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Keys TravelerWeddings Edition

The Keys for Weddings

Unique Venues Reception Trends Destination Resorts f la-keys.com/weddings Keys Cuisine BILL HANSEN CATERING there is a romantic experience in A sand artist created this custom sculpture of two loving sea turtles itself: the scenic Keys Over­ for a couple’s wedding in the

seas Highway includes 42 bridges. . (2) Bob Care Commercial flights are available into International Airport and mainland South Florida cities.

Bob Care (2) Bob Care Charter flights can be booked to Florida Keys Marathon International Airport. Customized Finely elegant and casually funky dining is available throughout events among the Keys for bridal luncheons or Florida Keys rehearsal dinners. Craft breweries, rum distilleries and lively nightlife wedding trends offer venues for bachelor and bachelorette parties. any couples tying the knot in the Florida Keys are seeking a sub­ Because of the Keys’ year-round tropical island experience, a customized event and personalized, subtropical climate, couples — a Mcreatively designed settings. bride and groom, two brides or two “Couples want something personal that speaks to the tone of who they grooms — and family members are,” said Julie Shreck, owner-planner of Simply You Weddings in Key and guests can experience never- West. “The biggest trend we will continue to see is anything that is person­ to-be-forgotten adventures. alized and unique to the couple.” Couples can marry on paddle- Event attire for a laid-back Keys wedding? Men sometimes opt to don boards or bicycles. They can shorts, tuxedo jackets and sandals, with women choosing sun dresses exchange vows aboard tall ships, instead of traditional gowns. Guests watch the conclusion of a Marathon-area wedding ceremony, as the bride and groom kiss under palm trees on a beach. sailing vessels, glass-bottom and Wedding requests include “a consistent theme of unconventional ex­ dive boats and luxury motor yachts periences such as live wedding painters, cigar rollers and steel drums Picturesque Keys embrace weddings for everyone throughout the Keys. Scuba aficio­ with ambiance enhancers such as café lighting, live bands and sunrise here’s no more all-inclusive wedding destinations for main- a valid marriage license is easy nados can seal their vows under- ceremonies and destination in which to pledge stream couples, is equally popular to obtain,” Pyne said. “Mothers of water and stay in the country’s brunch recep­ T“I do” than the subtropical with gay and lesbian duos. brides are interested in coming for only submerged recreational hotel, tions,” said Florida Keys, the naturally roman- It’s little wonder, then, that wed- rest and relaxation after a daugh­ located in a lagoon. Jennifer Tacey, tic 125-mile-long chain of islands dings and honeymoons in the Flor- ter’s big day. Newlyweds can charter a sailboat senior catering known as “America’s Caribbean.” ida Keys are in such high demand. “And brides and grooms are to the remote National sales manager The Keys — framed by the azure And no passports are required. interested in a ‘mini-moon’ vacation Park. They can swim with dolphins for Hawks Cay waters of the Atlantic Ocean to “The Florida Keys offer enough before a separate honeymoon away or soar in a seaplane above the Resort near the east and the to variety of attractions that appeal from their guests,” she added. pristine waters of the Florida Keys Marathon. the west — are cherished for their to every stage of life,” said Liana TheKnot.com has named the National Marine Sanctuary. Although Keys stunning, simple beauty. Pyne, wedding sales representative Florida Keys a Top 50 Destination Throughout the Keys, profession­ weddings typi- The Florida Keys & Key West, for the Keys tourism council. Wedding Spot, citing its “laid-back al wedding planners are available cally have 60 to considered one of the top five U.S. “Because you’re on U.S. soil, tropical island setting with all the to assist with attire, flowers, music, 100 guests, the allure of the Caribbean at a domes- rings, catering, cakes, photogra- average number A bride and a guest get into the music with a steel drummer. tic price — and a more convenient phers and videographers, transpor­ of attendees is location for guests.” tation and officiants. climbing to 120 to 200 guests, said Liz Seligman, owner-planner of Island Destination Weddings & Hon- – Laura Myers Life Events in Islamorada. eymoons magazine has cited the “Clients are doing away with the traditional protocol of a reception and Keys a top U.S. locale among its seeking more of a party atmosphere,” Seligman said. “We create an atmo­ “Best Wedding Destinations.” sphere of a gorgeous ballroom on the beach.” RichlyBy historic Captain venues, Ted casually Lund Also trending are casual bayside seafood boils with natural island décor elegant resorts, scenic waterfront and rustic repurposed wooden tables, said Kelsey Pfleiderer, director of locations and beach parks, fiery sales and marketing at Key Largo’s Playa Largo Resort & Spa. sunsets and pastel sunrises add to In Key Largo, Amy Slate’s 31-unit Amoray Dive Resort, directly on Florida the island chain’s appeal. Bay, conducts memorable underwater weddings, with an underwater

