Hello, fellow sun-seekers! If you're living in or visiting the beautiful Tampa Bay area—whether it’s the bustling streets of Tampa, the artistic vibe of St. Pete, or the cultural shores of Sarasota—you know that we live in paradise. But sometimes, even paradise dwellers need a vacation.
Key West is a place where "Island Time" isn't just a phrase—it's a way of life. While the neon lights of Duval Street have their charm, the true magic of the island lies in its quiet corners, the scent of blooming jasmine, and the steady rhythm of the tide. This guide is for those looking to trade the crowds for calm and find the soulful, relaxed side of the Conch Republic.
The Florida Keys are home to a national treasure: the only living coral reef in the continental United States. This year, Mote Marine Laboratory is inviting locals and visitors alike to step out of the daily grind and into the blue at Ocean Fest, a high-energy, family-friendly celebration of our marine environment.
%20Featured%20Image.jpg)
Condé Nast Traveler has recently come out with their "Best Beaches" in Florida, list. Not surprising but southwest Florida and the Florida Keys are well represented! Are you picturing yourself soaking in the sunshine, while basking in the wake of pristine turquoise waters? Well, here you go!
Stone Crab Fishing in Southwest Florida and Key West: A Local Treasure
When fall rolls around in Southwest Florida and Key West, locals and visitors alike look forward to one of the region’s most mouth watering traditions: stone crab season. Known for their sweet, tender claw meat and sustainable harvesting practices, stone crabs have become a celebrated delicacy along Florida’s Gulf Coast and the Keys. Whether you’re interested in trying your hand at catching them or simply want to understand the process before indulging at a local restaurant, here’s MOST everything you need to know about stone crab fishing in the Sunshine State.
The Unapologetic Charm of the Conch Republic
Step off the Key West Express and onto the streets of Key West, and you don't just feel like you've left the Florida mainland behind—you feel like you've entered a different world entirely. This eight-square-mile island, famously just 90 miles from Cuba, isn't just a tropical getaway; it's a vibrant, quirky, and proudly eccentric town unlike any other in America. Here's what makes the spirit of Key West so wonderfully, unapologetically weird, wacky and FUN.
What weighs over 20 tons, is red, yellow and black, is iconic to Key West, and will be gone for over a year? If you guessed the Southernmost Buoy, you know your trivia!
.jpg)
The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,670-acre refuge located just off the western coast of Key West, out to the Marquesas Keys. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, shorebirds, wading birds, and mammals. The refuge also protects important habitats, such as mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
There’s no better way to enjoy summer than with a getaway to Key West – and no better way to get there than the Key West Express! Ideal for all travelers, Key West welcomes a variety of visitors in search of its fun, funky, fabulous treasures. Anglers, artists, families, retirees, and everyone in between enjoy exploring the island’s rich history, music, food, and culture, along with an endless stream of summertime parties, parades, concerts, tours and more.
Started in 2016, Captains for Clean Water is a grassroots nonprofit organization that fights to restore much needed Florida water resources. Committed to uniting the outdoor industry, environmental groups, business community and concerned citizens for the fight for clean water.
