The Most iconic things to do in the Florida Keys in 2022

There’s Nothing Like The Keys
The interesting thing about visiting the state of Florida is its diversity.

There are the hip, cosmopolitan beaches of the east coast in Miami, along with the upscale enclaves of Palm Beach, Boca Raton and more.

You have the environmental beauty of the Everglades.

On the west coast of Florida is the more laid-back vibe of Tampa/St. Pete, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Sanibel and Captiva islands. In the north, there is the historical legacy of St. Augustine.

Of course, there are the theme parks in Orlando, and not far from there is Florida’s horse country in Ocala.

But if you want an ever-changing feel that ranges from cool to relaxed to wild, head to the Florida Keys.

The Keys are wildly popular with a plethora of events and sites to so. And although you can fly into Key West on a variety of airlines, there’s nothing like flying into Miami, renting a car, and driving the 180 miles and 42 bridges that encompass the Florida Keys.

With that in mind, here are 10 iconic sites and events to see in the Keys.

The Beaches
There are 800 keys in the Keys, although most are inhabitable, so you’re never going to find a bad beach. But if you want the best, head as far south as you can get. Last year, the World Travel Awards (WTA) named Key West “North America’s Leading Beach Destination 2021.”

Seven Mile Bridge
In Marathon Key – so named facetiously by construction workers building the railroad line in the early 1900s – the famous Seven Mile Bridge reopened in January of 2022 following a $78 million renovation. This is the place to ride your bike, jog, fish, rollerblade or just take a relaxing walk.

200th Anniversary
As if Key West needs another excuse for a party, right? But this is a good one. From March 19-30, the city will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first settlement in Key West. The actual date was March 25, 1822 but, hey, it’s Key West? Why confine it to a day when you can celebrate for 12?

Dagny Johnson Park
The Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park is a sanctuary. Visitors will not only see more than 80 species of protected plants and animals, including none other than the American crocodile. The park also features more than six miles of trails that you can walk and ride.

The Southernmost Point
You want iconic? Here it is. One of the most photographed landmarks in the world is the 20-ton anchored buoy off Key West that reads: “Southernmost Point Continental U.S.A.” From here it is just 90 miles to Cuba. Vandals set fire to the buoy on New Year’s Eve, but the city quickly spent the $5,000 to repair the landmark.

Searching For Fruit
Here’s something different. On Big Pine Key, be sure to make time for a 90-minute guided tour where you can hunt for exotic tropical and subtropical fruits at Grimal Grove. If you’re a foodie, this is one of the most unique experiences you can have without leaving the country.

Pennekamp Park
A terrific family attraction in Key Largo is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, one of the first underwater protected parks ever created in the U.S. Rent a snorkel or scuba gear to literally get up close and personal with the reefs, or see it from a glass-bottom boat. Or just swim. Maybe kayak. The point is, there is plenty to do here.

Theater Of The Sea
In operation for 75 years, The Theater of the Sea is located in Islamorada in the Keys, just south of Key Largo. It is one of the oldest marine mammal attractions in the country that boasts an array of beautiful sharks, rays, turtle, sea lions and especially its dolphins. You can even swim with the dolphins.

Hemingway Museum
The most famous resident of the Keys was arguably one of the most famous authors in the world. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is what the great writer called home for more than eight years. During that time, he wrote seminal works that included Death in The Afternoon, The Green Hills of Africa, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and To Have and Have Not.

Duval Street, Key West
Key West is one of the most welcoming cities in the country for LGBTQ travelers, and the relatively small stretch of Duval Street – about a mile in length – is the heartbeat of the city. It is where every religion, race and sexual preference can party in what is basically New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Francisco all rolled into one. The iconic Green Parrot Bar is for all, the restaurant scene is to die for, and the Key West Aquarium is a must.