{"id":2294,"date":"2023-01-31T05:23:30","date_gmt":"2023-01-30T18:23:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/archipelago-dreaming-7-surprising-sights-in-florida-keys\/"},"modified":"2024-06-18T04:23:13","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T18:23:13","slug":"archipelago-dreaming-7-surprising-sights-in-florida-keys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/archipelago-dreaming-7-surprising-sights-in-florida-keys\/","title":{"rendered":"Archipelago Dreaming: 7 Surprising Sights in Florida Keys\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><em>Florida Keys is a wonderland of jaw-dropping iridescent waters, lush mangroves, friendly wildlife and a treasure trove of attractions, from rum distilleries to turtle sanctuaries<\/em>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gently stretching out towards the Caribbean from the Florida peninsula, the dreamy Key West archipelago forms a trail of untamed beauty and adventure.&nbsp;Spanning from Key Largo to the famed Key West, the islands are threaded together like a string of pearls by the 180km Overseas Highway. Leapfrog from island-to-island, each as beautiful as the last, via 42&nbsp;bridges, enchanting passageways and endearing seaside towns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Along the way, discover underwater coral kingdoms teeming with kaleidoscopic colour, dancing dolphins in opalescent waters and twinkling white-sand beaches. Make it to the end where the southernmost point of the continental USA awaits and on a clear day you can see across to Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover our pick of the top things to do in Florida Keys and the experiences you never knew you could have.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ready to book your Florida Keys escape? <\/strong>Discover our offers <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/search?destinationName=Florida+Keys&amp;destinationId=le_b3e8b45f2299114e546bad46fd798418&amp;adults=2&amp;children=none&amp;flexibleWithDate=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Discover a magical undersea world at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_1219280671-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"-\" class=\"wp-image-10201\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Kick off your Florida Keys escapade at the archipelago&#8217;s largest island \u2013 home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park; the first underwater national park in the USA and the self-proclaimed dive capital of the world. Plunge into the glittering topaz waters on a snorkeling or scuba expedition to encounter vibrant tropical fish, friendly dolphin pods, gentle manatees and beloved sea turtles. Set out on a glass-bottom boat tour, kayak through the mangroves or bathe in the shimmering sunrays on one of the many postcard-worthy beaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoy a pint at the legendary No Name Pub<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CEwahoBDzpk\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CEwahoBDzpk\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\"  xmlns_xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CEwahoBDzpk\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by No Name Pub (@nonamepub)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>Unofficially hailed as THE watering hole of the Florida Keys, No Name Pub is an iconic hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Established in 1931 as a general store, the vibrant eatery has only continued to grow in popularity. Heralded for its honky-tonk atmosphere of beer-drinking, pool-shooting and great southern food, the No Name Pub is consistently top-voted in the ZAGAT survey and was named \u2018the best casual dining experience in the Florida Keys\u2019. Its famed dishes are the good ol\u2019 American burger and fries and the Carribean pizza \u2013 best washed down with a pint or two.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support a sea turtle at The Turtle Hospital<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_600034343-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"-\" class=\"wp-image-10194\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;width:840px;height:auto\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While spotting a sea turtle in the Keys isn\u2019t uncommon, a visit to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon guarantees a feel good, up-close-and-personal experience. This non-profit organisation has been rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles since 1986 and welcomes visitors on a 90-minute tour to meet the resident turtles and hear their fascinating stories. Meet turtles named Mac and Cheese, enjoy an interactive presentation on turtle conservation and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the hospital facilities before lining the turtle aquarium for a live feeding. The best part? Your entry fee supports the rehabilitation of up to 100 turtles per year.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go tipple tasting at Key West First Legal Rum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cg2vhIIOf_V\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cg2vhIIOf_V\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\"  xmlns_xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Cg2vhIIOf_V\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Spanish Marie Waite (@spanishmarierum)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re going to toast with a tipple in Key West, it has to be rum. Pay a visit to Key West First Legal Rum, the site of small-batch rum heaven made with all-natural Florida sugarcane and infused with coconut, vanilla and, of course, key lime. Take a free behind-the-scenes tour of the rum distilling process and enjoy thirst-quenching samples along the way. The homemade Pi\u00f1a Colada\u202fis a must-try.