New Stays, Fresh Flavors and Island Firsts

FLORIDA KEYS (October 16, 2026) — From Key Largo to Key West, there’s a wave of energy sweeping through the Florida Keys this fall, with new places to stay, flavors to explore and experiences to discover along the iconic island chain. 

Whether you're craving adventure, a culinary escape or a reason to linger a little longer, the Florida Keys have plenty of new ways to make it happen. Reimagined resorts, inventive food tours, enticing attractions and award-winning restaurants are giving visitors even more to explore. And in Key West, the culinary scene is heating up, with two local restaurants earning the destination’s first MICHELIN Guide recognition: Moondog Café & Bakery with a Bib Gourmand and Blue Heaven as MICHELIN Recommended — adding another delicious reason to head south. 

Here’s what’s new this fall and beyond in the Florida Keys & Key West: 

Airlift  

Tropic Ocean Airways is launching new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Key West on Nov. 27, giving South Florida travelers a new way to reach the island chain in about an hour. Operating from Thursday through Sunday, flights connect private terminals at both airports, with one-way fares starting at $199. For those looking to squeeze a little island time into a single day, the airline’s new “Keys in a Day” experience offers roundtrip flights for $500 per person, with eight hours to explore Key West’s historic streets, waterfront attractions, restaurants and shops before returning home that evening. Separate private seaplane charters will offer water landings near The Perry Marina on Stock Island, with boat transfers to the marina until a dedicated seaplane dock is completed. Visit FlyTropic.com to learn more.  

The Florida Keys experience now begins the moment travelers arrive at Key West International Airport. Larger-than-life digital displays in the airport’s new Concourse A bring the islands alive with sweeping aerial views of the Seven Mile Bridge and Islamorada, colorful underwater scenes and the marine life that make the destination so extraordinary. Designed to welcome arriving passengers and give departing visitors another reason to return, the immersive displays can be updated with new imagery for special events and seasons. The latest addition comes as the airport celebrates record passenger traffic, surpassing 1 million passengers for the year in July 2026, the earliest it has ever reached that mark. July traffic increased 16.8% over July 2025, while passenger volume for the first seven months of 2026 rose 8.8% year over year. The airport’s ongoing improvements also include a modernized baggage claim area, an expanded four-lane TSA checkpoint and upgraded rental car facilities.

Breeze Airways continues its nonstop service from Key West (EYW) to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU), Tampa (TPA), and Orlando (MCO) six times weekly. One-stop Breeze-thru (no plane change) service from Ohio’s Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is four times weekly. Allegiant Air seasonal service returned to Ohio’s Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) and Indianapolis International Airport (IND) on Thursday, Oct. 1 and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) on Friday, Oct. 2. JetBlue Airways resumed nonstop daily service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on Thursday, Oct. 8. American Airlines adds a second daily flight to Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Saturday, Oct. 31. Service from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) resumes on Sunday, Nov. 1, while daily nonstop service from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) resumes Saturday, Nov. 21. Avelo Airlines is to resume nonstop service from Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with twice-weekly service. United Airlines’ nonstop daily service to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) returns on Thursday, Dec. 17. Delta Air Lines resumes nonstop service to New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) on Saturday, Dec. 19. Delta also provides daily nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL). Visit eyw.com or call 305-809-5200. 

At Marathon International Airport, fixed base operator Million Air Florida Keys is targeting completion of its new $4 million 5,460-square-foot passenger facility expansion by late December. The new building is part of Million Air’s strategy to enhance services for private aviation clients and expand the company’s services in the Middle Keys. Million Air has operated in Marathon since 2022 with its acquisition of the former Marathon Jet Center. The Texas-based aviation company’s Keys operations include U.S. Customs services, catering, vehicle rentals, a pilot lounge, conference facilities and aircraft arrival hospitality offerings. Million Air also completed a $5 million fuel farm in Marathon earlier this year. Visit millionair.com or call 305-743-1995. 

Accommodations 

In Key Largo, the 15-acre, 200-room Baker’s Cay Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton on Florida Bay in the Upper Keys has unveiled 12 new luxury suites, hued in warm, calming colors of sand and blue, and each with private balconies. The roomy, new 700-square-foot suites focus on coastal living with Gulf views, airy designs and space allowing guests to unwind. The new suite collection includes water view and partial water view Palm Suites and Paradise Suites. Guests of Palm and Paradise suites have access to a dedicated curated stay concierge to secure dining reservations and personalize their onsite experiences. It’s at 97000 Overseas Highway. Visit bakerscay.com or call 305-852-5553.  

