How do you get around the Florida Keys?

US-1 — the Overseas Highway — is the only road, running 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West. Mile Markers (MM) are the local address system. You need a car for most of the chain; Key West is very walkable.

Is the water really that clear in the Florida Keys?

Yes. The Florida Reef Tract — the only living barrier reef in the continental US — sits just offshore. On a calm day in the Upper Keys you can see 30–60 feet down. Visibility is best in winter and spring.

What is the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys?

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is the classic choice. Looe Key near Big Pine Key is quieter and stunning. The book has a full chapter on picking the right reef for your skill level.

Do I need a boat to explore the Florida Keys?

Not for everything — John Pennekamp and Bahia Honda are easy by land. But a boat opens up the backcountry, the sandbar anchorages, the fishing grounds, and the cuts between keys. Rentals are available at nearly every marina.

Is Key West worth the trip all the way down?

Absolutely. Mallory Square at sunset, the Hemingway House, Duval Street, Fort Zachary Taylor beach, and a completely unique culture. Plan at least two nights; one is never enough.

Available now on Amazon

Florida Keys,
Unlocked. — The Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide Book & Island Read

A traveler's guide to America's Caribbean.

Planning a Florida Keys trip? This is the guide that unlocks the islands. Florida Keys Unlocked by CN Adams covers the reefs, the fishing, the food, and the mile-marker magic — from Key Largo down to Key West. Local know-how, Fast Facts, and insider tips that save real money and time. Plan less. Explore more.

Buy on Amazon Check Keys Conditions

Full Island Guide

Updated for 2026

Mile Markers

Local Tips

Living Content

Travel Map

Fishing

Reef Dives

Seafood

Key West

Florida Keys Unlocked — A Traveler's Guide to America's Caribbean by CN Adams

Explore

What's Inside

Things to do in the Florida Keys —
all in one guide

Sea turtle swimming through the coral reef of the Florida Keys

Chs. 1–4

Reefs & Ocean Life

John Pennekamp, the Florida Reef Tract, snorkeling, scuba, and the underwater world that makes the Keys famous.

Fresh grouper — Florida Keys fishing and boating

Chs. 5–8

Fishing & Boating

Backcountry flats, offshore tournaments, tarpon, bonefish, and the charter scene from Key Largo to Key West.

Waterfront restaurant nightscape — dining and local flavor in the Florida Keys

Chs. 9–11

Dining & Local Flavor

Conch fritters, fresh yellowtail snapper, stone crab claws, and the best waterfront shacks on every key.

Palm-shaded beach in Key West with parrot — Fort Zachary Taylor and the Keys' finest shores

Chs. 12–14

Beaches & State Parks

Bahia Honda, Fort Zachary Taylor, kayak trails, and the hidden coves the tour buses never find.

World destinations signpost with compass — Florida Keys travel planning

Chs. 15–18

Plan It Like a Pro

Month-by-month crowds, mile-marker itineraries, packing list, and budget help for the whole island chain.

Bonus

Living Content

This book comes with a living page — updated with deals, specials, features, and more long after the ink dries.

The Lay of the Keys

Eight can't-miss Keys stops

Follow the Overseas Highway south…

Key Largo

The gateway key — world-class diving, John Pennekamp, and the start of it all.

Snorkeler exploring the vibrant coral reef at John Pennekamp State Park

John Pennekamp Reef

America's first undersea park and the best snorkeling in the continental US.

Islamorada

The sport-fishing capital. Big tarpon, bigger sunsets, and world-class guides.

Seven Mile Bridge

The most iconic drive in Florida. Old bridge, new bridge, and endless ocean.

Beach boardwalk path through sea grass leading to Bahia Honda's crystal-clear water

Bahia Honda State Park

The best beach in the Keys. Turquoise shallows and the ghostly old railroad bridge.

Big Pine Key

Home of the tiny Key Deer, the Blue Hole, and the quietest corners of the chain.

Key West

Duval Street, Mallory Square sunsets, Hemingway cats, and the end of the road.

Backcountry Flats

Shallow-water stalking for tarpon and bonefish — the holy grail of flats fishing.

Unlock all eight in the book →

Best Time to Visit

The Florida Keys by the month

Wondering what the Keys are like in October? Or February? Here's the quick version. The book breaks down every month — the weather, the crowds, the prices, and the events — so you can pick your perfect week on the islands.

Florida Keys Unlocked — A Traveler's Guide to America's Caribbean

January

Dry season begins. Mild temps, clear water, and fewer crowds than you'd expect.

February

Peak dry season. Brilliant visibility for diving. Book fishing charters early.

March

Spring breakers arrive in Key West. Upper Keys stay relaxed.

April

Lobster mini-season prep. Wildflowers on Big Pine. Near-perfect weather.

May

Quiet shoulder season. Water warms up. Great deals before summer hits.

June

Lobster season opens in August — June is the calm before the crustacean storm.

July

Hot, humid, and festive. Tarpon tournaments peak. Book everything early.

August

Spiny lobster mini-season draws big crowds. Diving and fishing still excellent.

September

Hurricane season. Quietest month — best deals, emptiest reefs.

October

Fantasy Fest in Key West. Shoulder season value with great weather returning.

November

Dry season kicks back in. One of the best months to visit, full stop.

December

Lighted boat parades, warm days, cool evenings, and holiday cheer island-style.

The Captain's Log

Florida Keys weather forecast & tide chart

Check before you load up the car.

Weather & 7-Day Forecast

Key West, FL · Open-Meteo

Reading the sky...

Tide Chart — Key West

NOAA Station 8724580 · Next 48 Hrs

Consulting the tide tables...

Beach Flag Guide

Calm

Caution

High hazard

Marine pests

Water closed

Quick Answers

Florida Keys vacation FAQ

The questions everyone asks before the trip.

November through April is the dry season — clear skies, low humidity, great visibility for diving. May and October are quiet shoulder months with excellent value. Summer is hot and humid but fishing is fantastic; just watch for hurricanes in September.

X Marks the Spot

The whole map is inside the book

Deals, specials, and insider updates included.

Every copy of Florida Keys Unlocked comes with a key to the author's living companion page — an always-updated trove of reader-only offers, seasonal specials, and fresh local finds. Grab the book, unlock the islands, and plan your trip like a local.

Reader-only deals on lodging, charters, diving, and rentals
Living content updated all season — long after the ink dries
Mile-by-mile local know-how from Key Largo to Key West

Get the Book on Amazon

Florida Keys,Unlocked. — The Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide Book & Island Read

Things to do in the Florida Keys —all in one guide

Reefs & Ocean Life

Fishing & Boating

Dining & Local Flavor

Beaches & State Parks

Plan It Like a Pro

Living Content

Eight can't-miss Keys stops

Key Largo

John Pennekamp Reef

Islamorada

Seven Mile Bridge

Bahia Honda State Park

Big Pine Key

Key West

Backcountry Flats

The Florida Keys by the month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Florida Keys weather forecast & tide chart

Weather & 7-Day Forecast

Tide Chart — Key West

Florida Keys vacation FAQ

When is the best time to visit the Florida Keys?

How do you get around the Florida Keys?

Is the water really that clear?

Do I need a boat to explore the Keys?

What is the best snorkeling in the Florida Keys?

Is Key West worth the trip all the way down?

The whole map is inside the book

Florida Keys,
Unlocked. — The Ultimate Florida Keys Travel Guide Book & Island Read

Things to do in the Florida Keys —
all in one guide