Florida Keys Newsroom

Overseas Experience Trail: Key West

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:22:00 +0200

Key West, where the Florida Keys Overseas Highway ends at Mile Marker 0, blends 19th-century charm with a laid-back contemporary atmosphere. Visitors to continental America's southernmost city will find palm-shaded streets, picturesque historic homes with "gingerbread" trim, a nightly waterfront sunset celebration and a flourishing arts community.

The island offers environmental attractions and eco-experiences, a lively multicultural culinary scene and sites to tour including the 1930s home of literary legend Ernest Hemingway and the "vacation White House" of former President Harry Truman.

The best way to enjoy Key West is to embrace the easygoing vibe, glean tips from friendly locals about their favorite places and pursuits, and experience both well-known and off-the-beaten-path offerings.

For example …

Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden. At the gateway to Key West lies a secluded 15-acre conservation habitat and subtropical botanical garden. Just off College Road at mile marker 5 bayside, the garden features more than 6,000 rare and endangered plants and trees and provides habitat for 39 butterfly species and 202 native and migratory bird species. Explore 12 self-guided nature trails and boardwalks, two 1.5-acre butterfly habitats, two freshwater ponds, a Cuban palm exhibit and more. keywest.garden

Key West Garden Club at West Martello Tower. Spend a lazy afternoon at the tranquil natural spot that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean where White Street meets Atlantic Boulevard. West Martello Tower is a never-used Civil War–era fort whose weathered brick walls frame exotic orchids and bromeliads, rare and indigenous palms and plants, a peace garden with labyrinth, a butterfly garden and a white perfume garden. The oceanfront gazebo offers breeze-cooled serenity. keywestgardenclub.com

Curry Mansion. Discover the legacy of Key West's first millionaire, William Curry, at the inn and museum located at 511 Caroline St. The grand Victorian-style mansion, with its period furnishings and decor, spacious verandahs, unique "widow's walk" and gingerbread-adorned exterior, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historians believe Key lime pie was originally created in the Curry Mansion kitchen. The mansion's antique-filled public areas are open for tours. currymansion.com

Honest Eco Sustainable Nature Tours. Take an unforgettable voyage aboard SQUID, Key West's first electric-powered charter boat, during an Honest Eco dolphin watch and guided snorkel excursion. The unique vessel was built by Captain Billy Litmer, Honest Eco's founder and a biologist and passionate environmentalist, and is docked at 231 Margaret St. in the Historic Seaport. Equipped with Sunflare solar panels, SQUID provides an extraordinary wildlife experience while having little impact on the environment and its creatures. honesteco.org

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. Head to "Fort Zach" at 601 Howard England Way to spend an afternoon swimming and lazing beside the Atlantic Ocean. The park is renowned for its shady, breeze-cooled picnic area and its 1,000-foot beach that Key Westers regard as the island's best. Snorkel in the relatively deep near-shore water, spotting colorful tropical fish around rocky promontories, or explore the weathered Civil War–era fort that gave the park its name. fortzacharytaylor.com

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. Walk among hundreds of living butterflies at the state-of-the-art solarium and nature exhibit at 1316 Duval St. In the soaring glass-domed tropical butterfly habitat, you can observe butterflies from 50 to 60 species in a lush rainforest-like setting, alongside tiny exotic birds and two glorious pink flamingoes - who also star in daily "Flamingle" encounters. Don't miss the on-site gallery and displays outlining butterflies' role in the natural world. keywestbutterfly.com

Historic Old Town. Take a morning stroll or bike ride through Key West's Old Town, the largest predominantly wooden historic district in the entire United States. Allow yourself to get lost and simply wander, discovering restored Victorian homes and cottages along narrow lanes, chatting with locals you meet and enjoying the fragrance of flowers blooming behind white picket fences. And don't forget to stop for Cuban coffee and cheese toast at one of many neighborhood emporiums.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. View treasures and artifacts from the Spanish galleons Nuestra Señora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, shipwrecked off Key West in 1622, at the 200 Greene St. museum. The facility's 17th-century maritime and shipwreck antiquities include gold and silver bars, coins, weapons and more recovered by shipwreck salvor Mel Fisher and his crew in the 1980s. Equally compelling are artifacts from the English merchant slave ship Henrietta Marie, sunk off Key West in 1700. melfisher.org