In Islamorada, the 24-acre oceanfront Islander Resort is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. Opened in 1951 by fisherman Leo Samuels, the resort now features 114 newly designed bungalows and suites and 25 fully renovated Bayside Villas for extended stays and group getaways. New additions include rotating artisan displays and an expanded two-acre Seaside Sports area with a professionally designed nine-hole PuttTek putting course and permanent pickleball, basketball, volleyball and bocce courts. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and bicycles offer more ways to enjoy the outdoors. For meetings and celebrations, the resort offers more than 129,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor beachfront function space for up to 1,000 guests, with venues including the Islander House conference center, Hibiscus Hall Grand Ballroom, Palm Terrace, Islander Beach and Coral Point. Dining ranges from open-air, open-flame fare at oceanfront Drift on the Beach and all-day dining and cocktails at Tides Beachside Bar to casual, toes-in-the-sand bites at Coccoloba and poolside cocktails at Sandy’s Bar. The Islander Resort is at 82100 Overseas Highway; its nearby Bayside Villas are at 81450 Overseas Highway. Visit islanderfloridakeys.com or call 305-664-2031.  

Two of Islamorada’s most beloved oceanfront resorts are coming together for a new chapter in Florida Keys hospitality. Bass Pro Shops, which acquired the historic Cheeca Lodge in June, has announced a partnership with Schulte Hospitality Group to unite Cheeca Lodge & Spa and Islander Resort with the landmark World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina. Together, the properties will offer nearly a mile of private beachfront, almost 400 accommodations, five swimming pools, six dining experiences and access to world-class fishing and outdoor adventures. Both resorts will remain open as plans take shape to enhance the properties while preserving their distinctive Keys character. The partnership also brings a $500,000 commitment from Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Schulte Hospitality Group CEO Darryl Schulte and other donors to support the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center at Islander Resort.

Mar-Key Islamorada offers a secluded oceanfront escape reserved for just one group at a time. Set amid lush subtropical grounds, the gated luxury estate accommodates up to 20 guests and is available exclusively for weeklong stays. Originally established in 1937 as the LaBranche Fishing Camp, the historic property, also known as Bunny Key, has evolved into a private retreat with 240 feet of Atlantic Ocean frontage. Its three separate residences feature nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a walk-in pool, and a hot tub, making it an intimate setting for gatherings and getaways. The estate is located at 200 Atlantic St., Mile Marker 81. Visit Mar-Key-Islamorada.com or call 305-394-5350.  

On Duck Key, Hawks Cay Resort is making a splash with the Dec. 1 opening of Coral Cay Adventure Park, a new 2.5-acre aquatic and recreation park reserved for resort guests and featuring the largest waterslides in the Florida Keys. Anchored by a 32-foot launch tower, the park features three high-speed waterslides — including one stretching 330 feet — along with mini-slides and an ocean-inspired splash zone for younger guests. Beyond the water, a Sports Lawn offers basketball, volleyball and lawn games, while a climate-controlled arcade features retro games and racing simulators. Coral Cove provides space for crafts, seasonal workshops and birthday parties, and Coral Grill serves casual fare, with walk-up service and delivery to private poolside cabanas. The park marks the final piece of a broader reinvention at Hawks Cay that has included an expanded marina, upgrades to Calm Waters Spa and the debut of Salt + Ash from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, the chef behind Miami Beach’s MICHELIN-starred Stubborn Seed. Visit hawkscay.com to learn more. 

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has expanded its Florida Keys portfolio with the debut of Hilton Key West Resort & Marina, formerly Oceans Edge Resort & Marina, on Stock Island. The 20-acre waterfront resort features 175 guest rooms, including 86 suites, each with a private, furnished balcony. Enhancements include refreshed guest rooms with new flooring, furnishings and décor. Amenities include direct marina access, six saltwater pools, complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking, bicycling, yoga, lawn games, poolside movie nights, a fitness center and complimentary shuttle service to Key West’s Old Town and Historic Seaport. Event spaces include the 1,500-square-foot Pavilion, 1,200-square-foot Atlantic Patio and 570-square-foot Mariner’s Boardroom for meetings and celebrations. Dining venues include Yellowfin Bar & Kitchen and Oceans Edge Café, serving Cuban coffee, smoothies and grab-and-go fare. The resort is owned by Aliso Viejo, California-based Sunstone Hotel Investors and is located at 5950 Peninsular Ave. Visit Hilton.com or call 1-800-HILTONS. 

