Saturday, October 26, 2013

Let A Florida Keys Map Help You Have An Unforgettable Vacation

By Cornelia Reyes


If you want to escape the winter weather and are looking for sunny climes, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Florida Keys. They're warm year-round, have plenty to offer and are incredibly easy to reach. If you're not sure what you'd like to do once you're there, simply study a Florida Keys map to help you decide and plan an unforgettable vacation.

The Keys are a string of islands just off the state's southern tip. Among the most famous islands in the group are Key Largo, No Name Key, Big Pine Key and Key West. Islamorada is well-known too but isn't one key. Instead, it's a group of smaller islands. The islands in the archipelago are surrounded by reefs teeming with marine life, so they're a paradise for anyone who likes water sports such as diving or fishing.

The easiest and most popular way to get to the islands is by car. The Overseas Highway is a section of U. S. 1 and connects most of the islands in the group to one another and to the Florida mainland through a series of bridges. While traffic might be a nightmare in high season, the view is amazing since at times it might feel as if you're driving on the clear blue ocean.

There is a wide range of accommodation options available on most islands. You can choose from hotels, all-inclusive resorts, motels, guesthouses, house or condo rentals and campgrounds, for instance. Restaurants are plentiful too.

Among the many attractions in the Keys are its fascinating museums. For instance, you may want to see where President Truman lived when he came down to Key West for the winter or where Ernest Hemingway wrote some of his best stories. There are museums dedicated to the area's shipping history too, from the Spanish treasure ships that sailed these waters to the local inhabitants who made their living off the many shipwrecks. The kids will love the Children's Museum and the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum.

There are many fantastic beaches where you can soak up the sun. If you want to take to the water, the kids will love visiting one of the centers where they'll be able to swim with dolphins and other marine species. They'll also like the turtle hospital, located in Marathon. If you prefer dry ground, be sure to visit one of the parks or wildlife refuges in the region too.

Diving is a favorite pastime for many visitors to the Florida Keys and maps of the best dive sites are easy to find at the local dive centers. Apart from exploring the reefs, you also get to take a closer look at some fascinating shipwrecks. A map showing the Shipwreck Trail will come in handy, especially since most wrecks on the trail can be visited by snorkelers too.

There are many maps available online, some of them interactive to show for instance places to stay, restaurants, tourist attractions of beaches. It's a good idea to print out a Florida Keys map and have it handy in your bag. Another option is to make sure your car has a good GPS system so you can find your way without the hassle.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment