FIND YOUR FLORIDA KEYS

Stretching in a graceful arc from mainland Florida south-west into the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys are connected by the legendary 113-mile-long Overseas Highway, thus setting the stage for one of America’s greatest road trips.

Key Largo

Best for diving and snorkelling

Key Largo is the gateway to the Everglades and a mecca for divers and snorkellers, who come to explore its shipwrecks and the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, America’s first underwater park, where the sunken statue Christ of the Abyss stands surrounded by corals and colourful tropical fish.

Islamorada

Best for fishing

Islamorada is considered the sport-fishing capital of the world, with expert fishing guides ready to take you across the backcountry’s shallow flats in search of bonefish, snook, tarpon and other game fish, or out into the Atlantic, where the swift-moving Gulf Stream attracts marlin, sailfish and swordfish.

Marathon

Best for history and conservation

Marathon’s Dolphin Research Center and Turtle Hospital are both great examples of the many conservation projects and animal rehabilitation centres found throughout the Keys. Also worth a visit is the museum on Pigeon Key, which tells the story of the original Overseas Railroad from Miami to Key West.

Big Pine & The Lower Keys

Best for nature

The Lower Keys are known for their wild spaces and tropical beauty. Walk the trails of the National Key Deer Refuge, swim and snorkel in the gin-clear waters Bahia Honda State Park, or search for dolphins and manatees by kayak or paddleboard in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.

Key West

Best for sunsets and nightlife

You know the sunsets are good when there’s a nightly celebration devoted to them. Head to Mallory Square two hours before dusk to soak up the festival-like atmosphere. Then paint the town red on mile-long Duval Street, hitting legendary bars like Sloppy Joe’s and Captain Tony’s Saloon, where Hemingway used to drink.

11-Day Self-Drive Itinerary

This laidback itinerary follows the Overseas Highway from Art Deco Miami to the sun-and-sand playground of Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States.

Day 1 Miami Arrive in Miami, collect your hire car and check in to Fontainebleau Miami Beach for one night.

Day 2 Key Largo Drive to Islamorada and check in for three nights at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, perhaps stopping on the way in Key Largo to snorkel or dive in the Keys’ protected waters.

Days 3-4 Islamorada Go backcountry fishing for bonefish and tarpon, or deep-sea fishing for grouper and giant tuna. Alternatively, try kayaking or paddleboarding, relax at your hotel, or visit the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center.

Days 5-7 Duck Key Continue down to Duck Key for a three-night stay at Hawks Cay Resort. Enjoy boating, swimming, snorkelling and other watersports. Or head beyond the hotel to the Turtle Hospital or Dolphin Research Center on nearby Marathon.

Day 8 Big Pine & Lower Keys Cross Seven Mile Bridge to Big Pine, perhaps stopping to enjoy the beauty of Bahia Honda State Park or the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Continue to Key West and check in for three nights at Ocean Key Resort & Spa.

Days 9-11 Key West Enjoy the nightly spectacle of fire-eaters, sword-swallowers and street performers at Mallory Square. Tour Hemingway’s former home and studio. Visit the Little White House, the former vacation home of President Truman. Or strike out by seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park, seven beautiful small islands adrift in the Gulf of Mexico.

10 nights / 11 days from £2,865 per person including economy flights from London, 11 days’ car hire and 10 nights’ accommodation in a standard room on a room-only basis.

SPEAK TO YOUR TRAVEL AGENT ABOUT BOOKING A LUSSO HOLIDAY TO THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST