Lower Keys holidays

From Duck Key to Dry Tortugas, the Lower Keys is one of the most popular sections of Florida’s most southerly peninsula, and its attractions reflect that. Marathon is the main town, while Dry Tortugas National Park brings ocean explorers to its seven islands throughout the year.

But there’s so much more to the Lower Keys. Animal-lovers will find a home between Marathon and Grassy Key, where the Dolphin Research Center, Turtle Hospital, and Aquarium Encounters showcase the Keys’ plentiful marine life. Elsewhere, Big Pine Key hosts miniature Key Deer in its National Refuge and attracts turtles and alligators to Blue Water Hole. A short bridge north, Bahia Honda boasts 400 acres of beautiful sand beaches, trails, picnic areas and campgrounds on land, as well as unforgettable boat tours and snorkelling in the waters.

Stretching over 13 islands, Marathon is the most populated town outside Key West in the Lower Keys. This family-orientated fishing town boasts beachside inns, resorts, and waterside restaurants, so makes a great place to stay during your Lower Keys holiday.

Take a trolley tour and unlock the history, nature and culture of Marathon at the Crane Point Museum, or hike the tropical trails to see local animals and scenic views. Call into the Turtle Hospital to visit the patients, or climb inside historic aircraft at the Marathon Air Museum.

You can get away from the crowds at Sombrero Beach. One of the most beautiful in the Lower Keys, this place is home to white sands and blue waters, while the sailing boats, volleyball courts and playgrounds mean there’s an activity for every age. Take a sunset cruise, go on a fishing trip, join a snorkelling tour, or marvel at the beautiful Seven Miles Bridge on a thrilling helicopter ride.

Just 70 miles off the coast of Key West, these seven beach-ringed reef islands have enticed visitors and explorers for centuries. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park are most easily explored on an organised tour. But you can also visit independently, if you hire your own boat.

Surrounded by shipwrecks, coral and seagrass, Dry Tortugas offers some of the best snorkelling in the Keys. You can take your pick from popular spots like the Historic Coaling Pier, Garden Keys’ coral heads, Loggerhead Key’s Little Africa Reef, and the Windjammer Wreck. Back on dry land, make sure you also visit the historic Fort Jefferson. Made of a whopping 16 million bricks, this tactical 19th-century fortress covers a whole island and played a key role in the American Civil war.

Consistent temperatures in the mid-to-high twenties – plus constant festivals and entertainment – mean Florida’s Lower Keys always have something to offer. June to August is the hottest time of year, with the mercury hovering around 33°C. If you’re there over the Fourth of July weekend, make sure you check out the incredible Underwater Music Festival at Looe Key. December to February is also a popular time to go, as visitors flock in search of winter sun.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, consider going in the quieter times between September and November, or from March to May. Hurricane season coincides with summer and, while the Keys aren’t impacted every year, this is something to consider when planning your trip visit. Rain levels are also highest from June to September, but showers tend to be short, heavy bursts – so you can soon return to the beach.