Florida Keys: ways to get a taste of island living

Just south of Miami, the Florida Keys are a series of islands beginning at the south-eastern tip of Florida. Connected by a series of bridges, they stretch for approximately 110 miles, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Thanks to their position and great scenery, each island has a little of the Caribbean about it, mixed with a quintessential Florida vibe.

Among the top ways to relax here is trying out a water sport or two. Among the most interesting - and unusual - is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This stems from Hawaii and is a cross between kayaking and surfing. As its name suggests, you stand up on the board and propel yourself along the water using paddles. Doing so, you can enjoy the scenery both above and below the surface, since you can look down directly into the water and see the marine life swimming below. You can try SUP on Key West, where you can take guided tours of local sights, such as the mangrove forest, while paddling along.

Florida Keys is perhaps best known for scuba diving, since it is home to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park. The former covers the only living reef in the continental US, which runs along the entire length of the Keys. Key Largo is among the top spots to go diving, as from here you can easily explore both areas. Plus, there are plenty of organisations that cater for visitors looking for diving lessons and equipment to hire.

There are also lots of relaxing things to do on dry land. Indeed, Florida Keys is home to some wonderful gardens and parks to explore, including Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, which is only accessible by boat. Tours are available from Friday to Sunday and, once you're there, guided tours run twice daily. Alternatively, head to Key West - the southernmost point in the continental US - and explore the stunning Key West Botanical Gardens.

Incredibly tranquil, they span 15 acres and provide a home for more than 6,000 plants and trees, as well as 270 migratory bird species. It was founded back in the 1930s and is maintained by volunteers. As you explore, you should be able to see native palm trees, tropical fruit trees, local herbs and tropical spices.

Also known for its literary associations, Key West is a great place to visit if you're a fan of Ernest Hemingway. This is because it plays host to the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Located at 907 Whitehead Street, this is where the author lived and wrote for more than ten years. Guided tours are available, which will help you learn more about the location and the man himself.

The destination is also known for its sunsets, so if you are planning to come here, it is worth going to the nightly Key West Sunset Celebration. This takes place on Mallory Square, where you can watch the sun slip below the horizon, be dazzled by street performers and browse stalls selling artisan goods.

If you're keen to have a real island life experience, meanwhile, it is worth taking a trip to Big Pine Key. This is the quietest of the Florida Keys and a great place to enjoy tranquil pastimes, such as fishing and boating. Indeed, there are some fantastic boating trips available here, including those to Looe Key for diving or snorkelling, making this is the ultimate place to unwind.

Before you head for home, make sure you try some of the local seafood, which is second to none. Florida Keys is famous for its seafood, but you'll find Islamorada - which enjoys a great reputation for sport fishing - and Key Largo are particularly good places to try it.

Planning a Florida Keys holiday? Come to Bon Voyage and discover fantastic ways to relax on your getaway.

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