The Conch Connection

Few experiences reveal the natural beauty of Key West quite like a nighttime kayaking adventure. As the sun sets and the crowds drift away from Duval Street, the island's waters transform into a peaceful world filled with stars, wildlife, glowing marine life, and the gentle sounds of the Florida Keys.

Fort Myers Beach is about to get loud—in the best possible way.

ROAR Offshore returns September 11–13, 2026, bringing a weekend of colorful catamarans, flying spray and close racing to the beach. There is even a welcome party on Thursday evening, September 10, for anyone who wants to start the fun a little early.

If you have never watched offshore powerboat racing, imagine a pack of boats charging across the water at more than 90 miles per hour. You hear the engines first. Then the boats burst into view, bounce across the chop and crowd together through the turns. It is fast, noisy and difficult to ignore.

This year's ROAR is different from the event of years past, so forget the old October dates and long list of racing classes. The 2026 weekend has been reimagined around one especially competitive class: APBA Super Stock. The official ROAR Offshore website is the best place to follow announcements as race day approaches.

Planning a family vacation that everyone will enjoy can be a challenge, but Key West makes it surprisingly easy. From fascinating marine life and historic landmarks to beautiful beaches, interactive museums, and unforgettable sunsets, there's something here for every age. Whether you're visiting for a single day or an extended stay, you'll find plenty of family-friendly activities that create lasting memories.

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.

Florida's southwest coast and the Florida Keys offer far more than one kind of beach day. You can search for shells on Sanibel Island, paddle across a tidal lagoon on Marco Island, snorkel beside tropical fish in Key Largo, relax beneath palms at Bahia Honda or combine a remote beach with one of America's most remarkable coastal forts.

These five destinations stand out not because they are identical, but because each reveals a different side of coastal Florida. Some are ideal for families and laid-back walks. Others reward travelers who want to snorkel, kayak, watch wildlife or venture well beyond the usual shoreline.

Beyond Key West’s colorful streets and lively waterfront lies a quieter world of mangrove islands, shallow turquoise water and wildlife moving through largely undisturbed habitat. Key West National Wildlife Refuge protects this remarkable backcountry landscape west of the island, offering nature lovers a chance to experience another side of the Florida Keys.

There are no roads leading into the refuge and no conventional visitor trails through it. Exploring means traveling by boat, kayak or permitted charter and respecting a landscape where wildlife—not sightseeing infrastructure—comes first.

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.

Key West is a tropical island located at the southernmost tip of Florida. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a casual laid-back atmosphere.  When we think tropical AND island.... our minds immediately wander to sunshine, sand between our toes and fresh air. 

There are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Key West.  Most restaurants offer some type of an outdoor spot, whether it be a patio, porch, pool or waterside dining. Outdoor concerts, countless festivals, swimming and sunbathing to fishing and biking. Here are just a few of the best outdoor activities in Key West.

Some Florida adventures begin where the pavement ends. Everglades City is one of them.

This small fishing town sits beside a seemingly endless puzzle of mangrove islands, twisting creeks and open bays. Step aboard a boat and the town quickly disappears behind you. Pelicans skim the water, dolphins may surface beside the wake and every narrow channel looks like it might lead somewhere completely new.

Everglades City and the Ten Thousand Islands are a natural addition to a Southwest Florida road trip—especially when the next chapter includes a Key West Express crossing from Fort Myers Beach. Give this wild corner of Florida its own day, and it may become one of the stories you tell most often after the trip.