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Walk in the footsteps of a literary legend at The Hemingway Home &amp; Museum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_713733187-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"-\" class=\"wp-image-10195\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>No trip to Key West is complete without a visit to the former home of its most legendary resident \u2013 Ernest Hemingway. Walk the path of the Nobel Prize-winner as you pay your respects to his life and memory.&nbsp;Stroll the manicured gardens, admire the charming island architecture and befriend the six-toed cats \u2014 some of which are descendants of the writer\u2019s own pets. See the typewriter used to produce the original manuscripts of The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Green Hills of Africa, before visiting the bookstore filled with souvenirs and mementos.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoy family friendly fun at Key West Butterfly &amp; Nature Conservatory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_171932303-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"-\" class=\"wp-image-10197\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Walk among hundreds of free-floating butterflies and exotic birds (plus two resident flamingos) at the tranquil Key West Butterfly &amp; Nature Conservatory.&nbsp;Immerse yourself in a tropical garden filled with peaceful koi ponds, softly chirping birds and serene waterfalls. Whether you are seeking a family-friendly activity or a reprieve from the buzzing energy of Duval Street, a visit to the conservatory is guaranteed to rejuvenate the mind.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore a 19th-century fort at Dry Tortugas National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/shutterstock_568086439-1024x539.jpg\" alt=\"-\" class=\"wp-image-10199\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just when you thought you\u2019d explored all of Florida Keys\u2019 wonders, there\u2019s Dry Tortugas National Park. It may be located over 100km west of Key West and accessible only by boat or seaplane, but it\u2019s well worth the journey. Explore the magnificent 19<sup>th<\/sup><sup>&#8211;<\/sup>century Fort Jefferson, snorkel, dive or swim in the crystal-like waters, take in the ambience as the sea breeze carries the melody of the chirping birds and pitch your tent under the stars.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Seeking sun, surf and sand? <\/strong>Check out our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/the-usas-best-beaches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6 of the USA\u2019s Best Beaches<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida Keys is a wonderland of jaw-dropping iridescent waters, lush mangroves, friendly wildlife and a treasure trove of attractions, from rum distilleries to turtle sanctuaries&nbsp; Gently stretching out towards the Caribbean from the Florida peninsula, the dreamy Key West archipelago forms a trail of untamed beauty and adventure.&nbsp;Spanning from Key Largo to the famed Key [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":727,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[17,26,13],"location":[],"customertype":[],"class_list":["post-2294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-usa","tag-family-friendly","tag-islands","tag-outdoor-adventure"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1488234620-scaled.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"lux_id":2294,"lux_link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/archipelago-dreaming-7-surprising-sights-in-florida-keys\/","lux_title":"Archipelago Dreaming: 7 Surprising Sights in Florida Keys\u00a0","lux_excerpt":"Florida Keys is a wonderland of jaw-dropping iridescent waters, lush mangroves, friendly wildlife and a treasure trove of attractions, from rum distilleries to turtle sanctuaries\u00a0 Gently stretching out towards the Caribbean from the Florida peninsula, the dreamy Key West archipelago forms a trail of untamed beauty and adventure.\u00a0Spanning from Key Largo to the famed Key [\u2026]","lux_excerpt_trimmed":"Florida Keys is a wonderland of jaw-dropping iridescent waters, lush mangroves, friendly wildlife and a treasure trove of attractions, from rum distilleries to turtle sanctuaries\u00a0 Gently stretching out towards the","lux_image_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1488234620-scaled.jpg","lux_image_url_medium":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1488234620-scaled-350x197.jpg","lux_image_url_large":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1488234620-scaled-1024x575.jpg","lux_image_url_square":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/shutterstock_1488234620-scaled-500x500.jpg","lux_categories":[{"label":"USA","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/usa\/"}],"lux_tags":[{"label":"Family Friendly","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/family-friendly\/"},{"label":"Islands","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/islands\/"},{"label":"Outdoor &amp; 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