Free Florida Keys Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Florida Keys with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Florida Keys
Florida Keys photo 2
Florida Keys photo 3
All photos

Explore the Florida Keys for coral reefs, island wildlife, historic Key West, fishing traditions and a scenic Overseas Highway journey.

The Florida Keys form a slender archipelago curving south-west from the Florida peninsula into the Straits of Florida. Linked by the Overseas Highway, the islands shift in character as the road progresses: Key Largo is closely associated with diving and marine conservation, Islamorada with sport fishing and galleries, Marathon with family beaches and working-waterfront traditions, and the Lower Keys with quieter landscapes and wildlife. Key West, at the road’s western end, adds dense historic architecture, literary associations and a well-established evening scene.
Read more about Florida Keys
The landscape is shaped by two very different reef systems. The Upper Keys sit on ancient exposed coral limestone, while the Lower Keys include remnants of an older Miami oolitic limestone formation. Around them lie shallow flats, mangrove islands, seagrass meadows and the living coral reefs of the Florida Reef Tract. These environments make snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing and wildlife watching central to a visit, but they also demand care: currents, heat, sudden storms and fragile marine habitats are part of the setting.
Historic communities are concentrated along the main road and waterfronts. Key West’s Old Town contains timber houses, shaded verandas, churches, courthouses and former merchant buildings, while Islamorada and Marathon retain strong connections with fishing, boatbuilding and marine recreation. The Seven Mile Bridge and the long sequence of smaller crossings are not merely engineering features; they define how visitors experience the region, with open water on either side and land often reduced to a narrow strip of mangrove or palm-fringed shore.
The Keys’ cultural identity has been formed by Indigenous history, Spanish and British colonial eras, wrecking and maritime trade, the arrival of Henry Flagler’s railway, and twentieth-century road tourism. Seafood remains important, alongside Key lime pie, Conch-style preparations and food influenced by Caribbean, Cuban and mainland American traditions. Conservation is equally significant, from protected reefs and state parks to the National Key Deer Refuge. A rewarding itinerary allows time for both the famous southern city and the more spacious, water-oriented communities farther north.

When is the best time to visit Florida Keys?

Best: February–March, December · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2450
February (best)2445
March (best)2650
April2760
May2990
June31130
July31130
August31150
September31140
October29110
November2770
December (best)2455

Getting to and around Florida Keys

How to get there

Most visitors drive south from mainland Florida along US 1, which becomes the Overseas Highway and crosses the entire island chain to Key West. Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, both outside the Keys, are the principal international gateways, while Key West International Airport is within the region and receives domestic services. Florida Keys Marathon International Airport is also within the region but has more limited commercial connectivity. Bus and coach services link the Keys with mainland Florida, though a car is generally the most flexible choice for reaching dispersed beaches, marinas and nature areas.

Transportation

The Overseas Highway is the main transport corridor, and nearly all inhabited Keys are reached from it by bridges or short local roads. Driving distances are linear but can take longer than expected because of traffic, drawbridges, weather and limited alternative routes. Key West has local buses, taxis, cycling and walking options, while rideshare availability and public transport are less dependable in remote areas. Bicycles and kayaks are useful for short local excursions, but heat, narrow shoulders and heavy traffic require care. Boat access is central for reefs, sandbars and offshore fishing grounds, with excursions departing from several Keys.

Destinations in Florida Keys

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Florida Keys

The Florida Keys’ attractions are closely tied to water, wildlife and the story of travel across an exposed island chain. In Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park provides access to mangrove waterways, glass-bottom viewing and organised snorkelling or diving around protected marine habitats. Islamorada is known for sport-fishing traditions, galleries and marine-focused activities, while the History of Diving Museum traces the equipment and techniques that made underwater exploration more accessible. Marathon offers family-oriented beaches, boating and the Turtle Hospital, which combines rehabilitation work with public education. In the Lower Keys, Bahia Honda State Park has sandy beaches, clear shallows and views of historic railway structures, while the National Key Deer Refuge protects a rare miniature deer found only in the Lower Keys. Kayaking through mangroves, casting over flats, birdwatching and visiting small museums provide alternatives to reef trips. The Dry Tortugas, reached from Key West by boat or seaplane, are an offshore national park associated with the wider Monroe County island region rather than the main inhabited Keys; Fort Jefferson and the remote reefs require separate planning.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Florida Keys

