by T Byrd

Created on: September 27, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Would you like the opportunity to boast that you have been to the Southernmost Point in the Continental United States? If so, then a trip to the Florida Keys should be in order. The Florida Keys is known for being the perfect locale for a laid back vacation. There is an abundance of activities for singles and families starting in Key largo and ending in the most visited city of Key West. The Keys are strung together by the Overseas Highway which can also simply be called US 1. Many people like to start in the Upper Keys and make stops in Islamorada and Marathon before ending up in Key West. I can say that each Key has it's on distinct ambience.

If you do plan on visiting the Keys then I would suggest making hotel reservations for your Key West hotel ahead of time. You can find some hotels in the hundred dollar range but peak seasons and Holidays can find you paying much more. At least advance reservations will let you know what you are getting into. There are accomodations for everyone's taste and it ranges from Bed and Breakfasts to big Resorts.

The Keys have two parks that fans of the outdoors will enjoy. The Dry Tortugas National Park with it's history of Ponce De Leon and once being inhabited by pirates is an interesting stop. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park should attract those who love snorkeling and scuba.

Key West is the obvious goal for most Florida Key visitors. It's much easier to get to now that the Key West Express offers boat trips out of Marco Island and Fort Myers. It takes hours off of the trip for some travelers. Once you arrive in Key West you must take a stroll down the well known street of Duval. You'll find bars, restaurants and shops galore. Key West seems to have the better beaches of all the Keys so make sure you devote a few hours to that. Once you tire your feet out then you should hop aboard the Conch Train Tours that load in Mallory Square. You can rest and catch a bit of history at the same time. Glass bottom boats are popular all through the Keys and there is one in Key West also. You should wrap up your trip to Key West with a visit to Ernest Hemingway's house and yes the cats still hang out there.

There are a few other must sees in the Keys like Theater of Sea in Islamorada and Marathon has a Dolphin Research Center. So a well planned trip to the Florida Keys can be enjoyed by all members of a family.

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