In Key West, Compass by Margaritaville Key West is slated to open in early 2027. The 106-room hotel, including 26 suites, will pair nautical-inspired design with the brand’s signature bedding and island-style touches, including rainfall showers and smart TVs. A refreshed pool and cabanas invite guests to settle into vacation mode, while 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill and The Backyard, an outdoor gathering spot with lawn games, add to the laid-back atmosphere. Guests will have access to a complimentary shuttle to Duval Street and Smathers Beach, while Old Town Trolley will stop directly at the property for hop-on, hop-off sightseeing throughout Key West. Formerly the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, the hotel is located at 2400 N. Roosevelt Blvd. To learn more, visit compasshotel.com/compass-hotel-key-west or call 305-296-5700. 

Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton features colorful new “Stay Like Lilly” suites in collaboration with designer Lilly Pulitzer. The partnership marks a full-circle homecoming for Lilly Pulitzer’s fashion house, honoring the designer’s deep ties to Key West, the Keys island that inspired the first prints and color-soaked lifestyle. Coinciding with the debut of Lilly Pulitzer’s Vintage Vault, which reintroduces archival prints from 1962 to 1985, Casa Marina is the first Hilton property to showcase these revived designs in hand-painted walls, fabrics adorning the suites, and original artwork framed as fine art in each suite. “At Casa Marina, our priority is creating meaningful, memorable stays for every guest who walks through our doors,” said Evelyn Summer, hotel manager, Casa Marina Key West. “Partnering with a beloved brand like Lilly Pulitzer allows us to offer an experience that feels both iconic and uniquely tied to the spirit of Key West.” The suites are available for stays through Nov. 2027.  For details and pricing visit Hilton.com or call 1-844-HI-CURIO.

Attractions 

In Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park has a newly rebuilt Mangrove Boardwalk winding through a mangrove forest. New plans for the park include a state-of-the-art Discovery Center & Aquarium featuring interactive experiences, exhibits and seven saltwater tanks totaling approximately 43,000 gallons, including a 23,000-gallon centerpiece devoted to Florida’s Coral Reef. It’s funded with a $50 million state investment and $2 million from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council and is targeted for completion by late 2028. World-renowned for being America’s “first undersea park,” the park, connecting to the continental U.S.’s only living coral barrier reef, was founded in 1960. The 70-square-nautical-mile park is known worldwide for its famed offshore underwater Christ of the Deep, an 8.5-foot, 4,000-pound bronze sculpture of Jesus that’s a copy of a similar sculpture off northern Italy’s Portofino Peninsula. Pennekamp is at 102601 Overseas Highway. Visit floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park or call 305-676-3777. 

In Marathon, the world-acclaimed Turtle Hospital, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is planning a state-of-the-art research and medical facility for the treatment of injured and ill sea turtles, with a targeted opening date of late 2027. The new facility will be located just west of the existing hospital at 2396 Overseas Highway. Its 1,800-square-foot stand-alone gift shop, located at 2040 Overseas Highway, sells collectible turtle-themed home décor, books, toys, clothing, gifts and souvenirs. The Turtle Hospital, dedicated since 1986 to the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, is the world’s first state-certified veterinary hospital to rescue, rehabilitate and release, whenever possible, injured and sick sea turtles. The nonprofit Turtle Hospital, open daily for tours and educational programs, has successfully returned more than 3,000 turtles to their ocean home. Visit turtlehospital.org or call 305-743-2552.  

In Marathon, Crane Point Museum and Nature Center is introducing “Mote’s Mangrove to Reef,” a new exhibit exploring the connections among the Florida Keys’ coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass ecosystems through interpretive displays and kiosks. Developed in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, which operates land-based coral nurseries in Key Largo, Islamorada and Summerland Key, the exhibit adds another dimension to Crane Point’s nature-focused experiences. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks, guided tours, kayaking, fish pedicures and the wild bird center, along with two historic homes: the early-1900s Bahamian-style Adderley House, billed as the oldest Keys home outside Key West, and the restored mid-century Crane Home, available for weddings, celebrations and business events. A distinctive red railroad car marks the entrance at 5550 Overseas Highway. Visit cranepoint.net or call 305-743-9100. 

