Marathon

Though they might have a subtropical island atmosphere, the Florida Keys & Key West off the southern tip of the Florida mainland are easily accessible for meetings and groups.

A first-rate performing arts community in the Florida Keys & Key West offers audiences seasonal musicals, comedies and award-winning performances. A selection of early 2020 highlights is outlined here.

Artists are drawn to the Florida Keys because of the island chain’s deeply-hued, richly colorful natural scenery and an intensively creative spirit that infuses its culture.

Fans of visual art can find it in galleries, exhibitions and pocket parks throughout the Florida Keys island chain — but only in the Connections Project mural can they view the work of more than 300 creative Keys spirits in one vibrant mosaic.

For travelers seeking “voluntourism” opportunities to help sustain the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, the “Florida Keys Superfan” eco-adventure giveaway offers an enticing prize.

"Florida Keys: Protecting Paradise," an hourlong television special that explores Keys sustainability efforts and the people dedicated to protecting the island chain's unique natural environment, is to debut on the Discovery Channel, Sunday, Dec. 29, at 8 a.m. ET/PT and 7 a.m. CT/MT.

There’s always something happening in the Florida Keys & Key West, from eclectic festivals focusing on the area’s colorful history, artistic culture and notable cuisine to events that celebrate the Keys’ unique environment, underwater adventures and quirky ambiance.

Emmy Award–winning travel host Samantha Brown is set to showcase the Florida Keys experience in a 30-minute television episode of “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love,” scheduled to air on public television stations nationwide beginning in January 2020.

Boating and watersports aficionados can browse among top boat brands at the annual Island Boat Show set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 24-26, at Hawks Cay Resort, mile marker 61 on Duck Key.

This winter the Florida Keys continue to spotlight sustainability and responsible tourism as new resorts open, new low-impact tours and experiences are created and a new app is unveiled to promote safe driving and highlight eco-attractions.