The Overseas Highway itself is the Florida Keys’ defining landmark, running over a chain of bridges and causeways where open water, mangrove islands and distant reef flats provide the region’s characteristic views. The Seven Mile Bridge, much of which is now reserved for non-motorised use beside the newer road bridge, represents the engineering ambition of the former Overseas Railroad. In Key West, the Old Town streets preserve nineteenth-century wooden houses with galleries, verandas and distinctive roof forms, while the Key West Lighthouse and its adjacent keeper’s quarters mark the city’s maritime importance. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, a historic house in Old Town, reflects the island’s literary associations, though its significance is also tied to Key West’s broader early-twentieth-century cultural life. In the Lower Keys, remnants of the old rail structures near Bahia Honda show how transport shaped settlement. Offshore, the historic brick walls of Fort Jefferson rise from Garden Key in Dry Tortugas National Park; it is an isolated Monroe County destination reached from Key West rather than a landmark on the main road through the Florida Keys.

Show more landmarks

Explore Florida Keys on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Florida Keys

Dining in the Florida Keys reflects a maritime location and a long connection with Cuba, the Bahamas and mainland Florida. Fresh fish, stone crab when in season, shrimp, lobster in permitted seasons and locally caught seafood appear in waterfront restaurants, casual fish shacks and more polished kitchens, although availability depends on regulation, weather and supply. Key lime pie is the best-known regional dessert, traditionally balancing sharp citrus with a sweet filling, and menus vary over crust and topping. Conch-style fritters, chowders and salads recall older island foodways, while Cuban-influenced sandwiches and coffee are particularly associated with Key West. Independent cafés, bakeries, roadside stands, hotel restaurants and rural inns supplement seafood dining. Islamorada and Key West offer the greatest concentration of restaurants, while Marathon and the Lower Keys provide a more spread-out choice. In smaller communities, reservations can be sensible during the high season, and visitors should not assume that a waterfront setting guarantees locally caught seafood.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Florida Keys

Evening life differs markedly between the Keys. Key West has the region’s densest concentration of bars, live-music rooms, historic inns, cocktail venues and late-opening establishments, especially around Duval Street and the adjoining Old Town streets, although the area also contains galleries, restaurants and residential buildings. Marathon and Islamorada offer waterfront bars, breweries, hotel lounges and venues where live music forms a larger part of the evening than dancing. In the Lower Keys, nightlife is generally quieter and centres on local bars, restaurants, casual music and sunset gatherings rather than a large club scene. The islands’ tropical-drink culture is well established, but it is easy to enjoy the evening through seafood dining, theatre, galleries or a walk through historic districts. Drink-driving is particularly hazardous because the Overseas Highway is the main route home, so taxis, designated drivers and accommodation within walking distance are practical considerations.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Florida Keys

Evening life differs markedly between the Keys. Key West has the region’s densest concentration of bars, live-music rooms, historic inns, cocktail venues and late-opening establishments, especially around Duval Street and the adjoining Old Town streets, although the area also contains galleries, restaurants and residential buildings. Marathon and Islamorada offer waterfront bars, breweries, hotel lounges and venues where live music forms a larger part of the evening than dancing. In the Lower Keys, nightlife is generally quieter and centres on local bars, restaurants, casual music and sunset gatherings rather than a large club scene. The islands’ tropical-drink culture is well established, but it is easy to enjoy the evening through seafood dining, theatre, galleries or a walk through historic districts. Drink-driving is particularly hazardous because the Overseas Highway is the main route home, so taxis, designated drivers and accommodation within walking distance are practical considerations.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Florida Keys

