If you’re inclined to suppose the Sunshine State is the best place to relax and be your self, that’s an excellent more true sentiment within the Florida Keys. Disconnected from the mainland and floating like a string of sandy pearls descending southwest from Homestead, it has lengthy been a come-as-you-are vacation spot with a welcome as heat because the climate.
There’s loads of open air stuff to do, al fresco eating choices abound, and did we point out that the temperature averages round 78 levels year-round? Winters right here are usually not solely heat relative to the remainder of the nation, they’re additionally the driest time of yr in South Florida, so that you don’t have to fret about sudden squalls or hurricanes.
In different phrases, it’s only a completely different vibe within the Florida Keys. So this winter, whereas everybody else is struggling grey skies or searching for snow-covered holidays, go for one thing completely different your self. Maintain studying as we discover what to do by means of the Florida Keys all through winter.
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Florida Keys winter climate
Are you able to swim within the Florida Keys in December? Sure! Water temperatures stay gentle, whilst daytime temperatures can typically dip. The common day by day excessive ranges from 74 to 76 °F all through the winter, although the day by day common low dips into the mid-60s. If the air temperature is low, sporting a wetsuit will will let you swim, dive, snorkel and paddleboard comfortably this season. Don’t fear about shopping for your individual – many native snorkel and dive outlets lease moist fits.
Key Largo
You get to the Keys by driving south, and south, and extra south nonetheless, on US 1 out of Homestead. As soon as US 1 leaves the Florida mainland, it turns into the Abroad Freeway, which stretches to Key West. The size of the street is marked by reducing mile markers (MM), beginning with MM 113 proper out of Homestead, and ticking right down to MM 0 in Key West.
With that stated, it’s not instantly apparent you’ve entered an island chain. Mangrove forests lengthen from the mainland proper onto the Higher Keys, the northernmost islands within the chain, so that you don’t initially get the sense of driving over water (however belief us, you might be).
Key Largo is the middle of exercise within the Higher Keys, and the primary draw is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. As parks go, this one is exclusive in that almost all of it’s positioned underwater, though there are some good mangrove boardwalk trails to get pleasure from. However the actual attraction is among the best-preserved coral reefs within the Decrease 48 United States; this underwater wonderland may be accessed by way of snorkeling and SCUBA excursions, or glass-bottom boat journeys. One of many underwater park’s highlights is the Christ of the Abyss, a sunken statue of Jesus that pulls divers from all world wide.
Since winter is the driest time of yr within the Keys, that (typically) means you’ll have higher visibility underwater. This makes this season top-of-the-line instances to go to the Florida Keys should you plan to dive. December is an efficient time for snorkeling or diving within the Florida Keys as a result of the water temperatures keep within the low 70s °F this time of yr, making for snug diving and snorkeling so long as you might have the appropriate gear.
For those who desire to remain above the waves, one other must-do is a cruise on the African Queen. This historic steamboat was featured within the movie of the identical title, which debuted in 1951 and starred Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. Every day cruises take you up the Port Largo Canals and out to sea earlier than turning again.
After sporting your self out within the water, contemplate stopping into the Key Largo Conch Home. This restaurant, housed in a restored mansion, serves modern takes on contemporary Florida delicacies, serving crab-stuffed mahi and a imply lobster bisque. There’s a wraparound porch for outside eating, which is obtainable year-round – a luxurious few locations within the US can boast.
Islamorada
As you proceed southwest alongside the Abroad Freeway it begins to essentially really feel like an Abroad Freeway; causeways rise and dip amidst inexperienced mangrove islands that dapple the teal and blue water.
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The Keys are made up of limestone islands fringed with mangroves, that means rather less sand and much more possibilities for kayaking, fishing, diving, and wildlife viewing. However you probably have your coronary heart set on tucking to that seaside learn beneath an enormous umbrella, head to Anne’s Seashore – top-of-the-line on Islamorada. Tucked away amid mudflats and mangroves the shallow water, cooling breezes, and endless turquoise horizons make for a pleasant place to calm down.
You may’t miss Robbie’s Marina as you drive the size of the Keys. It’s exhausting to seek out one descriptor for this place; it’s a marina, an open-air arts and flea market, a restaurant and a launching level for kayakers who wish to paddle across the mangrove islands just like the deserted Lignumvitae Key. However to seek out the marina’s hottest attraction, stroll out the again of the restaurant onto the dock. Right here, you should purchase fish to feed the large tarpon that collect beneath the docks. Watch your fingers – these large fish can attain as much as eight ft lengthy and weigh over 300 kilos. It’s additionally commonplace to see manatees right here, particularly throughout the winter months.
For those who’re not into paddling your self, you can too ebook onto a guided eco-tour, which depart from the marina. Stepping into winter means you gained’t need to put up with tough water, or the extraordinary warmth of a Florida summer season.
Talking of fish, Islamorada is named a sport fishing capital of the world. For those who don’t have your individual boat, ebook one of many many charters accessible on the important thing and elsewhere all through the Florida Keys. Alongside diving, fishing is among the Florida Keys’ high points of interest. If you could decide up some sort out, Islamorada is residence to a Bass Professional Outlets that sells every little thing from sort out to outside clothes and even has an overwater restaurant within the again.
Marathon
The second-largest city within the Keys, and the tough midway level between Key Largo and Key West, is Marathon. Whereas Marathon has its personal vacationer points of interest, it’s also very a lot a city for Keys locals, who’re also referred to as “conchs” (pronounced “konk”).
