Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Florida Keys traditionally feature balmy temperatures and a warm welcome for revelers fleeing colder climes. From beachside fireworks where overcoats and gloves aren’t allowed to wacky takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York’s Times Square, the island chain offers visitors a wealth of ways to welcome 2020.

Discover the flavors of the Florida Keys in two of the island chain’s regions during the 2020 edition of “Uncorked: The Key Largo and Islamorada Food and Wine Festival,” an 11-day culinary and cocktail extravaganza Thursday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Jan. 19.

Sunny holidays bring warmth and good cheer to the Florida Keys & Key West throughout the 125-mile-long island chain. From Key Largo to Key West, the 2019 holiday season — filled with spirited events such as lighted boat parades, historic inn tours, only-in-the Keys frivolity and waterfront celebrations — sparkles with island festivities.

Harboring the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, the Florida Keys are largely devoted to maintaining the region’s offshore environment.

Bicyclists are to navigate the entire Florida Keys island chain along scenic Overseas Highway and Heritage Trail routes during a 160-plus-mile Miami to Key West charity ride. 

Angling teams can vie for victory by targeting bonefish, permit and barracuda while benefiting the charter fishing community during the annual Sugarloaf Showdown. Presented by the Lower Keys Guides Association, the catch-and-release challenge is scheduled Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 31 through Nov. 2.

The Florida Keys & Key West, with community efforts to sustain precious natural resources through the Connect & Protect initiative, continue to unveil ways to preserve the Keys’ environment and connect visitors who love the outdoors to the island chain’s unmatched beauty.

Through Oct. 13, visiting families can explore Florida Keys attractions, tours, watersports and other offerings with a value-added program that provides free admission for children age 12 or younger. Called Kids Free Florida Keys, the program was created by the Key West Attractions Association.

Increased efforts in volunteerism, often called “voluntourism,” contribute to the self-sufficiency and sustainability of tourist destinations like the Florida Keys, helping make the world a better place through environmental education. Advocacy groups and learning-based attractions in the Keys offer hands-on experiences that enable visitors to learn about impacts on Florida's reefs and the environment, and how the average person can help as a citizen scientist.