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The Keys To The Florida Keys
The Florida Keys extend south of Miami in a string of narrow limestone and mangrove islands bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. The main artery, Route US 1, offers one of the most scenic road trips in the country. You can rush down to Key West in about 3.5 hours or take a week and savor the many colors along the way.
You'll notice most addresses are written as MM followed by a number. "Mile Marker" signs begin near Florida City, gateway to the southern Everglades, at around MM 127 and descend to MM 0, site of the Green Parrot Bar ("The 1st and Last Bar on US 1" their sign proclaims) in Key West.
Key Largo: MM 118 to 90.7 -- 58 Miles from Miami
The first major key you'll reach heading south from Key Biscayne is Key Largo, home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (305/451-1202) a noted diving spot, the National Marine Sanctuary (888/404-3922), Molasses Reef, and the underwater caves of French Reef. Each area is known for its wrecks and the lush coral reef formations and marine habitats that have developed among the ship's ruins. Dolphins Plus (866/860-7946, 31 Corrine Pl, Key Largo, FL 33037) and Dolphin Cove (877-365-2683 , MM 101.9 Bay Side, Key Largo, FL 33037) are two places where you can plan a half-day outing to swim with dolphins (or for younger children, have an encounter with these gentle creatures.)
The Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort (305/453-0000, 103800 Overseas Highway, Key Largo 33037) has a small beach and a marina on the bay, a heated pool and whirlpool, a day spa and offers dive instruction, snorkel trips and other watersport activities.
Popp's Motel in Key Largo (877/852-5201, 95500 Overseas Highway, Key Large 33037) is a terrific buy for the Keys. This 50-year-old, family-run motel is clean, homey, and well-maintained. While the efficiencies and one-bedroom apartments are a bit small, they're cheerily painted and all have a little kitchen to help you save even more money by preparing your own food. Much of the beach is shaded by swaying palm trees, under which you'll find hammocks, a children's play structure, tables, chairs, and barbecues.
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