Shopping in the Florida Keys is strongest in independent galleries, waterfront districts, small market areas and historic high streets rather than large enclosed retail centres. Key West’s Old Town has galleries displaying painting, photography, sculpture and island-themed work, alongside bookshops, jewellery stores and retailers selling clothing and locally styled gifts. Islamorada has a notable concentration of galleries and craft-oriented businesses, while Marathon and the Lower Keys provide practical shops, marine suppliers, food retailers and smaller independent outlets. Regional purchases include Key lime products, hot sauces, preserves, seafood seasonings, rum-based gifts, handmade jewellery and artwork inspired by reefs, fishing and historic architecture. Farmers’ markets and craft markets appear seasonally and on varying local schedules, so visitors should check arrangements before making a special trip. Artwork, coral, shells and wildlife products require particular care: do not buy items taken illegally from reefs, beaches or protected areas, and remember that transport and customs rules may restrict what can be taken home.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Florida Keys, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Florida Keys essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar, written as USD. Credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and tour businesses, particularly in Key West and the larger communities. Carry some cash for small food stands, tips, parking arrangements, remote marinas and occasional service interruptions, as card acceptance can be less consistent on smaller or more isolated islands. Prices may be higher than on the mainland because of the Keys’ distance from major supply centres and strong seasonal demand.
Safety
Use ordinary precautions with valuables in vehicles and around busy waterfronts, and take extra care on the Overseas Highway, where traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and sudden weather can share a narrow corridor. Heat, intense sun, thunderstorms and dehydration are practical concerns. Swimmers and snorkellers should respect currents, boat channels, jellyfish and reef conditions, and should never stand on or touch coral. Follow local advice for hurricanes and severe weather. Around Big Pine Key and nearby islands, drive slowly because endangered Key deer often cross roads and may approach vehicles.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 throughout the Florida Keys for police, fire or ambulance emergencies; the number is part of the United States national emergency system rather than a regional service. For a marine emergency, use a marine radio or call 911 and provide the vessel’s position, nearby marker or island and the nature of the problem. Coast Guard assistance is coordinated nationally, while local fire-rescue services and hospitals serve different parts of Monroe County. On remote reefs or isolated islands, response can take time, so carry suitable safety equipment and do not rely solely on a mobile signal.
Do's and Don'ts
Do obey reef, wildlife, fishing and boating regulations, use marked channels, and leave shells, coral and historic objects where they are. Do keep a respectful distance from manatees, dolphins, turtles, birds and Key deer, and follow posted rules in state parks and refuges. Do expect a service charge or gratuity culture similar to the wider United States, with tipping customary for many hospitality services. Do not feed wildlife, anchor on living coral, discard fishing line or block narrow roads for photographs. In Key West’s historic areas, respect residential streets and ask before photographing private homes or people.
Local Tips
The Keys are not one uniform destination: Key Largo suits reef-focused trips, Islamorada combines fishing culture with galleries and watersports, Marathon is a practical central base, and the Lower Keys offer more open landscapes and wildlife habitats. Check tides and weather before planning a sandbar or kayak outing, since conditions can change quickly. Sunrise and sunset viewpoints can become busy, so arrive early and park legally. If visiting several islands, plan accommodation around activities rather than assuming every attraction is a short walk from the highway.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey there[Hay thair]
GoodbyeSee ya later[See yah lay-tur]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[No prob-lum]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thangs a lot]
Excuse me/SorryMy bad[My bad]
How are you?How ya doin'?[How yah doin'?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?You speakin' English?[Yoo speakin' English?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the men-yoo?]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[I'm a vege-tarian]
Cheers!Bottoms up![Bot-tums up!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the chek?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Somebody help![Sum-bod-ee help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leev me a-lone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doc-tor!]
I'm lostI'm totally lost[I'm toe-tally lost]
I'm illI'm not feelin' good[I'm not feelin' good]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing, thanks[Just brows-ing, thangs]
How much is it?What's the price?[What's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[That's a bit pricy]
Can you lower the price?Can you cut me a deal?[Can you cut me a deel?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[What time yah got?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[It's one]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMornin'[Mornin']
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvenin'[Evenin']
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the nearest...?[Where's the near-est...?]
What's the address?What's the addy?[What's the addy?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[When's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to ...[One tik-it to ...]

History of Florida Keys

Indigenous Peoples and the Pre-Colonial Keys

Before European colonisation, the Keys were used by Indigenous peoples including communities associated with the Calusa, Tequesta and later the Matecumbe people. Their lives were adapted to shallow waters, mangrove shorelines, seasonal resources and travel by canoe between islands. Archaeological evidence and shell deposits show long familiarity with the maritime environment, although the islands were never a densely settled agricultural landscape. Disease, violence and colonial expansion dramatically reduced Indigenous populations after European arrival, but the region’s earliest history remains visible through archaeological traces and the enduring importance of fishing and water travel.

