Recreational Activities in the Florida Keys

In the Upper Keys, where most of the kitsch is confined, Key Largo and the unparalleled John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park beckon snorkelers and scuba divers. Here, experienced divers can find everything needed to explore the fantastically diverse and extremely fragile reef system several miles offshore. But amateurs aren't left out; many lodgings offer on-site diving instruction. The park's main beach even has a staged shipwreck that especially delights children, who can be heard shouting to shore their discovery of what surely is the long-lost cannon of an unfortunate Spanish galleon.

Anchoring the Upper Keys stretch is sport-fishing-focused Islamorada, boasting one of the region's largest concentrations of charter boats as well as the midwaylike atmosphere of lively Holiday Isle; complete with beach, pools, shops, boardwalk and marina, the resort is famous for appealing to a festive crowd.

Marathon, in the Middle Keys, combines residential side roads, numerous fishing tournaments and several resorts ideal for tropical retreats, and the sunset's just as pretty from here. The Museums of Crane Point Hammock offers an educational look at area animals, marine life and ecosystems. If time allows, a kayak jaunt through the Florida Bay "backcountry" can provide a fascinating close-up glimpse of similar sights; rentals are readily available.

Once over the Seven Mile Bridge, be sure to visit Bahia Honda State Park. A sandy beach and walkable segment of old bridge--providing incredible views of the new bridge--make this a must-see spot to stretch your legs and shift your perspective into "island time."

Back in the car now and heading to the Lower Keys, you're in the homestretch. Be sure to slow for the endangered Key deer in Big Pine Key; it's the law. Then prepare for the sameness of mangroves, scrub, Australian pines and power lines, sights whose monotony instills an antsy appetite for what lies ahead.

The feeling heightens as you close in on Key West proper. You may know you're there by the sound of Navy fighter jets shredding air overhead; Naval Air Station Key West, on nearby Boca Chica Key, is one of the Navy's premier pilot-training facilities. Or by the "T" where U.S. 1 hits Roosevelt Boulevard (and New Town's jumble of condos and commerce commences). Or perhaps it won't fully register till you've reached Old Town itself and done the obligatory "Duval crawl"--head swiveling from T-shirt shop to tavern to tree-shaded courtyard eatery.

However you reach it, once that mile-marker-zero mentality finally hits, you'll know The End of the Road--just like the sunset that closes every Key West day--is only the beginning of the bar-hopping, souvenir-shopping, conch-fritter-popping party more than a million visitors a year sojourn here to savor. On with the show.

Destinations in this region listed under their own names are Big Pine Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Islamorada, Key Largo, Key West, Marathon and Sugarloaf Key.