The Florida Keys are a chain of islands located off the southern coast of Florida. They stretch about 120 miles from Key Largo in the north to Key West in the south. The islands are connected by a series of bridges and causeways, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. From south of Miami, it is about a 3 hours drive to the southernmost point of continental US, also known as Key West.

The Florida Keys are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. The islands also offer a laid-back, tropical atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind. As we were pressed for time, we only had one day to explore the whole Florida Keys, but namely Key West. I would recommend spending some time both at Key West and Key Largo if you are planning to visit the area for around three days, to fully soak in the ambience and to check out what the special keys have got to offer.

In addition to outdoor activities, the Florida Keys are home to a variety of attractions and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the history of the area at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West or take a tour of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. There are also numerous restaurants and bars serving up fresh seafood and tropical drinks.

Southernmost Point, Corner of Whitehead and South Streets. The southernmost point in the continental USA, it attracts crowds of tourists everyday. As we were not too keen to queue just to take a picture with this marker, we just stood by the side and had a quick photo.

Ernest Hemingway House, 907 Whitehead Street. 9AM-5PM daily. Hemingway lived and wrote here for a decade. He also raised cats, the descendants of which still roam the grounds and have extra toes.

The Hemingway House, one of Key West’s most popular spots, was once the home of the celebrated American author, who lived here for more than a decade. You can wander around the largely preserved rooms and tour the lush, lovely gardens.

The compound is filled with Hemingway memorabilia – photos, books and furniture – that played a part in his South Florida life.

Hemingway has been known to live in different parts of the world at different periods of time, such as when he was conscripted into the military. Some of these places which inspired his writing include Paris, Pamplona, Madrid and Havana. He was known to frequent bars at these cities around the world too. And in his last two years in Ketchum (Idaho) he worked sporadically on a memoir, “A Moveable Feast,” though he never finished it; Hemingway committed suicide on July 2, 1961, at his home near Sun Valley.

U.S. Route 1 or U.S. Highway 1 (US 1) is a major north–south United States Numbered Highway that serves the East Coast of the United States. It runs 2,370 miles (3,810 km) from Key West, Florida, north to Fort Kent, Maine, at the Canadian border, making it the longest north–south road in the US. I was lucky to have driven through a part of US Highway 1, especially from Miami to Key West.

Moving on to Key Largo, it is known as a diving mecca, and many dive companies operate from here, taking large numbers of people to the reefs. In addition, other water-related activities like snorkeling, touring on a glass bottom boat, parasailing, and fishing are all popular activities here. On land, motorcycle riding is popular, with rentals available. It is the first and northernmost island in the Florida Keys chain.

While it is less touristy than its cousin Key West, staying in a hotel around here is also recommended for its chill vibes. You can wake up to an amazing sunset, and then go on a half-day diving or snorkelling activity. Other places that are worth checking out if you are in Key Largo:

1. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: This is the first undersea park in the United States and is home to beautiful coral reefs, marine life, and underwater statues. Visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour or go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the reefs.
2. Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center: This center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned birds. Visitors can observe the birds and learn about conservation efforts to protect them.

Between Key West and Key Largo, opt for the former if you are into tourist crowds, bar hopping, night life and high-end dining. As for those who prefer a more relaxed and quieter holiday that is closer to nature spots, do head to Key Largo. No matter which town you do end up in, it is always an honour to be so geographically near to Cuba and to be driving along the narrow strip of US Highway 1.