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Area Information Phone: 305.292.9792
Key West Discover a city where real
estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined
streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the
John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway's home. Walk in the footsteps of
Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams. Gaze at
the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow's fine art
treasures by Key West's well-known and unknown artists. In Key West you can use convenient public transportation, taxis, pedi-cabs, tour trains, trolleys, bicycles or even your own two feet to see the sights. However you choose to see the town, you'll discover that old town Key West is one of America's true architectural and botanical treasures. On even the tiniest lanes, the locals have faithfully restored old wooden homes and adorned them with lush tropical trees and flowers. New restaurants and stores are popping up in the historic Bahama Village neighborhood, which was settled in the 19th Century by Bahamian immigrants. Hemingway loved coming here to mix with the hard-working locals at boxing matches and arm-wrestling contests. The island's seafaring tradition
lives on at the renovated Historic Seaport district,
In this city of fascinating contrasts, you could easily find yourself wanting to let go of mainland hassles permanently. Lower Keys If you’ve had enough of an overcrowded and weary world, the islands of the Lower Keys are the place for you. Here, you can snorkel or dive over the Looe Key coral reef, ride a bicycle through Key Deer country, or take a fishing adventure in the back country or troll the deep blue waters beyond the reef. At the end of the day, you can
trade stories with family and friends at one of this area's tiki bars, RV
parks, campgrounds, quaint resorts or
The Lower Keys begin where the Florida Keys island chain takes a graceful westerly turn toward the sunset, shortly after the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It is a quiet region of small resorts, down-home restaurants, single-family homes, untrammeled wildernesses and rich history. Tiny Little Duck Key, at mile marker 40 in the upper end of the Lower Keys, boasts Veterans Memorial Park. It’s sandy beaches, picnic areas, and pet-friendliness make it a perfect family stop along the famed Overseas Highway. Just a mile down the road, at mile marker 39, is Ohio Key. It is home to Sunshine Key Camping Resort, which offers a pool, family restaurant and other amenities. Nearby, you will find Bahia Honda State Park and Recreation Area at mile marker 37. With its white sandy beaches and abundant wildlife, Bahia Honda Key frequently makes the list of most beautiful beaches in America. Big Pine Key, at mile marker 33, is
the main shopping hub of the Lower Keys.
Don’t forget about the other islands of the Lower Keys. They are famous for their homey resorts, family-oriented neighborhoods and easy access to the water. Look for intriguing names such as Summerland Key, Big Torch and Little Torch Keys, Cudjoe Key, Sugarloaf Key or Big Coppitt Key. All are an easy drive to Key West. In fact, the uninhabited Saddlebunch Keys are a network of sandy lagoons and mangrove islands that make the jaunt a memorable one, especially at sunset. The Lower Keys are an oasis in a mad and rushed world.
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known
locally as the Key West Bight. Dozens of shrimp boats once called this
harbor home. These days, "the Bight" is a popular place to arrange a day
on the water, whether you are a diver, snorkeler, fisherman or
eco-tourist. Others come just to stroll along the harbor walk or dine at
one of the many restaurants. 
licensed
vacation homes. The Earthy fragrance of mangrove forests and wetlands is
never far away.
Yet,
if you prefer solitude, you need only turn onto one of its lovely side
roads. Explore the National Key Deer Refuge, a large expanse of mostly
undeveloped pine lands where the diminutive Key Deer live, or venture out
to No Name Key. If you’re looking for an off-shore adventure, Big Pine is
also the jumping off point for numerous snorkeling and dive charters to
Looe Key reef.