Have you ever been to the Florida Keys?
Famous for white-sand beaches, clear azure oceans, and an abundance of activities, they should be a must on everyone’s travel list! From honeymooners to families, there’s something for everyone here.
When you decide it’s the time, make sure you do a little research before you go. A small amount of knowledge can go a long way in making your vacation one to remember!
Get started with this guide on how to plan a trip to the Florida Keys.
Pick the Right Time of Year
If you’re planning a trip to the Florida Keys, the first thing you’ll need to do is pick the time of year you want to go. Luckily, the Keys have great weather all year round and it never gets very cold, so you won’t have to worry about that! The summer months are, of course, going to be busier, but there’ll also be more attractions open.
The end of October is actually one of the busiest times to visit. This is because of the Halloween celebration, Fantasy Fest in Key West, which is super popular! It stays busy throughout winter as people flee the cold weather of their hometowns, so you can be sure of plenty of life and fun whenever you go.
Do be aware that most hurricanes occur in August and September, so these might be times to avoid.
How Will You Get Around?
When visiting the Florida Keys, chances are you’ll want to hire a car. The main islands are all accessible from the Overseas Highway, which is really fun to use! Of course, if you’re staying on one island a car isn’t necessary and getting around on foot, bicycle, or bus is a better choice.
Plan Things To Do
One of the reasons a Florida Keys vacation is so popular is because of the abundance of things to do! Before you go, make sure you take a look at some of the different spots of interests and activities so that you can plan your stay. You’ll want to book certain things in advance before they book up, so this is very important.
Here’s a taste of some of the different things you can do.
Everglades National Park
Head to one of Florida’s national treasures and find an abundance of wildlife in the Everglades National Park. With unique creatures living in a swampy habitat to the gorgeous natural formations, it’s a must for any nature lovers.
The Nightlife of Key West
If you’re a fan of clubs, bars, and lively nightlife, head to Key West. From the popular Green Parrot Bar with weekly live music to classy cocktails at Heroes Bar & Liberty Lounge, you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to go!
Underwater Park
You have to scuba dive or snorkel when visiting Florida, and there’s no better place than John Pennekamp State Park! Discover coral reefs, a sunken ship, and plenty of local marine life, from dolphins to turtles.
Visit Ernest Hemingway’s Home
For literature lovers, the home of one of America’s greatest ever novelists, Ernest Hemingway, will be high on your to-do list. Explore his Spanish Colonial-style home with a tour.
Take a Helicopter Ride
Want to see the Keys from a different perspective? Take a helicopter ride!
Know What to Eat
When planning a vacation, don’t forget to make a list of all the foods you want to try. While you can get international cuisine around the world now, it’s never as good as eating it in the place it was created. When in the Florida Keys, you have to grab a slice of their famous Key Lime pie, made with unique Key limes that no other place can replicate.
You should also try some of the local seafood from the gorgeous Florida waters. Specialties include stone crab, snapper, and lionfish. If you’re brave, give conch fritters a taste; they’re fried sea snails!
Find a Place to Stay
Accommodation in the keys is undoubtedly pricey, but well worth it. If you can book well in advance, you might be able to find some good discounts on hotels, but expect to pay high prices anyway! If you want more independent accommodation with a kitchen to cut down on eating out costs, check out Airbnb for plenty of great homes.
If you’re up for splashing the cash, stay in one of the cottages on the water of the Keys. These beautiful homes are full of character and contain all the amenities you’ll need! While some of these are super extravagant, you can find more affordable, basic cottages that are still absolutely gorgeous.
Florida Keys Essentials
While what you pack is entirely up to you, there are some musts for the Florida Keys that you won’t want to forget. These include a high-factor sunscreen (yes, all year round!), plenty of swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, and bug repellant. It’s a very casual place so don’t worry about bringing a bunch of fancy dresses and suits, but focus on comfortable clothes that are perfect for warm weather instead.
Learn More About How to Plan a Trip
Learning how to plan a trip is essential for every wanderlust traveller. These tips are focused on the Florida Keys, but they’re just the start of what you need to know if you want to make every adventure amazing.
For more travel tips, be sure to check out our website! We have tons of articles on planning your getaways, where to visit, and how to stay safe while you’re there.
