Marathon

The Florida Keys & Key West are connected by more than the iconic Overseas Highway and its 42 bridges. The alluring island chain also is connected by a vibrant community of creative spirits, and a 24-foot-long mural of their artistry can be viewed through May 20 in a Keyswide series of exhibitions.

The historic Old Seven Mile Bridge has reopened in the Florida Keys so residents and visitors can once again enjoy cycling, walking, running, rollerblading, watching sunrises and sunsets and easily visit Pigeon Key. 

Winter in the Florida Keys is sunny, breezy and typically offers the warmest winter weather in the continental United States. The 125-mile-long island chain is particularly popular with visitors for its wide-open spaces, on-the-water activities and picturesque scenery framed by warm turquoise waters.

Attracted by Florida Keys sunshine, athletic challenges and family fun, hundreds of avid runners and walkers from around the country typically head to the Middle Keys for the annual Sombrero Beach Run weekend. The 2022 event returns Friday through Sunday, Jan. 21-23, after a one-year hiatus due to coronavirus concerns.

Boating and watersports aficionados can browse among top boat brands and vendors at the annual outdoor Island Boat Show set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 21-23, at Hawks Cay Resort, mile marker 61 on Duck Key.

New Year’s Eve partiers unwilling to endure cold-weather festivities, such as the traditional “ball drop” in New York’s Times Square, can find exuberant celebrations and far warmer temperatures in the Florida Keys.

Santa is likely to arrive in the Florida Keys by schooner instead of by sleigh, traveling with a team of dolphins rather than reindeer — at least during the festive lighted boat parades that enliven the Keys’ holiday season.