For some, one island may be enough to satisfy that need for a vacation. Florida can offer much more. The Florida Keys consist of a 106-mile chain of islands, all beautiful but unique in their own way. Key Largo is closest to the Florida mainland and Key West sits at the southernmost point, separated by about 100 miles of water and island beauty. All of the islands are connected by a series of 42 bridges, allowing the adventurous to roam “America’s Caribbean” from north to south.

This feature focuses mainly on the attractions found within the Key West area. However, some sites are simply too good to miss, even if it means an hour drive to the Northern Keys. Besides, the drive itself will keep all the car’s passengers awake with curiosity and eyes wide with awe as they behold the ocean view.

The Conch Tour train

The Conch Tour train is one of Key West’s most talked about attractions. Henry Flagler’s railroad arrived in September of 1912. Today’s Conch train represents that original railroad car. The tour will take its passenger through time beginning in the early days when fierce Indian tribes fought each other on the beaches. Then the ride passes through town to discover the unique architecture and culture of the bustling city within Key West. You’ll also learn about such famed Key West citizens of the past as John James Audubon, Ernest Hemingway and Harry S. truman. No tour can tell history better than this exciting train ride across the island. Relive the early times of settlement, the arrival of the railroad, the Depression and World War I. At the end, you’ll understand why Key West has been loved by so many of America’s greatest.

Flagler Station Over-Sea Railroad Historeum

The Flagler railroad is that piece of history that makes Florida and its Keys so unique from the rest of the nation. This Historeum will answer any and all questions about Henry Flagler and his eighth wonder of the world. Upon entering, the Historeum will transport you to the turn of the 20th century. By the end of the tour, you’ll understand why most people in that day thought Flagler’s idea impossible. You’ll also hear the tragedies and adventures of those who made this supposedly impossible feat a reality.

Beaches and Parks

There’s no doubt that when someone visits the Florida Keys, they definitely come to swim and relax on the beach. Key West offers its own unique collection of parks and beaches. While all of them offer sandy spots for sunbathing and swimming, others offer even more activities. For example, visitors to Smathers Beach can rent out kayaks, windsurfers, jetskis, and even go parasailing above the ocean blue. Friendly competition always occupies the sand volleyball court right on the beach with plenty of sunbathers who serve as a relaxed but captive audience.

Named after U.S. President Zachary Taylor, Fort Zachary Taylor draws thousands of visitors each year. The fort sits near the beach and was constructed in the year 1845, only several years after Florida had become a state. It eventually served as an important outpost during the Civil War. In 1971, the fort was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and, in 1973, was designated a National Historic Landmark. A 1968 excavation discovered guns and ammunition dating back to the Civil War, which make up only a fraction of the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the United States.

Diving and Snorkeling

Considering that nearly 75 percent of the world is made up of water, it seems strange that so much of that underwater world remains a mystery to people today. The Florida Keys offer every opportunity to get to know the secrets of this place. The Keys boast an endless list of diving and snorkeling sites. There’s a spot for nearly every age and swimming level. But no matter how shallow or how deep, underwater explorers will find themselves surrounded by beautiful fish and rare coral reefs. Each site is unique in the kinds of fish that roam through the shipwrecks below. Several of these sites are described below.

John Pennekamp Park

Located in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Park is the nation’s first underwater park. Known for its beautiful stretching coral reef and extraordinary colorful fish, divers and snorkelers alike will be in awe. When diving it’s not unusual to get a picture with the popular underwater attraction, The Statue of Christ the Abyss. Also known as “Christ the Deep,” the statue stands in the spectacular coral formations of the Key Largo Dry Rocks. If diving and snorkeling aren’t your thing, the park also provides fishing, glass bottom boat rides, camping and of course great sea food restaurants.

The Cayman Salvager

The Cayman Salvager, 180-foot steel hulled buoy, was sunk as an artificial reef in 1985. There’s nothing fake about this experience, though. Her hallowed holds provide refuge for baitfish and grunts, as well as a two permanent residents - a 200-pound jewfish as well as a friendly six foot green moray eel. The buoy sits in 65 to 90 feet of water on a smooth, sandy bottom.

Nine Foot Stake

Nine Foot Stake is often overlooked by divers because of how shallow its waters are, but don’t be fooled. The site offers excellent photo opportunities and a great dive for beginners. The typical spur and groove coral of the Keys’ reefs are found here. The highlights of the site, however, include brain coral six foot in diameter and the remains of a small lighthouse with 50-foot piling scattered for several hundred square feet. Large barracuda seem to guard this remnant of a past time while southern stingrays share the sand patches with even more yellow-headed jewfish.

trinity Cove

trinity Cove offers the more experienced diver an adventure to remember. The Cove marks the start of the Boca Grande Bar at a depth of 45 to 60 feet. Excellent visibility averaging 50-100 feet due to blue water from the Gulf Stream means excellent pictures and the chance to see all kinds of underwater life such as Black Durgon, African Pompano and Jack Crevelle.

Key Largo Dry Rock’s

Key Largo Dry Rock’s main feature is the famous “Christ of the Deep.” The nine-foot bronze statue of the religious icon stands gracefully at the ocean floor, symbolizing peace and understanding for the world above the sea. The 4,000-pound statue stands on a 20-ton concrete base seven and a half feet tall. The area’s clear waters allow divers to admire the towering statue with its outstretched hands as well as to once again enjoy the surrounding marine life.

