The Florida Keys are a chain of islands at the very tip of Florida running south-southwest that stretch all the way to the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico. The main road through the Keys is U.S. Highway 1 that includes the famous Overseas Highway with the Seven Mile Bridge. The climate in the Keys is similar to the Caribbean but the islands are made from coral while most Caribbean islands are volcanic made. The Florida Keys have plant and animal life that is unique from the rest of the United States including the key deer and the American crocodile. Today the Florida Keys are known for tourism. Whether you are looking for water sports, ecotourism, site seeing, fishing, or partying, the Florida Keys has something for you.

The Keys are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. If you love boating, swimming, snorkeling, diving, or any other water sport you will be in Heaven in the Keys. For diving you have to stop at Key Largo at dive at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Pennekamp is the first underwater park in American and is a favorite among divers worldwide.

Ecotourism in the Florida Keys can be as simple as a self guided walking tour through the mangroves or something as elaborate as an early morning canoeing trip to view the wildlife and scenery of the backcountry. If you want to experience the natural environment but still want to good beaches you have to spend at least one day at the Bahia Honda State Park at mile marker 37. Bahia Honda is near Key West and is a great break from the city. Don't be fooled by all the fun in Key West, because the Keys are so much more, and one way to combine the natural environment with a fun activity is to go fishing.

Fishing in the Florida Keys is enjoyable not only because of the great game fish available in the warm waters around the islands, but also because of the beautiful scenery. When someone decides to fish in the Keys there are usually two different types of fishing to choose from. The fly fisherman or fisherman that loves a unique challenge often hires a backcountry fishing guide. The other option, and more common one, is to get on a party boat and go fishing. Party boat fishing is great for families or groups of friends or any fisherman that thinks that there is more to a good fishing trip than just catching fish.

If you decide to visit Key West you will be cutting your trip short if you don't spend at least one day driving through the islands. A favorite thing to do is to fly into either Fort Myers or Miami, rent a car, and then drive through islands. A good drive down includes plenty of stops to walk in the warm, shallow waters and then a few hours at the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key. The Florida Keys are one of America's treasures and should be experienced by anyone that understands what a gift the Keys are to the world.