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.

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!

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.

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.

A small town on the edge of Florida's Everglades National Park, Everglades City is  the Stone Crab Capital of the world and gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  Florida is famous for its fresh catch seafood with Stone Crabs a seasonal delicacy served hot or cold with lemon, butter or mustard.

No matter where you live or what you do, time seems to escape us.  How many times have we referred to "time flying".   Despite our best intentions, popular destinations and points of interest in our own backyard that are enjoyed by visitors are always on our "things to do and see list".  One of the most common phrases we hear, at Key West Express is...  " I've lived in Florida for XX number of years, but I've never been to Key West."  Yes, we get it but,  "Why NOT?   What are you waiting for?" A staycation to Key West is just what the "ho-hum" doctor ordered.

Sunrise through Sunset...before, after and in between...there is always something happening in Key West.  At dusk and after dark, here is a list of things to do in Key West at night.

Only ONCE A YEAR, an unusually exciting event happens in the warm waters of the Florida Keys. Which is home to the only living coral reef that exists in the Continental United States.  This teeming backbone of marine life, runs the length of the 125 mile Florida Keys island chain and lies but a short boat ride only 5 miles offshore.

Make your plans for the biggest party of the summer! The 27^th annual Key West LobsterFest is being held this year from August 8^th until the 11^th , 2024.