The Keys: 44 islands and 42 bridges. It’s a road trip like no other. Florida’s Keys offer a 120-mile swath of escapism on highways that take to the sea. It is a trip that could be made in hours but begs for a more leisurely pace. Thatch-roofed tiki bars with sweeping views of Florida Bay echo the croonings of Jimmy Buffet tunes. Mom-and-pop roadside diners serve the catch of the day with a slice of homemade Key Lime Pie. Fishing guides await anglers seeking trophy catches in blue water or stealthy bonefish battles in the shoals. Moored sailboats stand ready for sunset cruises while skiffs ferry divers and snorkelers to nearby coral reefs.
And the culmination of this gauntlet of tropical diversions is Key West, America’s southernmost city. Here at the end of the road, Hemingway penned his finest works and haunted the legendary taverns of Duval Street. Today Papa’s legacy lives on in a town that unapologetically celebrates its eclectic nature and dedication to a good time.
