Pet Friendly Vacation – Key West – A Warm Change After a Long, Cold Winter

For a pet friendly tropical island vacation, look no farther than the beautiful Florida Keys! The islands in this balmy paradise run southwest from trendy Miami, Florida, to laid-back Key West-the southernmost point in the continental United States. World-class sportfishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, camping, and eco-tours are but a few of the reasons many travelers call this tropical wonderland “The American Caribbean.”

The Florida Keys are connected to the Florida mainland by US Highway 1, also known as the Overseas Highway. With the majestic Atlantic Ocean on one side and the sparkling Gulf of Mexico on the other, this 113-mile-long byway was named one of the 10 most beautiful drives in the United States by the Society of American Travel Writers. The Seven Mile Bridge-one of 43 bridges on the Overseas Highway-provides the perfect backdrop for viewing the Florida Keys’ crystalline turquoise waters and endless azure skies. This spectacular drive has numerous places to pull off for a stroll or photo with your pet.

Driving south from Miami on the Overseas Highway, the first island travelers encounter is pet friendly Key Largo. Known as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo features fabulous John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park-the first underwater park in the United States. Colorful tropical fish, dozens of species of coral, and the Statue of Christ of the Abyss are but a few of the incredible sights that snorkelers, divers, and glass bottom boat adventurers will see in this underwater wonderland. Snorkelers and divers will also enjoy exploring several nearby shipwrecks and intentionally sunk ships. Back on terra firma, this pet friendly park offers a unique hiking and picnicking experience in mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks.

Islamorada is the next stop along the Overseas Highway. Often called the Sportfishing Capital of the World, the four islands of Islamorada host the largest fishing fleet in the world. Bonefishing and offshore game fishing are especially popular pastimes. In addition to fishing, visitors enjoy diving, snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and boat racing in the the aqua blue waters surrounding this tropical paradise. Islamorada’s pet friendly Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, featuring ancient fossilized coral formations, is the perfect place for a leisurely hike or picnic with your pet. Afterwards, your pet can cool off in the shallow, cool waters of Anne’s Beach.

Next are the pet friendly Islands of Marathon, which include Long Key, the Conch Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key, Boot Key, Crawl Key, and Pigeon Key. Considered the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon is a family-oriented destination with educational, fun attractions like the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital. Pet owners will enjoy relaxing in pet friendly Curry Hammock State Park, where warm ocean breezes and beautiful tropical habitat provide a welcome escape from reality. Outstanding deep sea fishing and every water sport imaginable are available in Marathon, as well.

After crossing the spectacular Seven Mile Bridge from Marathon, travelers find themselves in the Lower Keys. With no fast food restaurants or shopping malls, this thirty-mile stretch is arguably the most beautiful area in the Florida Keys. Pet friendly Bahia Honda State Park is located here, which several travel magazines have called one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Big Pine Key, another island in the Lower Keys, is widely known for the pet friendly National Key Deer Refuge. Here, visitors will enjoy glimpses of the diminutive key deer as they stroll with their pets through undeveloped pine wilderness. Big Pine Key is also the headquarters for snorkeling trips and dive charters to amazing Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.

The small island paradise of Key West is the last stop on the Overseas Highway. World-weary travelers are attracted to pet friendly Key West for its history and culture, quaint restaurants and bars, and incredible sunsets. Most importantly, people come to Key West because of its laid-back attitude. The people of the Conch Republic know that a comfortable hammock and a frozen margarita are much more fun than rush hour traffic or shoveling snow. One of the most pet friendly cities in the United States, Key West welcomes pets with open arms.

Pet owners will not be disappointed by the variety of lodging options in the Florida Keys. From charming inns to luxurious resorts, Key West pet friendly hotels are abound. Dining options also abundant, as the warm, balmy tropical breezes are perfect for outside dining with your pet. So make your reservations today to the pet friendly Florida Keys and get ready for a fabulous, relaxing getaway!

Making the Best of Key West Vacations – Getting There

I’ve been traveling to Key West and the Florida Keys since 2003. It’s an enjoyable place with many destinations, attractions, things to do and places to just sit and watch the water. I consider my Key West vacations to be some of the best-spent time of my entire Here are my suggestions on getting there and starting your vacation.

Getting there: I’m a very strong fan of flying into Ft. Lauderdale and then driving the 126 miles south from Homestead to Key West down Highway 1, also known there as the Overseas Highway. From Ft. Lauderdale, take your rental car to Florida’s Turnpike and just follow it all the way south until it ends in Homestead and Florida City. It costs $4 in tolls to take the Turnpike, and as of March 2011 you have to have a Sun Pass transponder. Most rental car companies will rent you one for a few dollars; call and shop around before making your car reservation.

If you have some great desire to see Miami before you die, then by all means either fly into Miami airport or take I-95 south from Ft. Lauderdale. Who am I to stop you?

You will find many bars, restaurants, gift shops, and other tourist-oriented destinations on your drive down the Keys. Something important to keep track of are the mile marker signs – everything in the Keys is tracked by its Mile Marker. For example, the Holiday Inn in Key Largo (home to the African Queen – the actual boat used in the movie) is at Mile Marker (MM) 100. Marathon is about halfway down at MM 50, the Seven Mile Bridge begins at MM 42, and Key West is, of course, at Mile Marker 0.

Buy gas in Islamorada or Key Largo – it gets more expensive, the further south you go.

Once you get to Key West and check into your hotel or B&B, most people just walk or bike around town, and I recommend this. It’s cheaper and fewer hassles than continually trying to find parking, and once you’re in Old Town – the “downtown” area of Key West – everything’s pretty much within walking distance.

If you do nothing else, plan to take in sunset one evening at Mallory Square, down by the cruise ship docks. The residents of Key West celebrate sunset every night with artists, performers, and applause when the sun disappears. It’s an “only in Key West” type of experience.

There’s so much to do, in fact, that I can’t fit it all into one article.

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Florida Keys Nightlife

The Florida Keys is a chain of small coral and limestone islands. They are popular tourist resorts and have become a popular vacation destination. The Florida Keys is sometimes referred to as the American Caribbean. It features all the same facilities as most other islands, including world-class sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, sailing, kayaking and eco-tours. Home to many relaxing resorts, the Florida Keys is considered to be an exotic location. The traffic is not too busy and people are easy-going. The Florida Keys include Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo. Each of these islands has special features to offer to potential tourists.

The downtown area is full of restaurants, bars, boutiques and shops. It is considered a fun place to be in. A number of convenient buses run throughout Florida City. It is considered wise to leave cars within the hotel vicinity, as parking space is very limited. A very efficient way to tour the city is to rent one of the scooters commonly found on the streets.

This tourist spot has an excellent and exciting nightlife. This is the result of the various clubs, bars and lounges. Florida keys is considered to have lot cuisine options. There are approximately 240 restaurants appealing to just about every tourist’s appetite. The fresh local seafood is a hit with all the tourists. Many people prefer dinning outside because the restaurants are well-located amidst the flora and fauna. When it comes to drinking, it is recommended that people try out the various bars and lounges. Some bars have the local bands playing live music, day and night. There are others that offer a calm and quiet atmosphere, with the soothing view of the Atlantic Ocean.