Page 38 - Dreamscapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2025

Kicking Back in the Sunny and Surprising
FLORIDA KEYS BY LOLA AUGUSTINE BROWN
of the prettiest roads in the world—the 195-
Though connected to mainland Florida by one
kilometre Overseas Highway, with 42
bridges—The Florida Keys seem more like
their own country than part of the contiguous U.S.
The vibe with its five districts (Key West, Big Pine &
the Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada, and Key Largo)
is so laid-back and welcoming that you’d be forgiven
for thinking you’d arrived on a Caribbean island. Of
course, the lush vegetation and stunning beaches that
characterize The Keys only add to that illusion.
Here’s what makes this destination such a perfect
place to chill out, with incredible food and some
unique natural experiences.
Seafood Feasts and Signature Pie
Whether your ideal meal is fish tacos or coconut
shrimp with a perfect piña colada, you’ll find it in
Marathon. Try TJ’s Tiki Bar for an oceanview bar expe-
rience or upscale dining at the exquisite Butterfly
Café at Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort. Conch frit-
ters are a must-try, and indulging in as much key
lime pie as possible is highly recommended.
Ocean Adventures
The Florida Keys boast the continental U.S.’s only
living coral reef, extending well beyond the islands
and providing world-class diving. A multitude of dive
shops in Key Largo offer excursions taking snorkellers
out to view rays, sharks, eels, and, if you’re lucky, a sea
turtle, on the shallower reefs, while deep-water divers
can explore coral-encrusted shipwrecks and beautiful
marine life beneath the waves.
You needn’t swim to enjoy the ocean. Operators
across most of The Keys offer everything from
sunset cocktail cruises with live music to sailing
excursions. Islamorada is known as the Sport
Fishing Capital of the World, with opportunities to
reel in swordfish, tarpon and sharks. Prefer to get
the adrenalin pumping? Plenty of outfitters offer jet-
ski tours or parasailing too.
Cultural Diversions
The Keys aren’t just for relaxation; they’re steeped in
culture. In Key West, you can visit the Hemingway
Home and Museum, Audubon House & Tropical
Gardens, and the Tennessee Williams Museum. You
might even follow in poet Elizabeth Bishop’s foot-
steps, touring heritage homes dotting the island.
You could also enjoy libations at Hemingway’s
favourite bar, Sloppy Joes.
Parklands and Tiny Deer
The Florida Keys are home to 11 state parks and
three national parks, each offering outdoor experi-
ences like camping, hiking, stargazing and
birdwatching. The endangered Key Deer, a tiny
species found on Big Pine Key and surrounding
islands, can sometimes be spotted on nature walks.
For a truly unforgettable trip, venture to Dry Tortugas
National Park, accessible only by boat or seaplane.
This remote park features a historic fort, abundant
birdlife and crystal-clear waters for swimming and
diving.
DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information about The Florida Keys
and Key West, visit fla-keys.com
PHOTOS: THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST