Marathon

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.

As you cross the Seven Mile Bridge, you pass the little green island with yellow cottages and palm trees surrounded by dazzling blue water. Stop and visit: Pigeon Key is one of a kind. It offers fascinating history, tropical beauty, even great snorkeling.

The bike trail down the Florida Keys — the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail — is not complete, but here are four sections that offer scenic and safe rides, We’ve updated our guide with sections that were recently repaired after Hurricane Irma damage.

A new and improved guide to the scenic Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys with points of interest, restaurants, campgrounds and lodging, kayaking and beaches with expanded descriptions, photos and highlights.

Checkpoints have been removed from the Overseas Highway. Airports, hotels, bars, retail shops and restaurants are open. But it won’t be the same. You must wear masks or face a stiff $500 fine.

The sea turtle, one of the rarer residents of the Florida Keys, isn’t easy to see in the wild. But you can get within arm’s reach of several varieties that frequent the Florida Keys and even toss them some food at the non-profit Turtle Hospital in Marathon.

If you want to savor the flavor of the Florida Keys, spend a little time at a tiki bar. Our favorites profiled here are unpretentious waterfront spots where you’ll get good fresh fish, fried everything and a big serving of Keys atmosphere.

Robbie’s Marina is a don’t-miss stop as you drive through the Florida Keys. Dozens of tarpon, some more than 6 feet long, gather at the dock and lunge for fish from visitors. The restaurant there, the Hungry Tarpon, is highly recommended , too.

The Marathon Seafood Festival calls itself the Original Marathon Seafood Festival to emphasize it’s the real deal – indigenous and authentic. Marathon is a fishing town, and you don’t get fish any fresher than here, unless you catch it yourself.

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.