The FOOD: Celebrating Conch Cuisine exhibit at The Key West Museum of Art & History, located at the historic downtown Custom House, runs through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027. Building on original Smithsonian Food History exhibitions that celebrate the role of food in shaping human culture, identity and society, this exhibit delves into culinary traditions, including Key lime pie and Cuban coffee, of the Florida Keys. The exhibit offers visitors an immersive look into how food has defined Keys life and highlights origins, evolution and ongoing influence of Conch cuisine. It also explores dynamics behind the Keys’ fishing economy, food-related labor and exports. Visit kwahs.org/exhibit/food or call 305-295-6616. 

In Key West, the Tennessee Williams Museum, operated by the Key West Art & Historical Society, is to unveil its new permanent location at 604 Whitehead St. by late fall 2026. The museum, previously operated in a yellow building at 513 Truman Ave., is to feature expanded galleries, additional artifacts, and photographs showcasing the works and life of the famous playwright and artist when he lived in Key West. “This new location gives us the opportunity to tell that story in exciting new ways while creating an even more engaging experience for visitors,” said Dennis Beaver, founder and curator. The museum first opened in 2011 as a temporary exhibit honoring the playwright on his 100th birthday. Williams lived in Key West periodically for more than 40 years, from his first visit in 1941 until his death in 1983, and owned a home at 1431 Duncan St. To learn more, visit kwahs.org or call 305-295-6616.  

Sustainability 

The Islamorada Environmental Resource Center, located in the historic Russell Cottage at Green Turtle Hammock Nature Preserve, showcases local nonprofits dedicated to preserving the unique environment of the Keys. Islamorada established the Center as a shared community space for local environmental nonprofits and kids’ activities. Partnerships include Florida Bay Forever, I.CARE (Islamorada Conservation & Restoration Education), Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, Coral Restoration Foundation, Dolphin Life Hospital, Mote Marine Lab, Audubon Everglades Research Center, Surfrider Foundation Florida Keys Chapter, UF-IFAS Extension Services of Monroe County and Islamorada Area State Parks. It’s open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with rotating partner participation. The cottage also houses the office and gift shop of nonprofit Florida Bay Forever, which hosts guided walks through hardwood hammocks and environmental talks and events. The preserve, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers nature trails, a kayak launch and a new two-story outdoor event pavilion. The Russell Cottage and Green Turtle Hammock are located at 81224 Overseas Highway, or Mile Marker 81. Visit islamorada.fl.us or call 305-664-6400. 

As part of its $15 million, five-year artificial reef expansion program, Monroe County is continuing development of new artificial reef sites led by program director Hanna Koch. Plans include placing 156 concrete modules across three Gulfside sites to form a network of 12 patch reefs. The structures, featuring varied designs and embedded limestone, are intended to increase habitat complexity, create new recreational opportunities, provide migration pathways for marine species and help disperse fishing pressure on natural reefs. The Gulfside Network is targeted for completion in summer 2027, when the last two network sites are to be developed. In a separate project within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary boundaries, deployments of low-relief complex concrete structures are planned for nearshore bayside waters off Marathon and Layton, areas that are essential nursery grounds for fish and invertebrate species, to mitigate habitat loss. To learn more, visit monroecounty-fl.gov or call 305-289-2562. 

The Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA) is giving visitors a hands-on way to help protect the fragile mangrove habitats and waterways that make the Florida Keys so special. Born in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, the grassroots nonprofit has grown into a force of more than 7,500 volunteers who have removed more than 650,000 pounds of marine debris from Keys waters and shorelines. Its free “trips with a purpose” invite volunteers to work alongside CRMA crews removing debris from mangroves before enjoying some time on the water. In the Lower Keys, Saturday trips depart The Perry Marina on Stock Island for cleanup missions in the Key West backcountry and nearshore mangroves. In the Middle Keys, CRMA partners with Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa in Marathon for complimentary cleanup excursions on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with departures at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Whether lending a hand for a few hours or simply learning more about the work, volunteers become part of an ongoing effort to restore vital habitat and leave the Florida Keys a little better than they found them. Visit ConchRepublicMarineArmy.org or call 786-314-6547. 

