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Kids’ Corner
Did you know…
The Key deer is a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer.
The male Key deer is less than 32 inches (81 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs around 36 kg (80 lb).
By 1927, hunters had decimated Key deer numbers to fewer than 30.
Key deer are mostly found in Big Pine Key, but they range around the Lower Keys and even swim to some islands not connected by roads.
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< The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
15. Bahia Honda State Park
Great beaches and a really long bridge
Old Bahia Honda Bridge, seen at sunset from Bahia Honda State Park
Often seen on America’s best beaches lists, Bahia Honda’s white sands, turquoise waters, multihued coral reefs, and well-stocked marina make it great for families. Swimming and snorkeling are the most popular activities, but the marina also rents kayaks. It is possible to explore the offshore reef on a snorkeling cruise that the marina offers twice a day. Rangers lead hikes and host talks year-round; consider hiking the beautiful Silver Palm Nature Trail.
At the end of Bahia Honda Key, at MM 40, the Overseas Highway reaches one of the world’s longest segmental bridges – the famed Seven-Mile Bridge. This railroad bridge is now disused but was considered an engineering marvel when it was completed in 1912 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is possible to walk or bike along the old bridge, and fish from the northernmost 2-mile (3-km) section, which is accessible from Marathon.
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Kids’ Corner
Snorkel scavenge
To preserve reefs, you should avoid touching the coral and collecting shells or other sea life. But after you’ve surfaced, see who can tally up the most points for having spotted these reef and seagrass meadow inhabitants: Tubed Sponge (1 point)
Sergeant Major Fish (1 point)
Conch Shell (1 point)
Angelfish (1 point)
Sea Fan (1 point)
Fire Coral (2 points)
Sea Urchin (2 points)
Sea Cucumber (3 points)
Spiny Lobster (4 points)
Sea Turtle (5 points)
Octopus (5 points)
Sea horse (5 points)
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< The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
16. Marathon
Dolphins and pirates
The Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, home to both dolphins and sea lions
Outside of Key West, the town of Marathon holds most of the Keys’ historic and natural attractions. The neighboring Grassy and Duck keys boast two dolphin encounter operations – the Dolphin Research Center and Dolphin Connection – where visitors can pet a dolphin and also paint with one.
Another type of Keys sea life can be seen on the mend at the Turtle Hospital. In summer, the possibility of seeing sea turtle hatchlings adds more excitement to visiting and feeding the mammoth adults.
Crane Point combines nature and history in extensive waterfront woods. There is a natural history museum, a pirate dress-up ship for kids, the Wild Bird Center, a historic home, and nature trails.
Marathon was named for the breakneck speed at which the railroad was built. Below the Seven-Mile Bridge, Pigeon Key was home to the construction workers. Board a ferry (305 743 5999) at Marathon’s southern end to tour the old village and its railroad museum.
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Turn over a new leaf
Crane Point’s Hammock Loop Trail identifies the types of trees you will see throughout the site. Carry a notepad and pencil to make a sketch of each tree and its leaves, to help you spot them along the way.
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< The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
17. Islamorada
Fighting fish, hungry tarpon, and the tree of life
Kayak Shack at Robbie’s Marina selling a variety of merchandise, Islamorada
Known as the sport-fishing capital of the world, Islamorada is a 20-mile (32-km) strip of seven separate islands. A good place to start exploring Islamorada’s rich sea world is Robbie’s Marina, located at the southern end of the chain of keys. Buy a bucket of bait to feed the powerful tarpon at the dock, shop the crafts booths, and sign up for a boat ride to Indian Key State Park and Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. Alternatively, rent a kayak from Robbie’s Marina and paddle out to Indian Key State Park. Be sure to bring along snorkeling equipment.
Visit the History of Diving Museum to discover more about underwater exploration. The museum has exhibits on sunken treasure, the filming of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and early diving gear. Children will enjoy the Theater of the Sea, where they can interact with dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays, or ride a glass-bottom boat to see what lies under water.
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Kids’ Corner
Do you know…
Why the early settlers named Islamorada “the purple island”?
>> Answer
Fishy riddles
From the clues below, guess the names of these fish that swim in Keys waters: I’ve got something to pick with this fish.