Key West Food Tour. Savor the flavors of the island city on a stroll-and-taste exploration of cuisine and culture created and curated by third-generation island native Analise Andrews. Several themed walking tours are offered, with guides leading small groups of participants to multiple local emporiums for samples of food and libations. As well as experiencing the rich culinary scene, guests gain insights into Key West's vibrant heritage and easygoing way of life. keywestfoodtours.com

Key West Lighthouse & Keeper's Quarters. Completed in 1848 and standing at 938 Whitehead St., the lighthouse guided mariners through Key West waters until it was decommissioned in 1969. Climb an 88-step spiral staircase to the observation platform for a panoramic view of Key West, learn about courageous male and female lighthouse keepers, and observe historic artifacts, photos and journals. In addition, small groups can book the exclusive 90-minute Key West Lighthouse Sunset Experience. kwahs.org/museums/lighthouse-keepers-quarters/visit

Key West visitor information: fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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Overseas Experience Trail: Big Pine & the Lower Keys

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:20:00 +0200

Surrounded by an environment filled with abundant terrestrial and marine wildlife, Big Pine & the Lower Keys is the least "people-populated" section of the Florida Keys island chain. In fact, the majority of its inhabitants have four legs, fins or feathers.

Stretching from the west end of the Seven Mile Bridge at Little Duck Key, mile marker 40, to Stock Island at mile marker 4, the Lower Keys are home to two national wildlife refuges, part of a national marine sanctuary and a state park. The region's focus on the environment has earned it the title of the Natural Keys, and no visit would be complete without encountering some of its native wildlife.

Notable stops include …

Bahia Honda State Park. Home to a world-renowned Florida Keys beach, Bahia Honda State Park, located oceanside at mile marker 37, offers the perfect getaway for everyone in the family. Along with its historic bridge and pristine waters, the park features picnic and camping facilities, rental cabins, kayaking, daily snorkeling tours to Looe Key Reef, a marina and nature trails. A nature center introduces park visitors to the island's plants and sea life. floridastateparks.org/BahiaHonda

Grimal Grove. The historic tropical fruit grove near Big Pine Key's mile marker 30.5 was first owned by inventor and recluse Adolf Grimal, who amassed hundreds of rare fruit trees and created raised garden beds and waterways for irrigation. After his 1997 death, the property fell into disrepair. In 2013 Patrick Garvey and Growing Hope Initiative restored it as a tropical fruit park. Today under Garvey's stewardship it's the continental United States' only breadfruit grove, with a focus on propagation, production and research. Tours are available by appointment. The property also hosts activities including youth education and yoga. grimalgrove.com

National Key Deer Refuge. In 1957 the refuge was established to protect and preserve habitats for wildlife - particularly the tiny, shy Key deer that are generally no larger than a mid-size dog. The refuge's 9,000-plus acres include mangrove forests, freshwater and salt marsh wetlands, pine rockland forests and tropical hardwood hammocks. The Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Nature Center, near mile marker 30.5 on Big Pine Key, is open for porch visits Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The deer are often seen grazing around Big Pine. fws.gov/refuge/National_Key_Deer_Refuge/

Blue Hole. Find this secluded oasis off Big Pine's Key Deer Boulevard, just 3 miles north of its intersection with the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. An abandoned quarry, the Blue Hole exposes the Keys' unique freshwater lens and attracts a wide variety of wildlife. Tiny Key deer drink there, while other occupants include alligators, turtles, snakes, fish and a variety of birds. Enjoy the view from the observation platform or venture along the forested edges of the walking trail.

