Best Beach Destinations in the Florida Keys

[phkrause]

While residents of cold-weather climates are shivering indoors by the fire, the lucky folks who visit the Florida Keys are snorkeling, splashing, and fishing in still-temperate waters. The shores of this island chain—with dazzling coral reefs and an abundance of wildlife—are recognized as excellent spots for water play. Blissfully removed from any signs of winter, these eight beach destinations showcase the best of what the Keys have to offer, from diving to kayaking to just plain sunbathing.

http://www.smartertravel.com/photo-galle...d=627&all=1

[Tom Wetmore]

I have been to almost all of them...

[phkrause]

Well that's By the way, have you met "Key Guy" on your travels in the Keys?

[Gail]

Well that's By the way, have you met "Key Guy" on your travels in the Keys?

I would love to drop in on Keyguy one day!

My kids just arrived in Florida this evening: Kevin and Seren drove down and the others flew out. They are not in the keys, though. They are at Palm Coast, up north a bit.

[Tom Wetmore]

I have met Key Guy but not in the keys. His brother and I were in the same class in academy.

I've been to the keys many times diving. I have actually only been to Key West once, maybe twice. I dived off of Key Largo, Marathon and Islamorada and a few places in between. Most of the diving I have done in the Keys was off of Islamorada.

The beaches in the Keys really aren't all that great as compared to most beaches in other parts of Florida. The islands are mostly formed and fringed by Mangrove, and don't get significant wave action to deposit sand. Bahia Honda and Key West have the the best.

[debbym]

Pretty tantalizing, but i am roasting by my fire and not shivering. Just the same, the blue and green waters just pull me.

[phkrause]

[phkrause]

I have met Key Guy but not in the keys. His brother and I were in the same class in academy.

I've been to the keys many times diving. I have actually only been to Key West once, maybe twice. I dived off of Key Largo, Marathon and Islamorada and a few places in between. Most of the diving I have done in the Keys was off of Islamorada.

The beaches in the Keys really aren't all that great as compared to most beaches in other parts of Florida. The islands are mostly formed and fringed by Mangrove, and don't get significant wave action to deposit sand. Bahia Honda and Key West have the the best.

Have never been to the Keys. One day when we move back, I'd like to rent a RV and travel around with the Grandkids.

[Gail]

I have met Key Guy but not in the keys. His brother and I were in the same class in academy.

I've been to the keys many times diving. I have actually only been to Key West once, maybe twice. I dived off of Key Largo, Marathon and Islamorada and a few places in between. Most of the diving I have done in the Keys was off of Islamorada.

The beaches in the Keys really aren't all that great as compared to most beaches in other parts of Florida. The islands are mostly formed and fringed by Mangrove, and don't get significant wave action to deposit sand. Bahia Honda and Key West have the the best.

[nuff sed]

I live in Central Florida.... I don't go to the Keys....The reason is this. I started Scuba-diving in the middle '50s.

In 1993 I lost my eldest son(33) in a tragic diving accident off St. Croix. He disappeared and was never found. I quit diving... but I still love to snorkel. I have been to the Republic of Palau three times where the water visibility is 200 ft. Consequently 30-30 ft. visibility in the Keys seems pretty muddy to me. Save your money and go to Palau...Nuff Sed

[olger]

My uncle has a vacation home in Islamorada. After he died, my cousin bought it. Nice area, good fishing.

Been to Key West a couple times. It has a bit of a hippy-hedonistic feel to it, and has become an enclave for a large homosexual population, according to my cousin.

It was nice to see Hemingway's house. I don't know if Jimmy Buffet still has a home there.