Key West, the southernmost city Rob O’Neal ceremony, a notary, flowers, catering, photography and sunset cruises for the wedding party. Couples can dive for their vows at a variety of wrecks. in the continental , is Aaron Huntsman, left, and William Lee just 159 miles southwest of Miami Jones complete their wedding vows at a On land, weddings for up to 200 can be held at the resort. amoray.com Key West is a wedding photographer’s dream for natural and manmade photo backdrops. and 90 miles from . Driving ceremony in Key West. – Laura Myers

2 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 3 Bob Care RON MODRA farewell brunches. The ceremonies for 10 to 150 guests. Preferred Hotel Group The resort, opened in 2016, Lifestyle Collection offers 175 water-view suites resort reopened with a and rooms, six swimming pools, Florida Keys Destination Resorts $50 million renovation in scenic harborwalk and open-air fall 2018 and has 250 bar and grill. An on-site marina two- and three-bedroom has 111 wet and 52 dry slips for Create Wedding Memories villas and 177 guest access to Gulf and Atlantic islands. rooms. hawkscay.com oceansedgekeywest.com

Bungalows Key Largo The 24-acre, 199-unit The 100-room The Perry Hotel Isla Bella Beach Resort Key West at Marina Bungalows Key Largo rooms have beautiful bayside views. is to open early 2019 in Village, accommodates small Bougainvillea Ballroom has 12-foot Marathon with more than 20,000 weddings for 65 at Matt’s Stock ceilings and 2,100 square feet for square feet of function space: a Island Kitchen & Bar. Its 700-square­ 120. Its 1,870-square-foot Sunrise 3,800-square-foot Hibiscus Event foot Grand Suite balcony overlooks Ballroom, with Atlantic views Center and 16,000 square feet of a deep-water marina. perrykeywest. and open-air terrace, hosts 100. outdoor space, a mile of shoreline com cheeca.com and oceanfront event area. On- On a 27-acre island just off Key In Islamorada, Casa Morada hosts site amenities include five pools, West, Cottages has intimate wedding ceremonies and a 4,000-square-foot spa and 40 cottages, private beach, zero- packages with a two-hour ceremony four food and beverage venues. entry pool and two whirlpools, and reception, honeymoon suite, islabellabeachresort.com spa, two tennis courts and upscale photographer, cake, champagne The 125-room Faro Blanco waterfront Latitudes restaurant. A toast and other amenities. Resort and Yacht Club, a Hyatt three-bedroom Paradise Cottage Destination weddings for over 20 Place, at Marathon’s landmark Faro is ideal for boutique weddings. guests require booking of all 16 Blanco Lighthouse offers wedding sunsetkeycottages.com guest suites for a minimum of two packages for 200. Options include In Key West, the 18-room, nights. Private space for up to 80 a waterfront jetty ceremony, plush oceanfront Victorian-style The guests is offered. casamorada.com reception lawn, plated or buffet Southernmost House offers The Moorings Village, also in dinners and a “dock-tail” marina 5,000 square feet of space and Islamorada, is a luxurious 18-acre party. faroblancoresort.com heated infinity pool. The Historic resort with 18 cottages and homes Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Hotels of America property can made famous by the popular Netflix near Key West features an outdoor be booked exclusively for 300. thriller-drama series, “Bloodline.” venue for casual weddings and southernmosthouse.com Intimate weddings for up to 10, including bride and groom, can be booked with accommodations. Keys cuisine features fresh seafood Andy Newman By Laura Myers Sarah Hirter and Hunter Spitler married Larger events are hosted at Morada ood stations show­ at Hawks Cay Resort near Marathon. Bay Beach Cafe and Pierre’s Res­ casing Florida Keys taurant & Lounge, bayside across Fseafood are among eddings at Florida Keys Curio Collection by Hilton is spa and 6,000-square-foot beach. the Highway. themooringsvillage. top trends for wedding destination resorts are truly opening its 13-acre Baker’s Cay playalargoresort.com com festivities. Creatively Wmemorable affairs. Planners Resort in Key Largo with 200 Key Largo’s six-villa Dolphin Point The 25-acre oceanfront prepared cuisine is art­ can assist couples with almost rooms, 17,000 square feet for Villas hosts weddings up to 125 in Islander Resort is renovating fully — and organically all event elements — including weddings, a 10,000-square-foot an open-air pavilion or lawn. The with contemporary cottage-style — enhanced with fresh wedding arrivals by boat, helicopter, ballroom and 7,000-square-foot two-story three-wing Nautilus House units and screened-in lanais, tropical lime and coco­ seaplane or even parasail. lawn, two pools, waterfall grotto, villa has five bedrooms, five baths a 6,000-square-foot lawn with nut, mango and papaya. In Key Largo, the 12-acre “luxury nature trail with beach nooks, and and private pool, sleeping 16. event space, 2,760-square-foot Couples often request inclusive” adults-only 135-unit pet programming and amenities. dolphinpointvillas.com Blue Marlin Ballroom and Tarpon “Floribbean”-themed A showcase of indigenous Florida Keys seafood. Bungalows Key Largo bayside with bakerscayresort.com Honeymooning divers can sleep Terrace and 114 oceanside villas. menus combining indigenous Keys seafood with spicy Caribbean and Latin a “Florida chic” design, is opening In Key Largo, the 14-acre, 178­ at Jules’ Undersea Lodge — the IslanderFloridaKeys.com flavors. A Cuban-style pig roast is popular for casual rehearsal dinners. with 800-square-foot bungalows room Playa Largo Resort & Spa United States’ only submerged Sixty-acre Hawks Cay Resort on Boat-to-table seafood — sweet Key West pink shrimp, succulent stone and outdoor plunge pools or tubs, offers an 8,600-square-foot lawn, recreational hotel. jul.com has 20,000 square feet crab claws, fresh ceviche, yellowtail snapper or hogfish — is often re­ Tiki-style boats and 1,000 feet of wedding gazebo and 4,760-square­ In Islamorada, the 214-room, of waterfront, two ballrooms for quested as an entreé or in a bountiful seafood station. shoreline. A dedicated coordinator, foot ballroom for 360 guests. The 27-acre oceanfront Cheeca Lodge 480 guests or 450 banquet-style. Dessert trends include melt-in-your-mouth Key lime creations and me­ several venues, full catering Autograph Collection Hotel has & Spa has several pools, 4,600 Events include welcome receptions, tallic-gold cakes. Colorful desserts include hand-rolled, ganache-filled Key and spa services are on-site. 10 secluded bungalows, three- square feet of versatile space pool parties, sunset cruises, fishing lime “cupcake sushi” cakes. Mini Key lime tarts are also popular, styled BungalowsKeyLargo.com bedroom beach house, full-service and a Tahitian-style Spa Island. Its excursions, dolphin encounters and after the island chain’s famous signature Key lime pie.

