Marathon

 The subtropical Florida Keys & Key West are resplendent with indigenous species in hidden, tucked-away gardens nestled throughout the 125-mile-long island chain.

Nearly everyone who journeys to the Florida Keys samples grilled locally caught yellowtail snapper or mahi-mahi, steamed Key West pink shrimp, clawless Florida lobster and chilled stone crab claws. Since their just-off-the-boat freshness is all the adornment they need, they’re often prepared with a simplicity that only enhances their flavor. 

A challenging Middle Keys marlin tournament is to test anglers’ skill Friday through Sunday, July 14-16. 

Independence Day celebrations throughout the 125-mile-long Florida Keys island chain salute the nation’s freedom — and the quirky independent spirit of the Keys — with local parades, picnics and parties topped off by fireworks displays.

Team Islamorada Beer Co. secured the overall win and an $18,000 first-place cash prize at Marathon’s 11th annual Bull and Cow Dolphin Tournament that ended May 7 in the Middle Florida Keys. 

In the Middle and Lower Florida Keys, four unique state parks — Long Key, Curry Hammock, Bahia Honda and Fort Zachary Taylor — are easy to explore and offer some of the best recreational opportunities in the 125-mile-long island chain.

You shouldn’t feed reef fish while snorkeling or diving in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary because it disrupts their natural behavior, but that activity is encouraged at the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters.

The Turtle Hospital, situated at mile marker 48.5 bayside in Marathon, is dedicated to the treatment of sea turtles. It opened in 1986 with the goal of healing injured sea turtles and returning them to the wild.

The annual Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival set for Saturday, May 20, at Marathon’s Sombrero Beach offers spectators beachfront excitement as teams of 20 paddlers power their sleek boats in unison, racing parallel to the shore.

Three virtuoso Florida Keys guitarists are to present concerts in three Keys locations Friday through Sunday, June 2-4, intriguing audiences with performances in genres from classical to contemporary to Latin.