The Florida Keys and Key West are among those Florida destinations that holidaymakers consider all year round as a complement to visiting Miami and the Everglades – or they may visit just for that. This year, there are new attractions in the region, namely, a chain of islands some 200 kilometres long and called the most beautiful cul-de-sac in the world.

First, there is Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Florida Keys. The kilometre-long Sandspur Beach on the north side of this park reopened recently after restoration. Overnight guests can once again use the Sandspur campgrounds, there are 73 sites for RVs and tents with electricity and water, and seven sites for tents only (without electricity). The park scores well with two further sandy beaches and a view of the Overseas Highway and the old railway bridge of the former Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad. In addition, there are six cabins on stilts in the park. Visitors can also rent a kayak, or book one of the daily snorkelling trips to Looe Key Reef.

Living coral reef

Another attraction in the Florida Keys will reopen in September, the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West's Truman Waterfront Park. This will include a new main exhibit focusing on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary through several videos and interactive activities. This marine sanctuary encompasses 3,800 square miles of water. It is home to North America's only living coral reef, extensive seagrass beds and more than 6,000 species of marine life. Another exhibit will highlight the mangroves of the Florida Keys and allow visitors to crawl and climb through lifelike mangrove branches.