Music  

The iconic 1,450-square-foot Shrimp Boat Sound Studio in Key West will evolve into a working recording studio, museum, event space and outdoor bar paying tribute to legendary singer Jimmy Buffett. The sticker-covered studio, where Buffett recorded for nearly four decades in Key West, is to be given a new life as OK’d by the city’s Key West Bight Board, approving a 10-year lease. The windowless building is located at Lazy Way Lane at Elizabeth Street, between Schooner Wharf Bar and Conch Republic Seafood restaurant in the Historic Seaport District. Buffett first leased the building, a former shrimp-packing cooler and an ice house from the 1940s, in 1986. Much of Buffett’s last album, “Equal Strain on All Parts,” released posthumously in November 2023, was recorded here. Buffett died Sept. 1, 2023. The studio is slated to open by summer 2027.  

Books 

Acclaimed Florida Keys-based fine art photographer Alan S. Maltz turns his lens toward the state’s past in a new coffee-table book, “Old Florida — An Artistic Interpretation,” an evocative visual journey celebrating the state’s enduring landscapes, character and sense of place. Drawing inspiration from vintage Florida postcards and the artistic legacy of Florida’s famed Highwaymen painters, Maltz uses softened color, sepia tones and his distinctive photographic style to evoke an earlier era. The result is a collection of images that feel at once nostalgic and timeless, revealing a Florida of quiet shorelines, weathered boats, palms, historic architecture and scenes of everyday life that seem suspended between past and present. 

The 132-page, large-format book is Maltz’s sixth devoted to Florida and reflects decades spent photographing the state, including his longtime home in the Florida Keys. Rather than simply documenting what Florida once looked like, “Old Florida” offers Maltz’s artistic interpretation of the places, moods and moments that continue to shape the state’s identity. To learn more, visit www.alanmaltz.com/old-florida-an-artistic-interpretation

Tours 

Historian-author Brad Bertelli’s new food tour, Tasting Florida Keys History, explores Keys history and food, featuring a rum runner, bowl of conch chowder, two conch fritters and a slice of Key lime pie. The 75-minute program, priced from $60 per person, is designed for six participants. Bertelli shares stories at Robbie’s of Islamorada about the history behind the rum runner, the cultural significance of conch as a food source and a tool for Indigenous people who once called these islands home, how Key lime pie evolved as a signature dessert, Robbie’s famous tarpon feeding, and why the Florida Keys are known as the “Conch Republic.” Larger groups and private parties can also be accommodated. Visit bradbertelli.com or call 305-395-9889. 

After a day on the water or exploring the Upper Keys, Florida Keys Food Tours is serving up a delicious new way to taste your way through Islamorada. Its new Luxury Golf Cart Food Tour, priced from $179 per person, lets guests sit back and savor the ride aboard a luxury golf cart while a local guide and driver lead the way to some of the Upper Keys’ tastiest stops. Along the route are Food Network favorites, locations featured in Netflix’s “Bloodline,” historic landmarks and tucked-away culinary gems, with plenty of local flavor and Keys stories served up along the way. Other offerings include the Original Islamorada Food Tour, Local’s Happy Hour, Sunset Food Tours and a Sunset Food Tour by Boat. Guests can also roll up their sleeves for the Florida Keys Fish Preparation Experience, a cooking class exploring local catch, preparation techniques and the stories and flavors behind the Keys’ seafood culture. Private tours and customized experiences are also available. Visit flkeysfoodtour.com or call 305-394-1028 to learn more. 

Dining 

Craving a taste of Cuban cuisine on your way into or out of the Upper Keys? Bar Victor is shaking up Key Largo’s food scene with more than a dozen signature cocktails paired with Cuban-inspired bites including crispy croquetas, savory chicharrones and bite-sized empanaditas. Opened in April alongside Vicky Bakery at 97630 Overseas Highway, Bar Victor serves up cocktails and small plates from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Its family-owned Miami counterpart, Vicky Bakery, has been tempting South Florida with its famous pastelitos and other Cuban favorites since 1972 and expanded to Key Largo in 2025. Together, the two bring a taste of Miami’s Cuban food culture to the Overseas Highway near Shell World. Visit barvictor.com, vickybakery.com or call 305-735-4052. 

Key West’s legendary Smokin’ Tuna Saloon has relocated to downtown Duval Street after a 26-month hiatus. Known as the headquarters of the Key West Songwriters Fest and previously located on Charles Street, Smokin’ Tuna is popular for its tasty, affordable dining and its music scene showcasing local musicians including Cliff Cody, C.W. Colt, Aaron Hudgins and Elle Haley. Smokin’ Tuna has partnered with Mile Zero Key West for event planning. Popular dishes include its signature wings, tuna nachos and tuna dip. It’s located at 313 Duval St., site of the historic Robert Curry Mansion and former Hard Rock Café. Visit smokintunasaloon.com or call 786-422-9978. 

