In the Ultimate guide to the Florida Keys there is so much to see here so much to do just south of Miami.
Here we will show you about the Keys during your time there.
One of the popular ways to get to the Florida Keys is to from Fort Myers, is by taking a ferry to the the Florida Keys it is called the Key West Express it cost about 170 dollars roundtrip and takes 3 and a half hours saving you around 3 hours each way on the trip.
If you are in the Tampa Bay area there are low cost flights to the Keys from St. Pete/ Clearwater Airport (PIE-EYW)
Where to stay, What to do while down in the Keys, Fishing Tips, History & More
Best months to plan your trip.
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 75 | 65 |
| February | 77 | 66 |
| March | 80 | 68 |
| April | 83 | 72 |
| May | 86 | 76 |
| June | 88 | 79 |
| July | 89 | 80 |
| August | 89 | 80 |
| September | 88 | 79 |
| October | 85 | 76 |
| November | 80 | 71 |
| December | 77 | 67 |
Your Ultimate Guide to the Florida Keys: Where to Stay, What to Do, Fishing Tips, History & More
The Florida Keys stretch like a tropical necklace off the southern tip of Florida, offering a mix of coral reefs, historic towns, laid-back beaches, world-class fishing, and a lifestyle so relaxed that you instantly feel lighter. Because the islands are connected by the scenic Seven Mile Bridge, you can easily road-trip from one end to the other. Yet each island has its own personality, lodging style, food culture, and also home to many attractions.
Many of the Florida Keys beaches will create a great time and special memories, and you enjoy each of the Florida Key Islands.
In this guide, you’ll discover where to stay, what to do, what fish you can catch each month, and also the best time to plan your visit. So, let’s dive in—Florida Keys style.
A Brief History of the Florida Keys
Before planning your stay, it’s helpful to understand the deep history of the islands. The Keys were previously inhabited by the Calusa and Tequesta tribes. Later, Spanish explorers charted the islands, naming them Los Martires. Over time, the Florida Keys became a maritime hub full of shipwreck salvagers, also fishermen, and pioneers.
Undoubtedly one of the most famous residents was the celebrated writer Ernest Hemingway, whose presence in Key West helped shape its bohemian influence. Another iconic resident was playwright Tennessee Williams, known for embracing the Florida Keys’ tranquil lifestyle.
Today, the Florida Keys blend Caribbean influence, Florida culture, and ecological conservation—making them certainly one of the most unique travel destinations in the U.S.
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Shop NowBest Time to Visit the Florida Keys
Although the Keys are warm year-round, choosing the right month can improve your stay—especially if you’re fishing or snorkeling.
Monthly Water Temperatures in the Florida Keys
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 75 | 69 |
| February | 75 | 70 |
| March | 77 | 72 |
| April | 80 | 75 |
| May | 83 | 79 |
| June | 86 | 82 |
| July | 87 | 84 |
| August | 88 | 84 |
| September | 86 | 83 |
| October | 84 | 80 |
| November | 79 | 75 |
| December | 76 | 71 |
When Should You Visit?
- Best overall: December–April
- Best for fishing: March–July
- Best for snorkeling/diving: May–September
- Least crowded: September–November (but also peak hurricane season)
Fishing in the Florida Keys: What You Can Catch Each Month
Fishing is one of the Florida Keys biggest draws, and because many fish migrate, every month brings new excitement. Here we show you what are the best months to fish in this all in one Ultimate guide to the best fishing spots in the Florida Keys.
January–February
- Sailfish
- King mackerel
- Mutton snapper
- Yellowtail snapper
March–April
- Tarpon (peak begins)
- Permit
- Bonefish
May–June
- Dolphin (mahi-mahi)
- Blackfin tuna
- Grouper (seasonal openings vary)
July–August
- Lobster season begins
- Yellowtail snapper
- Tarpon (late season)
September–October
- Wahoo
- Snapper
- Permit
November–December
- Sailfish
- Spanish mackerel
- Cobia
Whether you head offshore, inshore, or to the reef, you’ll find exciting fishing opportunities all year.
