But when you live in the land of vacation, where do you go for your escape?
For many Sunshine Staters, the answer is theFlorida Keys.
It is the feeling of escaping to an undiscovered utopia.
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Water surrounds you in what seems like a million shades of blue in the Florida Keys.
But while it may feel otherworldly in its beauty and seclusion, the realmagic of the islandsis their accessibility.
With year-round balmy temperatures, the Keys draw tourists near and far every season.
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In wintertime, crowds descend, searching for the sweet spot in favorable temps and low humidity.
While each island is a worthy destination, the draw here is in the journey.
While heading south, you’ll leapfrog from island to island via a whopping 42 bridges.
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Spiegel, a 510-foot landing ship dockintentionally sunk to create one of the world’s largest artificial reefs.
Islamorada is the perfect place to splash around yourself.
From kiteboards to wave runners, the island offers multiple places tograb a rental.
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Now’s your chance to cash in on that R&RSombrero Beachis one of the best sandy shorelines.
The cocktails and live music at the onsite bar only add to the festivities.
A must-see attraction is the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in the heart of Old Town Key West.
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The nightly sunset celebration starts two hours before the sun goes down.
Visit to learn more about these charismatic creatures or schedule a dolphin encounter and swim alongside them.
The bridge was closed to cars after the state of Florida opened a new bridge beside it in 1982.
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It’s worth walking over to see the railroad museum and structures that date back to the early 1900s.
The legendary pizza recipe, which dates back nearly 60 years, is preserved on the kitchen wall.
Our readers havenamed their favoritesand we suggest giving at least one of these establishments a try.
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Film buffs can take one of the daily canal cruises on the original steamboat through Port Largo.
The beautiful 5.5-acre property stays open until sunset so you’re free to enjoy the view.
The best way to see these wetland trees and the habitat they create isby kayak.
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This glass-domed butterfly conservatory is one of the most popular stops in Key West.
Inside you’ll find lush foliage, hundreds of butterflies, and tropical birds including two strutting flamingoes.
The conservatory is open to visitors 365 days a year.
Later, it was used by the US Navy for military garrisons.
Paddle over during high tide from Islamorada to explore the trails and ruins.
Closer to espresso than American coffee, Cuban coffee is often brewed with sweet cane sugar.
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Garden Key and Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida.Credit: Posnov / Moment / Getty Images
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The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary.Credit:Mom 4 a Difference
Kayaking through mangroves.Credit:Alexander Robinson/ Getty
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