Big Pine Kayak Adventures. Author/photographer Captain Bill Keogh and his seasoned crew have operated Big Pine Kayak Adventures since 1992. Located off the Overseas Highway at mile marker 30, the business offers paddling tours and boating eco-tours. The fleet used for rentals and tours consists of paddle craft including beginner kayaks, sea kayaks, fishing kayaks, paddleboards and canoes. A Carolina 24 motor skiff can be used to transport kayaks and adventurers to remote wildlife refuge and backcountry spots. keyskayaktours.com

Looe Key Reef. This unique preserve is named for HMS Looe, a British frigate that ran aground in 1744. The waters surrounding the reef provide spectacular views of sponges, soft corals, vibrant elkhorn and staghorn coral thickets and a wide variety of fish. Looe Key Reef Resort & Dive Center at mile marker 27.5 and other Lower Keys commercial charters provide excursions to Looe Key. The reef is the site of the annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. looekeydivecenter.com

Skydive Key West. Visitors can enjoy the "bucket list" adventure of skydiving above blue water and island landscapes at Skydive Key West, located on Bat Tower Road at mile marker 17. Certified tandem instructors employ rectangular, aerodynamic parachutes for easy maneuverability and "tiptoe soft" landings. After a nearly 20-minute climb to an altitude of 10,000 feet, jumpers leave the plane and descend at a speed of 120 mph from nearly 2 miles above the Keys island chain. skydivekeywest.com

Geiger Key Marina. At this Lower Keys hideaway spot - a favorite of in-the-know locals - visitors will find a laid-back "fish camp" atmosphere and an eatery that serves deftly prepared casual fare. Located at mile marker 10, the restaurant at Geiger Key offers super-fresh local seafood, delicious in-house specialties and relaxing open-water views. Other attractions include an RV park with modern amenities and comforts, fishing charters, paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the nearby waters. Geigerkeymarina.com

Sheriff's Animal Farm. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office Children's Animal Farm, located near mile marker 5 on Stock Island, is an attraction for all ages featuring horses, ponies, ducks, geese, pigs, African spurred tortoises and exotic animals including a lemur, an ostrich, several alpacas, an emu, an albino python, peacocks and tropical birds. A haven for animals that have been neglected, abandoned or abused, the farm is open 1-3 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Admission is free. keysso.net/farm

Lower Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com/lowerkeys or 1-800-872-3722
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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Overseas Experience Trail: Marathon

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:17:00 +0200

The islands of Marathon in the Middle Keys include Boot, Knights, Hog, Vaca, Stirrup, Crawl and Little Crawl keys, East and West Sister's Island, Deer and Fat Deer keys, Long Pine and Grassy keys.

Marathon is home to the Seven Mile Bridge, the centerpiece of the Florida Keys Overseas Highway and one of the longest segmental bridges in the world. The Old Seven Mile Bridge that parallels the modern span was the jewel of the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad, completed in 1912, whose track stretched from mainland Florida throughout the Keys.

Appealing to multigenerational families and recreational boaters, Marathon's bustling community boasts cozy inns, luxury resorts, waterside vacation homes, RV parks, marinas and other modern conveniences including both a newly constructed hospital and high-tech library, as well as plenty of dining and natural attractions.

For example …

The Lagoon on Grassy Key. Founded in 2011 as Keys Cable Park and reimagined in 2020 as The Lagoon on Grassy Key, this Middle Keys staple was created for teaching locals and visitors alike to enjoy board, wind and paddle sports. Tides flow freely in and out of the lagoon with clean ocean water. Previously a limestone quarry and an aquaculture site, today the mile marker 59 facility is a tropical adventure park, organic marketplace and day resort. ridethelagoon.com

Dolphin Research Center. This acclaimed nonprofit marine mammal research and education facility, located at mile marker 59 on Grassy Key, offers a variety of swim programs that enable visitors of all ages to get an up-close look at the beauty of the resident marine mammals. dolphins.org

Curry Hammock State Park. Fishing, swimming, kayaking and picnicking are offered at this waterfront park at mile marker 56.2 on Little Crawl Key. The spot also is a popular beach launch for kiteboarders and viewing area for the autumnal migration of birds of prey such as falcons, hawks, ospreys, eagles and kites. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/curry-hammock-state-park