Where to Stay, What to Do & Top Attractions on Each Major Key in the Ultimate Guide to the Florida Keys
Below is a breakdown of the most popular Keys—from Key Largo to Key West—so you can plan your ideal island-hopping adventure with your Florida Keys Island guide.
1. Key Largo: The Diving Capital of the World
Where to Stay in Key Largo
- Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo – upscale with private beach
- Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort – family-friendly, waterfront
- Amoray Dive Resort – best for divers
Top Attractions
- Visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – stunning coral reefs
- Dolphins Plus Bayside – swim with dolphins
- Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center
What to Do
- Dive the reefs
- Snorkel the Christ of the Abyss statue
- Kayak the mangroves
Popular Restaurants
- The Fish House
- Sundowners
- Hobo's Cafe
Fun Fact
Because Key Largo is the diving capital of the world it is home to the world’s first undersea park.
2. Islamorada: The Sportfishing Capital of the World
Where to Stay
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa
- Islander Resort
Top Attractions
- Theater of the Sea
- History of Diving Museum
What to Do
- Backcountry fishing
- Parasailing
- Paddleboarding
Popular Restaurants
- Lazy Days Restaurant
- Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar
Fun Fact
Islamorada holds more world fishing records than any other place on Earth.
3. Marathon: Family-Friendly & Home of the Seven Mile Bridge
Where to Stay
- Isla Bella Beach Resort
- Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort
Top Attractions
- The Turtle Hospital
- Crane Point Hammock
What to Do
- Visit Sombrero Beach
- Take a snorkeling tour
- Bike the Old Seven Mile Bridge
Popular Restaurants
- Island Fish Company
- Keys Fisheries
Fun Fact
Before cars Marathon was once a major railroad stop on Overseas Railroad built by Henry Flagler.
4. Big Pine key & the Lower Keys: Wild & Natural
Where to Stay
- Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge
- Looe Key Reef Resort
Top Attractions
- National Key Deer Refuge
- Bahia Honda State Park
What to Do
- Kayak the backcountry
- Spot endangered Key deer
- Snorkel Looe Key Reef
Popular Restaurants
- No Name Pub
- Boondocks Grille & Draft House
Fun Fact
Key deer—found nowhere else on the planet and they are also roam freely here.
5. Key West: The Southernmost Party, Culture & History Hub
Where to Stay
- Casa Marina Key West
- Ocean Key Resort & Spa
- Pier House Resort & Spa
Top Attractions
- Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- Southernmost Point
- Daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
What to Do
- Enjoy a sunset celebration
- Tour Old Town
- Visit local art galleries
- Explore Duval Street nightlife
Popular Restaurants
- Blue Heaven
- El Meson de Pepe
- Hog's Breath Saloon
Fun Fact
Six-toed cats still roam the Hemingway Home, descendants of the author’s original pet.
Famous People Who Have Lived in the Florida Keys
Many creative icons found inspiration in the islands’ slow pace and tropical beauty, including:
- Ernest Hemingway – lived and wrote in Key West
- Tennessee Williams – wrote from his quiet Key West home
- Harry S. Truman – used Key West as his Winter White House
- Jimmy Buffett – helped shape the tropical “island escapism” sound
- Judy Blume – long-time Key West literary icon
Their presence added cultural richness still visible today.
Popular Destinations Throughout the Florida Keys
Here are can’t-miss spots during your island-hopping journey:
- Explore Dry Tortugas National Park
- See the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
- Islamorada Sandbar
- Anne's Beach
Each offers a unique blend of nature, wildlife, and tropical scenery.
Final Thoughts: Why the Ultimate Guide to the Florida Keys Should Be Part of Your Next Vacation
From the thriving reefs of Key Largo to the historic streets of Key West, because the Florida Keys are unlike anywhere else in the world. Because each island has a distinct personality, you can design a vacation that fits your style—whether you want luxury spas, laid-back beaches, fishing adventures, or nightlife.
Additionally, with warm temperatures all year and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, the Keys remain one of America’s top road-trip destinations.
If you're looking for sunshine, turquoise waters, delicious seafood, and a getaway you’ll talk about for years, the Florida Keys are waiting.