The Florida Keys are more than just a terrific vacation spot. The Keys are home to some intriguing marine facts and rich history. How many keys are there in the Florida Keys? Here are fascinating facts about the warm and sunny destination you may not know.
In the region known as the Florida Keys, more than 800 keys spanning more than 180 miles. There are 42 roads connecting the islands of the Florida Keys.
Seven Mile Bridge, the longest bridge, is 35,716 feet long and connects the Florida mainland to the Florida Keys. Harris Gap Bridge, the shortest bridge, is only 37 feet long.
Key West is the most southern city in the United States, and it is closer to Havana, Cuba, than to Miami, Florida. Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba.
Many Keys Are There In The Florida Keys
Here are many keys of the Florida, which is very beautiful destination for vacation:
1. Key West
Key West is one of the most desirable seashore vacation destinations in the Florida Keys.
This island, located at the end of the Keys and considered the southernmost point in the continental United States, features a variety of pristine beaches, beautiful parks, and historical landmarks.
On this tropical island, tried-and-true activities include:
- Visiting Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
- A prime location for water sports and bird viewing.
- Relaxing on the half-mile-long Smathers Beach.
Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to observe more than 50 species of vibrant butterflies, exotic animals, and other wildlife.
Old Town in Key West contains a variety of historic sites, including the Harry S. Truman Little White House, which served as the president’s winter residence from 1946 to 1952.
Additionally, Key West provides convenient access to Dry Tortugas National Park, limited to by boat or seaplane.
This expansive park encompasses 100 square miles of aquamarine waters and exotic marine life, including coral reefs.
2. Little Torch Key
This Florida Key is one of the United States’ best-kept secrets. Little Torch Key is a small island located 24 miles from Key West. It was named for the torchwood, a native tree on several islands.
The island, a part of the Lower Keys, is renowned for its pristine atmosphere because few businesses exist.
Little Torch Key makes up for its lack of oceanfront resorts with its proximity to Key West’s activity.
This idyllic island also offers visitors the chance to spend days lounging on white sand beaches surrounded by swaying palm trees.
In addition to sunbathing on the pristine sands, you can swim in the azure ocean waters and experience paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Little Torch Key is also ideal for exploring the o Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
This mesmerizing protected area, part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, is a prime location for scuba diving and snorkeling.
You will encounter over 150 fish species while swimming in the islands’ crystal clear waters, including yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda, sergeant majors, and moray eel.
3. Big Pine Key
Big Pine Key, located approximately 100 miles south of Florida and 30 miles north of Key West, is a Florida treasure.
This island paradise provides simple access to some of the world’s most pristine locations, so you will never run out of activities.
On the island, visit the National Key Deer Refuge, an 8,542-acre National Wildlife Refuge home to the Key Deer, which is endemic to the Florida Keys (children will adore seeing these dog-sized creatures).
Remember to visit the Big Pine Key Flea Market, the island’s most extensive and liveliest outdoor market, where you’ll find a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, jewelry, and apparel.
Big Pine is also the starting point for numerous snorkeling and scuba diving locations. Bahia Honda State Park on Bahia Honda Key Island is a must-see.
Snorkelers can find small tropical fish, rays, barracuda, and even the tiny nurse shark in this park, which encompasses more than 500 acres and is teeming with abundant wildlife.
The Bahia Honda State Park is also home to the only natural colony of the now-extinct Miami blue butterfly, which was believed to have perished during Hurricane Andrew in 1992.
4. Key largo
Key Largo, the first and most northern of the Florida Keys, is a treasure trove of incredible tourist views.
The island’s spectacular beaches, tropical hardwoods, winding streams, a national park, two state parks, and a national marine sanctuary area make it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts.
In John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, scuba diving, snorkeling, glass-bottom watercraft, and kayaking are available.
The park encompasses an astounding 70 nautical square miles and contains some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.
Explore the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, home to 84 protected plant and animal species, or take a dolphin-watching excursion to see these adorable creatures swimming in their natural environment.
Be sure to stop by Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen between adventures for some of the freshest seafood and Key Lime Pie, a Florida Keys specialty!
5. Long Key
Long Key is an island in the center of the Florida Keys that was once home to a resort for the wealthy and renowned.
This tropical destination is well-known for its proximity to Long Key State Park, a popular destination for beachgoers seeking to experience nature in a pristine and distinctive setting.
Several Florida Keys habitats are preserved at Long Key State Park, which can investigate via scenic trails such as the Golden Orb Trail.
Here, you will be surrounded by mangrove-lined lagoons, tidal rock barrens, mangrove wetlands, and tranquil white-sand beaches.
6. Duck Key
Duck Key is a tiny, secluded Florida Keys island.
This beautiful island between Miami and Key West enchants visitors with its dazzling coastline dotted with sun-kissed beaches of white sand and crystal clear waters.
The island is renowned for its oceanfront resorts, private beach access, magnificent swimming pools, and opulent saunas.
In addition to unwinding on your private beach, you can participate in various enjoyable activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, and paddle boarding.
During your time in Duck Key, don’t forget to stop by Dolphin Connection. This renowned educational facility for marine life allows visitors to swim with Bottlenose Dolphins in a natural lagoon habitat.
7. Marathon Key
Marathon is a ten-mile-long, family-friendly island community in the Middle Keys.
Stay at one of the island’s all-inclusive resorts and explore Marathon’s beaches, which are lined with palm trees and feature emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand.
You must visite Sombrero Beach. This shore is one of the best places to observe loggerhead turtles, typically between April and October.
In addition to playgrounds, filtered water stations, and lavatories, Sombrero provides a variety of amenities.
After kayaking on Sombrero Beach, visit the Turtle Hospital to meet several endearing sea turtles that have been rescued.
Be sure to also travel the scenic, historic route across the Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon, which offers the most breathtaking ocean views.
The Florida Keys are a premier destination for watersports such as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling due to their pristine beaches and awe-inspiring nature sanctuaries teeming with marine life.
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