Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

New and fully renovated properties, including the Florida Keys’ first luxury-inclusive adults-only resort, are soon to be unveiled in the island chain. New airlift into Key West International Airport also is on the horizon, with seasonal service to launch this summer from Texas. Also, United Airlines is to expand service to Key West from New Jersey this fall and from Chicago this winter.

The Keys are to unveil 1,500 “new” rooms to their lodging inventory as the destination continues to unveil new and fully refurbished properties. The Keys’ first luxury-inclusive, adults-only resort is to debut in late fall.

Colorful history, artistic culture, quirky ambiance and celebrations of the Florida Keys island chain’s underwater paradise, outdoor adventures and tasty cuisine provide visitors with year-round entertainment, festivals and special events.

Some 160 travel industry volunteers from around the country helped Florida Keys organizations Friday to launch “Uniting for Resilient Destinations” for Tourism Cares, an organization that focuses on industry volunteering and charitable giving to travel destinations.

The third annual Florida Keys Guitar Festival is to present classical, contemporary and Latin guitar masters Friday through Sunday, June 15-17, in a series of summer performances for music lovers around the island chain. 

Every day is an adventure in the Florida Keys, where the subtropical climate and scenic natural setting create an ideal backdrop for high-energy activities no matter what the time of year.

Visitors to the Florida Keys can snorkel or dive on the continental United States’ only contiguous living coral barrier reef — which makes the destination a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. The Keys tract is home to stunning coral formations and brilliantly hued tropical fish. 

While the Florida Keys & Key West are widely known for their vibrant natural beauty, easygoing atmosphere and year-round warmth, they also entice scores of visitors to enjoy cultural events that can be experienced only in the Keys. 
 

The indigenous cuisine of the 125-mile-long Florida Keys island chain is a rich melting pot of fresh boat-to-table seafood enhanced with the fresh tropical flavors of lime, coconut, mango and papaya.