ritual, whether you’re chasing silver-flashing tarpon, elusive bonefish, or the majestic sailfish through aquamarine backwaters and open seas.

But fishing is only the beginning. Beneath the waves lies a wonderland of coral castles and sunken tales, perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. Above the surface, adventurers paddle through mangrove mazes, glide across still waters, or set sail into sunsets that melt the sky into hues of orange sorbet and violet blush.

Marathon: Welcome to the breezy, sun-drenched middle child of the Florida Keys – where pelicans patrol the piers like seasoned sailors, and island time isn’t a suggestion... it’s the law.

Stretching lazily across several islands – including Vaca Key, Fat Deer Key, and Grassy Key—Marathon is like a maritime treasure chest packed with family-friendly fun, nautical charm, and a dash of old Keys soul.

At the Turtle Hospital, real-life sea turtle heroes get patched up and sent back to the big blue. Visitors can tour the facility, meet the flippered patients, and leave feeling like honorary marine biologists with hearts three sizes bigger.

No visit is complete without cruising across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, where the Atlantic stretches to infinity on one side and the Gulf lounges lazily on the other. It’s the stuff of road trip legends – best taken with the windows down and your favourite song playing.

Sink your toes into the soft sands of Sombrero Beach, a local gem with swaying palms and family-friendly vibes. Picnic under the sun, splash in the shallows, or just stretch out and let the ocean do all the talking.

Key West: The final punctuation mark at the end of U.S. Route 1 and the crown jewel of the Florida Keys. Key West is where the road runs and the margaritas never do.

Quirky, colourful and unapologetically itself, Victorian mansions painted in popsicle pastels, roaming roosters that strut like they own the place, and streets named things like “Love Lane” and “Lazy Way” give the island an Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-Caribbean-pirate-town vibe.

Every evening at Mallory Square, the sun performs its grand finale and the whole island turns out to watch. Jugglers, fire-eaters, and musicians turn the waterfront into a carnival of joy, while the sky melts into mango and hibiscus hues.

Key West has long lured the odd and the iconic—Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Jimmy Buffett, and a hundred other wandering spirits found a home (or at least a hangover) here. Visit Hemingway’s house, complete with six-toed cats, or sip a daiquiri in a bar where he may or may not have started a brawl!

Snorkel with rainbow fish at Fort Zachary Taylor, kayak through mangrove mazes, or take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote island fortress floating in sapphire seas. Whether you're into shipwreck dives or lazy days on the sand, the sea is your co-conspirator.

From Fantasy Fest’s flamboyant parades to the anything-goes vibe of Duval Street, Key West celebrates self-expression like nowhere else.