It’s not a Smurf, but maybe it’s related.
When I see this fish, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.
I wonder if this fish would like a cracker.
>> Answers
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< The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
18. Key Largo
Underwater capital of the world
Colorful corals in Key Largo, with the Christ of the Deep in the background
One of the most popular destinations for snorkeling in the world, Key Largo is famous for its namesake movie Key Largo (1948) starring Humphrey Bogart , although no actual filming took place here. Today you can see the original steamboat that starred in The African Queen (1952) at the marina, next to the Holiday Inn at MM 100 – it does cruise tours. There is also a glass-bottom boat here, the Key Largo Princess (www.keylargoprincess.com), which offers tours of the region’s legendary coral reefs.
Created in 1990, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 sq nautical miles (9,947 sq km) of waters surrounding the Florida Keys and more than 6,000 marine species. Just step into the water to reach the sanctuary, or explore the colorful world of coral and fish by snorkeling or scuba diving. Charters also take visitors under water to see the submerged 9-ft (3-m) statue, Christ of the Deep. Alternatively, the dolphin encounter operations in Key Largo, Dolphins Plus, offers educational and interactive programs, as well as sea lion swims.
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Kids’ Corner
Do you know…
1. That Lignumvitae Key shares its name with a rare tree that grows here. What does Lignumvitae mean in Latin?
2. If it is true that the original casting of the Christ of the Deep is submerged in the Mediterranean Sea?
>> Answers
The Long Island
Key Largo is one of several keys in the chain that were named by Spanish explorers. In Spanish, it means “long key,” and true to its name, it is 15 miles (24 km) in length.
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< The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
19. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Nature meets history
Far Beach, a scenic strip of sand in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
e Park is located close to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The visitor center has a massive reef aquarium, and the park’s concessions provide diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat excursions, and rent out equipment. Snorkelers off Cannon Beach can see the ruins of a Spanish ship just 100 ft (30 m) from shore. Families can rent kayaks, canoes, and powerboats, or hike the short trails and then picnic at one of the two beaches in the park. Pretty, palm-fringed Far Beach is ideal for a relaxing day spent sunbathing or splashing around in the water.
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Kids’ Corner
Colorful coral
Corals have transparent bodies. They get their brilliant colors from algae, called zooxanthellae, that live in their tissues.
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Where to Stay in the Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
From waterfront campgrounds and chain hotels to vacation homes and grand resorts, this region has it all. While Key West is renowned for its B&Bs, camping is part of the Everglades experience. For exploring the Everglades and the Keys, staying at a chain hotel in Homestead and Florida City is the best option.
Price Guide
The following price ranges are based on one night’s accommodation in high season for a family of four, inclusive of service charges and additional taxes.
$: Under $150; $$: $150–300; $$$: over $300
Agencies
Island Visitors Center
www.sanibel-captiva.org
This agency lists a variety of vacation rentals for visitors, such as condos, cottages, and luxury homes.
Rent Key West
www.rentkeywest.com
This website offers weekly and monthly rentals, from historic downtown bungalows to waterside homes with their own pool.
< The Lower Gulf Coast, Everglades, and Keys
Everglades National Park
Self-catering
Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort
25000 Tamiami Trail E, Naples, 34114; 239 394 3005; poiresort.com
Located near the Gulf Coast entrance to the Everglades National Park this pleasant place packages adventure excursions with lodgings. It is the resort nearest to the national park.
$$ • Wi-Fi • Family rooms • Parking • Swimming pool
A bedroom at Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort
Camping
Big Cypress National Preserve Campgrounds
Tamiami Trail; 239 695 1201; www.nps.gov/bicy
These four free, quite basic campgrounds, and two fee-paying parks with RV lodging, are located off the Tamiami Trail. The campgrounds have no showers or restrooms, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some sites are inaccessible in summer due to flooding.
$ • Credit cards not accepted • Parking
Flamingo Campground
Flamingo; 3052427700 (park) and 877 444 6777 (reservations); www.nps.gov/ever
This campground sits on the shores of Florida Bay, and more than 60 of the sites offer great bay views. Most of the sites are drive-in, but some are walk-in. Close to the marina, the campground affords easy access to paddlecraft rentals and boating tours.
