Undoubtedly Key West and the Florida keys are one of the best places for vacations on the entire earth and no discussion about Florida is complete without mentioning Key West. But Key West and Florida keys are not the same. Key west is one of several keys of Florida. Florida keys are extended more than 100 miles southwest of the southernmost point of Florida. Florida keys consist of almost 800 keys and are connected with 42 bridges of the overseas highway. Key West is the southernmost point of Florida keys and contains only about the last 4 to 5 miles of highway. In simple words, Florida keys begin from Key Largo as the first island and end at key west the last island. Every island has its distinctive qualities and atmosphere which makes it different from the rest of the islands or keys. So, there are almost 30 colonized keys in total. Some keys are better known for tourism and other activities than the rest of Florida keys. These keys are usually divided into five segments such as Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Lower Keys, and Key West. Let’s take a look one by one.
Key largo
Key Largo is the first, northernmost, and biggest of Florida keys; it is also called a paradise for divers. It has some best places for diving and snorkeling, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and African Queen. Key Largo provides plenty of activities including watersport activities (swimming with dolphins, kayaking, and fishing). Several beaches have a mesmerizing natural beauty that everyone can visit with the family to enjoy and relax.
Islamorada
Islamorada is a village of six islands and it is located between Miami and Key west. It's the ideal vacation spot for those who want a small-town atmosphere, sports, aquatic, family get-togethers, outdoor activities, and much more. It is also identified as the Sport Fishing Capital of the world.
Marathon
Marathon key is spread over almost 13 islands like Boot Key, Knights Key, Fat Deer Key, Vaca Key, and so on, and is located in the middle of Florida. It offers a lot of captivating and astonishing places to visit. Snorkeling, fishing, playing in the water, and diving are the considerable activities you can do for refreshing yourself.
The Lower key
Islands beneath the marathon are known as Lower Keys. Lower keys are the haven of islands named Big Torch Key, Little Torch Key, Sugarloaf Key, Stock Key, and Summerland Key. Bahia Honda State Park is the biggest park in the Lower Keys and there are a lot of things you should not miss out such as scuba diving, boat tours, hiking spots, and so on. National Key Deer Wildlife Refuge, Veterans Memorial Park, Big Pine Flea Key Market, and Florida Key Cafe are the best options you can explore in the Lower Keys.
Key West
It is situated closer to Cuba than Miami. Key West is the southernmost point of the continental US and is the last and most populated of Florida keys. More than 24000 people live in key west. Key West is the most touristy and visited place than the rest of the Florida keys, that's the reason which makes Key West more well known and prominent all around the globe. Key west is a term used to describe the city of key west as well as the island of key west. It is a very unique city and has so many fun spots to go to. It is a place to observe the beauty of nature. This southernmost point of Florida is famous for featuring history, dynamic nightlife, watersports, unique style architecture, and beaches. You can enjoy different things here, whether something about historic sites or something that excites you.
Key west ghost tours, trolley tours, and haunted places and houses are so famous and considered the most dreadful places in the world. Fort East Martello Museum in Key West houses one of the scariest dolls in the world known as "Robert the doll". Robert has always been the center of tourist attraction and a feather in the cap of haunted Key West. Key West has so many exciting things whether it's about art and culture (The Hemingway house and museum), or Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park(a fort and beach recreation point). Sunset Key is also the most visited place in key west. As the name suggests it's a great place to observe the fascinating sunset and appreciate the enchanting and delightful scenery of nature. People feel excited by visiting the southernmost point buoy to watch the enthralling beauty of the declining sun at Sunset Key.
Florida keys are comprised of several islands and Key West is one of them. All the keys have their own salient features that distinguish them from each other. It would be a lifetime experience to visit such a location that is blessed with enchanting natural beauty. To be at such an enthralling and captivating place would give you incredible and unforgettable pleasure and an everlasting experience.