Everglades National Park

Ever heard of the roseate spoonbill or the great blue heron? If you haven’t already, you could very well see one as they wade through the water in the largest U.S. park east of the Rocky Mountains. The Everglades offer adventure and excitement for visitors from all over the country. Established in 1947, Everglades National Park is home to more than 400 species of birds, 25 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians/reptiles and 125 species of fish. The park consists of 137 miles of coastline and 484,200 acres in the Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. There are many ways to experience the mysteries of the Everglades. The park offers several organized programs, including ranger-led walks and talks as well as boat tours. However, for the more independent adventurer, there are also hiking, biking, and canoe trails. Fishing in the park is allowed, but only with the appropriate saltwater/freshwater fishing licenses. Ever taken a close look at a crocodile or an alligator? Well, this is the only place in the world that you could see the two swimming side by side. Since the park is not close to Key West, try to add this priceless experience to your agenda as you are entering or leaving the Keys.

Fishing

Fishing in the Florida Keys is serious business. You need more than a rod, hook and bobber to pull in the underwater giants. Catch one and you’ll have a story to tell for years to come and a tasty meal to match. although nearly all of the Keys offer several fishing sites and charters, Islamorada Key rises above the rest. It has more fishing vessels per square mile than any other vacation destination in the world and is known as the sport fishing capital of the world. Numerous charters are also available on each island. Professional fishing captains can guide you offshore to roam the deep blue waters in search of marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and other ferocious fighters. Or, if opting for a slow and stealthy hunt, you can stalk bonefish and tarpon in the Florida Bay, otherwise known as “the backcountry.”

Dolphin Swims

Every kid (and adult for that matter) who has ever watched an episode of Flipper will surely jump at the chance to come face to face with the real thing. The Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphins are as fun and energetic as they appear on TV. Grassy Key, located north of Key West, is home to the Dolphin Research Center, which offers tours, dolphin swims and more. If possible, check into a trip to this Northern Key and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience. But be sure to call in advance for reservations. Visitors and residents alike flock daily to these playful, gentle creatures.

Chowing Down

The Florida Keys offer some of the best seafood in the country. Of course, the location gives these chefs a strong advantage. Visitors can easily spot a yummy lunch - just look to the coastline and you’ll find a line of restaurants and saloons ready to quench your thirst and ease that growling stomach. Seafood might be this area’s specialty, but rest assured that you’ll still find a fill for any craving. A few of Key West’s hot spots include Sloppy Joe’s and Hog’s breath Saloon. Captain Tony’s, which is actually the original Sloppy Joe’s, was a favorite hangout of the timeless Ernest Hemingway. Also be sure to check out Pepe’s Cayo Hueso y Habana (Key West and Havana). This spot boasts a menu of the finest Cuban food north of Havana. Let these restaurants lure you in with the tantalizing perfume of spices and sauce and fill you up with their seafood delicacies.

Casa Cayo Hueso

Be sure to hang around this emporium after you’ve gotten your fill at Pepe’s. Located in the historic Mallory Square, it is filled with colorful shops, memorabilia and a true display of Key West’s rich Cuban heritage. Visitors can observe Cuban cigars being rolled as they have been for hundreds of years and dance to the quick step of Cuban music. This brick warehouse, which faces the busy harbor of Key West, was built in 1879 by William H. Wall. It now serves to celebrate Key West and the beautiful Spanish tradition which has made it so unique.

Duval Street - Shopping and much more

Upon arrival, you will no doubt discover the breathtaking beauty and captivating culture of Key West. although such beauty can never be fully captured, a few people have come close. A vacation in the Keys only lasts so long; the arts and crafts shops that line Duval Street in Key West give you the chance to take home a memento of your time in paradise. Be sure to visit Sign of Sandford, where the world-famous water painter Sandford Birdsey creates and displays her many masterpieces. In fact, her work has been so popular as to be included in several private collections, including that of the late President John Kennedy and the Phillip Morris Collection. If the beach cannot sit outside your backyard, at least it can adorn your wall. Whether you seek the timeless beauty of a painter’s brush, the glamor of handcrafted jewelry or the pleasure of adding Key West clothing to your wardrobe, you will find it on Key West’s Duval Street.

Sunset Celebration

Held in the center of the historic Mallory Square, locals and visitors gather together every evening to behold the gorgeous sunset in the Florida Keys. The Mallory Square is a perfect place to hold a nightly celebration of the city’s beauty. It sits in the center of the harbor’s waterfront where the life and culture of Key West first began to develop. From the very beginning, it has served as a bustling seaport to all visitors to America. Come early for the sunset celebration to enjoy the excellent shopping and the historic sculpture garden within the Square. Nothing, however, can top the sunset. It’s always the perfect ending to a day in Paradise.

And after the sun falls.....

You’ve filled up on the tastiest seafood this side of the country. You’ve shopped, swum, and snorkeled until you’re ready to drop. You may feel like stopping but Key West keeps going. After a day out in the sun, take that rest under the moon with a nice, cold drink. All of the restaurants/bars mentioned above start the music entertainment after dark. At the first sign of stars in the sky, Sloppy Joe’s and many more of the casual restaurants by day turn to their dance floor, turn up the music and begin a party that is sure to last all night long. As tired as you may be, it’ll be very hard to turn down this night scene. Be warned, though. The sunny beaches and crashing waves of the ocean will no doubt call your name again at the first sign of daylight.