4 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 5 ANDY NEWMAN (2) Paddleboard yoga is a great group activity in the Keys. Only-in-the-Keys venues offer intriguing options Planning timetable for Keys weddings At least a year (12 months) before desired wedding month Keys Traveler eddings in the balmy Florida r Select Florida Keys venue and wedding date Weddings Edition Editor Keys can be romantically r Choose alternate backup venue Andy Newman Wbarefoot or dressy, more r Hire full-service or day-of wedding planner Managing Editor elegant affairs. Unique venues r Research hotels, secure hotel room block Carol Shaughnessy found nowhere else in the world are r Research flights into airports: Key West (EYW), Marathon (MTH), Miami Senior Writer Laura Myers available for pre-event festivities, (MIA), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Naples (APF) Copy Editor nuptials, wedding receptions and r Review policies for obtaining a Florida marriage license Buck Banks honeymoons. r Announce engagement, take engagement photos “Keys Traveler” is published by the Monroe Unusual venues — historic forts, r Create personal wedding website as information source County Tourist Development Council, the official visitor marketing agency for the picturesque homes of famed Nine months before wedding Florida Keys & Key West. Copyright 2018. authors and artists, and waterfront You can take a ride and get married r Visit Florida Keys for tour of venue, food tastings, hair and makeup Marketing Director: Stacey Mitchell; on the African Queen in Key Largo. or underwater settings — reflect Andy Newman sessions; meet with wedding planner and vendors Sales Director: Jim De Keyrel; Wedding Sales Manager: Liana Pyne the Florida Keys’ historic, literary, Dolphin Encounter,” a dolphin can Indian-style residence. For specifics, r Choose wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, attendants) Cover photograph of Samantha and artistic and maritime heritage. serve as a wedding attendant or go to trumanlittlewhitehouse.com. r Create gift registry Benjamin Spaulding, following their In Key Largo, couples can enjoy deliver the ring for an unforgettable r Begin shopping for attire: wedding and bridesmaid dresses, groom and wedding in Islamorada, by Bob Care. an intimate ceremony aboard the proposal. Visit dolphins.org. Get a marriage license groomsmen or attendant apparel African Queen, the original vessel At Florida Keys Aquarium En­ pplying for a marriage license r Create guest list and gather email and physical addresses Average monthly from John Huston’s classic 1951 counters in Marathon, couples can is a relatively simple pro­ r Send “save the date” cards with location and hotel room block details Bob Care film starring Humphrey Bogart and schedule an event for up to 300 Acedure in Florida’s Monroe Six months before wedding sunrise and sunset Katharine Hepburn. Couples also people amid natural mangrove ham­ County, home of the Keys. r Book travel, discuss details with wedding party times for the Keys can get married at the dock. Visit mocks and the aquarium’s grounds Applicants must be at least 18 r Coordinate with planner to secure vendors (photography, catering, africanqueenflkeys.com. that extend to the serene waters of years old to marry. Couples under cake, flowers, décor, music, officiant, transportation, hair and makeup) Certified divers can exchange un­ Vaca Cut. Explore floridakeysaquari­ 18 should contact the county clerk’s r Purchase wedding rings derwater vows at the Christ of the umencounters.com. office for legal requirements. r Create itinerary, including group activities, for guests with details on Deep statue, located in the Florida Bahia Honda State Park in the A valid photo identification with welcome reception, rehearsal event, wedding and farewell brunch; Keys National Marine Sanctuary Lower Keys is a picturesque beach date of birth — such as a driver’s li­ include suggestions for individual Keys activities and how to book and adjacent to Key Largo’s John park. Couples can marry in the park cense, passport, student or military r Book group activities with required deposits Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. or on