Spanish Exploration and Maritime Routes

Spanish navigators reached the archipelago in the sixteenth century and charted the hazardous passages around the Florida Straits. The Keys became part of a wider maritime world connecting Florida, Cuba, the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico. Their reefs and shoals made navigation dangerous, while their position made them useful as landmarks and stopping points. Spanish influence survives in names such as Cayo Hueso, the source of Key West, while later British rule and the transfer of Florida to the United States added further layers to the islands’ political history.

Wrecking, Fishing and the Growth of Key West

During the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Key West prospered through maritime commerce, fishing, turtle harvesting, salt production and the salvaging of cargo from wrecked ships. Wrecking was a legally regulated profession in which crews rescued property from vessels in distress, and it helped create substantial fortunes in Key West. The town became a busy port with links to Cuba, the Bahamas and the expanding United States. Many of its historic buildings and streets reflect this period of commercial growth, when maritime skills were more important to the local economy than leisure tourism.

Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway

Industrialist Henry Flagler extended the Florida East Coast Railway to Key West between 1905 and 1912. The project required monumental bridges, viaducts and causeways across open water, earning the line the nickname Overseas Railroad. It connected Key West more directly with mainland markets and helped transform the Keys’ relationship with the rest of Florida. The railway was badly damaged by the devastating 1935 hurricane and was not rebuilt. Much of its right-of-way and several surviving structures later contributed to the route of the Overseas Highway.

The Overseas Highway and Road Tourism

After the railway’s decline, its bridges and embankments were adapted for the Overseas Highway, which opened in the late 1930s. Road access made the island chain more accessible to visitors, freight and residents, while wartime construction and later improvements strengthened its links with mainland Florida. The highway encouraged a new tourism economy based on fishing, boating, motoring and holidays by the sea. Its bridges remain among the most recognisable elements of the region, although modern traffic usually uses newer spans built to withstand heavier loads and severe weather.

Conservation and the National Marine Sanctuary

The Keys’ reefs, wetlands and wildlife became increasingly important as development and boating expanded. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, established in 1963, was the first underwater park of its kind in the United States and helped establish marine protection as a defining regional concern. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was designated in 1990, protecting extensive coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats. Conservation has since shaped boating rules, anchoring practices, fishing management and public education, while coral disease, warming seas and storms continue to challenge the reef ecosystem.

The Conch Republic Declaration of 1982

In 1982, a United States Border Patrol roadblock on the Overseas Highway prompted Key West officials and residents to protest what they regarded as an economic and practical barrier to movement between the island and mainland. Key West briefly declared independence as the Conch Republic and staged a symbolic protest involving a loaf of bread. The episode was political theatre rather than a genuine secession, but it became an enduring expression of Key West’s independent civic style and is commemorated through local events and cultural references.

Florida Keys in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Florida Keys

The closest regions to Florida Keys, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Florida
More of the region

Explore more of Florida

Discover Florida: A Sunshine State full of dazzling beaches, iconic theme parks, rich history, and stunning natural parks, offering endless adventures for every traveler.

Explore Florida
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Companion to Florida Keys

Discover the best of Florida Keys with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, dining, and more. Navigate like a local!

  • Comprehensive guide to Florida Keys attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Booking capabilities for hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Interactive maps and 'Near Me' feature for easy navigation
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the Florida Keys like never before with Evendo, your free travel guide app. Discover attractions, book experiences, and get local tips, all in one place.

  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • Rich content with images, descriptions, and contact details
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to the enchanting Florida Keys, where sun-kissed beaches meet vibrant nightlife. With the Evendo travel guide app, your adventure through this tropical paradise becomes effortless and memorable. From the historic charm of Hemingway’s Home in Key West to the stunning underwater coral reefs of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Evendo provides detailed insights into all must-see attractions.

Whether you're savoring the world-famous Key Lime Pie at Blue Heaven or enjoying a sunset sail, Evendo ensures you never miss out on the unique experiences the Keys have to offer. Seamlessly book hotels and tours, or find the best seafood dining spots like The Fish House, right from the app. Navigate your way through the palm-lined streets with ease using our interactive maps and 'Near Me' feature.

With curated local tips and travel essentials, Evendo transforms you from a tourist into a local connoisseur. Download Evendo and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse activities of Florida Keys, without any cost. Your Florida Keys adventure starts here!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.