Key West is known for a lot of things: it’s the southernmost city in the contiguous United States, stunning turquoise blue water, and it’s been home to notable people like Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and even former president Harry S. Truman. But, arguably, one of the most iconic things in Key West is the key lime pie.

We planned a slowpoke road trip, hunting down off-the-beaten-path Florida Keys restaurants, lodgings, and attractions. In other words, the Keys visitors often miss.

As travel trends come and go, national parks never lose their appeal. But a national park that’s 99 percent underwater, located 70 miles from civilization, and accessible only by seaplane or boat? That’s a next-level national park.

The Big Pine Key region is often referred to as the “Eco-Destination” of the Florida Keys. Spend a few days exploring the turquoise waters and untouched mangroves of the beautiful Lower Keys, the least developed area of the Florida Keys.

Key Largo is the gateway to the Florida Keys and often called the “Diving Capital of the World”. Discover the vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, beautiful corals and lush mangrove swamps. Learn about efforts to conserve and restore these delicate ecosystems.

A weekend visit to tropical Key West, Florida offers unforgettable experiences mixing history, culture, natural beauty with lots of fun! Enjoy the city’s rich history where authors, artists and adventurers have all made their mark.

"It’s the journey, not the destination." This phrase is often true, but in the case of the Florida Keys, a strong argument can be made for both the journey and the destination, given that getting there takes couples across one of the most scenic stretches of road in America. The 113-mile Overseas Highway connects the lush and long chain of islands across technicolor expanses of saltwater using 42 bridges, including the postcard star known as the Seven Mile Bridge. And once newlyweds have arrived, no matter which key was chosen as a base camp, they’ll be welcomed by more sun, sea, swaying palms, fresh seafood, and slices of citrusy pie.

No place in the world is dreamier than the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1), the beautiful drive from the tip end of mainland Florida down the fabled Keys, my favorite journey in all the world. The flat turquoise water on both sides; those long bridges; the weird birds; the huge changing sky; those wild, brilliant sunsets. It’s always gorgeous, always surprising...and well, revelatory.

As travel trends come and go, national parks never lose their appeal. But a national park that’s 99 percent underwater, located 70 miles from civilization, and accessible only by seaplane or boat? That’s a next-level national park.

From tree lightings and parades to month-long festivals, there's no shortage of spectacular holiday events around the South.