The Florida Keys
Situated at the foot of Florida are the Florida Keys. This is an archipelago of
about 1700 islands. They begin at the south-eastern tip of the Florida
peninsula, about 15 miles south of Miami, and extend in a gentle arc
south-southwest like a string of pearls and then westward to Key West, the most westerly of the
inhabited islands.
The climate of the Florida Keys is defined as Tropical and the temperatures can
be a few degrees higher than other parts of Florida.
The length of the Florida Keys is around 120 miles from the point where you join
the keys to Key West. So bearing in mind that the speed limit is quite low,
55mph on some bridges, 45mph and down to 35mph when you reach some built up
areas and Big Pine Key, home of the engdangered Key deer, these speed limits are
strictly enforced. you can expect to spend 3 - 4 hours to travel the length of
the keys.
The drive itself ranges from superb with some great views to being a little
boring so it is best to pull over at one of the many roadside diners and places
of interest to break up the journey. Most of the road is two lane.
Food. As you would expect, there are many seafood restaurants on the keys but
there are also amny of the national fast food chains too.
Below are some interesting facts and places to visit.
Key West
there is a fairly comprehensive bus system with color-coded lines
Unlimited travel tickets are available for periods between a day and a month and
are good value.
Fares: (Discounts are available for senior cititzens, students etc.)
- Single Trip: $1.00
- 1-Day $3.00/Unlimited Use (purchased from bus driver)
- 3-Day $6.00/Unlimited Use (purchased from bus driver)
- 7-Day $12.00/Unlimited Use
- 31-Day $25.00