Florida Keys, USA

The islands of the Florida Keys run south west from the city of Miami, FL (about 15 miles or 24 km from Miami). They are an archipelago of 4500 islands in the southeast United States. They begin at the southeastern tip of the Florida peninsula, The first island is Key Largo, and extend in a arc south-southwest and then westward to Key West, the westernmost of the inhabited islands, and on to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas. The Florida Keys lie along the Florida Straits, dividing the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and defining one edge of Florida Bay.  At the nearest point, the southern tip of Key West is just 90 miles (140 km) from Cuba. The Florida Keys span some 110 miles and are connected by bridges and causeways.

The Florida Keys are a popular destination for Americans searching for a tropical vacation without leaving their own country. The main chain of Keys islands can be traveled by motor vehicles on the Overseas Highway, a 127-mile (204 km) section of U.S. 1.  While some visitors arrive via Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon Airport in Marathon, cruise ship or ferry from Miami or Fort Myers.

Things To Do in Florida Keys:

The Diversity of a Florida Keys Dream Vacation Includes:

Diving and Snorkeling
Swimming with Dolphins
Fishing – Offshore and Charters
Arts and Cultural Experiences
Camping in Over 10 Beautiful Parks
Spotless White-Sand Beaches
Sailing in Beautiful Waters
Gorgeous Scenic Tours
Adventurous Hiking
Exquisite Dining
Fabulous Entertainment
Shopping

Keys islands:

Key Largo offers some of the finest diving and snorkeling in the Florida Keys.

Islamorada is the next island destination just south of Key Largo. Islamorada is known for its world class sport fishing.

Marathon is midway from the beginning of the Florida Keys to the end. Marathon is known as the heart of the Florida Keys and offers many relaxing vacation resorts.

Big Pine Key and the Lower Florida Keys are as ‘laid back’ as it gets here. Boating is one of the number one attractions and there are many different tours and trips.

Key West is the last Florida Key. The island spans only two by four miles and has a population of approximately 27,000 full time residents. The azure blue waters that surround Key West and the Lower Florida Keys have much to offer for SCUBA divers, snorkelers and fishermen. There is no other place in the country where you can see so many species of marine life in one place. Wrecks and reefs, both artificial and natural coral, are home to hundreds of species of tropical and game fish.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys
http://www.floridakeys.com
http://www.keystravel.info