Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys

Nature, wildlife and adventure enthusiasts can discover the unique plant, bird and animal species and habitats that make up the Florida Keys ecosystem Saturday through Saturday, March 10-17, during the third annual Outdoor Fest. 

As well as being connected by the iconic Overseas Highway, the 125-mile-long Florida Keys island chain also is connected by a vibrant community of artists. From now through May 8, art lovers can view a 24-foot mural featuring the work of close to 400 creative spirits during a series of six exhibitions throughout the Keys. 

Scott Christian of Alpharetta, Georgia, released 246.75 inches of barracuda to win the fly division of the 2018 Cuda Bowl Tournament that ended Feb. 3 in the Lower Florida Keys. Guided by Captain John Benvenuto of Key West, Florida, he earned the title of divisional grand champion.

Key Largo and Key West were least impacted by Hurricane Irma, which struck the Keys Sept. 10, 2017, as were most hotels and businesses on the bayside, or gulfside, in Islamorada and Marathon. The Florida Keys & Key West have been open to visitors since Oct. 1, just three weeks after the hurricane.

Winning a Florida Keys fishing vacation could be as simple as following the Florida Keys Facebook page and entering the #FishFLKeys trip giveaway, part of a four-month social media program that launched Monday. The program spotlights the Keys' recreational fishing activities and the destination’s unmatched concentration of seasoned professional charter guides.

Casting skills are to eclipse kicking skills in the Florida Keys as anglers target barracuda, flats fishing’s “big game,” in an annual pre–Super Bowl challenge that can be as intense as football’s big game.  

From beachside fireworks to wacky takeoffs on the traditional ball drop in New York's Times Square, the Florida Keys offer visitors a wealth of ways to welcome 2018. And because "winter" in the subtropical island chain means balmy breezes rather than blizzards, revelers can leave heavy coats and boots behind as they head out to celebrate wearing light dresses or shorts and sandals. 

Providing visitors year-round entertainment, special events and festivals in the Florida Keys & Key West focus on the area’s colorful history, artistic culture and quirky ambiance, as well as celebrating the island chain’s underwater paradise, outdoor adventures and tasty cuisine.

The Florida Keys & Key West offer a variety of new and enhanced attractions, accommodations, tours and cultural offerings to entice, intrigue and entertain visitors. Explore the winter 2017-18 highlights here.