the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, ID, or foreign registration card — is r Order invitations Couples also can marry at fascinat­ built by as part of the required. Three months before wedding ing Pennekamp, the nation’s first un­ Florida Keys . Current cost of the license is $86, r Mail invitations dersea park. Visit floridastateparks. Visit floridastateparks.org/park/ with a discounted rate for Florida r Confirm all event details (floral arrangements, photography package, org/park/Pennekamp. Bahia-Honda. residents showing proof of premari­ song lists, menus, cake, etc.) with vendors In Islamorada, Morada Bay’s In Key West, literary aficionados tal class attendance. r Order guest favors, welcome bags and thank you gifts for bridesmaids, Pierre’s Restaurant & Lounge and can speak their vows outdoors on Monroe County’s Clerk of Court groomsmen, attendants and family The Beach Cafe are island-style set­ the grounds of the Ernest Heming­ has several Keys locations. r Begin writing vows and choose readings for ceremony MONTH SUNRISE SUNSET tings known for their delicious cui­ way Home & Museum. Famed Offices are in Key West at the Two months before wedding sine and scenic sunsets. Pierre’s is author and Nobel Prize winner Monroe County Courthouse, 500 r Confirm documentation, begin process to obtain marriage license January 7:15 a.m. 6 p.m. a two-story colonial plantation-style Hemingway lived in the Spanish co­ Whitehead St.; in Marathon at the One month before wedding February 7 a.m. 6:20 p.m. venue and The Beach Café fronts a lonial villa, a registered National His­ Marathon Branch Courthouse, 3117 r Ship amenities for wedding and reception to venue or planner March* 6:45 a.m. 6:30 p.m. palm-lined white beach overlooking toric Landmark, and wrote famous Overseas Highway or mile marker r Contact hotel with details on welcome bags for delivery to guests 7:30 a.m. 7:40 p.m. . Across the highway is works there during the 1930s. Up 48.5 oceanside; and on Plantation r Finalize hotel room block and release extra rooms April 7 a.m. 7:50 p.m. The Moorings Village, an 18-acre to 100 guests can be accommo­ Key at the Upper Keys Government r Print programs, itineraries, welcome letters May 6:45 a.m. 8 p.m. resort with 18 cottages and homes. dated. Private evening house tours Center, 88820 Overseas Highway r Finalize last-minute details with vendors June 6:40 a.m. 8:15 p.m. Visit MoradaBay.com. can be arranged. More details are or mile marker 88.5 bayside. r Finalize wedding timeline and guest itineraries with wedding planner July 6:45 a.m. 8:20 p.m. At , also in at hemingwayhome.com. Once obtained, the license must r Create seating chart and give to wedding venue August 7 a.m. 8 p.m. Islamorada, wedding parties can The Harry S. Truman Little White be used within 60 days. Couples r Complete attire fittings; arrange for steaming of wedding attire September 7:15 a.m. 7:30 p.m. enjoy a private dolphin and sea lion House, Florida’s only presidential marrying in the Keys can also Two weeks before wedding October 7:25 a.m. 7 p.m. show before an evening ceremony museum, offers lush palm-framed obtain a marriage license anywhere r Create photo list for photographer November* 7:30 a.m. 6:45 p.m. with up to 200 guests. Visit gardens and three lawns that span in Florida. r Confirm details for prenuptial events: bachelor, bachelorette parties 6:45 a.m. 5:40 p.m. theaterofthesea.com. an acre. The museum can host For additional required details, r Share, post contact information with wedding party December 7:05 a.m. 5:40 p.m. In the Marathon area, couples indoor rehearsal dinners. During his visit clerk-of-the-court.com or call At least one week before wedding *Months with Daylight Savings Time shifts with a love for marine mammals administration from 1945 to 1953, 305-292-3458 in Key West; 305­ r Pack, travel to the Florida Keys More precise times at: can marry at Dolphin Research Cen­ President Truman spent 11 work­ 289-6027 in Marathon; or r Conduct final meetings with wedding planner, venue and hotel timeanddate.com/sun/usa/key-west ter on Grassy Key. During a “Private ing vacations at the sprawling West 305-852-7145 on . r Pick up marriage license f la-keys.com/weddings

