Marathon

While the Florida Keys stone crab claw harvest season runs from Oct. 15 to May 1, the annual Stone Crab Eating Contest is an undisputed Middle Keys highlight of the season. Set for Saturday, Nov. 5, the munch-a-thon draws enthusiastic amateur eaters and their fans.

The 125-mile-long island chain of the Florida Keys & Key West offers nearly endless opportunities for rejuvenation and wellness — seamlessly blending work with play in soothing outdoor spaces framed by stunning seascapes and landscapes.

The Florida Keys & Key West are welcoming fall with enhanced resorts offering spacious new villa-style accommodations and new “Aqua Lodges” for overnight stays at marinas. In the Middle Keys, a colorful 60-passenger tram is transporting passengers across the Old Seven Mile Bridge to historic Pigeon Key.

To encourage safe and responsible diving in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, the official destination marketing organization for the Florida Keys & Key West, has released a “Dive Safely in the Florida Keys” video.

Readers of Travel + Leisure have ranked four Florida Keys properties among Florida’s 15 best resorts in the prestigious travel publication’s recent “World’s Best Awards 2022” issue. In addition, the Keys were named to the publication’s list of “The 15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.”

The Florida Keys are slated to be featured on the new recreational diving show, “Destination Dive,” set to premiere on Discovery Sunday, Sept. 4, at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT.

The Florida Keys & Key West, internationally known for their longstanding heritage of diversity, are a leading LGBTQ vacation destination. The southernmost U.S. island chain continues to appeal to LGBTQ visitors with ever-evolving “only in the Keys” experiences and communities renowned for their welcoming and accepting attitude.

The bustling community of Marathon boasts the modern conveniences of a small island airport for private and public aircraft, a newly constructed hospital, high-tech library, a lively performance theater and a variety of cozy inns, luxury resorts, waterside vacation homes, RV parks, marinas and casual dining spots.  

WLRN, South Florida’s National Public Radio affiliate, and the Florida Keys & Key West tourism council have partnered to offer families free or reduced-price admission passes to nearly 20 Florida Keys attractions and museums Friday through Sunday, Aug. 26-28.