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters. Feeding the fish is not permitted in the open waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - but at this unique spot at mile marker 53, families can swim with and feed the fishes while learning about the region's marine habitats. Visitors can safely feed sharks and other predators through small holes in a thick acrylic barrier. Another highlight is interacting with debarbed spotted eagle and cownose stingrays. Additional interactive experiences such as an immersive coral reef encounter are available. floridakeysaquariumencounters.com

Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Trail. This 63.5-acre tract at mile marker 50.5 is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in the Keys. Crane Point contains evidence of prehistoric Indian artifacts and was once the site of a Bahamian village. Other features include the Museum of Natural History of the Florida Keys and the Florida Keys Children's Museum, a kayak launch, nature trails, a wild bird rehabilitation center and natural habitat for birds and butterflies. cranepoint.net

Sombrero Beach. This well-maintained Middle Keys gem is a free-access public park and beach open daily from sunrise to sunset at mile marker 50. Attractions include a kayak launch, fishing pier, volleyball courts, children's playground, shady picnic pavilions, freshwater shower and restroom facilities. The park at Sombrero Beach also is wheelchair accessible.

Turtle Hospital. Opened in 1986 at mile marker 48.5, the Turtle Hospital treats injured sea turtles and, when possible, returns them to the wild. Daily educational tours introduce visitors to the resident sea turtles and the hospital's curative programs for loggerhead, green, hawksbill and Kemp's ridley turtles. turtlehospital.org

Old Seven Mile Bridge. Visitors can cycle, walk, run, rollerblade, view marine life and watch sunrises and sunsets along a section of the famed Old Seven Mile Bridge that parallels the Florida Keys Overseas Highway in the Middle Keys. Nicknamed "Old Seven," the oft-photographed 2.2-mile span reopened to pedestrian recreation in January 2022 after a multiyear restoration. Sometimes described as a linear park, it also serves as the gateway to historic Pigeon Key.

Pigeon Key. Lying beneath the Old Seven Mile Bridge at mile marker 44.8, Pigeon Key formerly served as a camp for laborers constructing the iconic bridge. The island now showcases a museum, offers opportunities to picnic and snorkel, and hosts a robust marine science research program for school-age children from around the world. Daily tours are available. Pigeon Key is accessible by walking or bicycling the reopened Old Seven Mile Bridge or by ferry boat. A visitor tram is expected to be operational by May 2022. pigeonkey.net

Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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Overseas Experience Trail: Islamorada

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:15:00 +0200

Islamorada is known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Heralded for its angling diversity, it features the Florida Keys' largest fleet of offshore charter and shallow-water "backcountry" boats.

Scuba divers and snorkelers also flock to the region to explore the extraordinary reef line and patch reefs brimming with tropical fish, sponges, soft and hard corals and crustaceans.

The Islamorada area also features eco-tours, watersports such as stand-up paddling and kiteboarding, tennis facilities, bicycle trails, historic hikes and beautiful vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay.

Local restaurants range from very upscale continental to casual to downright funky. Many specialize in fresh-from-the-dock seafood, while others offer steaks, gourmet or ethnic dishes, and even pizza and hamburgers.

Some of Islamorada's "must-see" stops include:

Rain Barrel Artisan Village/Betsy the Lobster. The Rain Barrel is an open-air, tropical garden oasis lined with specialty shops, galleries and boutiques offering local art, handmade crafts, custom jewelry and more. Located at mile marker 86.7, the enclave is easily visible from the historic Florida Keys Overseas Highway thanks to "Betsy," a giant Keys spiny lobster sculpture at the entrance. The anatomically correct lobster, measuring 30 feet tall and 40 feet long, was created by Marathon artist Richard Blaze three decades ago. rainbarrelvillage.com

Windley Key State Fossil Reef Geological Site. Stop at this 320-acre park at mile marker 85.5 to learn about the fossilized coral reef that underlies the Keys. Land at the park was formed by fossilized coral known as Key Largo limestone; until the 1960s, the park's quarry was used to produce decorative Keystone used in walls, patios and fixtures. Visitors can walk along 8-foot-high quarry walls to see cross sections of ancient coral. Other attractions include a welcome center, picnic tables, hiking trails and self-guided tours. floridastateparks.org/windleykey

Whale Harbor Marina and Restaurants. Whale Harbor Marina is home to some of Islamorada's leading fishing charters. Located at mile marker 83.5, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean at the southern end of famous Whale Harbor Channel and Bridge, the marina presents a unique atmosphere and quick access for top-level fishing and fun-in-the-sun entertainment. Following a day on the water, anglers can enjoy eateries including Wahoo's Bar & Grill and Whale Harbor Restaurant. whaleharbormarina.com

History of Diving Museum. Dive in to see amazing displays that tell the story of humans' quest to explore, understand and venture under the sea. Visitors to the museum, located at mile marker 83, will learn how South Florida's open-bottom helmets have contributed to sport diving, marine biology, underwater photography and treasure hunting. Enjoy a fun scavenger hunt, see a limited-time featured exhibit, join special events and shop in the museum store.
divingmuseum.org

Florida Keys History & Discovery Center. The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center occupies a two-story, 7,500-square-foot facility at mile marker 82.1 on property at the Islander Resort. The ground floor explores the incredible history associated with the island chain, especially the history of the Upper Keys and their unique ecological features. The second floor hosts a series of rotating exhibitions reflecting upon the nature, art or history of the Florida Keys. Keysdiscovery.com

The Florida Keys Memorial. Constructed in 1937 at mile marker 81.5, this roadside monument - also known as the Hurricane Monument - commemorates more than 400 lives lost in the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. The design motif features churning waves and wind-blown trees, typical of the art moderne style. The monument is an excellent starting point to explore historic Islamorada and the Morada Way Arts & Cultural District.

Morada Way Arts & Cultural District. This Islamorada neighborhood spotlights the art galleries and restaurants at Morada Way between mile markers 81 and 82. As well as welcoming visitors throughout the year, the popular nonprofit arts district hosts the monthly Third Thursday Art Walk with fine art, live music and culinary offerings. Local galleries include Jessica Ann Art, Limelight Studio + Gallery, Morada Way Clay, Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery, Redbone Gallery and Elena Madden Studio Gallery. Restaurants include Kaiyo, Green Turtle Inn and Chef Michael's as well as the Florida Keys Brewing Co. Moradaway.org

Robbie's Marina. An eclectic mix of outdoor shops, food vendors and watersports options makes up Robbie's Marina. Grab a bucket of fish to feed the resident tarpon or enjoy watching everyone else getting up-close and personal with the huge fish. Located at mile marker 77.5, the marina also is home to fishing boat charters, kayak rentals and more. After spending a day out on the water, visitors can grab a satisfying meal at the on-site Hungry Tarpon restaurant. Robbies.com

Anne's Beach. Lying at the southern end of Lower Matecumbe Key at mile marker 73.4, Anne's Beach is a locals' favorite - and a famous one as well, since it was featured in the original Netflix series "Bloodline" that was filmed primarily in the Florida Keys. With shallow water and a boardwalk suited for picnics, Anne's Beach is an appealing and relaxing stop in Islamorada.

Islamorada visitor information: fla-keys.com/islamorada or 1-800-FAB-KEYS
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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Overseas Experience Trail: Key Largo

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 13:12:00 +0200

Key Largo, the northernmost and longest island in the Florida Keys, stretching from mile marker 108 south to mile marker 90, is known as the Dive Capital of the World and is just over an hour's drive from Miami International Airport.

Key Largo gained fame and widespread name recognition when the 1948 movie "Key Largo" hit the silver screen, featuring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

The island is best known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the United States' first underwater preserve and part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The federally protected sanctuary covers 3,800 square miles or 2,900 square nautical miles, surrounding both sides of the island chain.

Experienced divers can explore the Spiegel Grove, one of the largest vessels ever intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef, lying approximately 6 miles off Key Largo.

