Alpinia Travel

Welcome to this new blog post! Summer is finally here and it is time to present you another summer destination that you have to see at least once in your life: the Florida Keys Islands.

An ideal summer destination

The islands of southern Florida are the perfect summer vacation spot. Expect warm temperatures and high humidity, but there are more than enough opportunities to cool off. There are also interesting sights in the surrounding area.

The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a group of tropical islands stretching approximately 120 miles into the ocean from the southern tip of the state of Florida in the United States, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The southernmost city, Key West, is very well known – we will get to that city shortly.

On the way to the Florida Keys – Robert is here

If you drive from Miami to Key West, it is recommended to stop at Robert is here before the islands. It is a large farm market with all kinds of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, and straw hats. There are also various farm animals in the backyard that you can pet.

Florida Keys – from island to island

Leaving the mainland in South Florida, long bridges lead you from one island to the next. Some are very small, others are somewhat larger with small towns. The famous giant lobster statue can be found on Plantation Key, just along the main road. In addition to statues, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, you can also find some museums on the islands.

Bahia Honda Key – State Park

On the island of Bahia Honda State Park, small beaches invite you to swim and dive. The palm trees and bridges also offer great photo opportunities. You can walk up part of the Bahia Honda Railroad Bridge. It was once a railway line. Today, it offers a magnificent view point over the small island.

Key West

Key West is the southernmost island of the Florida Keys. There is so much to discover. You will quickly forget you are still in the United States, as the atmosphere is more reminiscent of Caribbean islands like Martinique.

In Key West’s main square, there are markets where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs, including many handmade items made from coconuts and shells. Several museums are in the area as well. One thing you must try in Key West is the famous Key Lime Pie. You can buy it in almost every cafe and supermarket and it is a local specialty. In cafes and pastry shops, the pie is not exactly cheap – but very delicious.

Key West – Sunset at Mallory Square

Tourists and locals often gather at Mallory Square to admire the sunset. At the end of the day, everything is aglow in the most vibrant colors. You can relax and watch boats pass by as the sun sets behind the small island of Sunset Key.

Since many people gather at this place, especially during the peak season in the summer months, it is advisable to arrive a little before sunset in order to secure a good spot at the edge of the square.

Historic buildings

Some historic buildings are also located on the small island, such as the Phillip L. Cosgrove House from 1872. Captain Phillip L. Cosgrove commanded the first rescue ship to aid victims of the 1898 explosion of the U.S.S. Maine in Havana harbor.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in 1832, is another impressive structure. Almost all buildings on Key West were built in the same style. Combined with the palm trees, it still creates a unique Caribbean atmosphere.

Mile 0 and Southernmost Point of Continental USA

Key West is home to two other well-known landmarks. First, the beginning/end of U.S. Route 1. The Mile 0 sign is located on a side road in Key West. The over 2,300-mile-long route runs along the east coast all the way up to the state of Maine.

Additionally, the southernmost point of the continental United States is located on the south side of Key West. Hawaii is the only place in the country that lies further south.

Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse is also worth a visit. For a small entrance fee, you can climb the lighthouse steps and enjoy a stunning view from above, or learn more about the town in the museum in the adjacent building. The museum features old pictures, documents, and even artifacts for viewing. There are some interactive activities, such as tying sailor’s knots. At the end of your visit, you can visit the museum shop.

If you are interested in receiving regular notifications when a new blog post is online, subscribe to the newsletter.

Thank you for reading this blog post! I wish you a nice day and see you soon!

Zsofia