6 fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn Keys Traveler Keys Traveler fla-keys.com • fla-keys.co.uk • fla-keys.it • fla-keys.de • fla-keys.ie • fla-keys.fr • fla-keys.nl • fla-keys.be • fla-keys.cn 7 9336

Shark Point Pahayokee Overlook To Florida Turnpike Card Sisal Pond Sound Ponce De Leon Bay to Miami, other Oyster parts of Florida Bay Mahogany Shark River Hammock and the USA Island 1 North Sweet Bay Key Largo Traveling Tips Everglades 905 Pond Florida Keys National Whitewater Bay National Marine Sanctuary

North West Cape Cape Park Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock Sable Botanical State Park Crocodile Lake National Wildlife to the Florida Keys Nine Mile Refuge Pond Hawk Channel Long Barnes Car ysfort MILE Sound Point Mary Sound 110 Reef Cross Key 905 Alligator Trout Cove Seven Palm Lake Bay Davis Shell Key Middle Cape Cove Canal Long Madeira Deer Key Middle Lake Bay Blackwater Bear Garfield Monroe Lake Sound Eagle Key North Dr y Rocks Lake 9336 Bight Elbow Reef Snake Bight Porpoise Rankin Santini Madeira MILE City of Washington Wreck Lake Terrapin Bay 105 Middle Cape Point Bight Bight Bay Ingraham Terrapin Key Largo Flamingo Shark Dr y Rocks Point Mosquito Crocodile Point Madeira “Christ of the Abyss” Joe Kemp Umbrella Point Point Point Key Big Key East Cape Bradley Key Rankin Canal Key Key Samphire Grecian East Cape Keys Buttonwood Rocks Sound MILE John Pennekamp 100 Coral Reef State Park Spiegel Grove Benwood Wreck MILE Wreck 95 White Banks French Reef Cottrell Rodriguez Key East Key 1 Key Marquesas Tavernier Molasses Hospital Middle Keys Reef Key Key Barracuda MILE Key 90 Pickles Archer Mule Bibb Key Islamorada Plantation Wreck Key Bay

Garden MILE Key Key Boca Grande 85 Plantation Point Duane Bush Key Key Wreck Gulf of Mexico Shell Key Windley Key Fossil Conch Fort Key Reef Geological Reef Crawfish State Park Hen and Jefferson West Upper Chickens Woman MILE Matecumbe Key Reef Key Key 80 Neustra Señora Davis de Atocha Wreck Crocker Reef Teatable Key MILE Reef Dry Tortugas National West National 75 70 miles west of Key West, Indian Key Wildlife Refuge Lower and 37 miles west of the Florida Keys Eagle Matecumbe Key Wreck National Anne’s Beach MILE Alligator Marine Sanctuary 70 1 Reef Layton Florida Keys MILE 65 National Long Key Conch Key State Park Marine Sanctuary

Marathon MILE Gulf of Mexico Grassy Key 60 Straits of Florida Long Point Tennessee Key Duck Key Reef Great White Heron Big Pine Florida Keys Big Torch Marathon Intl. Airport MILE 55 National Wildlife Refuge Key Curry Hammock State Park East Turtle Key Shoal Two Humps Deer Key Knight’s MILE Pigeon 50 Vaca Key National Key Key 1 Middle Old Seven Mile Bridge MILE West Turtle Torch No Name 45 Refuge MILE The Shoal Key Key 40 Cudjoe Key MILE Seven Snake Little 30 Coffins MILE Mile Patch 20 MILE Torch Saddlebunch 25 Coupon MILE 1 Bridge 1 Key Bight 35 Bahia Delta Shoal Herman’s Summerland Ramrod Hole Alexander’s Wreck Keys MILE Key 15 Key Newfound Honda East Thunderbolt Harbor Keys Washerwoman Sombrero Wreck Lower Hawk Channel Samantha’s Atlantic Ocean Big Coppitt State Park Reef West Sugarloaf Key Key Key Flagler’s Barge MILE American Dredger’s Key West Golf 10 Newfound Harbor Wreck Course and CC Shoal Coral Heads Key 1 Artificial Reef MILE 5 Maryland U.S. Naval Geiger Big Pine Stock Shoals Adolphus MILE Air Station Key Looe Key Shoals 0 Island Busch Sr. Florida Keys Wreck Reef Preser ve National Ft. Taylor Key West SOUTHERNMOST Intl. Airport fla-keys.com State Park POINT Marine Sanctuary KEY WEST, FL Western Eastern Pelican Straits of Florida Sambos Shoal Eastern Sambos Florida Keys Dry Rocks Joe’s Tug National Sand Rock Key Key Marine Sanctuary Western Cayman Vandenberg Dry Rocks Salvor Wreck Wreck

The 125-mile-long Florida Keys island Driving Data to Keys/Key Largo Weather/Climate chain is linked to mainland Florida by U.S. FROM MILES KM HOURS Wherever you are right now, chances are Highway 1, the Overseas Highway. Visitors Miami 50 80 1 the weather is better in the Florida Keys. can fly into Miami International Airport (MIA) Fort Myers 200 320 4 That’s true even on a summer day. The or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Tampa 300 480 6 Orlando 280 450 5.25 hottest it’s ever been in Key West is 97° F Airport (FLL) and from there can reach (36° C), and that was in 1880. At the the Keys by airport shuttle bus or rental Distance from Miami peak of summer, the average high air car. Travelers can reach Key Largo, the REGION MILES KM MILE MARKER temperature is about 89° F (32° C). The gateway to the Keys, in about an hour from Key Largo 50 80 107–90 Keys are devoid of superhighways or Islamorada 76 122 89–66 Miami or an hour and 45 minutes from Fort urban sprawl to absorb and radiate the Lauderdale. Marathon 111 178 65–45 Lower Keys 128 205 44–5 sun’s heat. And the subtropical islands are Air Service to the Florida Keys Key West 159 254 4–0 cooled by sea breezes. In the winter, the Keys are typically the For an up-to-date roster of commercial Via Bus warmest region in the continental U.S. airlines and on-demand charter operators Bus/shuttle connections from MIA and There has never been a frost in Key West, serving Key West International and Florida FLL to the Florida Keys allow traveling to the according to the U.S. Weather Service. Keys Marathon International Airports, go Keys without renting a car. Below are the average monthly air to fla-keys.com/how-to-get-here. Via Boat temperatures for the past 30 years, Driving Directions Ferry connections from Fort Myers or according to the Key West weather office. Temperatures in blue shades are Fahrenheit From Miami International Airport (MIA), Marco Island to Key West are offered and those in light red are Celsius. take LeJeune Road south to 836 West. via the Key West Express. Voyages take Take the Florida Turnpike (State Road 91) approximately 3.5 hours. south toward Key West. Extensive details on getting to the Florida The Turnpike ends at U.S. 1 in Florida City. Keys & Key West are available at: Follow U.S. 1 south about 22 miles f la-keys.com/how-to-get-here to Key Largo and you and your travel companions are now in the Florida Keys. From Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Inter­ national Airport (FLL), exit the airport and facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest follow the signs for I –595 West. Take 595 to the Florida Turnpike and follow the signs Help and More Information for the Florida Keys. If you’re traveling in the Keys and From farther north, take the Florida @thefloridakeys need any help, call the toll-free visitors Turnpike south to just below Fort assistance line at 1-800-771-KEYS. It’s Lauderdale, where Exit 4 joins the southern staffed 24 hours a day. To contact visitor portion of the Turnpike that ends at U.S. 1 offices in the Keys, call 1-800-FLA-KEYS. in Florida City. Follow U.S. 1 south into the youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV The Keys website at fla-keys.com has a Florida Keys. live chat feature with visitor information From Florida’s west coast, take I –75 Insta specialists available during regular U.S. (Alligator Alley) east to the Miami exit, and weekday business hours to aid travelers in south to the Turnpike Extension. keysvoices.com @thefloridakeysvacation planning.