The history of the Florida Keys is very colorful and diverse. Keys' residents have ranged from Indians, explorers, pirates, farmers, fishermen, hippies, Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett. Each group has left a mark on the land and the people, making the Conch Republic the interesting and unique destination it is today.

There is much more to the Florida Keys than the legends of the past. The splendors of this tropical paradise provide a life style unchallenged anywhere in the world. Come and create your own legends, stay and let us share our unique heritage with you again and again.

Today, the mystique of this tropical paradise continues to attract visitors of every age. The magnificent natural coral reefs offshore are world renowned for their beauty. Underwater treasures await divers and snorkelers who enjoy the colorful, tranquil sealife in these clear, tepid, azure waters.

If it is great fishing you are after, look no further. From hard-fighting, deep-sea gamefish to back-country, the Florida Keys offers anglers of any skill a great variety and abundance year-round.

The Florida Keys is the perfect destination to enjoy all forms of water recreation any time of the year. This is a very subtropical region and is considered the "American Caribbean".

Another special aspect of the Florida Keys are the more than 40 bridges which connect all of our islands and go on for more than 126 miles. It is a spectacular drive from Key Largo and Key West and one that should not be missed.

The Florida Keys are home to many fascinating wildlife species such as pelicans, long legged egrets, ibis and the white and blue heron. There are artificial structures atop poles which assist osprey (fish hawks) which nest and breed in the Florida Keys each year.

We are also famous for our Key Deer which is a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer. Docile and endearing, these tiny animals weigh 25 to 90 pounds and grow to a height of only 26 to 32 inches.

Because of the winds and salt air, plant life in the Florida Keys varies from other regions of the southeastern United States. We have many unusual, rare flowers, fauna and trees which make our area both incredibly colorful and unique. In addition to the Coconut Palm, we also have an abundance of Gumbo Limbo and Key Lime trees.

If it is an abundance of activity you desire or just relaxing under a breezy palm tree enjoying the spectacular landscape, the Florida Keys is the place for you.