Many travelers believe that the Florida Keys offer only leisure and entertainment for the adults, but in fact, the island group makes a perfect family getaway. Families looking to escape from the cooler temperatures will find an abundance of opportunity to relax and explore in this tropical destination. Allowing all family members to choosing activities and dining locations is ideal. Here are a few options:
Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary (approximately 5 nautical miles offshore of Big Pine Key)
Paradise awaits divers and snorkelers at Looe Key, the world's third longest barrier reef and North America's only living coral reef. The "sanctuary" designation means that there are absolute restrictions on spearfishing, tropical fish and shell collecting and wire fish traps. The reef, roughly 220 yards wide and 800 yards long, is home to over 150 species of fish including yellowtail, angelfish, parrotfish, sergeant majors and moray eel. This adventure is not for the squeamish as barracuda and sharks often swim in this area. It's best to go in the morning, before the sea breezes kick up and cause the water to churn. Reputable charter boats (Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center, Mile Marker 27.5 Overseas Highway, Ramrod Key (800) 566-3539) as well as private captains offer excursions to the reef. Or you can rent boats (Dolphin Marina, Mile Marker 28.5, Little Torch Key, (800) 553-0308), and dock up to one of the 39 buoys located within the sanctuary.
Bahia Honda State Park (36850 Overseas Highway, (305) 872-2353) is a 524 acre park on Big Pine Key. A nature trail that follows the shore of a tidal lagoon near Sandspur Beach brings visitors up close to abundant wildlife. Visitors can also trek up he Old Bahia Honda Bridge to encounter a captivating view of the park's island and surrounding waters. Two other beaches, Calusa Beach and Logger Head Beach, invite sunbathers to lounge along the soft white sand and swimmers into the gentle emerald water. Snorkeling, kayaking and fishing opportunities provide recreation activities for all members of your party.
Conch Tour Train (boarding locations are on Front Street, Mallory Square and Flagler Station) is one of Key West's most popular attractions. Trains run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Hop aboard to learn the history and see the hot spots of what was once the largest city in Florida. Passengers hear wonderful tales about legends such as Ernest Hemmingway, Mel Fisher and Jimmy Buffet. Featured attractions (the Key West Aquarium, Mallory Square, the Key West Shipwreck and Treasures Museum, Harry S. Truman Little White House and Sloppy Joe's Bar) invite further exploration after the 90-minute journey through America's southernmost city.
Sunset at Mallory Square
Don't miss this nightly spectacular event along Key West's historic waterfront. The famous sunset celebration begins in the early evening (about two hours before sundown) with a carnival-like atmosphere. Arts and crafts vendors set up their wares selling hemp jewelry, stunning photographs, t-shirts and sculptures. Food and drink carts entice revelers with conch fritters, shrimp kabobs, key lime smoothies, popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs and beer and frozen cocktails. Some of the finest street performers entertain the crowd before nature's finale. On any given night one might encounter jugglers, tight rope walkers and escape artists who all work for tips from the audience. Move over to the coastline early or the crowd will prevent late arrivals from viewing the actual sunset event.
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