One of many greatest attracts right here is Sombrero Seashore; whereas this isn’t a pure seaside, it’s a very fairly stretch of buttery sand that ticks all of the bins in relation to seaside rest. Curry Hammock State Park is the biggest parcel of uninhabited land between right here and Key Largo (1000 acres). It’s an awesome spot for wandering boardwalk trails, kayaking (you’ll be able to lease boats right here), and simply typically getting gently misplaced in previous Florida wilderness.
Additionally of word is the Turtle Hospital, a working animal care clinic that rehabilitates injured or sick sea turtles. As a result of that is an precise veterinary hospital, you will need to go to on a guided tour.
Don’t depart Marathon with out grabbing a meal at Keys Fisheries. This restaurant, which overlooks a working waterfront, is a beautiful spot for an out of doors fish taco or lobster reuben sandwich, all loved as you watch fishermen clear out the subsequent buyer’s order on the docks.
Decrease Keys
You’ll depart Marathon by way of the Seven Mile Bridge, which is, effectively, a really lengthy bridge (6.79 miles lengthy, should you’re nitpicking). The views on both aspect of this span are suitably breathtaking. Within the Decrease Keys – probably the most rural islands within the archipelago – hold a watch out for tiny Key deer, a subspecies of white-tailed deer. Key deer aren’t simply cute – they’re protected and pace limits are diminished for his or her security. If you wish to get a better look, head to the Nationwide Key Deer Refuge Headquarters on Massive Pine and No Identify keys.
The crown jewel of Keys seashores may be discovered at Bahia Honda State Park, postcard-perfect on a sunny day. The sand is ok and the water is obvious and, as a bonus, you’ll be able to go for a stroll on a chunk of deserted railroad that was alleged to unite the islands with the mainland. The dry winter makes for loads of sunny days and clear(er) water – all good circumstances for a seaside journey.
Eco-minded vacationers will probably be thrilled not solely with the surroundings and wildlife viewing alternatives, but additionally with sustainability measures taken within the Decrease Keys. Nonprofits like Reef Aid work to guard the area’s coral reefs, sandbars, creeksand hardwood groves which can be flush with marsh rabbits, herons, nighthawks and mangrove cuckoos. The Looe Key Nationwide Marine Sanctuary off Massive Pine Key is a good place to soak up 18th century shipwrecks and ocean life alike.
Key West
Key West is the top of the street, actually and figuratively. Nearer to Havana than it’s to Miami, this was as soon as a port for pirates and at the moment it continues to draw members of the Caribbean diaspora, eccentrics, artists, writers and a big, influential LGBTQIA+ inhabitants.
Winter is among the finest instances to go to Florida for nice climate. Due to the fixed sea breeze, the Florida Keys are usually cooler than different components of Florida throughout the summer season – although sweltering warmth on Duval Avenue is the norm. With slim streets and stone buildings capturing the warmth and blocking the breeze, to not point out crowds of individuals purchasing and having fun with the various bars and eating places, summer season can get fairly sweaty in downtown Key West. December presents a welcome reprieve.
Nonetheless, the perfect time to go to Key West is dependent upon the way you’d wish to spend your time. For those who plan to spend so much of time within the water, you should still wish to contemplate a go to someday between late spring and early fall. However should you’re planning to benefit from the purchasing, eating and sightseeing that Key West presents, winter is way extra snug.
The jap half of Key West is principally fashionable companies and bigger inns, whereas the western half consists of Outdated City, which is iconic Key West and flush with small native companies which can be an irreplaceable a part of town’s vibrant appeal. Outdated City is solely beautiful – a grid of candy-colored Caribbean colonial properties all shaded by banyans and palm timber. The courtyard of Blue Heaven is an excellent spot to seize some yellowtail snapper or native spiny lobster whilst you watch resident roosters (actually) rule their roost.
Absorb native historical past amidst the pale headstones of the impressively gothic Key West Cemetery. Then, come the night, put together your self for a Duval crawl alongside Duval Avenue, Key West’s predominant drag. There are tons of bars right here, and even pre-pandemic, all of them had outside lounging areas. At sundown, a gaggle of road performers and buskers nonetheless placed on one of many biggest common outside performances in Florida at Mallory Sq.. This well-liked nightly competition is among the finest free issues to do within the Florida Keys. Clear winter climate accentuates the solar because it dips under the water, a becoming finale to a Keys street journey.
Plus, from the decorations to the various particular occasions held all through the season, Christmas in Key West is really distinctive. Many companies on Duval Avenue put up decorations, turning the historic purchasing and eating district right into a tropical wonderland. Town places on many vacation occasions, together with a Christmas parade.
Key West can be residence to among the finest lodging choices in December within the Florida Keys. On this key, you’ll discover limitless inns and motels, residence leases and campgrounds the place you’ll be able to pitch a tent or park your RV. There are many choices for each journey group and price range.
Winter occasions within the Florida Keys
For those who’re making an attempt to resolve when in December to plan your go to to the Florida Keys, there are a couple of free occasions and festivals held within the Keys this season that you need to find out about.
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The Key West Christmas Parade is a tropical spectacle that winds down Duval Avenue and thru Outdated City.
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The Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley Lighted Boat Parade takes place on the water, with dozens of sailboats and different ships adorning their sails and booms with lights and vacation decor.
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Additional up the Keys, Mild Up Key Largo brings a wide range of Christmas festivities, from a vacation prepare to Santa Claus to a wide range of distributors collectively for a day of enjoyable.
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