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Florida Keys
Enjoy the islands and the barrier reef system!
A chain of over 400 islands at the southern end of Florida,
the Florida Keys are surrounded by the world’s third
largest barrier reef system. The Florida Keys can be reached
by the spectacular Oversea Highway (U.S. 1) connecting the
Keys together with a series of bridges, some of which are
literally just a few feet over beautiful glistening water.
Along the way, state parks and sights beckon where you can
literally stop and swim with the dolphins (the Dolphin Research
Center), kayak through the mangrove canals, or snorkel or
scuba dive in the shallow water and witness the coral reefs
teaming with tropical fish around ancient ship wrecks.
The Florida Keys are a series of over 400 barrier islands
the best known of which are connected by the Oversea Highway
(U.S. 1). While Key West is the most famous of the Florida
Keys, other islands feature better coral reefs, better beaches
and better natural scenery.
The first large island accessible by car from Miami, the
30 mile long North Key Largo is the largest of the key islands
and features several fantastic parks including Dagny Johnson
Key Largo Hammocks State Botanical Site (a 2400 acre wildlife
park), the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center and
the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (featuring a fantastic
educational visitor center with large floor to ceiling aquariums
and 78 square miles of protected coral reefs)
The Middle Key islands around Islamorada Key area include
the world famous Dolphin Research Center dedicated to the
study and protection of dolphins. This facility also allows
a select number of children and adults to swim with the dolphins.
Call well in advance for reservations. Other attraction include
the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Theater of the Sea (featuring
dolphin and sea lion shows) and Robbie’s Pier featuring
some of the best fishing in Florida (and displays of some
captured fish that have weighed over 200 pounds).
The Lower Key islands include less crowds and more remote
islands and protected areas including the 500 acre Bahia Honda
State Park featuring trails, mangrove canoe areas and beautiful
beaches ideal for snorkeling.
Of course, the highlight of the Florida Keys for many is
the drive along the Oversea Highway from Miami to Key West.
In many places, the Oversea Highway glides just a few feet
above the glittering ocean.
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