In Key West, a new multi-concept or “culinary collective” dining venue, The Reserve Key West, is slated to open soon with four independent chef-driven kitchens and three bars: The Exchange (reminiscent of the Monteleone Hotel’s Carousel Bar & Lounge in New Orleans); The Ledger, a main-floor bar; and The Vault, a speakeasy. The Reserve, at 510 Fleming St., features a colorful mural by artist Fran Williams Wagner, whose commissioned works are also at Miami International Airport; the Bacardi Pavilion in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and the National Airlines ticket office at New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The Reserve, a 5,000-square-foot building that was once a Key West airline office and a family general store, also housed former bank locations. Visit thereservekeywest.com. 

In Marathon, the newly unveiled Seashell Coffee Marathon, located at 11399 Overseas Highway, Unit 6, serves up coffee, lattes, matcha, boba, pastries, empanadas, muffins, yuca bites and sweet treats such as Key lime cake. Call 305-294-2917 or visit www.instagram.com/seashellcoffeemarathon.

Baby’s Coffee, a popular institution known for its hearty fresh roasts for more than 30 years, has opened its second location in Key West at 518 Fleming Street. Known as the “Southernmost Coffee Roasters in America,” Baby’s Coffee sells freshly roasted brews, espresso drinks, baked goods and colorful T-shirts and apparel with a signature giant, eyelash-fringed eye. The original Baby’s Coffee is located at Mile Marker 15 in the Lower Keys at 3180 U.S. Highway 1. Visit babyscoffee.com or call 786-937-2229. 

Events 

Taste the Keys is a signature culinary event presented by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce that runs throughout October in the Upper Keys. This food lovers’ smorgasbord features prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner at participating Upper Keys restaurants. Taste the Keys will also feature a Trolley Food Tour on Thursday, Oct. 29, allowing ticketed participants to enjoy a progressive dining experience with sampling stops at four to five restaurants. Tickets are $125 per person for Key Largo Chamber of Commerce members and $150 for non-chamber members. The event includes the Signature Dish Showdown, a community-driven culinary competition where each participating restaurant will nominate a signature dish from its prix-fixe menu as its entry. Visit TastetheKeys.com or call 305-451-1414. 

In Key West, Fantasy Fest 2026 turns up the volume Oct. 16–25 with 10 days of outrageous costumes, wild parties and plenty of Key West-style revelry. This year’s theme, “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals,” promises a colorful mix of music, costumes and over-the-top creativity. The celebration kicks off Friday, Oct. 16, with the lively Goombay Festival in Bahama Village and runs through Sunday, Oct. 25, with children’s activities at Bayview Park and a tea dance. In between, revelers can expect the crowning of the Fantasy Fest King, Queen and Royal Court, along with cabarets, burlesque, pool parties, live entertainment and DJ-led celebrations. Highlights include a Dolly Parton Tribute Party on Tuesday, Oct. 20; the crowd-favorite Pet Masquerade on Wednesday, Oct. 21; the 43rd Headdress Ball on Thursday, Oct. 22; and the Fantasy Fest Street Fair and Costume Promenade on Friday, Oct. 23. The biggest spectacle comes Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Deep Eddy Vodka Fantasy Fest Parade rolls through Key West at 7 p.m. Led by singer-entertainer Grand Marshal Mike Stack, the parade draws an estimated 70,000 spectators for an evening of elaborate floats, outrageous costumes and the kind of celebration only Key West can pull off. Visit fantasyfest.com.

In Big Pine Key, Grimal Grove is bringing a little tropical flair to fall with its Tropi-Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 5 p.m. The family-friendly celebration offers a taste of farm life in the Lower Keys, with live music by Jerico, line dancing, tractor rides, family farm photos, a bounce house for kids and free ice cream. Guests can also enjoy a seasonal menu from Boardwalk and explore the historic tropical fruit grove on a guided tour. Admission is $20 at the door and includes a tour and festival T-shirt, while children 12 and younger get in free. To learn more, visit grimalgrove.com/events. 

Productions  

The Florida Keys & Key West take center stage in two new episodes of WUCF’s Florida Road Trip on PBS stations across Florida. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Scott Fais, the series takes viewers along the Overseas Highway, exploring the colorful history, fascinating characters and natural wonders that make the island chain unlike anywhere else. The Florida Keys episode, which premiered Oct. 8, traces the legacy of Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad, visits historic Pigeon Key and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and introduces viewers to the endangered Key deer and rescued sea turtles at The Turtle Hospital in Marathon. The journey continues Thursday, Oct. 15, with Florida Road Trip: Key West, diving into the island’s Conch culture, maritime heritage and the evolution of diving from a working trade to a popular pastime. Viewers also get a glimpse inside the Truman Little White House before venturing 70 miles west to Dry Tortugas National Park, where ongoing archaeological discoveries are shedding new light on the history of Fort Jefferson. The Key West episode airs at 8 p.m. on WUCF and 5 p.m. on WLRN, with episodes available to stream for free following broadcast. Visit FloridaRoadTrip.org.  

The Florida Keys & Key West provide the ultimate backdrop for two productions filmed across the island chain. “Bad Monkey,” the Apple TV+ series starring Vince Vaughn, has wrapped production on Season 2, with filming taking place in Key West, Big Pine Key and Marathon. The 10-episode second season, featuring an all-new original story, is slated to premiere Wednesday, Dec. 2, with episodes running through Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2027. Local venues featured include Half Shell Raw Bar at the Key West Historic Seaport and Don’s Place, a neighborhood bar on Truman Avenue. The series debuted in 2024 with the first season based on the novel by Florida journalist and author Carl Hiaasen, with Vaughn starring as Andrew Yancy, a former detective turned restaurant inspector. 

Also filmed in the Florida Keys, “Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate” is a 90-minute independent film by director Tony Armer. The supernatural horror-comedy follows a local waitress, ghost-tour guide and unlucky tourist who accidentally awaken a centuries-old curse connected to legendary pirate Anne Bonny. “Key of Bones” premiered in Key West Oct. 2–3 to a packed house at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. Additional viewing information is available through the film’s official website. See the movie trailer at keyofbonesmovie.com or visit filmfloridakeys.com to learn more. 

On the Water 

There’s nothing quite like getting out on the water in the Florida Keys, and knowing a few local boating basics can make the experience even better. Visit Florida Keys & Key West’s “Boat Like You Belong” campaign helps visitors navigate the island chain’s waters safely while looking out for the marine environment that makes the Keys so special. From free boating safety courses and interactive marine sanctuary maps to a public boat ramp finder and the Marine Sanctuary Explorer app, the campaign puts helpful resources right at boaters’ fingertips. There are also practical tips on everything from reading dive flags and using free mooring buoys to avoiding shallow seagrass beds, understanding boating regulations and preparing for a day on the water. Whether you’re a first-time boater or have spent years cruising the Keys, the message is simple: have fun, stay safe and help take care of the waters we all love. Before you cast off, get the local know-how to boat safely and responsibly. Dive into the resources at visitfloridakeys.com/experiences/more-outdoor-fun/boating-on-the-water/boating-information.

Businesses 

In Key West, Bella Laine blends shopping, art and a little hands-on creativity in a new boutique, working candle studio and gallery on Fleming Street. Founded by artist and candle maker Emily Shipman, the thoughtfully curated space features hand-poured soy wax candles alongside jewelry, artwork, home goods, handbags, sustainable clothing and gift boxes. At its “vessel bar,” visitors can tap into their own creativity by designing a custom candle, with no reservations required. Bella Laine also hosts occasional gatherings, from tea tastings to art and figure drawing classes. It’s located at 601 Fleming St. Visit bellalaineart.com or call 305-780-7225. 

Marketing Initiatives 

Visit Florida Keys & Key West recently relaunched the Key Lime Academy, a self-paced certification program for travel advisors, with new destination information, itinerary planning tools and sales resources. To date, more than 1,000 travel professionals have earned a “Conch-Star Specialist” designation, recognizing their expertise in trip planning for specific niche interests, including that of families, couples, honeymooners, adventure seekers, solo travelers and active adults. Ready to earn your conch credential? Visit KeyLimeAcademy. 

Visit Florida Keys & Key West is also rolling out “Play in Your Own Key,” its new flagship destination brand campaign celebrating the many ways travelers can experience the island chain in their own way. The campaign will continue to roll out with new creative and activations, including a 2027 partnership with YETI, the outdoor cooler, drinkware and gear company. 

Accolades  

Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, was named the country’s top spot for birdwatching, ranking 12th among 20 of the world’s best birdwatching destinations, according to a survey by AllClear Travel Insurance. California’s Moss Landing on Monterey Bay, ranking 15th, was the only other birdwatching location cited in the U.S. The survey ranked 115 wildlife hotspots around the globe to discover “ultimate birdwatching” destinations. 