Examples of "don't miss" stops include:
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. This 2,700-acre park has one of the United States' largest tracts of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock. It's home to 84 protected animal and plant species including the Key Largo woodrat and American crocodile, and wild cotton and mahogany mistletoe. There are over 6 miles of trails, including a half-mile paved section at the main entrance at County Road 905, a half-mile north of the intersection at the Florida Keys Overseas Highway and mile marker 106. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dagny-johnson-key-largo-hammock-botanical-state-park

Caribbean Club Bar. This lively waterfront spot, known as the Upper Keys' oldest bar, is popular for cocktails, live music and sunset watching. Opened in 1938 and standing at mile marker 104, the bar was part of an original small hotel and restaurant that was the final project of famed Florida real estate promoter Carl Fisher. Exterior location shots of the Humphrey Bogart classic "Key Largo" were filmed on-site. caribbeanclubkl.com

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The nation's first undersea park, covering 70 nautical miles, is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Located at mile marker 102.5, it's famed for glass-bottom boat and snorkel tours of Florida's Coral Reef, and its dive and snorkel tours to the Christ of the Deep statue. A visitor center has a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, while other park activities include paddleboarding, saltwater fishing, hiking marked trails through mangrove wilderness and tropical hammocks, beach swimming and camping. floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-pennekamp-coral-reef-state-park

Keys Chocolates & Ice Cream. The only Keys-based chocolatier, founded in Key Largo with Upper Keys shops at mile marker 100.5 in Key Largo and mile marker 81.9 in Islamorada, is known for handcrafted chocolates, truffles and Key lime treats. It's owned by Rich and Bronna Peterson, who also own a small-batch chocolatier in Lake Park, Florida. keylargochocolates.com

The African Queen. The steamboat, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, appeared in John Huston's 1951 film "The African Queen," starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. Today it travels Key Largo's Port Largo Canal on scenic 1.5-hour cruises. The fully restored vessel was built in 1912 at Lytham, England, to shuttle cargo, missionaries and hunting parties in Africa. Cruises depart four times daily from the Marina Del Mar at mile marker 100. africanqueenflkeys.com or calypsosailing.com/The-African-Queen

Coral Restoration Foundation. At the foundation's Exploration Center, visitors can get up close and personal with Florida Keys coral reefs and, through the foundation's educational efforts, participate in reef restoration. CRF manages the world's largest coral nurseries, raising critically endangered coral species and returning them to Florida's Coral Reef. Ocean lovers of all ages can join the CRF team to help bring these reefs back to life. The facility stands at 5 Seagate Blvd. near mile marker 99.6. coralrestoration.org

Keys' Meads. The Keys' only mead distillery has a 2,500-square-foot Key Largo location offering tours, a tasting room and retail space selling made-in-the-Keys mead - an alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented honey - and spirits distilled from mead that can be used in cocktails. Local meads are made from Florida Keys honey, water and yeast and are dry, semidry or sweet depending on ingredients. It has a Meads Club and online store offering shipments to most states. Established in 2017, the distillery is open daily at 99411 Overseas Highway or mile marker 99.4. keysmeads.com

(Original) Mrs. Mac's Kitchen. Key Largo's longest-running restaurant, known for its Key lime pie and straight-off-the-boat fish, is an iconic roadside café at mile marker 99.3 with walls festooned with donated automobile license plates. Jeff McFarland founded it in 1976, naming it for his mother and her recipes. Paula Wittke has owned and operated it since the late 1980s, with the motto "Eat Well, Laugh Often, Live Long." A newer second venue called Mrs. Mac's II is located at mile marker 99. Both are closed Sundays. mrsmacskitchen.com

Reef Environmental Education Foundation. This international marine conservation organization's mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by inspiring the public through citizen science, education and scientific partnerships with hands-on programs. On-site at mile marker 98.3, a visitor interpretive center is open weekdays with a colorful floor-to-ceiling mural detailing Keys marine ecosystems. There's an outdoor native plants trail, butterfly garden and shaded picnic tables accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. REEF.org

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center. Known for its Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, this nonprofit conservation center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and displaced native wild birds. The facility, located at mile marker 93.6 in Tavernier, houses and shelters birds that cannot be released and enables visitors to learn about Keys wild bird species. Its affiliated Mission Wild Bird Hospital, located nearby at mile marker 92, has an educational center and gift shop. Birds undergoing medical treatment at the hospital are not available for public viewing. keepthemflying.org

Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088
Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
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