Florida Keys overview

The Keys have something for everyone, with the focus on water activities. They generally offer a laid-back atmosphere, plenty of nightlife and many "celebrations", particularly in Islamorada and Key West, although there's peace and solitude if you want it. Also a popular wedding destination, including underwater weddings. A favourite holiday destination for Americans and Europeans. Key Largo is the first resort you reach when coming from Miami; it is the scuba-diving capital of the Keys and part of the Florida Keys National Maritime Sanctuary. Several of the hotels are situated around the marina, within easy walking distance of each other and a selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Car hire is not an absolute essential here, although the resort is rather spread out along US Route 1. The number one attraction is the 78-sq-ml John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park which includes an unusual aquarium, a nature trail through mangrove forests, a beach, snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottomed boat trips. The Key Largo Undersea Park is a research/educational facility with guided tours and dives to the reef and a galleon wreck. Annual festivities in the area include a Christmas boat parade.