Two Key West restaurants, Blue Heaven, at 729 Thomas St. in Bahama Village, and Moondog Café & Bakery, at 823 Whitehead St. near the Hemingway Home & Museum, have landed in the prestigious MICHELIN Guide’s 2026 Florida restaurant selection for culinary excellence. The guide cites Blue Heaven’s “signature Key lime pie, topped with a towering baked meringue,” and the “exceptional food at great value” at Moondog Café & Bakery, named a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for quality and pricing. 

Key Largo’s original Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, today owned by Stephanie Figueroa, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Known for casual Keys fare and its quaint, kitschy and rustic setting, it was established in 1976 by Jeff MacFarland, who named it after his mother. In 1987, MacFarland hired cook Angie Wittke, who later became its second owner with her sister Paula. It’s located at 99336 Overseas Highway and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its larger sister restaurant, Mrs. Mac’s II, is located down the road at 99020 Overseas Highway.  

Key West's Elizabeth Bishop House & Garden, where celebrated poet Elizabeth Bishop lived and wrote from 1938 to 1946, earned a Restoration, Rehabilitation or Adaptive Use Award from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Restoration highlights include original 19th-century windows, wood louvered shutters and a cistern returned to the historic use of gathering rainwater to irrigate a garden of native plants and fruit trees. The home’s original built-in bookshelves, bathtubs, sinks, faucets, light fixtures and doorknobs were all restored. The home, built in 1889 and located at 624 White St., is one of a few surviving Key West Historic District eyebrow houses. 

Key West International Airport earned the Florida Airports Council’s Benjamin J. Siwinski Sustainability Award for its use of bird-friendly glass throughout the airport facility. Specialized ceramic patterns were embedded into the glass surfaces, creating visual markers that help birds avoid collisions. Glazing systems with low exterior reflectance also were utilized to further reduce the likelihood of bird strikes. The award, one of the council’s highest environmental honors, was announced at the 2026 Florida Airports Council Annual Conference. 

The Florida Keys & Key West is a finalist for “Most Desirable Region Worldwide” in the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, with more than 200,000 travelers expected to vote. Wanderlust, billed as the oldest travel magazine still in circulation in the United Kingdom and Europe, will announce the winners Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Four awards. Two top honors. One big night for the Florida Keys. Visit Florida Keys & Key West recently made a strong showing at the 2026 Flagler Awards, bringing home two coveted Henry Awards and two Silver Awards for its work in sustainable tourism, social media, mobile marketing and digital innovation. Presented during the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism in West Palm Beach, the honors included Henry Awards for the destination’s Integrated Ecotourism Program in Sustainable Tourism Marketing and “Destination Instant Experiences” in Social Media Marketing. Silver Awards recognized the organization’s next-generation website, VisitFloridaKeys.com, and its “Key West Duo Scroller” in Mobile Marketing. With nearly 300 entries competing statewide, the recognition celebrates the creativity and collaboration behind the destination’s marketing efforts, from finding fresh ways to connect with travelers to keeping conservation and stewardship at the heart of the Florida Keys story. Read more at media.visitfloridakeys.com. 

Visit Florida Keys & Key West is making waves across the Atlantic for its commitment to conservation. The tourism agency took top honors at the 2026 JRNY America Awards in the United Kingdom, winning Best Conservation Initiative for its “Connect & Protect” program. Selected by a panel of leading travel writers, the initiative was recognized for encouraging visitors to explore the island chain responsibly while helping protect its fragile ecosystems. From diving with Blue Star eco-certified operators and exploring the backcountry with local guides to visiting The Turtle Hospital and Coral Restoration Foundation, “Connect & Protect” highlights experiences that bring travelers closer to nature while promoting responsible tourism. The program also encourages simple conservation practices, from protecting coral reefs and respecting wildlife to reducing plastic waste and participating in volunteer cleanups. The recognition comes amid strong competition, with Greater Palm Springs and Yosemite conservation initiatives earning silver and bronze honors, respectively. The Florida Keys will also be featured in the January 2027 winners’ issue of JRNY America, one of the United Kingdom’s prominent travel publications. Discover the award-winning initiative at www.visitfloridakeys.com/plan-your-trip/find-your-vibe/connect-protect. 

High-resolution images, photo credits, and captions are available at this link. 

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