Key Largo

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. 

Divers should pack their pumpkin carving tools when they gear up for the 21st annual Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest Saturday, Oct. 5, in Key Largo waters.

Runners of all ages are attracted to a unique scenic bridge race above the Upper Florida Keys and the eastern edges of the Florida Everglades. The annual First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9.

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.

Today’s Key Largo is fascinating, textured with rich contrasts. It includes upscale new resorts such as Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton; Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection; and the all-inclusive Bungalows Key Largo scheduled to reopen in December. It’s also a mix of funky attractions, established dive charter operations and affordable-stay options that are longtime comfy favorites.

The hard corals of the Florida Keys reefs have spent eons developing a simple system to perpetuate the species, one of nature’s mysteries that works without human intervention or complete understanding.