$ • Cafe • Beach
Fort Myers
Resort
Sanibel Harbour Marriott
17260 Harbour Pointe Dr, 33908; 239 466 4000; www.marriott.com
An award-winning destination resort just east of the Sanibel Causeway, this is known for its full complement of facilities and kids’ programs. Choose from rooms and one-bedroom suites. Families can also book boating excursions. A shuttle bus takes guests to Sanibel Island.
$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool
Fort Myers Beach
Resort
Outrigger Beach Resort
6200 Estero Blvd, 33931; 239 463 3131 or 800 657 5659; www.outriggerfmb.com
At the southern end of the island, this resort offers a peaceful respite from the party atmosphere around the rest of Fort Myers Beach. It offers simple accommodations with an old Florida feel. Some of the rooms come with kitchens. The wide stretch of white sands, a lively pool deck, and a tiki bar area add to the family-holiday air.
$$ • Family rooms • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool • Beach
Key Largo
Resort
Hilton Key Largo Resort
97000 Overseas Hwy (MM 97), 33037; 305 852 5553 or 888 871 3437; www.keylargoresort.com
With its lovely private beach, 12.5 acres of tropical hardwoods, and two pools, this full-service resort is good for families. It feels safer than some of the other resorts because it is set back from the main road.
$$$ • Wi-Fi • Garden • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool
Camping
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Hwy (MM 102.5), 33037; 305 451 1202 (park); www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp
RV and tent sites are tucked into this park’s shady grounds, out of the way of day visitors. A variety of activities sure to keep the kids happily occupied are available here, with beaches and glass-bottom boat tours, plus woods to explore. Call well in advance for reservations.
$ • Garden • Beach • Parking • Playground
An RV parked at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Key West
Resorts
Hyatt Key West Resort
601 Front St, 33040; 305 809 1234; www.keywest.hyatt.com
Near the Historic Seaport, the Hyatt has its own small beach, lots of options for watersports, and a spa. Close enough to all the action in the Old Town, yet away from its noise and crowds.
$$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool
Ocean Key Resort
Zero Duval St, 33040; 305 296 7701800 328 9815; www.oceankey.com
Families who love being in the thick of the action will enjoy this full-service resort’s location next to Mallory Square. Enjoy hanging out at its pool and Sunset Deck restaurant. Ask for a suite with a sleeper sofa or adjoining rooms.
$$$ • Restaurant • Family rooms • Lift • Parking • Swimming pool
Bed & Breakfast
Ambrosia Key West
615, 618, 622 Fleming St, 33040; 305 296 9838 or 800-535-9838; www.ambrosiakeywest.com
One of the few B&Bs in Key West that welcome kids, this one spreads down a city block with rooms, town houses, suites, and a cottage. Some pets are also allowed.
$$$ • Garden • Wi-Fi • Parking • Swimming pool
Island City House Hotel
411 William St, 33040; 305 294 5702; www.islandcityhouse.com
Another family-friendly B&B, this property’s suites occupy a former cigar factory complex. There are resident cats for the kids to play with.
$$$ • Garden • Wi-Fi • Parking • Swimming pool
Marathon/Big Pine Key
Resorts
Gulf View Waterfront Resort
58743 Overseas Hwy (MM 58.5), Marathon, 33050; 305 289 1414 or 877 289 0111; www.gulfviewwaterfrontresort.com
Not far from the Dolphin Research Center, this resort offers discount vouchers to the sealife-encounter attraction, and also has its own small menagerie of critters. Rooms are simple, but families will spend most time on the beach, in the pool, or paddling in the Gulf.
$$ • Garden • Wi-Fi • Parking • Swimming pool
Hawks Cay Resort
Hawks Cay Blvd (MM 61), Duck Key, 33050; 305 743 7000 or 888 395 5539; www.hawkscay.com
Something of its own little village, this resort caters to families with its on-site Dolphin Connection interaction operation, a kids’ club with a fun pirate ship-themed pool and games, supervised programs, and watersports concessions at the marina.
$$ • Wi-Fi • Restaurant • Parking • Swimming pool
The artificial lagoon at Hawks Cay Resort, fringed with coral reefs