These havens for injured birds and wildlife are free to visit as you explore Florida. Animal lovers and children will especially enjoy these quick stops.
Florida Keys
Thousands of birds migrate over the Florida Keys in fall; Hawkwatch keeps counts
Every fall, the skies over the Florida Keys fill with thousands of birds from hundreds of species heading south for the winter. A remarkable citizen science project, Hawkwatch, based in Curry Hammock State Park, keeps a tally. The star of the show here is the peregrine falcon, seen here in numbers unmatched by any other US location.
Anne’s Beach in Islamorada: Worth a stop on drive through Keys
One of our favorite stops on the drive down the Florida Keys — Anne’s Beach in Islamorada — has re-opened two years after it was devastated by Hurricane Irma. Located at mile marker 73.5, Anne’s Beach is a rare thing in the Florida Keys – a natural sandy beach. And it’s free.
Alabama Jack’s: Classic way to start a trip to Florida Keys
Stopping at Alabama Jacks, a fish shack and dive bar on a remote road between Homestead and Key Largo, has been the classic way to start a Keys trip for decades. We revisited the open-air waterfront spot recently, and we’re happy to say: It’s as shabby and atmospheric as ever.
Updated for 2020: Biking the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail; finding safe & scenic sections
We brought our bikes to the Keys to update our guide for 2019. Some of our favorites sections are still closed due to damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Still, there are sections that give you a fun day’s ride and a great sampling of all the Keys has to offer. We recommend these four segments for recreational bicyclists who aren’t looking to ride from Key Largo to Key West.
The regular Florida lobster season is here
Recreational lobstering doesn’t end with the two-day mini-season in July. For many, it just begins in earnest with the start of the regular season, from August 6 until March 31.
Our favorite beaches in the Florida Keys
Beaches in the Keys aren’t as common or as wonderful as many expect, but there ARE some great beaches where you can swim — and snorkel — if you know where to go. Let us take you there.
Legendary road food in the Florida Keys
Iconic diners, cafes and dives — landmark eateries on the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys.
