Helm - Fodors In Focus Florida Keys

Design: Tina Malaney, Associate Art Director; Erica Cuoco, Production Designer

Photography: Jennifer Arnow, Senior Photo Editor

Maps: Rebecca Baer, Senior Map Editor; David Lindroth, Cartographer

Production: Angela L. McLean, Senior Production Manager; Jennifer DePrima, Editorial Production Manager

Sales: Jacqueline Lebow, Sales Director

Business & Operations: Chuck Hoover, Chief Marketing Officer; Joy Lai, Vice President and General Manager; Stephen Horowitz, Head of Business Development and Partnerships

Writers: Lynne Helm, Jill Martin, Paul Rubio

Editor: Douglas Stallings

Production Editor: Elyse Rozelle

Copyright 2017 by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc.

Fodors is a registered trademark of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodors Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

ISBN9780147546746

Ebook ISBN9780147546753

All details in this book are based on information supplied to us at press time. Always confirm information when it matters, especially if youre making a detour to visit a specific place. Fodors expressly disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, that is incurred as a consequence of the use of any of the contents of this book.

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Fodors Ratings

Everything in this guide is worth doingwe dont cover what isntbut exceptional sights, hotels, and restaurants are recognized with additional accolades. Fodors Choice indicates our top recommendations; highlights places we deem highly recommended. Care to nominate a new place? Visit Fodors.com/contact-us.

Trip Costs

We list prices wherever possible to help you budget well. Hotel and restaurant price categories from $ to $$$$ are noted alongside each recommendation. For hotels, we include the lowest cost of a standard double room in high season. For restaurants, we cite the average price of a main course at dinner or, if dinner isnt served, at lunch. For attractions, we always list adult admission fees; discounts are usually available for children, students, and senior citizens.

Hotels

Our local writers vet every hotel to recommend the best overnights in each price category, from budget to expensive. Unless otherwise specified, you can expect private bath, phone, and TV in your room. For expanded hotel reviews, visit Fodors.com.

Restaurants

Unless we state otherwise, restaurants are open for lunch and dinner daily. We mention dress code only when theres a specific requirement and reservations only when theyre essential or not accepted.

Credit Cards

The hotels and restaurants in this guide typically accept credit cards. If not, well say so.

WHATS WHERE

The Upper Keys. As the doorstep to the islands coral reefs and blithe spirit, the Upper Keys introduce all that is sporting and sea-oriented about the Keys. They stretch from Key Largo to the Long Key Channel (MM 10665).

The Middle Keys. Centered around the town of Marathon, the Middle Keys hold most of the chains historic and natural attractions outside of Key West. They go from Conch (pronounced konk) Key through Marathon to the south side of the Seven Mile Bridge, including Pigeon Key (MM 6540).

The Lower Keys. Pressure drops another notch in this laid-back part of the region, where wildlife and the fishing lifestyle peak. The Lower Keys go from Little Duck Key south through Big Coppitt Key (MM 409).

Key West. The ultimate in Florida Keys craziness, the party town Key West isnt the place for those seeking a quiet retreat. The Key West area encompasses MM 90.

FLORIDA KEYS PLANNER

Activities

The Keys are all about being on and in the water. Diving in particular draws water-sports enthusiasts to explore the clear waters, vibrant reefs, and sea life. Dive shops up and down Overseas Highway sell dive trips, instruction, and equipment. Fishing, too, is spectacular, bringing the rod-and-reel crowd in search of big game such as marlin, tarpon, and mahimahi as well as flats dwellers, most notably the easily spooked bonefish. On land, exploring Key West is the most popular pastime. Visitors do the Duval Crawl through the pubs and bars of Old Town. On its fringes, the island holds some of the Keys best beaches, although they are all man-made. For a more serious crowd, plenty of museums, galleries, and historic sites offer cultural stimulation.