Find Your Tropical Vibes in the Florida Keys

The tropics aren’t always a plane ride away. Sometimes, they’re just down the coast. The Florida Keys offer the kind of laid-back, sun-soaked escape that feels a world away—but without ever leaving the U.S.

This stretch of over 1,700 islands delivers on every front: teal water, white sand, world-class snorkeling, and just the right amount of quirky charm.

Smathers Beach in Key West and Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Keys are two of the standouts—soft sand, clear water, and enough space to claim your own little corner. Whether you’re diving into coral reefs, swimming alongside vibrant fish, or just floating through the day with nothing on your mind, this is the kind of escape that sticks.

If you’re the type who can’t sit still, good news. The Florida Keys were made for active escapes. Explore the protected waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, paddle through shaded mangrove tunnels, or take a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park for an unforgettable day of snorkeling and sea-watching around Fort Jefferson.

And then there’s the character. This isn’t your average coastal town. Key West is packed with stories—from Hemingway’s six-toed cats to sunsets that draw a nightly crowd to Mallory Square. Walk Duval Street. Eat conch fritters. Drive the Seven Mile Bridge and watch the water stretch in every direction.

The Keys deliver more than a vacation. They offer an easygoing reset—warm air, saltwater, and time that moves a little slower. If you’re chasing that escape feeling without crossing an ocean, this is it.